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Palmwag Lodge

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Stunning isolated setting
- Day and night safaris
- Rhino tracking
- Rare desert-adapted wildlife

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Overview

Palmwag Lodge nestles on the banks of the Uniab River within the vast Palmwag conservancy of Northern Damaraland, northwest Namibia. Located between the Skeleton Coast and Etosha National Park, this spectacular, remote landscape is home to high numbers of predators including lion, leopard, hyena, and cheetah, as well as zebra, giraffe and oryx. The conservancy collaborates with the Save the Rhino Trust to provide habitat for the rare desert-adapted elephant and black rhino, and sightings of these are not uncommon.

The recently renovated lodge comprises a large, thatched open-plan central area. This ‘lapa’ houses a traditionally decorated restaurant with individual dining tables, plus a comfortable lounge and bar area. Two large verandas overlooking the Uniab River are perfect for birdwatching. Palmwag has two swimming pools, one shaded by palms, with loungers to relax on; the second with a livelier atmosphere and bar.

The lodge offers a variety of activities including daily morning and afternoon game drives, and guided walks. Unique Rhino Excursions, led by a Palmwag guide alongside a qualified Save the Rhino Trust tracker are a must for any visitor. Full day wildlife excursions and night time safaris can also be arranged with prior notice. Palmwag’s well marked hiking trails allow guests to explore the area independently on foot, and visits to local communities are encouraged.

The accommodation is varied, with a selection of spacious thatched bungalows and safari tents, offering a variety of single, double and twin bed options at different price levels. The bungalows are simply furnished and feature a private veranda and ensuite bathrooms with showers, toilets and sinks with hot and cold running water. The ensuite safari tents accommodate two people in twin or double beds. There is also a campsite located on site.

Children of all ages are welcome at the lodge, and there are two dedicated ensuite family bungalows accommodating four guests. Under-fives go free of charge, with reduced rates for six to nine year olds sharing with parents. Children may participate in activities, although there is a minimum age of 12 years for the rhino tracking excursion. Note that the camp is unfenced and it is not uncommon for wild animals, including elephants, to wander through. Parental supervision is therefore required at all times.

Palmwag Lodge is a relaxing oasis within the rugged wilderness of Damaraland. It offers a wonderful opportunity for travellers to enjoy unique desert-adapted wildlife in a geographically stunning landscape.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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