Highlights
- Close to famous Twyfelfontein rock carvings
- Beautiful, rugged location
- Namibia Country Lodges portfolio
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694
EnquireTwyfelfontein Country Lodge is a large, 56-room property located in the dry Huab valley in Damaraland, north-eastern Namibia. Just 4km from the Twyfelfontein rock carvings, Namibia's first UNESCO heritage site, the lodge looks out across stunning rocky scenery from its hillside base. Giraffe, wildebeest and oryx can be sighted, with the opportunity to scout out desert-adapted elephants on a game drive.
Situated within stone buildings beneath tiered thatched roofs, the lodge’s natural colours and décor blend in to the desert surroundings. The main areas are open-plan, with the dining room located on a raised wooden deck a few steps up from the main reception and curio shop. Spacious and well-lit, the decking area is covered with thatch and enclosed only by mesh, allowing uninterrupted views across the landscape, whilst simultaneously protecting from bats and birds. Above the restaurant sits the bar, and below there’s a grass lawn featuring a good-sized pool, which is fed by a small rock waterfall. While the lodge's expansive size may make for somewhat patchy service at times, staff are invariably friendly and approachable.
All 56 en-suite rooms are equipped with triple, twin, or double beds, and are distributed across a series of separate thatched cottages, with eight rooms per unit. They have a cosy and modest feel, with tribal-print throws and wooden furniture brightening the cream walls and white sheets. Every bathroom has a shower, and air conditioning keeps the units pleasantly cool. Although the rooms have a fairly basic feel, nothing can detract from the fabulous desert views which are a real delight. There is a more spacious and charmingly quirky luxury suite set apart from the other accommodation, with boulders and bleached tree trunks incorporated into its interior. The suite boasts a wide range of amenities including the property’s only en-suite bath, a TV, and a kitchen with fridge and microwave. Some guests may find that the dark and imposing décor somewhat detracts from the luxurious feel, although it is well equipped and a private plunge pool overlooking the rocky expanse below certainly adds to its appeal.
The lodge has a designated activities desk, where staff will assist and help organise a wide range of exciting desert excursions. Its unbeatable proximity to the incredible ancient rock art remains the main draw for visitors, and trips to these as well as the Organ Pipes, Petrified Forest, and Burnt Mountain, are a must. Game drives to track desert-adapted elephants are also on offer. Morning and the afternoon guided hikes are also available and at night, this wonderfully remote location boasts amazing star-gazing opportunities, along with educational talks.
While there are no designated family units, some of the rooms are linked by interconnecting doors. There are no age limitations at the lodge, but the activities on offer may prove a little subtle for the very young. Note that both the lodge and pool are unfenced, so parental supervision is essential at all times.
The Twyfelfontein Country Lodge is a large hotel with a somewhat commercial feel. That said, its proximity to the UNESCO rock engravings makes it a perfect base from which to explore stunning scenery combined with fascinating ancient culture.
Dear Lisa. On behalf of the three generations of the Rowland family. Thank you, so much, for organising our wonderful holiday to Botswana and the Victoria Falls. The trip of a lifetime. The week mobile camping in the bush, with our guide Nandos and his crew was a fantastic adventure. How they manage to cook such wonderful food on an open fire is amazing. The sites were constantly visited by monkeys and once by elephants. We were even lucky enough to see two packs of wild dogs, once with a kill. Waterberry Lodge on the Zambezi River is a wonderfully tranquil place. Ideal to relax after the adventures of our safari and visiting Victoria Falls. Very many thanks once again
Godfrey R
reviewing Private Mobile Family Safari in Botswana
on 25 September 2023
We had a great time - even with the flight between Governors and the coast being two flights and a car! We also experienced a power cut At Nairobi airport on the way home so 2+ hours late taking off. Governors. Wonderful people and dealt with the flight delay very well - taking us back and letting us know that we could stay there if the flight was delayed overnight. The game drives were excellent and our guide (Erick) obviously very experienced and managed to find all the key animals - no rhino in that part of the Masai Mara but everything else in abundance - never seen so many herbivores (many many elephants as well as all the others) as well as two prides of lions. Could not have asked for more. The ‘tent’ was excellent and comfortable and well serviced. The only ‘complaint’ would be that the food - especially dinner - could be improved (I think we got a bit bored of soup as a starter for every meal bar one) and the main courses were not at the same level as Kinondo Kwetu and while all were explained there was no choice offered. The breakfasts were just what was needed after an early game drive. Kinondo Kwetu. What a great location and the welcome when we arrived at just gone 11.00pm was better than you could have ever thought possible - they we’re disappointed that we did not at that time want the full dinner experience! The rooms we’re comfortable. The food was excellent but again no choice was offered - other than for allergy reasons (which we do not have). May be some choice would be nice. Having said that the food we did have was excellent as were the wines (albeit a short list!) and other drinks. There were (as you know) lots of facilities/sports options - but we spent our time relaxing which was exactly what we needed and there were lots of places to do that. Overall. We would go back to both places - perhaps a few more nights at Kinondo Kwetu next time but 3 nights at Governors was perfect for us. Thank you for organising and recommending both places. That you and your colleague for trying to find out about the plane (flat tyre) but communication by the flight company left a lot to be desired (Governors were furious that they were not told and had taken us to the airstrip). Phil
Philip R
reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach
on 01 September 2023
It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve
Stephen H
reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari
on 01 September 2023