Welcome to Huab Lodge

Huab Lodge stands beside the Huab River in the heart of Damaraland, some 35km west of the C35 road between Khorixas and Kamanjab.

After discovering Huab, Jan and Suzi van de Reep settled here to begin their ‘semi-retirement’ in 1992.  By gradually restoring 8,000 hectares of badly damaged land and encouraging the well-being of the few remaining animals, they soon found themselves once again in full-time work, this time as custodians of this land and all living on it.

At Huab today, the amazing results of this hard labour are evident everywhere you turn. Not only are there healthy wild animals free to roam throughout the reserve, and beyond, without fences to hinder them, we humans can also enjoy a little pampering, luxurious surroundings and the benefits of an eco-friendly existence within the recently built Lodge and its bungalows.

All the associated facilities and activities that have been built up around the success of the couple’s endeavours make for a truly memorable holiday experience accompanied by undiluted exposure to something approaching the natural state of the land in this very special place . . .

. . . “the place where kopjes grow like giant mushrooms and elephants tread like ants”
– Oria Douglas-Hamilton.

Now you are welcome at Huab – where you can discover relief from the stresses of everyday life and absorb the soul of the African bush.

Soak up the relaxing ambience, delight in the attentive care, discover the wonders of the landscape and its myriad animal and plant life.

Q Accommodation

Huab Lodge Accommodation

Eight African style stone and thatch bungalows
Spacious, airy room with large windows and view across the Huab
Large private patio
Two double beds
Tasteful decorations and practical furniture
Shower with a view and Separate en-suite toilet
Two hand wash basins and mirrors
Bio-degradable soaps
Chemically untreated neutral pH water supply
Tea and coffee
Ceiling Fan, Mosquito nets, Torch
24 hour, 220 volt power supply from our solar energy plant in the hills
One bungalow has been adapted for guests with physical disabilities

There is no need to close the curtains. You can watch the stars and listen to the calls of several owl species as you drift off to sleep.

In the morning, looking out from the comfort of your bed you can watch the sun touch the mountains as the new day begins. The dawn chorus of grey hornbills, fork tailed drongos and white-browed sparrow-weavers is punctuated by the 'heart-attack' call of the red-billed francolin and the Hartlaub's francolin shrieking his 'machu pichu' call.

Q Driving Direction

Huab Lodge is situated halfway between Khorixas and Kamanjab (both 1.5 hours' drive away). It is accessible via tarred and all-weather gravel roads without 4x4 vehicles, except perhaps in the rainy season. Even a 4x4 cannot compete with roaring rivers so please do not attempt to cross these!

Driving from Windhoek (travelling time 6 hours) Take the B1 to Otjiwarongo, then the C38 to Outjo. From Outjo (2.5 hours), take the C38 north (towards Okaukuejo) for 10km. Turn left on to the tarred C40 for 40km (towards Kamanjab). Turn left (west) on to the D3236 and follow it through to the T junction with the C35. Turn right on to the C35 (north towards Kamanjab) for about 15km where you will cross a narrow bridge. About 500m beyond the narrow bridge, turn left (west) on to the D2670 signposted to Huab. Carry on for 35km, taking in the ever more breathtaking scenery, until you reach Huab Lodge!

The D2670 road to Huab is a well-maintained all-weather gravel road. A saloon car can easily manage these gravel roads, but you obviously need to drive carefully! If we are expecting you, and weather conditions are uncertain, we will ensure that a rescue car comes to meet you.

Travel time from Swakopmund is 5 hours. All times allow for safe driving speeds, but not for stopping to smell the flowers!

From other directions, either make your way to Outjo or travel via Kamanjab or Khorixas, adapting or picking up the above route where it best suits your needs.

Q Facilities

The Lodge Building

The enormous thatched main building has open sides so you are in the open air but in the shade! It houses a comfy seating area, a well-stocked library, a permanent coffee/tea bar, curio shop and, of course the bar and restaurant. Here meals are enjoyed with your hosts, and Guests will make friends, discuss their experiences and learn more about Namibia. Whenever possible, our meals include vegetables and herbs grown in our kitchen garden. Huab has a tradition of introducing and serving lesser-known South African wines for the appreciation of Guests.

The Swimming Pool and Thermal Spring
Guests are recommended to use the swimming pool which has a decorative island. They may also enjoy a wallow in the thermal spring which maintains a temperature of 37-39°C and contains soothing, beneficial minerals with neutral pH but NO Sulphur. There is a cool plunge-pool next to the thermal spring. A secluded bird-bath nearby also makes this a prime spot for birders.

The Spa and Wellness Centre
Our fully trained therapist can provide a wide variety of massage treatments tailored to suit you, in our new treatment rooms, at the thermal spring or even in the bush, at a time to fit in with your other activities. This much appreciated service complements the relaxation and stress-relief we encourage throughout your stay at Huab Lodge.

Q Activities

A Walk at Sunrise
Your enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide will show you the minutiae of nature's daily life - known as "reading the bushman newspaper".

Morning Drive - After Breakfast
Discover more of our 8,000 hectare private nature reserve, its ever-changing views of the geological formations and the life within them.

Afternoon Drive
Visit another area, such as the Huab River, attracting animals and birds with its life-giving water. You might spot klipspringer, rock hyrax, kudu or even nesting black eagles. Follow the tracks of desert elephants, search for nearly 200 species of birds, and wonder at ancient rock art.

Hiking - Something for Everyone
From short walks near to the Lodge, to game trails from the Lodge to mountain peaks, with or without a guide. Phenomenal views from the Brandberg to the Grootberg, yet easy navigation thanks to the lie of the land and river. Excellent photo opportunities especially in the morning and evening light. We can provide essential equipment such as hip water carriers, cool drinks and snack and walking sticks.

And in your spare time . . .
There's the Spa and Wellness Centre, the thermal spring and plunge pool, relaxing by the swimming pool with an occasional dip to keep cool . . . and there's much to learn about the Conservation Projects run by and from the Lodge . . .

Make sure you stay with us long enough to see and do everything we offer . . .