Funding from the European Union allowed Grootberg Lodge to be built, becoming the first lodge to be wholly owned by the local community. The friendly staff are employed from the surrounding area and offer a high level of service, and the lodge itself has an authentic African style, with high thatched ceilings and wooden beams.
The lodge is situated almost 1,700 metres above sea level, with each of the chalets positioned to take advantage of the exceptional views over the Klip River Valley below. The pool area and outdoor deck also afford sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, which you can enjoy over a drink after a day’s safari.
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Rooms
The rock cottages feature traditional African-style thatched roofs, wooden beams and rock walls. Set on the hillside, they each have a private deck looking out over the valley, where black eagles can sometimes be seen circling in the sky. Further amenities include double or twin beds, writing desks and en suite bathrooms with showers. Tea/coffee making facilities are also provided, with refills available in the main communal area. Two of the rooms are suited for families of two adults and two children as they’re joined together under the same roof.
Location
The lodge is located at the top of the Grootberg Pass, some 25 kilometres east of Palmwag, set within the Khoadi/Hoas Conservancy. The Etendeka Mountains create a dramatic backdrop, and this area of Damaraland is rich in wildlife such as desert elephant, antelope and even rare black rhino.
Food and Drink
You can dine out on the wooden deck area, which affords superb views over the valley. Food is of a good quality and well prepared. After dinner, enjoy a sundowner on your private deck as the sun sets over your wild surroundings.
Families
The family rooms are a good option for those travelling with older children, as these rooms are next door to each other rather than featuring adjoining doors.
Facilities and Activities
Walking and driving safaris are also offered with experienced local guides for a chance to see wildlife such as rhino, desert elephant, oryx, giraffe, lion and mountain zebra. Afterwards, relax by the pool or indulge in a massage to soothe aching muscles after a safari or long flight.
Accessibility
The road leading up to the lodge is very steep - if you prefer, you can park at the bottom and the lodge will transfer you to the top. The car park has a 24 hour attendant to look after the cars.
Environmental and Social Responsibility
Staff at the lodge are employed from the local community and trained by Journeys Namibia, who manage the property on behalf of the conservancy. The lodge has brought a sustainable income to the community, and their ownership of the property has enabled them to learn about the benefits of conservation. Some of the guides are former poachers who have used their bush and tracking skills and knowledge of the area to gain income from showing people the area’s incredible wildlife rather than through poaching.
Our opinion
The views from the lodge are truly breath-taking, and its staff and guides have excellent knowledge of the area. We can recommend this as an option for breaking up the journey between Etosha and Swakopmund.
Suggested itineraries featuring Grootberg Lodge
Namibia self-drive family safari
Luxury Namibia flying safari
Remote Namibia honeymoon safari
Damaraland itinerary suggestions
Nearby accommodation
Places & hotels on the map
Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favourite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.
Camp Kipwe
Camp Kipwe is located in a superb position in Damaraland, making it a great base for exploring the southern region and all it has to offer whilst making the most of the panoramic views over the rocky kopjes, valleys and hills.
Damara Mopane Lodge
Damara Mopane Lodge is an ideal base for exploring Damaraland. There is a swimming pool where you can enjoy a sundowner drink and view a Namibian sunset.
Damaraland Camp
Damaraland Camp is a comfortable lodge in a remote and wild area. The surrounding scenery is stunning. Due to the community involvement the staff are particularly friendly and have a real passion for the area in which they have grown up.
Desert Rhino Camp
Rhino Camp is comfortable and luxurious with high standards throughout. With only a handful of tents, guests are assured of personal attention and a really authentic safari atmosphere.
Doro Nawas Camp
Set in a wonderfully scenic location surrounded by grassy plains, red cliffs and towering mountains, Doro Nawas Camp offers a characterful base from which to explore the area’s wildlife and the nearby ancient rock art at Twyfelfontein.
Etendeka Mountain Camp
Set within a beautifully rugged landscape, Etendeka Mountain Camp is a simple ecolodge that offers an authentic safari experience. With exceptional guiding, a stay here allows you to immerse yourself in Namibia’s incredible wildlife and scenery.
Huab Lodge
Huab is somewhere to go for a few days and relax. The bungalows are very comfortable, food good and activities gentle and enjoyable. We recommend it for a stay of at least two nights.
Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani Mountain Camp has been beautifully and thoughtfully constructed. It is very peaceful and relaxing and from pretty much everywhere in camp you get outstanding views.
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
Although large the lodge is excellent value for money and a good base from which to explore southern Damaraland.
Ugab Terrace Lodge
Ugab Terrace Lodge sits high on the ridge of a plateau in southern Damaraland with a panoramic vista of the surrounding valleys, plateaus in all directions.