Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary, is on the banks of the Hoarusib Riverbed in the Puros Conservancy in Kaokoveld. In the far north west of Namibia (Kunene Region). Nothing can quite prepare you for your first actual visit to Namibia. The raw splendor of its landscapes must be seen to be believed. Okahirongo Elephant Lodge is as out there as it gets. A breathtaking testament to Namibia’s rich biodiversity and a true haven for nature enthusiasts. The conservancy encompasses a vast stretch of untouched terrain where wildlife; the big, the small, the native, the migratory; thrives in its natural habitats.
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge may be truly off the beaten track, but its remoteness has been no obstacle to inspired design. The colors and textures echo the landscape. Think driftwood, clay and stone. While the dramatic dome at its center is styled like a signature Himba home. Interiors are pared back. Pale and tactile. And the views; flat desert, rocky peaks, strolling giraffes, springbok and ostrich; are mesmerizing. Particularly from the exquisite infinity pool.
The communal areas are all open and positioned to frame different aspects of the awe inspiring terrain beyond. Inside, the Bush Boutique showcases local artistry in an array of distinctive styles. Stocking the likes of sandals, shoes, baskets, Himba perfume, necklaces, hats and much more. The setting, on the banks of the Hoarusib Riverbed, is the perfect base for adventures out into it.
There are just seven suites and one two bedroom family villa; the only buildings with doors here. All offer a sanctuary from the harsh desert environment. With soothing tones to inspire relaxation. The serene ambience continues to the en suite bathrooms where an indoor shower is rendered in bleached white plaster.
Suite
Each room has a king bed, air conditioning, a bathroom just down a corridor with indoor and outdoor showers. And a private terrace with a covered day bed overlooking the desert.
Suite
Family Villa
This is the ideal option for families with its two spacious bedrooms, separated by a terrace with an open air bar and private boma. Plus two spectacular bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs.
Family Safari
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge welcomes children of all ages. The only requirements being that those aged 15 years and under share with an adult. And families with under fives travel in their own private safari vehicle. Suites and villas are a good distance apart, affording seclusion for families. All have lounges ideal for spending time together. E-bike rides and other activities keep children entertained outdoors and various games are available in the library.
A private vehicle must be booked for game drives by families including children aged 5 and under.
Child Policy at Okahirongo Elephant Lodge
6 years old and younger
Free of charge
Between 7 – 15 years old (one child sharing with two adults)
Child rate applies
Between 7 – 15 years old (one child sharing with one adult)
Adult rate applies
16 years old and older
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge Activities
When you reach this ultra remote location in the Puros Conservancy, you’ll be rewarded with a fascinating living landscape. Desert dwelling elephants and enormous sand dunes usually are the focus of your attention. The expert Himba guides escort you on morning treks or afternoon game drives to encounter a range of desert wildlife. Revealing its full magic and mystery. The emblematic elephants, iconic giraffe, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, baboons, ostrich, jackals, and a wide variety of antelope. Gemsbok, springbok, steenbok and kudu, with their unusual striped flanks and distinctive spiral horns. Birdwatchers will keep their eyes peeled for native and exotic species. From large and lethal vultures to delicate bee-eaters, the distinctive Rüppell’s Korhaan and Monteiro’s hornbill.
Desert adapted elephants
Otherwise, relax at the lodge, enjoy the epic views from your private deck, cool off in the shade of a driftwood pergola after a dip in the pool, and reflect on the rare privilege of being in such a place. As you sip sundowners on top of a dune, swap stories around the fire at the boma and savor leisurely dinners beneath the countless stars. Immersion in this unbelievable landscape begins the moment you wake up and cast your gaze out across sand and stone towards the mountains silhouetted in low morning sunshine on the distant horizon.
Pool
Scenic Drives
Clay castles, ever-shifting dunes, sands that turn from dusky pink to ochre and orange as the light changes. In the desert, the landscape is the star and is yours to discover (and photograph) each morning and afternoon as you set out by 4X4 with expert Himba guides. That is not to say the extreme habitat is devoid of wildlife, from springbok and Hartmann’s zebra to the impossibly delicate swallow-tailed bee-eater. A source of wonder in itself.
Clay Castles Excursion
The Hoarusib River, which winds through the Puros Conservancy, has carved a path deep into the mountains. Creating extraordinary geological features. None more so than the towering yet fragile “Clay Castles”. Thousands of years old and in some cases hundreds of feet high.
Meet the Himba People
Immerse yourself in their lives and culture of the Himba, and discover how they have adapted to desert life. And by all means ask politely about the use of ochre pigment in their unusual skincare routine.
Himba visit
Food and Drink at Okahirongo Elephant Lodge
Each dining experience is tailored to your preferences. Stay on site and embrace the convivial atmosphere of the dining area where the locally sourced menu has a Mediterranean edge. Though the pan seared oryx steak keeps things distinctly Namibian.
Venture further afield and you can tuck into a bush brunch while on a game drive. Enjoy snacks and sundowners on the dramatic dunes. Or have the perfect picnic lunch in the Hoarusib Valley after exploring the iconic clay castles. There is no bar as such, but settle into one of the open lounges and waiters will swiftly summon your tipple of choice. A glass of something chilled and interesting as you watch the sun set over one of the most hypnotically beautiful landscapes in Africa.
Kaokoland sunset
Take some time to gaze up and admire the expanse of stars. Pinch yourself when you realize just how few people have had the privilege of sitting beneath this particular patch of inky sky.
Best time to visit Okahirongo Elephant Lodge?
Namibia is a year round destination with a generally dry and pleasant climate. Summer (October-April) temperatures range from 20°C to 35°C during the day. Dropping to 18°C and 25°C in winter (May-September) when nights dip below freezing. The main rainy season falls between January and April when flash floods are common.
January – March
High: 30° C / 86° F Low: 15° C / 59° F
Birding is at its best at the start of the year as migratory species begin to arrive and the non-perennial river flows, attracting an array of wildlife. The lodge is closed in February. It reopens in March when bird numbers have swelled. Expect to see swallows, swifts, and bee-eaters.
April – June
High: 25° C / 77° F Low: 13° C / 55° F
April’s clear skies make this a great time of year for photographers. The lack of light pollution also makes astro photography possible. As the water sources start to dry up in May, wildlife gathers around the riverbeds. Making for easier, more concentrated game viewing. The weather cools in June and the landscape appears more vibrant.
July – October
High: 30° C / 86° F Low: 6° C / 43° F
With the dry season in full swing, the clear skies provide excellent lighting. Particularly for capturing the unique features of the numerous clay castles that punctuate the landscape.
November – December
High: 34° C / 93° F Low: 12° C / 64° F
Things get humid as temperatures rise and the first summer rains begin to fall. As vegetation flourishes, the local wildlife gathers to feast on it. Or to prey on those that do.
How to get to Okahirongo Elephant Lodge?
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge can be reached by 4×4 vehicles. It would take about 12 hours directly from Windhoek. At least two stops along the way are essential.
Alternatively a 2 ½ hour flight from Windhoek in a small aircraft will take you to a landing strip. Which is approximately 5 minutes from the lodge.
It is only 55 km from the Skeleton Coast and around 200 km south of the Kunene River.
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge Accommodation Rates
The longer you stay at A&K Sanctuary Retreats, the less you pay (as indicated in the rates table below)
Stay 4-6 nights & save up to 20%
Stay 7+ nights & save up to 25%
All meals, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Including premium alcoholic brands.
Transfers to and from the nearest local airstrip.
Laundry services.
Emergency medical evacuation.
Twice daily activities. Including Scenic drive, Himba Village visit, Clay Castle visit, Sun downers, Stargazing, Guided e-bike excursion and local village tour.
Excludes:
International and internal flights.
Road transfers to and from other camps and lodges.
Travel insurance, boutique purchases, gratuities, and all other items of a personal nature.
Sanctuary Okahirongo Elephant Lodge Accommodation Special Offers
All offers are subject to availability.
Kaokoland Honeymoon Offer
Book at least 2 nights and one partner gets a 50% discount on accommodation. For a honeymoon safari like no other! Guests celebrating their honeymoon will receive special surprises during their stay. All attempts are made to keep honeymooners separate from other guests.
Honeymoon services at Okahirongo Elephant Lodge include:
Candlelit dinner
A bottle of sparkling wine during dinner
Romantic turndown
Sundowners.
This special offer can be combined with the above long stay discount throughout Southern and Eastern Africa for even greater savings. Excludes Geoffrey Kent Suite at Chief’s Camp, Olonana Lodge and Private Villa at Tambarare Camp.
Valid for travel within 6 months of marriage certificate.
Valid from 1st January – 31st December every year.
Stay 5 Pay 4 in Southern or Eastern Africa
Stay 5 nights or more, across A&K Sanctuary safari lodges and camps in Southern and Eastern Africa and receive your 5th night free.
Valid for travel from 1st January – 31st May and 1st September – 31st December every year.
Offer can be combined with long stay discount for even greater savings but no other offers. Excludes Geoffrey Kent Suite at Chief’s Camp, Olonana Lodge and Villa at Tambarare Camp.
Stay 6 Nights, Pay 4 in Southern Africa
Extra time in extraordinary surroundings. Spend three nights at Chief’s Camp (Botswana), plus three or more nights in Sussi & Chuma Lodge (Zambia), Stanley’s Camp (Botswana) or Okahirongo Elephant Lodge (Namibia) and enjoy your first and final nights on us. Plus one complimentary spa treatment per person at Chief’s Camp.
Valid for new bookings made and travel before 31st December 2026.
Single Supplement Offer
The single supplement for all Sanctuary camps and lodges across East and Southern Africa is wavered.
Valid for travel from 1st January – 31st May, and 1st September – 31st December every year.
Offer can be combined with long stay discount for even greater savings. Excludes Geoffrey Kent Suite at Olonana Lodge, Private Villa at Tambarare Camp and Geoffrey Kent Suite at Chief’s Camp.
This is in addition to the low season single supplement that is wavered.
Children Stay Free
For every full paying adult, one child stays for free in East & Southern Africa.
Valid for a maximum of four children per booking .
Valid for children aged 15 years and younger.
Excludes Baines’ Lodge & Gorilla Forest Lodge.
Valid for travel from 1st January – 31st May, and 1st September – 31st December every year.
Offer can be combined with long stay discount for even greater savings.
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