Exceptionally luxe resort is ‘out of this world’

Hotel

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, Namibia

Check-in

The decor of the lodge complex creatively infuses elements of the wilderness surrounds.

Be prepared to be blown away. And I’m not referring to the afternoon breeze that whips across the Purros Conservancy in the remote desert region of Kunene (formerly Kakaoland), north-west Namibia, site of the remarkable Okahirongo Elephant Lodge. Perched on a ridge above the small community of Purros and the arid Hoarusib River, the spectacular Okahirongo Elephant Lodge opened in April 2023 after a major refurbishment by Abercrombie & Kent. The decor of the lodge complex creatively infuses elements of the wilderness surrounds. But the real magic lies beyond: in the other-worldly landscape of desert plains, distant hills and silhouettes of giraffes.

The look

Seven suites are spread out along a ridge.

Staff welcome guests with an iced tea and African song under the lodge’s entrance, an egg-shaped dome, a design nod to the pastoral huts of the Ovahimba people. In their Otjiherero language, “Okahirango” translates roughly as “distinct place”. Indeed, the lodge is just that. Several indoor-outdoor communal areas, connected by timber walkways, form a semi-circular pattern around an infinity pool. Organic materials, including driftwood from the region’s Ana tree and local stone, complement whitewashed walls. Furnishings feature tasteful moss-green and orange fabrics, ceramic objets d’art, and photographs. From here, seven suites (and a double family suite) spread out along a ridge, affording each a spectacular vista of the sprawling desert and distant hills.

The room

Organic materials, including driftwood and local stone, complement whitewashed walls.

Each suite comprises two pods – a bedroom and bathroom – connected by a shaded patio. The bedroom’s floor-to-ceiling window allows you to view the nightly blanket of constellations from your king-sized bed. The minimalist bathroom is white and bright and the shower’s wall, comprising a massive window, means you’re “exposed” to desert vistas (and the odd lion and springbok, perhaps). Alternatively, you can flaunt your wild side in the outdoor shower that’s attached to each suite and open to the elements.

Food + drink

Enjoy sundowners enveloped by a soft orange glow and warm breeze.

Given you’re in remote semi-desert, a 2½ hour flight from Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, it’s remarkable what the chefs whip up: fresh fruits and salads, freshly baked breads, and everything from tender grilled meats to quinoa dishes. Delicious desserts (incredibly, often homemade ice-creams). And the wines are top South African picks. Other drink treats? Sundowners. Just before sunset, you’re driven to a basalt outcrop where, enveloped by a soft orange glow and warm breeze, you gaze into the horizon and catch the scent of Namibian myrrh. Just when you think it doesn’t get any better, you’re handed a G&T.

Out + about

Planning on relaxing by the pool? Possibly not. A&K’s lodge program is a busy one and each suite is designated a personal guide. Visits to a traditional Himba village? Tick. Nature drives among tamarisk trees to spot elephants, giraffes and brown hyena? Tick again. You can observe the mist roll in over the undulating Skeleton Coast, wander among the clay castles of the Hoarusib River Valley, and spot one of the Lone Men of Kaokoland, a series of stone statues by Namibian artist-conservationist Trevor Nott that pay homage to the Ovahimba.

The verdict

If the cliche “out of this world” were permitted only once in a lifetime, this is it. Abercrombie & Kent’s lodges are exceptional, but this luxe number surely tops the list.

Our rating out of five

★★★★★

Essentials

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge is in Abercrombie & Kent’s “Namibia: Dunes & Desert Safari – A Marco Polo Journey” itinerary (12 days from $30,410 a person). Alternatively, it can be included in any A&K tailor-made trip. See abercrombiekent.com.au

Highlight

The remote desert “sum-of-the-parts” experience.

Lowlight

In an area where a six-year drought has had devastating impacts on the semi-nomadic pastoralists and animal migration, and where all water is sourced from a bore, currently there are no advisories about water conservation (though I’m told these are coming, in line with other lodges).

The writer was a guest of Abercrombie & Kent.