About Grootberg Lodge

Every aspect of Grootberg Lodge has been designed to maximise the awe-inspiring views. Whether it's the expansive windows in the dining room and lounge, the generous deck holding ample seating, the inviting infinity pool, or the guest rooms - you'll truly feel as though you can gaze out to the very ends of the earth while savouring a drink on the precipice of this astonishing plateau.

A wealth of activities awaits, allowing you to intimately encounter the region and its inhabitants. From tracking rhinos to immersive excursions into the local community village, these outings bring you not only closer to nature but also foster connections with the resilient people who eke out a living in this arid semi-desert and parched landscape.

With a strong focus on sustainable tourism, the ≠Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy is proud to be part of an international case study on how conservation efforts can be successful and environmentally responsible. Every effort is made to lighten our footprint on the fragile eco-systems in this uninhabited north-western region and increase conservation efforts and awareness.

A stay at Grootberg Lodge is shaped by more than its setting. From the views across the Klip River Valley to the quiet presence of wildlife and the stories held within the ≠Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy, each moment adds to a deeper understanding of this part of Damaraland — and the people who call it home.

Sustainability is not a separate idea here, but part of daily life. As a community-run lodge, Grootberg plays an active role in conservation, local employment, and long-term stewardship of the land. This commitment has earned international recognition, including a place among the Sustainable Destinations Top 100, reflecting a model of tourism that supports both environment and community.

The landscape itself is constantly changing. In Namibia’s summer months, usually between January and March, rainfall brings a quiet transformation. Dry riverbeds fill, grasses return, and fields of lilies appear across the plains. Wildlife becomes more dispersed, but the reward is in witnessing a rare shift — an arid landscape briefly softened by water and growth.

Throughout the year, the area is home to desert-adapted wildlife. Guided experiences offer the opportunity to track black rhino or follow the movements of desert-adapted elephants, both moving freely across vast, unfenced terrain. Sightings are never certain, but that is part of what makes each encounter meaningful.

Plains game such as zebra, kudu and springbok are often seen, along with klipspringer, navigating the rocky slopes. More elusive species — including aardwolf, civet and wildcat — remain hidden to most, while occasional sightings of leopard or lion remind you of the wild nature of this landscape. For birding enthusiasts, the plateau and surrounding valleys offer rewarding sightings, from Verreaux’s eagles to pale-winged starlings and bare-cheeked babblers.

Your journey to Grootberg Lodge begins at the foot of the plateau, where the road narrows and the landscape opens. Guests travelling in a 4x4 with experience on rough terrain are welcome to drive themselves up. Otherwise, one of our guides will meet you and take you along the winding track to the top — a slow, steady climb that sets the tone for what lies ahead.

From the moment you arrive, life settles into a different rhythm. Spend time on the deck or beside the pool, watching light move across the Klip River Valley below. The afternoons invite you to head out — on a guided nature drive or a walk across the plateau — where wildlife, birdlife, and hardy desert plants reveal themselves quietly in this remote part of Damaraland.

Evenings unfold simply — a good meal, the vast stillness of the surroundings, and a sky filled with stars. With little else to distract, rest comes easily. Days at Grootberg are shaped by experience. Track endangered black rhino on foot with expert guides, learning to read the landscape as you move through it. Or follow the paths of desert-adapted elephants, uniquely suited to survive in this arid environment.

To truly understand this place, allow time for more than a single night. A visit to the nearby ≠Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy offers insight into the community that lives here. Spend time with local residents, hear their stories, and gain a deeper appreciation for life in one of Namibia’s most remote regions.