Kalahari

The Kalahari is a vast savannah which extends from northern South Africa across eastern Namibia and much of Botswana. Golden dune grasses on red sand mingle with a more permanent vegetation of thorn bush, desert shrubs and tall acacias. The red sand, draped by the wind into a sea of dune waves, and blue skies over the flat landscape stretching to distant horizons, are part of the special aesthetics of this region. 

Rainfall brings the arid land to life and transforms it into the “Green Kalahari”. 

The sand savannah is home to numerous animal species. Among the large ones are oryx and impala antelopes, jackals and cheetahs. It is also home to the indigenous San population. In fact, the Kalahari is the main settlement area of the San and thus a place where Namibia’s nature and its oldest culture both become tangible.  

Ondili Nature Reserve with Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge and Teufelskrallen Lodge is situated in in a particularly beautiful part of the Kalahari. Whether you opt for a hike, a safari or a scenic flight to explore the surroundings – it will give you an impression of the seemingly endless expanse of this vast semi-desert and its wildlife. Among its characteristics are the red dunes, some of which rise up to 30 metres high. 

Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge  

East of Namibia’s central plateau the Kalahari Desert extends deep into neighbouring Botswana. This alluring part of the country is characterised by long parallel lines of red dunes which form valleys between them, dotted with camel thorn trees. 

In this dune and savannah landscape of the western Kalahari, 200 km southeast of Namibia’s capital city of Windhoek, the luxurious Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge is found. It consists of 13 chalets with an abundance of space and privacy. The main building houses the restaurant, a cosy lounge with fireplace and a bar. Outside is a pool with sun terrace. The main complex is situated on an island in a vlei – a shallow depression that may fill with water after good rains.  

Teufelskrallen Lodge  

Tented Teufelskrallen Lodge is situated on the first of the most westerly Kalahari dunes. Its elevated position affords panoramic views across the endless expanse of the Kalahari sprawling beyond. The fully furnished and comfortably equipped tented rooms have a large viewing terrace. A short walkway connects each bedroom to its private bathroom. The reception and restaurant are in the Old Farmhouse, 3 km away from the tents. The pool is there as well. Go hiking or join a scenic drive, departing from Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge, to experience the breath-taking beauty and abundant wildlife of the Kalahari. The red dunes are up to 30 metres high.