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jenaand21:25 UTC21 Nov 2010

My parents are coming to visit me in Cape Town, and as this will probably be their only trip to Africa, I want to take them to Namibia to show them why I can't shut up about the place.

Would anyone please share any specific lodges that you'd recommend. We'd be looking for good value, great location/views rather than amazing levels of service and fuss.

I've been several times - but I only ever camp which won't be an option for them.

Dates - About 10 days in May
Budget - probably only up to about N$1000pp/night. They'd freak out with anything more.
Splurge - I'd like to shout them a night or 2 in an amazing place. Any ideas for a splurge? (I'm thinking somewhere like Wolwedans in the Namib)
Mobility - 1 brilliant, but 1 not so great, so no clambering over rocks etc
Anxiety level - will def be nervous about permanent safari tents, bugs and night noises to begin with, but am sure they'll be OK with it after a couple of days. Solid walls will be good to start with.
Region - I'm open to any region but we will probably stick to the main highlights (Sossusvlei, Etosha, Swakopmund, Damaraland).
We'll probably go through Kgalagadi Transfrontier in 1 direction. (I'll get them to practise coping with bugs, tents and night noises there).
Camping - Ideally, there'd be a camping option too, so I don't have to pay the N$1000/night as well!

Thanks so much for any suggestions.

helen_of_troy22:35 UTC21 Nov 2010

Gosh, I couldn't think of a more magical place than at the waterhole at Okaukuejo in Etosha NP. That is, if you like animals. There are choices for levels of accommodation but you need to book early. Good luck and I hope you all have a great trip together!

south_of_6001:12 UTC22 Nov 2010

Hi,
Mount Etjho is a bit closer and the outpost cabins are the greatest!
You can sit at the bar at dusk swilling beer and the kudu come and drink a couple metres away!
Then a lion feed to top of the night!

bwana_jim17:47 UTC22 Nov 2010

Sounds almost exactly like what I did two years ago with the parents of my college roomate, both in their mid-70s. They absolutely loved everywhere we went, although some more than others.

In KGT, try to book the Honeymoon tent at the Kalahari Tented Camp near Mata Mata. Your parents will love it.

There are several good choices around Sossusvlei. Wolwedans is nice, but so are some of the others. It's all up to your budget (and availability)

In Swakop, the venerable old Hansa Hotel is tough to beat. They will love the European ambience.

Damaraland also has several options, but they can be pricey. We stayed at the Twyfelfontein Country Lodge. It has a great bar and dining area. The rooms, however, were pretty pedestrian. We enjoyed a great show by the desert elephants while we were there.

As Helen said, the waterhole at Okaukuejo is pretty spectacular. Try get one of the Premier Waterhole chalets overlooking the waterhole. Chalet #34W is centered directly over the waterhole with a virtually unobstructed view. You can sit up on your 2nd floor deck quaffing cold Hansas (or other preferred beverage) while the parade of wildlife proceeds below.

Cheers!

jenaand20:43 UTC22 Nov 2010

Brilliant. Thanks so much for the tips and esp the room/chalet number suggestions. Unfortunately, they don't drink nearly enough, but after days locked in a car with them - I'm sure I'll manage to get through their share of cold Hansas on the balcony.

Will also check out some info on Mt Etjo - thanks. It's not a place I've been before.
cheers
jen

Good Value Lodges in Namibia for travel with parents in their 70s Country forums / Africa / Namibia
jenaand21:25 UTC21 Nov 2010	Hi My parents are coming to visit me in Cape Town, and as this will probably be their only trip to Africa, I want to take them to Namibia to show them why I can't shut up about the place. Would anyone please share any specific lodges that you'd recommend. We'd be looking for good value, great location/views rather than amazing levels of service and fuss. I've been several times - but I only ever camp which won't be an option for them. Dates - About 10 days in May Budget - probably only up to about N$1000pp/night. They'd freak out with anything more. Splurge - I'd like to shout them a night or 2 in an amazing place. Any ideas for a splurge? (I'm thinking somewhere like Wolwedans in the Namib) Mobility - 1 brilliant, but 1 not so great, so no clambering over rocks etc Anxiety level - will def be nervous about permanent safari tents, bugs and night noises to begin with, but am sure they'll be OK with it after a couple of days. Solid walls will be good to start with. Region - I'm open to any region but we will probably stick to the main highlights (Sossusvlei, Etosha, Swakopmund, Damaraland). We'll probably go through Kgalagadi Transfrontier in 1 direction. (I'll get them to practise coping with bugs, tents and night noises there). Camping - Ideally, there'd be a camping option too, so I don't have to pay the N$1000/night as well! Thanks so much for any suggestions.
helen_of_troy22:35 UTC21 Nov 2010	Gosh, I couldn't think of a more magical place than at the waterhole at Okaukuejo in Etosha NP. That is, if you like animals. There are choices for levels of accommodation but you need to book early. Good luck and I hope you all have a great trip together!	1
south_of_6001:12 UTC22 Nov 2010	Hi, Mount Etjho is a bit closer and the outpost cabins are the greatest! You can sit at the bar at dusk swilling beer and the kudu come and drink a couple metres away! Then a lion feed to top of the night!	2
bwana_jim17:47 UTC22 Nov 2010	Sounds almost exactly like what I did two years ago with the parents of my college roomate, both in their mid-70s. They absolutely loved everywhere we went, although some more than others. In KGT, try to book the Honeymoon tent at the Kalahari Tented Camp near Mata Mata. Your parents will love it. There are several good choices around Sossusvlei. Wolwedans is nice, but so are some of the others. It's all up to your budget (and availability) In Swakop, the venerable old Hansa Hotel is tough to beat. They will love the European ambience. Damaraland also has several options, but they can be pricey. We stayed at the Twyfelfontein Country Lodge. It has a great bar and dining area. The rooms, however, were pretty pedestrian. We enjoyed a great show by the desert elephants while we were there. As Helen said, the waterhole at Okaukuejo is pretty spectacular. Try get one of the Premier Waterhole chalets overlooking the waterhole. Chalet #34W is centered directly over the waterhole with a virtually unobstructed view. You can sit up on your 2nd floor deck quaffing cold Hansas (or other preferred beverage) while the parade of wildlife proceeds below. Cheers!	3
jenaand20:43 UTC22 Nov 2010	Brilliant. Thanks so much for the tips and esp the room/chalet number suggestions. Unfortunately, they don't drink nearly enough, but after days locked in a car with them - I'm sure I'll manage to get through their share of cold Hansas on the balcony. Will also check out some info on Mt Etjo - thanks. It's not a place I've been before. cheers jen	4

Good Value Lodges in Namibia for travel with parents in their 70s