Former capital of Damaraland
Khorixas is undeniably a town with a name that is difficult to wrap one’s tongue around but with some basic Afrikaans, people manage to pronounce it quite well at the end of the day, it is named after the Khori Bush. Before independence the town was the capital of the Damaraland region but with the reshuffling of the regions, it became part of the Kunene Region and all the town’s administrative functions were moved to Opuwo. The dominant tribe in the area are the Damara people.
Khorixas is a great place for travelers to refuel their vehicles and stock up at the local stores which have bare supplies. Although the town is not known for its tourism appeal, the surrounding area hosts a number of attractions, this makes it an ideal place from which to explore the wonders of the region. Accommodation options range from rustic campsites to uber luxurious lodges. Some attractions include Twyfelfontein; Brandberg; the Petrified Forest; the Organ Pipes and the Burnt Mountain.
Accommodation options include Bambatsi Lodge; Brandberg Rest Camp; Brandberg White Lady Lodge and Camp Kipwe.
Bambatsi is about a two hour drive from the famous Etosha National Park and was one f the first guest farms that was established in the country. It is set on an 1150m high plateau and as such has amazing views of the surrounding mopane landscape and a pleasant annual temperature. The lodge is perfect for hiking; gaming and excursions into Damaraland. The bar is located in the main building and breakfast and dinner are served in the outdoor dining areas when the weather is mild. Lunch is provided upon request and coffee and tea are served in the afternoon. The lodge also has a relaxing pool where guests can enjoy a sundowner and unwind. Accommodation is in eight rooms. There are five double rooms that can each accommodate up to two peoole and have en-suite bathrooms; mosquito nets; international sockets and an in-room safe. The triple room has three single beds and facilities similar to the double rooms. The quad room is two rooms with four single beds and features similar to the double and triple rooms.
The Brandberg Rest Camp is located in the village of Uis, it is set en-route between the Etosha National Park; Henties Bay and Swakopmund. The Brandberg is the highest mountain in Namibia, measuring at about 2573m above sea level. There is a grocery store with basic groceries; a filling station; a curio shop and Internet cafe in the village. The restaurant and bar at the camp overlook the large swimming pool. The guest lounge has a satellite tv and there is also a communal barbecue area; internet WiFi; laundry service and secure undercover parking, the camp also has conference facilities. Breakfast; light lunches and snacks are served throughout the day and dinner is a set three course meal which includes options of fish; game steaks and chicken. There are four luxury double rooms set poolside with en-suite bathrooms; fan; mosquito nets and a tea/coffee station. There are five standard double rooms with two beds and similar features as the luxury double rooms. There are also five self-catering rooms with four beds in each room as well as a fully equipped kitchenette which has a microwave, stove, cutlery and plates. The standard double rooms are connected to the self-catering rooms and can be opened to accommodate a maximum of six guests.
Brandberg White Lady Lodge is set at the foot of Brandberg Mountain in the vast wilderness of north-west Namibia. The mountain is known for its rock paintings, especially the ‘White Lady’, these paintings were drawn hundreds of years ago by Bushmen who inhabited the area. The main area at the lodge has a fully licensed and well stocked bar wit a comfy lounge area where guests can relax. The restaurant serves excellent cuisine and the large swimming pool is the perfect place for guests to escape the hot sun. Accommodation is protected from the elements by large trees set in the Ugab river valley. En-suite bathrooms; mosquito nets; tea/coffee stations; electric lights; ceiling fans and a private veranda with barbecue facilities are standard features of the rooms. There are 15 double rooms, four of which are poolside; the family room is a double room converted to accommodate up to two adults and two children. There are eight individual chalets interspersed in the river valley and there are six luxury tents equipped with private barbecue areas.
Camp Kipwe is located within the Twyfelfontein conservancy in the Damaraland area and is only about four kilometers from its sister camp, Mowani Mountain camp. The nearest towns in the vicinity are Uis which is about 130km away and Khorixas which is also about 130km away to the east. The camp is built amongst large granite boulders. Accommodation is in nine thatched dome-shaped bungalows and one suite. These rooms are built from natural materials which include mopane branches and the local red basalt stones. The rooms each have a private veranda which overlooks the breathtaking Damaraland area. The partially open suite bathroom has hot water heated by an old fashioned wood burning ‘donkey’. The main lodge areas comprise of a lounge; curio shop; bar; restaurant and reception area. There is also a swimming pool and laundry service. The bungalows have air-conditioning and en-suite facilities including an outdoor shower. The luxury thatched suite with a lounge is equipped with air conditioning; satellite tv; a double room with en-suite bathroom and laundry service as well as a mini bar.
