Grootberg | Namibia
Grootberg Lodge: Community-Owned Views Over the Klip River Valley
- Book directly with the lodge | Secure booking
Grootberg Lodge sits between Kamanjab and Palmwag in Damaraland, with sweeping views over the Klip River Valley from its deck and infinity pool. The lodge is a Journeys Namibia property, wholly owned by the #Khoadi //Hoas conservancy.
What Makes Grootberg Lodge Different
Grootberg is fully conservancy-owned rather than simply community-benefiting, giving guests a genuine stake in local, sustainable tourism alongside comfortable rooms built with the area’s lava rock. Guided rhino tracking and desert elephant tracking are run directly from the lodge, alongside visits to the homes of the local Damara people.
Accommodation at Grootberg Lodge
The lodge has 16 solar-powered rock chalets — fourteen twin or double rooms and two family units. Each has its own small private deck overlooking the Klip River Valley, plus an en-suite shower, toilet and wash basin. Rooms also come with a safe, tea and coffee facilities, and electrical outlets. The lodge itself has a restaurant, bar, sun terrace, curio shop and infinity pool, with Wi-Fi available at reception.
Location & Getting There
Grootberg Lodge can be reached by self-drive or by flying safari, both practical given its position between Kamanjab and Palmwag. The steep plateau road leading to the lodge is for skilled 4×4 drivers only — most guests are driven up by lodge staff, with their vehicle guarded at the base.
- Swakopmund: 445km (5h40min).
- Etosha – Galton Gate: 163km (about 2hours drive).
- Palmwag: 21.9km (about 30m drive).
- Khorixas: 177km (2h40min).
- Kamanjab: 96km (about 1h30min drive).
Activities & Experiences
- Scenic sundowner drives.
- Guided rhino tracking.
- Guided hike on the plateau.
- Guided desert elephant tracking.
- Cultural visits to authentic homesteads of the #Khoadi //Hoas conservancy’s Damara community.
Nearby Attractions
Grootberg Lodge’s own campsite property, Hoada Campsite, sits nearby for guests after a more rustic stay. The lodge is also within the same broad rhino-tracking area as many other lodges in northern Damaraland. See our rhino tracking guide for the full picture across Damaraland. See our Damaraland accommodation guide for other places to stay in the area.
Book Your Stay
Secure booking. No middleman fees.
OR
Send an Enquiry
Get a quick response from Grootberg Lodge: Community-Owned Views Over the Klip River Valley.
Need to speak to someone?
Contact Grootberg Lodge: Community-Owned Views Over the Klip River Valley directly.
Gallery
Facilities & Amenities
Bedroom
All rooms are en-suite
Twin / double beds
Breathtaking views
Family accommodation
Balcony
Writing desk
Fan
Safe
Electrical outlets
Tea/coffee facilities
Bathroom
Shower
Toilet
Wash Basin
Reception Services
Curio Shop
Credit Card facilities
Food Drink
Restaurant
Bar
Outdoors
Sun Terrace
Swimming pool
Activities
Scenic sundowner drives
Rhino tracking
Moringa guided walks
Desert elephant tracking
Visiting authentic homesteads of the Damara people
Media Technology
Wi-Fi available at reception.
Solar powered chalets
Pets
Pets are not allowed
Cleaning Services
Laundry at extra cost
Languages Spoken
EnglishFrequently Asked Questions
Is Grootberg Lodge community-owned?
Yes — it’s wholly owned by the #Khoadi //Hoas conservancy and operated by Journeys Namibia.
Can I go rhino tracking from Grootberg Lodge?
Yes, guided rhino tracking is offered directly from the lodge, alongside desert elephant tracking and guided walks.
How do I get to Grootberg Lodge?
By self-drive or fly-in safari, both practical given the lodge’s position between Kamanjab and Palmwag.
Is there a campsite option near Grootberg Lodge?
Yes — the lodge’s own Hoada Campsite is 27.5km away for a more rustic, self-catering stay.
Reviews
Elvis Eiseb
2 months ago
Tim Hoyland
2 months ago
Loved the location, the people, the activities. Dion aka ‘the Lion’ was an excellent guide for the rhino and elephant tracking. Top notch.
Phil Tattersall
2 months ago
Stunning, in every single way. Location, view, staff, food, accommodations, did I say view and stunning in every way. Sad to just stay for one night. It was “aces” in every aces way it could have been.
hanaë fievet
2 months ago
A superb experience at the heart of this lodge!
A warm and attentive welcome.
A delicious dinner with incredibly tender meat.
The view is breathtaking.
The bedding is so comfortable you'll want to stay in bed.
Minor personal complaints:
- The shower water drips very slowly (or not at all when it comes to hot water)
- Perhaps a warning about the presence of rodents around the accommodations would be appreciated (and therefore, guests should not leave doors open or anything outside).
Pierre Maquin
2 months ago
Exceptional setting
Good food
Great atmosphere
Sunset safari
Paul Darlow
3 months ago
Arrived here after a long drive and got a lovely welcome.
First off you asked if you would like to drive up to the lodge or be driven. It is quite a steep and narrow track, that needs your 4x4 low gear engaged. Quite an adventure to start with.
You are then greeted and shown around and glimpse your first view of the canyon below - beautiful view which you will experience under different light whilst you stay.
The rooms are lovely with small balconies overlooking the canyon - you even have a view from the shower ☺️.
Our room was the furthest from the reception but the walk was not too far.
The rooms had all that you need.
The reception area where you eat your meals is very comfortable with a large area to sit and relax outside with a drink and a snack.
We went on a couple of tours, both of which were very good. Firstly a culture tour where we went to a village (set up for tourists), where the local Damara people explained their customs, which was very interesting. It was the school holidays so we did not visit a school, but instead we went into the bush where we were lucky enough to see a herd of desert elephants.
We also went on a sundowners drive. Some great evening sightings and nice to share a drink and some nibbles with others as the sunsets - beautiful 360 sunset.
On both excursions Lion looked after us and he was excellent company and very knowledgeable. Thank you Lion.
I would recommend Grootberg Lodge to anyone
Maria M
5 months ago
We stayed at Grootberg Lodge for one night, but honestly could have easily stayed longer.
The location is absolutely stunning, and the sundowner experience was the most beautiful we’ve seen in our two weeks in Namibia — truly unforgettable views and atmosphere.
The lodge offers a variety of safari activities. We did the elephant hike, which was an incredible experience. It took some time to spot the elephants, but once we finally found the family, we were able to get quite close and watch them moving through the valley. We even saw second family crossing a gorge, which made the experience even more special.
Overall, a highly recommended stay — both for the scenery and the unique wildlife encounters.
Xandro Brun
5 months ago
A hotel perched right on top of the cliff, with some of the best views in Namibia. Comfortable yet simple at the same time, making it perfect to disconnect and enjoy the scenery. The food is very good and the atmosphere is great, although the service can feel a bit dry and distant at times.
Myrthe Slok
6 months ago
We had the most unforgettable stay at Grootberg Lodge. Everything was perfect! A special thank you to Walter, Johannes and Joseph for the incredible rhino tour, we were so happy to finally see one. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We’re also very grateful to all the lovely ladies, the helpful and friendly staff, and the delicious dinners every evening. Beyond the stunning views, it’s really the people who make this place so special.
We ended our stay with an amazing African song performance by the team, such a beautiful and memorable touch. Thank you for everything! Highly recommended, don’t hesitate, just go!
Belinda Cooper
6 months ago
The only thing that surpasses the truly stunning views is the staff, they are wonderful and all from the local community which makes it even more special. Special shout out to Maria, Adel and Hanna, but everyone we had the pleasure of interacting with were nothing short of top class, fun, warm, professional and friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour we took and Walter was an incredible guide. We honestly never wanted to leave and we will be back. If you are wondering if you should visit, don’t wonder just come!
