Khowarib Lodge & Safaris: Accommodation in the Khowarib Gorge

Khowarib Lodge sits on the banks of the Hoanib River in the Khowarib Gorge, in the remote north-western reaches of Damaraland. It’s a gateway property for travellers heading further into Kaokoland, with tented accommodation built directly over the riverbed.

What Makes Khowarib Lodge Different

Khowarib Lodge runs its own day activities directly, including guided desert elephant tracking, Himba village visits, nature walks and rock art excursions, all bookable on arrival without needing a separate operator. Set within the gorge itself, the lodge’s tents look directly over the Hoanib riverbed, a setting that puts guests close to the region’s desert-adapted wildlife corridor.

Accommodation at Khowarib Lodge

The en-suite tents are a short walk from the lodge to the river bank, with twin or double bed configurations and a shaded viewing platform extending from the front. Bathrooms are open-air, with a shower, toilet and wash basin. The lodge also has its own restaurant, bar, swimming pool and terrace. For self-catering Khowarib Gorge stays, the lodge offers 10 self-catering tented units, each with two ¾ beds and a fan. Units include a kitchenette (stove, microwave and fridge), a private braai area and an en-suite shower and toilet. Nine camping pitches are also available along the riverbank, each with 220V electricity, a braai area and shared ablutions with hot water. The campsite has its own restaurant, bar, swimming pool and lawn area, which self-catering guests are also welcome to use.

Location & Getting There

Khowarib Lodge can be reached by self-drive, ideally with a rented 4×4, or as part of a guided Namibian safari itinerary through the north-west.

• Swakopmund: 505km (6h30min).
• Etosha – Galton Gate (via Kamanjab): 244km (about 3h20min)
• Twyfelfontein: 189km (about 2h45min).
• Palmwag: 82.1km (1h20min).
• Khorixas: 238km (3h15min).

Activities & Experiences

• Guided tour to go desert elephant tracking.
• Nature drives in the morning or afternoons. See animals such as springbuck. oryx, ostrich and giraffe. If you are lucky you might see a desert lion.
• Himba village visits – guided tour to see one of the last truly semi-nomadic tribes in Africa.
• Rock art excursion in Damaraland & Kaokoland. Some of the most impressive rock art in the area is only 20 km from the lodge.
• Nature walks: take a guided walk along the Hoanib river and explore the Khowarib Gorge. Good birding opportunities.
• Guests planning a longer, multi-day safari further into Kaokoland can arrange this through the lodge’s sister company, Kunene Tours & Safaris, though this is typically booked in advance as part of a wider itinerary rather than decided on arrival.
• Guests can book their activities at the lodge but it is recommended to book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Nearby Attractions

Khowarib sits within reach of several other Damaraland and Kaokoland lodges and camps. See our Damaraland accommodation guide for the wider region.