//Garas 4x4 Self-Drive – An Adventure Through Gondwana Canyon Park

 

//Garas Self-Drive
Namibia 2026

Setting Out from Canyon Lodge

The day after arriving at Canyon Lodge, we decide to try the //Garas Self-Drive, a marked route of approximately 40 km through Gondwana Canyon Park, which takes around 2–3 hours to complete.

This is not described as a particularly difficult 4x4 route, but rather as a great way to experience the private conservation area independently. The route follows marked tracks through the park and connects Canyon Lodge with Canyon Roadhouse.

A4 trail map //Garas Self-Drive
Namibia 2026

At reception at Canyon Lodge, we are given a simple A4 trail map. The route is not marked on our ever-present companion, Tracks4Africa, but at least the app always shows us where Canyon Lodge is located – just in case we somehow get lost!

We set off, with my wife behind the wheel.

wife behind the wheel
Namibia 2026

A Gentle 4x4 Challenge

We are both relatively experienced 4x4 drivers, but it quickly becomes clear that the route is not technically difficult. The terrain is uneven, with plenty of rocks and, in a few places, somewhat steeper rocky sections where a dry riverbed or small tributary crosses the track.

Still, the challenges are no greater than what any reasonably capable 4x4 vehicle should be able to handle.

On the way, //Garas Self-Drive
Namibia 2026

The route takes us through the characteristic rocky landscape of Gondwana Canyon Park, with its koppies, granite formations, euphorbias and quiver trees.

Grasshoppers and Other Small Creatures

We don't encounter much large wildlife – apart from a single giraffe early in the drive and occasional springbok. But the smaller inhabitants of the park are everywhere.

Large grasshoppers suddenly leap from the vegetation as we pass, while dragonfly-like insects seem to be constantly on the move around us.

At one point, a very large grasshopper suddenly flies through the open side window and lands inside the car.

Very large grasshoppers everywhere
//Garas Self-Drive
Namibia 2026

For a few seconds, there is mild panic!

Perhaps partly because we are surprised – but also because these Namibian grasshoppers are considerably larger than the ones we are used to in Denmark!

As soon as we establish that it is just a grasshopper – and not some kind of flying scorpion ;-) – calm returns to the vehicle.

And we have a good laugh.

When you are driving alone through unfamiliar terrain, you are perhaps slightly more alert than usual. Every unexpected movement or strange sound gets your attention.

We are, as we like to call it, on an adventure.

From Rocky Terrain to Open Sand

halfway along the trail, landscape
becomes more open and sandy.
Namibia 2026

The first half of the route is quite rocky, but after Dassies Poort, approximately halfway along the trail, the landscape changes. The terrain becomes more open and sandy, and the driving becomes easier.

Along the way, we pass two Wild Camps.

The first one in particular catches my attention. It looks like the perfect place to spend a night with a rooftop tent. Imagine climbing onto the roof of the vehicle in the evening and simply enjoying the solitude, the silence and the spectacular views surrounding you.

I suspect that overnight stays may be possible with permission from the lodge or Gondwana. Definitely something worth investigating another time.

A Different Side of Gondwana Canyon Park

Namaqua sandgrouse
//Garas Self-Drive
Namibia 2026

The //Garas Self-Drive has turned out to be a lovely way to experience a different side of Gondwana Canyon Park.

It has not been a technical 4x4 challenge, but that was never really the point. The pleasure lies in being out there on our own, slowly exploring the landscape and never quite knowing what we might encounter around the next bend.

A wonderful day.

Now it is time to relax at the lodge.

Tomorrow, we will finally explore the eastern side of the Fish River Canyon.

From the Kalahari to the Fish River Canyon – The Long Way South

 

We leave Outpost Safari Lodge early
We have a long drive to Canyon Lodge
Namibia 2026

Today we leave Outpost Safari Lodge near Unions End and embark on a very long drive all the way to Canyon Lodge, near the eastern side of the Fish River Canyon and the Hobas entrance gate.

For some time, I have wanted to explore more of the small back roads in this remote part of Namibia. On a previous journey, we had a fantastic drive along the little D1033, the “Olifants River Road” (link D1033 trip).

This time, we decide to take one of the most easterly routes possible through this part of Namibia. We follow the D1022, then the D1119 and D511, before eventually turning southeast onto the somewhat larger C17 towards the small town of Koes and onwards to Keetmanshoop.

It turns out to be a perfect plan.

Start of D1022, runs lengthwise
 between the dunes most of time
Namibia 2026

Almost nobody on the road

D1022, we meet only three other vehicles!
Freshly graded track
Namibia 2026

During the first three hours, we encounter just three other vehicles!

We initially head south on the D1022, which turns out to have been freshly graded and is in absolutely perfect condition.

And here I was, expecting loose sand and a potentially challenging 4WD drive!

Instead, the road runs lengthwise between the dunes, and only occasionally do we cross from one dune ridge to another. This creates long, straight stretches interrupted by short but beautiful climbs over the dune crests.

Road D1119, distance between
the dune ridges shorter, red sand.
Namibia 2026

When we reach the D1119, we start heading more towards the west. The distance between the dune ridges becomes shorter, and the character of the drive changes.

It gradually develops into something resembling a roller coaster ride over the now quite high dunes – still, however, on beautifully graded gravel.

The dunes have also changed character. They are becoming increasingly red, with the characteristic colours of the Kalahari becoming more pronounced.

Blogger break D1119
Namibia 2026

But this year there is something else.

Flowers.

And more and more of them.

The further south we travel, the more flowers we see scattered across the desert. In places, the normally dry landscape is surprisingly colourful.

The desert is still blooming.

How incredibly lucky we are to be here at exactly the right time.

Giants and quiver trees

 Near Quiver Tree Forest
Namibia 2026

After passing the small town of Koes, we eventually approach Keetmanshoop.

Along the way, we pass two of southern Namibia's most unusual natural attractions: Giants' Playground and the Quiver Tree Forest.

Giants' Playground is a remarkable landscape of enormous dolerite boulders, piled and balanced in seemingly impossible formations. The rocks look almost as if some enormous hand has stacked them on top of each other – hence the name. The formations are entirely natural, created through geological processes and prolonged weathering and erosion.

Just a few kilometres away lies the famous Quiver Tree Forest, a natural concentration of Aloidendron dichotomum, commonly known as quiver trees or kokerboom. The trees are actually giant succulents rather than true trees, and some of the specimens are several centuries old. The San traditionally hollowed out the branches to make quivers for their arrows, which explains the English name.

We visited both places back in 2009, when our children were just nine and ten years old.

We still have vivid memories of the strange rock formations and, in particular, the many spectacular quiver trees.

But we still have a very long drive ahead of us today, so we decide not to stop for a proper visit this time.

Instead, we simply admire the landscape from the road and pull over briefly on the roadside.

Sometimes it is enough just to see an old familiar landscape again.

Heading into the south

When we reach Keetmanshoop, we decide not to drive into the town itself, as we did some weeks earlier with my brother and sister-in-law on the way to Klein-Aus Vista (link).

Instead, we continue directly towards the eastern side of the Fish River Canyon.

Turning south onto the C12
Namibia 2026

In far distance,
we begin to see mountain ranges
Namibia 2026

After turning south onto the C12, the landscape changes once again.

The open desert seems to stretch endlessly in every direction.

There are even more flowers now, and in the far distance we begin to see mountain ranges.

At first, they are barely visible on the horizon.

But as we continue south, they become more distinct, rising gradually above the enormous plains.

Flowers and mountains more distinct
Gondwana Canyon Park
Namibia 2026

We cross below Naute Dam
Namibia 2026

The landscape is becoming increasingly dramatic.

We eventually turn onto the C37 for the final stretch towards Gondwana Canyon Park.

Final stretch towards Gondwana Canyon Park
Namibia 2026

The views become more and more spectacular.

Gondwana Canyon Park is an enormous private conservation area covering approximately 1,160 km², or 116,000 hectares – about 27% of the area of Denmark – surrounding the Fish River Canyon. The area has been developed around the idea of combining conservation, landscape restoration and tourism, and wildlife such as plains zebra, wildebeest, red hartebeest and giraffe has been reintroduced.

It is a fitting landscape for the next chapter of our journey.

Finally – Canyon Lodge

Canyon Lodge front
Namibia 2026

And finally, we arrive at our destination.

Canyon Lodge.

The lodge lies among enormous granite boulders within Gondwana Canyon Park, approximately 20 kilometres east of the Fish River Canyon. The stone chalets are scattered between the rocks, and the setting is spectacularly remote.

We are going to stay here for three nights.

We have visited the Fish River Canyon twice before – in 2022 (link) and a few weeks ago with my brother and sister-in-law (link) – but both times from the western side.

This time, we are going to explore it from the eastern side, around Hobas.

After the long drive from the Kalahari, it feels good to finally arrive.

The car has done another very long day, but the journey itself has been an experience.

And tomorrow, we will finally get to see what the Fish River Canyon looks like from this side.

We are very much looking forward to the next few days.

Outpost Safari Lodge – Four Days of Peace, Luxury and Adventure in the Kalahari

 

Breakfast outside on the large terrace
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

We are thoroughly enjoying our days at Outpost Safari Lodge. What a fabulous place!

On our second morning, Elize and her team have set up breakfast outside on the large terrace, with an uninterrupted view across the Kalahari. To make sure we do not freeze in the cool morning air, they have also lit a fire in the small fireplace.

We enjoy yet another wonderful breakfast, taking in the peace and quiet, the extraordinary view and the beautiful terrace perched on top of the dune. It is difficult to imagine a better place to start the day.

Breakfast outside on the terrace
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

A little self-drive adventure

Later in the morning, we decide to take the car for a short drive, partly to recharge the vehicle's battery and, not least, the battery of our fridge. I mention to our host that I am thinking of driving to the main gate and back again. By now, we know the area a little better.

This would also give us the opportunity to have a closer look at Dune House, which seems like a perfect option if you are travelling to Outpost Safari Lodge as a larger group. We have already seen the two bungalows attached to the main house, and it would be an obvious place to bring friends or family for three to five days.

Elize suggests that, instead of simply driving to the gate and back, we could make a little circular tour. What a great idea!

We can drive out through the main gate and then enter through another gate into the southern part of the reserve, about three kilometres farther south. From there, we can drive north through the area and stop at the hunting tower for a cold drink. Elize naturally offers to send us off with a cooler bag containing the drinks.

It sounds like a wonderful little adventure: driving around on our own in a large private game reserve.

Not that we had exactly covered ourselves in glory when it came to finding our way around the reserve the previous day, but we had eventually made it back!

This time, fortunately, we find the main gate without any problems. We even locate the second gate, despite several rather emphatic signs warning “NO ENTRY”.

Fortunately, we are among the invited guests!

We follow our position on the satellite imagery in Google Maps and try to locate the pan where we remember the hunting tower from the previous morning's game drive. A pan is a relatively large, flat, low-lying open area in the landscape.

We end up slightly too far south, but decide not to leave the little track through the desert. After all, we know roughly where the main house is on the map, so we should eventually be able to find our way back.

Another hunting tower
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

Suddenly, we spot another hunting tower. We get out and take a short break, enjoying the view from the top. Before climbing the tower, however, we carefully scan the surrounding ground for snakes. We are, after all, walking around in the Kalahari!

From the tower, we can see another track farther north, heading in roughly the right compass direction towards the pan and the main house. We decide to follow it.

View from hunting tower and our car
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

And, sure enough, it takes us to the familiar hunting tower we visited the previous morning.

It is quite enchanting to explore this huge private reserve on our own.

We probably should have fitted the supplied mesh screen in front of the vehicle's air intake, though. The grass is quite high, and seeds and other vegetation can potentially block the radiator airflow. I keep a very close eye on the temperature gauge.

It does not move.

So all is well!

An afternoon of complete relaxation

Afternoon at the plunge pool
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

We make it safely back to the main house and spend the afternoon at the plunge pool, basking in the sunshine, applying generous amounts of sunscreen and reading our books.

Every now and then, we are interrupted by a friendly enquiry from Elize:

“Is there anything you need?”

Perhaps a glass of white wine on ice in the champagne cooler?

What a life!

Fireplace Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

Later in the afternoon, Tomaz and his assistant pick us up for a game drive. He takes us towards the southern part of the reserve, where we see Outpost Safari's airstrip – very convenient if you arrive by private aircraft.

It reminds us of our stay at Wolwedans Dune Lodge, where around half of the guests arrived by air. [link]

Near Outpost Safari's airstrip
Namibia 2026

We continue towards the southern end of the reserve and also visit the site of the original Union's End – the place where Namibia, Botswana and South Africa meet. Tomaz explains that the actual meeting point has subsequently been moved slightly farther southeast.

Wife & assistant, original Unions End
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

We do not see quite as many animals this afternoon, but that really does not matter.

There is something wonderfully relaxing about sitting together for two or three hours, slowly driving through the landscape and simply scanning the bush, while a warm afternoon desert breeze blows through the open vehicle.

Sometimes the landscape itself is the attraction.

Sunset, springbok carpaccio and a very attentive chef

Sunset on the terrace around the fire
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

Springbok carpaccio
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

We enjoy sunset on the terrace around the fire.

Elize has prepared an absolutely fabulous starter: springbok carpaccio.

We enjoy it with a glass of red wine while taking photographs of the spectacular sunset. At some distance, we are joined by a western barn owl, sitting quietly and watching us from afar.

western barn owl watching us
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

As darkness gradually takes over, we move inside for another wonderful dinner.

Tonight's main course is homemade stuffed chicken roulade.

Stuffed chicken roulade
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

Elize has also asked about our favourite desserts. My wife therefore gets crème brûlée one evening, while tonight Elize has experimented with coconut panna cotta after I mentioned that I am rather fond of coconut.

Coconut panna cotta
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

What thoughtfulness – and what an extraordinary level of culinary enthusiasm!

The coconut dessert may not become a future signature dish, but that is hardly the point. The sheer willingness to experiment and create something especially for us is wonderful.

As we head to bed, Elize tells us that breakfast the following morning will be a surprise.

We simply have to be ready at 8:45.

And we should wear shoes suitable for sand.

“I won't tell you anything else. It has to be a surprise.”

Intriguing!

We have absolutely no idea what is waiting for us.

Breakfast in the bush

Breakfast in Nama Camp
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

The following morning, Tomaz picks us up and drives us out into the bush to a place called Nama Camp.

It is a kind of small traditional kraal, surrounded by sheets of corrugated metal decorated with old rusty cars. Apparently, fires can be lit inside some of the vehicles in the evening, creating quite a spectacular effect.

This morning, however, the camp has been transformed into a very special outdoor breakfast venue.

Elize and her two assistants – together with her daughter, who is helping out – have lit a fire and prepared our breakfast over the flames.

Eggs on fire pan
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

In the centre of the enclosure, a table for two has been beautifully set with a white tablecloth.

We are given the place of honour.

Freshly baked rolls are served straight from the fire. They remind us of freshly baked Danish snobrød – bread cooked on a stick over an open fire.

Eggs and bacon are also cooked over the flames on a large fire pan and brought to our table.

And, of course, there is delicious biltong on the table – air-dried meat that we have gradually become very fond of during our travels in southern Africa.

We feel rather like "Jeppe på Bjerget in the Baron's bed" (Danish story) – suddenly finding ourselves treated like royalty!

It is another wonderfully memorable experience.

Freshly baked rolls straight from the fire
Remind us of Danish snobrød
Outpost Safari Lodge, Namibia 2026

A surprise encounter with sable antelope

The afternoon is once again devoted to relaxation by the plunge pool, accompanied by our books and the now familiar question of whether we need anything.

Honestly, I simply cannot think of anything we could possibly need.

This is such a wonderful way to completely disconnect from everyday life.

Suddenly, Elize comes running towards us.

“Tomaz has just seen a herd of sable antelope near the shed. Hurry and drive down there if you want to see them!”

Elize knows that we would very much like to see sable antelope again. They are such impressive animals.

By now, we know the reserve well enough to drive straight along the familiar track to the shed.

And there they are.

Herd of sable antelope
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

An impressive herd of sable antelope stands in the afternoon sunlight, their magnificent curved horns clearly visible. There are even several young calves among them.

Sable antelope are among Africa's most striking antelopes. They are large, powerful animals, easily recognised by their dark coats, white facial markings and impressive, backward-curving horns. The calves are born reddish-brown and gradually develop the characteristic dark adult colouring as they mature.

Watching the herd moving calmly through the golden Kalahari grass is a wonderful experience.

Sable antelope Outpost Safari Lodge
among Africa's most striking antelopes
Namibia 2026

Sundowner on the dunes

Sundowner, Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

That evening, the staff have arranged another sundowner – this time on top of a nearby sand dune.

Tomaz picks us up and drives us through the bush in the soft light of the setting sun.

When we reach the top of the dune, we find – well, by now you have probably already guessed it – a beautifully prepared table for two.

White tablecloth.

Two wine glasses.

Chilled white wine.

And an ice bucket, just in case.

There is also a large platter filled with cheese, sausage, olives, crackers and vegetable sticks.

Sundowner, Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

We enjoy the appetisers while watching one more of the most beautiful sunsets of the entire trip unfold across the bush and the red dunes.

And once again, the lovely staff seem to be enjoying themselves almost as much as we are.

Lovely staff, Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

It is difficult not to feel incredibly privileged.

When we return to the lodge, another dinner is waiting for us.

Tonight's main course is delicious, slow-cooked pork, somewhat reminiscent of osso buco in its rich, tender texture, followed by cheesecake for dessert.

After four days of this, a fairly serious diet may be required when we get home!

Slow-cooked pork
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

Saying goodbye to Outpost Safari Lodge

It is time to say goodbye after four extraordinary days!
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

And then, all too soon, it is time to say goodbye.

What an extraordinary four days we have had at Outpost Safari Lodge.

The combination of peace and solitude, superb food, extraordinary attention to detail, beautiful surroundings, wildlife and the simply breathtaking views makes this a very special place.

But perhaps what makes the stay particularly memorable is the people.

Elize and her team seem to have mastered the art of being attentive without ever being intrusive. They somehow manage to anticipate what you might want before you even realise that you want it. Whether it is breakfast around a fire in the bush, a cold drink at a hunting tower, wine at sunset or simply a quiet afternoon by the plunge pool, everything feels personal and carefully thought through.

View from terrasse
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

And then there is the landscape.

The enormous open spaces of the Kalahari, the dunes, the changing light, the silence and the wildlife create a sense of isolation that is becoming increasingly rare.

We can warmly recommend Outpost Safari Lodge to anyone looking to spoil themselves with several days of peace and complete privacy in the Kalahari.

It is also particularly well suited to a group of friends or family. We would absolutely love to return in this way.

The main house can accommodate around eight guests in four bedrooms, including two separate bungalows on stilts in the desert, just a short walk from the main house – provided, of course, that there isn't a lion paying a visit!

One of two separate bungalows on stilts
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

If you also rent the nearby Dune House, at least another eight guests can be accommodated.

This would make an ideal setting for a group of friends, a family gathering, a special celebration or even a company retreat.

If you are interested in hunting, this is also possible, or you can choose to rent the property outside the hunting season – or even take over the entire place exclusively.

It is certainly not inexpensive.

But in our opinion, Outpost Safari Lodge offers exceptionally good value for money for this level of privacy, service, food, surroundings and personal attention.

Four days of peace, adventure, excellent food, spectacular sunsets and wonderful people.

We leave with very fond memories – and with a strong feeling that we may well return one day.

Sunpavillion, Outpost Safari Lodge, sunset
Namibia 2026

Breakfast, Kalahari Lion Hunt and Kalahari truffles!

 

"Lion hunting" at Outpost Safari Lodge
Kalahari, Namibia 2026

While staying at Outpost Safari Lodge, we can choose a daily activity — typically a guided walk, a morning game drive or an afternoon drive or the traditional sundowner from a beautiful viewpoint.

This morning we have chosen the morning game drive.

We are going "lion hunting"!

Breakfast at Seven

Breakfast at dining table
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

 Breakfast is served at 07:00 around the enormous dining table.

Our attentive hostess, Elize and her two assistents, have prepared Greek yoghurt with fresh fruit and muesli, followed shortly afterwards by freshly made omelettes filled with delicious spinach and other greens.

A very welcome change after the many substantial breakfasts we have enjoyed at some of the other wonderful places on this trip.

After breakfast, our ranger Thomaz arrives with his assistant, who will accompany us as guide and tracker.

Blogger and wife, heading for morning drive
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

We take our seats high up on the back of the Toyota, while Elize brings a cooler box with cold drinks, should we feel the need for refreshments during the drive.

There are also warm blankets waiting on our seats to protect us from the chilly Kalahari morning.

Nothing has been left to chance.

Following the Lion

We head out into the Kalahari, which is particularly green this year after good rains.

In places we follow tracks in the sand; elsewhere we simply make our own track through the bush.

There are animals everywhere.

Kudu, springbook, eland, red hartebeest, blue wildebeest, giraffe and, of course, plenty of oryx.

Our ranger Tomaz shows us sorted ostrich eggs
Outpost Safari Lodge, Namibia 2026

We also pass an ostrich sitting on a nest.

And what a nest!

There are eggs everywhere — enough for some seriously large omelettes. ;-)

The ostrich has apparently sorted the eggs into different groups, sitting on those considered viable while the others have been pushed aside.

It is remarkable that she can apparently keep track of the whole arrangement.

Ostrich runs away, we leave her in peace
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

She gets up and runs away as we suddenly appear "around the corner".

We take a few photographs and then leave her in peace.

We see lion tracks
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

A little later, Thomaz spots lion tracks in the sand along the fence bordering Botswana.

This is what we have been looking for.

He suggests that we get down from the elevated back of the vehicle and sit inside the Land Cruiser, as we are now following fresh tracks and could encounter the young male lion at any moment.

That sounds perfectly sensible to us.

We have experienced lions right outside our tent in 2012 in Central Kalahari Game Reserve with our children in a roof top tent — a rather terrifying experience (link). Read the scary story! I also had the same experience with my son in 2015, but at a slightly safer distance (link). 

Along the Botswana Border

We drive slowly along the fence
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

We drive slowly along the fence while Thomaz leans out of the window, carefully following the tracks.

Eventually, we reach a hole underneath the fence leading towards Botswana.

According to Thomaz, this is where the lion has crossed through.

He believes the lion is still somewhere inside the area, but despite searching carefully, we cannot find him.

So we climb back, now onto the elevated seats again and continue our drive.

For the next couple of hours we travel through the beautiful Kalahari landscape, constantly encountering large groups of animals.

Giraffes running away 
Outlook Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

What an extraordinary abundance of life.

Eventually we reach the place where the lion killed the zebra.

There are tracks everywhere.

But no lion.

He has clearly moved on.

Back to Our Little Oasis

Our little oasis
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

After three hours in the bush, we return to our little oasis at Outpost Safari Lodge.

Elize is waiting for us in the sun lounge with a freshly baked apple pie.

It is difficult to imagine a better welcome after a morning in the bush.

Then it is time to relax beside the plunge pool.

Wife relaxing in (cool) plunge pool
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

What a life.

We feel extremely fortunate to be able to experience this.

Later that day, Elize tells us that Thomaz has returned to the site where the lion killed the zebra. He followed the tracks all the way through the bush to the same hole in the fence that we discovered — and closed — earlier that morning.

According to Thomaz, the lion is now back outside the property.

Good for us.

But probably good for the lion as well.

It is clearly dangerous to be an uninvited lion killing animals inside a private wildlife area — particularly one where hunting also takes place.

A Kalahari Delicacy

!nabas, Kalahari truffles
Photo Benutzer Chtrede, wiki (link)
Outpost Safari Lodge, Namibia 2026

And then there is lunch.

We are served warm, breaded pork with fried potatoes and a very special local delicacy: freshly harvested Kalahari truffles, known locally by their Nama name: !nabas.

These unusual desert fungi appear in the Kalahari after good rains and are a highly prized seasonal food. Unlike European truffles, they grow underground in the sandy soil and have a more subtle, earthy, nutty-mushroom flavour.

We have never tried them before.

Freshly dug from the Kalahari and now served with our lunch, they are a rather extraordinary addition to the meal.

What a privilege.

We enjoy every bite.