eBiking with Giraffes at the Kalahari Anib Lodge

“I’m feeling quite good! I’m doing quite well! E-Bikes rock!” Overall, I’m still having to work a little harder than expected but the sound of stones crunching underneath my tires makes me excited and scared. “I hope I don’t get a flat tire! I hope the bike doesn’t slide out under me? But, wait, are those lions I hear roaring nearby?!”

I skid to a halt and hear the warm breeze over my ears first, followed by the sound of a fly and then the moaning roar of a nearby lion. “But how nearby? As in – Kalahari Anib Lodge nearby or the farm next door nearby? They didn’t say anything about predators on the website so it must be the farm next door? ” A subtle testament to how clear the sound travels in the semi-desert.

This is the edge of the kalahari; an open expansive wilderness. Home to all sorts of the typical African animals, but my hopes are on giraffes. They’re a part of the Kalahari Anib Lodge and we’re out here hoping to see them.

We we descent the next hill, bingo! Dust being kicked up by the sudden galloping of giraffes away from us. WOW! This is perfection! We didn’t get too close as no one wants to get kicked by a giraffe. But the animals in Namibia tend to be bigger than in South Africa so they are exquisite even at a distance!

This is a MUST DO even if you are only there for one night! Make it happen for about R200 per person and can be booked at reception on-site, only.

Don’t forget to check out my post on how to get discounts on Gondwana Collection Lodges!

Top Features of Kalahari Anib Lodge

• Beautiful, modern bar with steel fireplaces submerged in vibrant red Kalahari sand.
• Electronic bike rides among a dozen giraffes.
• Small waterhole outside the cottages that allow modest game viewing.
• Crystal clear skies with exquisite views of the milky way.
• Best food spread out of all of the collection.

Our Kalahari Anib Lodge Review

The vibrancy of the red sand is just too beautiful for words. The khaki vegetation, vibrant green lawns kept alive by borehole water, deep blue skies and terracotta sand makes the Kalahari Anib Lodge one of the most beautiful Gondwana Collection Lodges – and a personal favourite of ours.

Located just 34 kilometers north of Mariental, the lodge includes both breakfast and dinner making it the perfect “real break” from long Namibian road trips. Whether the drive is from Etosha or Cape Town, the two swimming pools and chic bar ensure visitors can wind down in style before continuing on their way.

Sitting on the swing chair of our room’s porch, a lonely wildebeest wanders into view to enjoy the sweet taste of the man-made watering hole. Having e-biked with giraffes earlier in the day, it’s surprising that the 52 roomed lodge is only a 2-star resort. With a fire pit and lush lawns for kids to stretch their legs, it really is a family’s paradise in central Namibia. (Children under 5 stay free and kids under 13 stay at 50% off!)

The main reception areas are ok for internet reception, but if you have anything urgent to do, the town of Mariental is easily accessed with airtime available to be bought in store. Just make sure you buy enough to buy a package! (More on this in our City Slicker’s Guide to Road Tripping Namibia post.)

Devil Thorn’s Paradise

There’s a watering hole in front of our room and the view from our porch is too inviting to stay in the swing chair. Pulling back on my “vellies” (leather shoes) I walk slowly towards the waterhole. My socks are starting to pierce me with tiny, spiky, soft thorns and my shoes are getting an extra layer of devil thorns under foot.

Once I make it to the waterhole I look around; this is Africa after all and you just don’t know who’s coming to get you! The coast is clear so I can take a deeper look into the little pond. There’s not much to see, which is what makes it all the more impressive considering the amount of animals that flock to the small pond for water each night. Life’s precious source.

Retreating to my room my shoes are chockablock with devil thorns. These vellies have really saved me

Even though it’s not a Malaria zone, the folded mosquito nets around the bed were a welcome addition and guarded well against any bugs. The extra blanket was also handy.

Room Review

The bathroom was a decent size and included a loo, large counter, sink, mirror, towels and a shower. While I wasn’t “glamming” it up at the lodge, there was enough space to put on makeup and use toiletries comfortably. It was one of the more modern bathrooms which enhanced our stay.

While our room was very clean, however, the bathroom could have done with a slightly better scrub down. Dark tiles can often be overlooked if the light isn’t good while cleaning.

We had 2 little bedside tables on each side of the bed, which was handy. Unfortunately, mosquito nets prohibited us from direct contact with our phones during the night. Realistically, there was low reception and no one was calling anyway! So it really wasn’t an issue in this instant.

Usual amenities like a hair dryer, kettle, tea and coffee options were available and the air conditioning worked very well. Unfortunately, the room did not include a fridge, which was a bit of a pity as a bottle of cold water never goes amiss.

Practicality of the Lodge

My absolute favourite part of the lodge was the inside “outside” bar, which featured a long wooden bar, 2 steel fireplaces sunk into red Kalahari sand (raked daily) and large sliding doors for inside-outside gin & tonic drinking! I’d absolutely love to return with friends to this venue.

The main reception areas are ok for internet reception, but if you have anything urgent to do, the town of Mariental is easily accessed with airtime available to be bought in store. Just make sure you buy enough to buy a package! (More on this in our City Slicker’s Guide to Road Tripping Namibia post.)

Unlike Etosha Safari Lodge (which is also part of the premium collection), the Kalahari Anib Lodge provided a lovely welcome book with emergency numbers and information about the lodge. This is always useful, particularly in a “low internet reception” location to ensure guests feel more secure.

Final Impression

We were very disappointed when we had to redirect our self-drive Namibia route to exclude Swakopmund, but were most grateful when Gondwana was able to accommodate us at Kalahari Anib Lodge instead. What came of sadness ended up being one of the best venues and experiences on our trip!

Thank you to the Gondwana Collection for having us to stay. We look forward to visiting again in the future!