Luxury Lodges · Central Namibia, Namibia
Otjimbondona Kalahari
Overview
Otjimbondona means “the place where the small camelthorn trees grow” in the local ethnic language. Otjimbondona was bought by the Slaney family in 1922 to farm with sheep and cattle.
Wilfried, and his wife Anita, took over the farm in 2008 as the third generation of cattle farming Slaneys.
The original farm house was built in 1923 by a well-known Italian mason. It consisted of just two rooms at the time and was built with locally sourced stone (klip). Wilfried’s father was born in one of the original rooms in 1928. The house was extended considerably in the following years, but was left unoccupied in later years and it deteriorated to such an extent that it could not be saved, except for the two original rooms.
Wilfried and Anita have been in the tourism business since 1991, offering fly-in safaris throughout Namibia and its neighbouring countries. They have always dreamt of building their own lodge and in October 2012 this dream was finally being turned into reality. The plans were drawn up by their son-in-law and the start of their exciting adventure (and accompanying stress) began shortly afterwards. With the help of Leon Dixon, a local builder and his team, the work was completed in October 2014 and the Slaney's are now proud to open their doors to guests to come and share in the joy and beauty of Otjimbondona.
Suites & Rates
Choose how you stay
Camp Kalenga - Swallows Nest
This is a luxury tent with a king size bed, seating area, coffee station, plunge pool/hot tub and outside kitchenette area on the deck.
Villa Giraffe
Our diverse and friendly Namibian People inspired the theme for this west facing Villa. This Villa is wheelchair accessible to cater for guests with limited mobility.
Villa Kudu
This is a west facing Villa and was lovingly decorated using Namibia’s abundant Fauna and Flora as inspiration.
Villa Oryx
This east facing Villa is beautifully decorated according to the theme of ‘Namibian Landscapes’.
Villa Warthog
This is the second east facing Villa and was decorated with the eye catching theme of our local Nguni Cattle in mind.
Details
Good to know
Accommodation & amenities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Plunge Pool, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Sala, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Languages spoken
Afrikaans, English, German
Ideal for
Adventure, Birding, Cycling, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Sports, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
On-site activities
Bird Watching, Cycling, Game Drives, Game Viewing Hide, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Garden Tours, Gourmet Picnic, High Tea, Massages, Night Drives, Safaris, Scenic Flights, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours
Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Disability, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Private Vehicle (Available)
Nearby activities
Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Night Drives, Scenic Flights, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided)
Property facilities
Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Gym / Fitness Centre, Internet Access (Complimentary), Library, Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Outdoor Pool / Pool Deck, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, TV Room, Vegetarian
Location
Where you'll be
Activities
What you can do
Bush Spa
Nestled quietly within the Kalahari landscape, the Bush Spa at Otjimbondona offers a peaceful sanctuary where guests can slow down, unwind, and reconnect with themselves. Surrounded by the gentle sounds of nature and the warm stillness of the desert, it is the perfect place to indulge in a moment of pure relaxation.Guests are invited to treat themselves to a variety of soothing treatments designed to restore balance and wellbeing. Enjoy a deeply relaxing full-body massage, ease tension with a calming head and neck treatment, or refresh tired feet after a day of exploring with a revitalising foot massage. For those looking for a touch of pampering, manicures and pedicures offer the perfect finishing touch.Each treatment is designed to complement the tranquil rhythm of Otjimbondona, allowing body and mind to fully relax. Whether after a game drive, a walk through the Kalahari sands, or simply as a moment of self-care, the Bush Spa provides a quiet space to pause, breathe, and be cared for.Let the calm of the Kalahari surround you while you enjoy a well-deserved moment of relaxation.
Fat Biking
Fat bikes are off road bicycles with large tyres that enable riding on soft terrains. There are plenty of trails and roads which are ideally suited to explore the surrounding areas on a bike.
Game Drive
A game drive can be enjoyed in the morning, which then includes a coffee stop, or in the late afternoon with a sundowner, both overlooking the endless Kalahari landscape. You will be able to view over 35 different species of game and more than 95 species of birds. Should you wish to learn more about cattle farming in Namibia, this can gladly be arranged as well.
Gym & Sauna
For the more actively minded, we have a small, but modern gym with weights, a treadmill, cross trainer and Recline Forma exercise bike. There is a sauna to detox and relax, and a 20m long swimming pool to enjoy a swim or cool off in.
Meerkat Experience
With their slim frame and slender tail you can watch these highly social animals from a short distance while exploring with a nature walk. Early mornings they warm their bellies in the sun, sometimes showing off their little ones.
Nature Walks
A few walking trails give you the option to enjoy a nature walk, either on your own with a bird book and binoculars in hand, or with a guide accompanying you. There are also hides along the way that provide the ideal place for game and bird viewing.
Scenic Flights
A Cessna 210 is parked nearby and ready to take you on a scenic flight over the farm or surrounding area. If a flight to Sossusvlei to view Namibia’s majestic dunes or a delicious lunch of locally harvested Atlantic oysters and fish in the enchanting coastal town of Swakopmund are what you are after, we are happy to take you wherever your heart desires.We have provided fly-in Safaris throughout Namibia and its neighbouring countries since 1991. You can find more information about our fly-in Safaris here . We would love to create a tailor-made package to suit your needs and provide you with optimal exposure to our beautiful country and region.
Stargazing
The Namibian clear skies make stargazing an unforgettable and rewarding experience for both the experienced astronomer as well as the first time stargazer.
Visit to Arnhem Caves
Situated on a neighbouring farm, the Arnhem Cave – at 4,5 km long –is the largest cave system in Namibia and the 5th largest in Southern Africa. The cave is still in its natural state and home to the largest bat population in Africa. You will be able to view six recorded bat species and also discover a host of other interesting wildlife, including spiders, scorpions, beetles and musk shrews living in the cave. The cave is only a 15 minute drive from Otjimbondona, so a day visit can easily be arranged.
Yoga
At Otjimbondona, yoga becomes a deeply grounding experience set within the calm of the Kalahari. Surrounded by open landscapes, golden grasses, and acacia trees, guests are invited to move, stretch, and breathe in harmony with nature.Guests may enjoy their own private yoga practice from the comfort of their villa or on the freestanding yoga deck set amidst the Kalahari sands. With the quiet of the desert and endless views across the landscape, it is the perfect place to begin the day with sunrise yoga or unwind in the soft light of sunset.For those who prefer guided sessions, private yoga classes can also be arranged in advance. Throughout the year, Otjimbondona additionally hosts carefully curated yoga retreats, offering a deeper journey into wellness, movement, and relaxation in this unique natural setting.Guests interested in joining a retreat can visit the Retreats section on our website to explore upcoming yoga experiences.
Ready to plan your stay?
Tell us your dates and we'll handle the rest — flights, transfers and the lodge itself.
Enquire now