Damara Mopane Lodge, part of the well-regarded Gondwana Collection, brings an unexpected splash of green to the dry heart of Damaraland. Spread across a wide plot near Khorixas, the lodge is made up of individual bungalows, each with its own small planted garden and vegetable patch – a quirky, memorable touch that gives the place a relaxed, almost village-like feel. It is a comfortable, mid-range base for the region’s central attractions.
The forty-plus bungalows are bright and air-conditioned, with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas surrounded by mopane trees and greenery. At the heart of the lodge sits a large pool, a spacious thatched restaurant and bar, and open lawns – a welcome contrast to the surrounding gravel plains. The scale means it copes well with tour groups and families while still feeling calm.
Position is the lodge’s strong suit. Khorixas is the gateway town for a whole cluster of Damaraland sights: the Petrified Forest with its 280-million-year-old fossilised trees, the Twyfelfontein engravings, the Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain, and the striking Vingerklip rock finger to the east. The desert-elephant routes along the Huab are within reach for day excursions, making this a practical hub for exploring in several directions.
Damara Mopane is sold on a bed-and-breakfast basis, with dinner available in the restaurant, which suits travellers who like to keep their evenings flexible. As a price guide, a standard twin for two adults ranges from roughly N$3,904 to N$4,568 per night including taxes depending on date and room, making it one of the better-value comfortable lodges in the area.
The lodge’s position on the main routes into Khorixas makes it one of the easier Damaraland lodges to reach, accessible on good gravel and partly tarred roads and comfortable for two-wheel-drive vehicles. As a Gondwana property it can be booked as part of a wider circuit of the group’s lodges, and its size means it rarely turns families or small groups away. May to October brings the driest, most pleasant weather; the greener months after the rains show the gardens at their best. It suits travellers who value reliability, good food and a genuine pool over boutique exclusivity.
For self-drivers wanting a reliable, cheerful and well-run stop with a pool and good food near Khorixas, this is a dependable pick. Rates vary by season and demand, so check live availability and current pricing through the button below.
Check current availability for Damara Mopane Lodge on Booking.com.
