Zannier Omaanda lies about 30 minutes' drive from Windhoek, inside a private reserve of 22,000 acres of bushveld, open plains and acacia. The lodge takes its shape from traditional Namibian houses, with clay walls and thatched roofs, and inside the huts have large picture windows, walk-in rain showers and freestanding baths. There are 15 huts in all, some with one bedroom and some with two, the larger ones with wide terraces and fireplaces. Days follow the light: game drives at sunrise and sunset, guided outings to look for rhino, elephant, big cats and meerkats, and night drives on the savannah. Back at the lodge there is an infinity pool, a spa that draws on African healing traditions, a gym and sunrise yoga. Dinner is served at Ambo Delights or outdoors, and the boma is the place for a drink by the fire. The reserve is run with the N/a'an ku sê Foundation, a non-profit that rescues and rehabilitates wildlife, and the lodge holds Green Globe certification. Children under six are not accepted, for safety.
- Rooms
- 15 huts
Insider tip Ask about time with the N/a'an ku sê Foundation's conservation team, which works across the reserve the lodge sits in.
Why I choose it It is a short drive from the capital yet feels deep in the bush, which makes it an easy and rewarding first or last night in Namibia.
