Reviews of Ai Aiba Lodge

"Driving on the bumpy gravel road for 45 kms off the main road, we couldn't imagine anyone else would be staying at the lodge. On arrival there was a coach and a number of other cars!

It is nestled amongst the most beautiful outcrop of enormous granite rocks with far reaching views. It is strikingly peaceful with rooms dotted under the largest stone outcrop in semi detached fashion. The beds are extremely comfortable and one can lie in bed and follow the uninterrupted view to the horizon. Facilities included a nespresso machine, and tea and coffee making facilities.

A good sized pool is set into the side of the lawn where pet warthogs roam, and there are bicycles available to borrow to explore the surroundings.

Meals are served in a very attractive large thatched room surrounded by floor to ceiling glass sliding doors and overlooking the view. There was a limited choice available on the menu for dinner.

Breakfast was good and varied, some self service and some ordered such as a smoothie, pancakes or the usual cooked offerings." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia

"We were only here for one night, which wasn't enough.

Stunning location" See all these reviews: 24n in Namibia

"Guided evening walk was very informative, with beautiful views.

We also enjoyed the self-guided walk to see some of the rock art - fascinating. Characterful chalet and friendly staff. Nice to have the fire outside at night to watch the waterhole.

It's a lovely place, but we were only there for one night and were glad we didn't have a second night as there were limited things to do - if we re-did the trip we probably wouldn't include it (it wasn't on our original itinerary and I specifically asked to go there, so this is not Expert Africa's fault!)." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia

"Beautiful scenery and staff very professional.

Would highly recommend a visit to the San living museum next door" See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia

"Beautiful surroundings, wonderful food, fantastic value for money." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia

"Quite a large lodge with about 20 rooms, but with really welcoming, genuine and friendly staff throughout and a great setting making it feel quite special. The rooms are semi-detached bungalows set fairly close together. Strangely due to the screening and staggered layout, the adjacent bungalow tends to be a little more intrusive than the semi-detached room. Rooms themselves are of high quality.

There is quite a large pool, pool-side area and bar. The lodge definitely attracts families; this area was never noisy but children of all ages were more than welcome to enjoy themselves.

Food was excellent. Service at dinner was a bit more UK than Namibia - a bit of a pause between ordering and courses, and finished plates stayed on the table until others had finished - all fine by us.

The self-guided walk above the accommodation is short but interesting and can easily last 45 minutes. It has some well preserved rock art and good views through the rocks and across the plains. We did the morning guided walk and evening sundowner walk which were similarly interesting with great views. Both guides were excellent.

There is no other access for self-guided walking, apparently due to tourists collecting plants for medicines. The advertised other morning walk option has been replaced by a game drive.

Overall, a very nice relaxing place with plenty to do for a couple of nights. All the staff across management, reception, bar, restaurant, guides and room preparation deserve recognition for their attitude and welcome." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia

"Wow! Do not stay less than 2 nights. Great room food, staff, location. Took the complimentary sundowner climb/hike. Very knowledgeable guide. Took the paid visit to the Sani Bush people living museum and a sundowner to additional rock paintings. We saw plus or minus 100 paintings. On our own we might have seen 10. The last morning we engaged a guide to lead us on the lodge "hiking trail". Could not have navigated or accomplished it without his assistance. Rewarded with more rock paintings.

Ai Aiba Lodge is a magical place!" See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia; 3n in South Africa

"Ai Aiba looks like the Garden of Eden. It's the most beautiful setting.

It's amazing to be able to walk straight out into it from the accommodation, whether with a guide or on your own. The trails are discreetly marked but easy to find and follow.

We enjoyed an early morning walk (nearly three hours) before breakfast with Deon, one of the professional guides. Deon was was very knowledgable and observant and helped us understand what we were seeing around us, whether right at our feet or in the distance - animals small and large, birds, plants, geology, the rock art. And often there were things to hear, smell and taste too.

It was clear that he loved the land himself and enjoyed sharing it with us. We could happily have spent another few hours in his company.

The next morning we took a shorter walk alone into the rocks above the lodge, just after sunrise. After our walk with Deon we felt we had been tuned in to our surroundings, and you just have to be still for a few minutes to see all kinds of things, for example to realise that you are being watched by a little group of rock dassies.

Of all the memorable experiences of our trip, the one that lingers most strongly is of walking in the wilderness at Ai Aiba.

The staff at the lodge were all cheerful and friendly and happy to help. The food was very good. Our room was unfussy, comfortable and clean and looked directly out over the beautiful landscape.

Even the road to and from the lodge - inside the Conservancy - had a lot to offer. We stopped to watch tortoise and herds of giraffe crossing the road in front of us, more than once.

We stayed two nights at Ai Aiba and would have been glad to stay at least another in order to explore at more leisure." See all these reviews: 5n in Namibia

"Beautiful views and interesting to see the rock art.

Buildings are rather dark and not our favourite.

Food was good." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia

"Nice sundowner walk!" See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia