Vingerklip Lodge: Our full report

Vingerklip Lodge sits at the foot of a stunning rocky plateau, one of the Ugab terraces, which towers above the lodge.

From the many vantage points at the lodge guests can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding sandstone mountains and valleys, as well as the eponymous Vingerklip, a striking 35m high ‘finger of rock’.

From a pretty landscaped garden, steps lead up to Vingerklip’s main building, housing the reception, curio shop, restaurant, bar and lounge. This main area is largely open sided, and open plan, under a high thatched roof; it's airy and cool, but a little dark. A well-stocked bar,lies to one side of the reception, along with a lounge area with plenty of seating and views over the bush. To the other side is the restaurant, with individual tables and a large central fireplace. Outside, Vingerklip Lodge makes good use of its hilltop location, with terraced seating areas strategically placed on several levels. A shaded deck alongside the main building, is a perfect spot for sundowners. In between are two swimming pools: one large and U-shaped; the second, smaller. Both have sunloungers and umbrellas offering some welcome shade. Added extras are a jacuzzi, with a bar conveniently next to it, and a fitness room.

The lodge sits below a huge sandstone plateau, the vertical walls of which loom over Vingerklip. Those with a head for heights can climb up here using a steep winding footpath followed by several flights of metal steps. The views from the top are incredible though and are well worth the climb, with a 360^o viewing platform and firepit perched on the edge of the cliff making for one of the most memorable sundowner spots we’ve found in Namibia. Luckily cold drinks are available up here from the bar at the Eagle’s Nest Restaurant which also serves barbeque dinners with a view. This is a spectacular spot for dinner and is unsurprisingly very popular but with limited spots. If you are keen to eat up here we would strongly suggest reserving your spot before your trip.

Vingerklip's 25 bungalows, with whitewashed walls, thatched roofs and private terraces, are perched in pairs along the hillside, linked by stone and concrete pathways. Inside, the décor is modern, with cool grey/blue walls, and black and white furniture, and some unfortunately mismatched chrome fittings. Animal skins brighten the flagstone floor, and black-and-white dogtooth bolsters add style to the white sheets and black cushions on the bed. The rooms are sophisticated, with interesting bedside lamps, and cool black-and-white armchairs in front of large wardrobes. You can also expect double or twin beds, a white wooden dressing table with a large mirror, air conditioning, mosquito nets, and a safe for locking away valuables. Two 'luxury' units also have a small kitchen. The en-suite bathrooms have twin sinks, a shower and huge mirror and a seperate toilet.

Eight of the bungalows are designed for families, with a loft that can accommodate two children. Here you'll find twin beds with mosquito nets, a pair of armchairs and a table with a great view of the bush. Note, however, that the stairs are very steep, almost a ladder, and although there is a rope handrail, and a railing around the top, there is nothing to stop a child falling down the stairs. Thus we wouldn't recommend them for young children.

The pinnacle of Vingerklip's accommodation options is an exclusive and secluded bungalow, 'Heaven's Gate', perched up alongside the Eagle's Nest restaurant. It, too, is accessible only via a short mountain walk, followed by a 25m climb up a metal staircase. Not for the faint hearted!

Vingerklip Lodge offers a number of activities. A signposted walk from the lodge to the Vingerklip takes around an hour. There are also marked walks around the northern or southern terrace, each taking around two hours, which you can do alone, or with a guide. Nature drives, sundowner trips and visits to a Himba village in the area can also be arranged.

Our view

Vingerklip Lodge is stylish and friendly with good facilities and an incredible setting from a geological perspective. Although it’s some distance from Twyfelfontain and some of the more popular attractions in Damaraland the vistas and landscape make driving to the lodge an activity in its own right. We think this lodge is an interesting place to stay off the beaten track in an already isolated part of Namibia.

Richard Trillo

Namibia expert

Geographics

Location: Damaraland, Namibia
Ideal length of stay: Vingerklip Lodge makes a good one-night stopover between Etosha and central Damaraland.
Directions: Vingerklip Lodge is situated about halfway between Khorixas and Outjo, on the D2743 road.
Accessible by: Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board
Food quality: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served as buffets in the main area, with a barbecue dinner usually available at the Eagle’s Nest. Guests at Heaven’s Gate also have their breakfast in the Eagle’s Nest.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: No

Children

Attitude towards children: Families with children are welcome at Vingerklip Lodge.
Equipment: There are family bungalows with a loft room for children, although access is not suitable for the very young.
Generally recommended for children: Vingerklip Lodge is built on several different levels, with uneven paths and un-supervised pools – so it’s better suited to older children.
Notes: Vingerklip Lodge is built on several different levels, with some uneven pathways and unfenced pools, making it better suited to older children. Children should be fine as long as they are under supervision at all times.

Communications

Power supply notes: Back-up generator
Communications: There is free WiFi for guests.
TV & radio: No.
Water supply: Borehole

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: The closest doctor or clinic is in Khorixas but facilities in Outjo would be much better.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: There are security guards on duty day and night.
Fire safety