Kalahari Farmhouse: Our full report

The attractive, colonial-style Kalahari Farmhouse lies some 60km northeast of the Namibian town of Mariental, ...

... in the Kalahari Desert. Standing on the banks of the ephemeral Auob River, it is set in lush green gardens, with vines and fields to one side and the town of Stampriet to the other.

The sister property to the large Anib Lodge, Kalahari Farmhouse opened in 2009. Although idyllic in appearance, its rural feel is marred slightly by its proximity to Stampriet.

Set in a row in front of the farmhouse are 11 air-conditioned chalets, one with four beds, and two interleading, so suitable for a family. For the most part all are painted white, with a little colour coming from cushions and brightly patterned quilts. A small table and chairs are set in front of a fireplace, although sadly this is not in use. But you will find a bedside table, a cupboard, a luggage rack and tea/coffee-making facilities.

Each of the en-suite bathrooms, has a colonial farmhouse feel, conjured up by the enamel sink and vintage taps mounted on a vintage sideboard brushed white. There is also a shower and flush toilet, with soap, shampoo, moisturiser and shower gel all provided.

The farmhouse itself forms the main area of the lodge, with a restaurant, lounge, bar and curio shop. It is fronted by a pretty, leafy garden with some impressive palms and small bridges over pleasant streamlets which you cross in order to reach the chalets.

Inside, the whole building is decorated with nick nacks and items collected over the years, from animal skins and old chests to obsolete farming equipment. The restaurant has an open fire for the colder evenings, and screen doors that open onto an attractive plant-filled terrace for dining on warmer nights. In the bar, comfortable sofas sit beneath a television, while outside another terrace backs onto the pool.

Although there are no activities at Kalahari Farmhouse itself, guests are welcome to join in those at Anib Lodge, 35km away. However, do be aware that you would need to drive yourself to Anib, which would mean a long drive back in the dark after a sundowner drive – something that we wouldn't recommend.

Guests are welcome to visit the small farm next door, which represents Gondwana's Self-Sufficiency Centre, and produces most of the meat and vegetables used in the Godwana lodges around the country. Along with polytunnels housing rows of vegetables, keep a look out for enclosures of chickens and pigs; you can expect some very fresh food at Kalahari Farmhouse!

Our view

Kalahari Farmhouse offers comfortable accommodation in a pretty farmhouse setting. Although not the best location for activities, it would be an ideal, relaxed stop off on the long journey between Windhoek and Fish River Canyon.

Tom Morris

Country manager: Namibia

Geographics

Location: Southern Namibia, Namibia
Ideal length of stay: 1-2 nights
Directions: Kalahari Farmhouse is in the small settlement of Stampriet,which is on the crossroads of the C15 and the C20, around 60km from Mariental.
Accessible by: Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Bed & Breakfast
Food quality: Although we didn't eat here during our last visit in April 2018, on a previous visit the standard of food was good, with lots of fresh produce used.

Breakfast is a buffet with a selection of cheeses, meat, yoghurt, bread, fruit and cereals, with a cooked breakfast available on request.

A light lunch menu is offered, with salads and sandwiches as well as burgers and pizza.

Dinner is a set menu. On one previous visit we tucked into a smoked meat salad, followed by T-bone steak and chips, and a delicious tiramisu for dessert.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: No
Drinks included: Drinks are not included

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Property’s age restrictions: There are no age restrictions at Kalahari Farmhouse.
Special activities & services: None
Equipment: There is one four-bed family room, and two of the chalets are inter-leading, making them suitable for a family, but no other children’s equipment is available.
Generally recommended for children: There is not a lot to keep children occupied at the farmhouse, so the larger Anib Lodge might be more suited to those with young children.
Notes: Children must be supervised at all times because of its proximity to the town.

Communications

Power supply notes: Back-up generator
Communications: There are no phones in the chalets but cellphone reception is good, and there is free WiFi in the main area.
TV & radio: There is a TV with DSTV in the bar.
Water supply: Borehole
Water supply notes: Each chalet has flush toilets, and hot and cold running water.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: No
Medical care: The closest doctor is in Mariental, about 60km away.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: There is a guard on the gate during the day.
Fire safety: A fire extinguisher is located outside every room.

Activities

4WD Safari

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Laundry is available for an extra cost.
Money: There is a safe in every chalet. No currency exchange facilities are available.
Accepted payment on location: Visa and Mastercard are accepted for card payments, with cash payments accepted in South African rand and Namibian dollars.