Immanuel Wilderness Lodge: Our full report

Situated about 20 minutes’ drive north of Windhoek or around an hour drive from the international airport.

The family-run Immanuel Wilderness Lodge is in a peaceful location, worth considering for your first or last night in Namibia if you are not enamoured with the idea of staying in the city of Windhoek itself.

Built on ten hectares of land, and on a rise overlooking the rolling hills that make up this area of Namibia, this small, delightful lodge is owned and run by Stephan and Sabine Hock. The Hocks emigrated here from Germany in 2007 to take over the lodge and they remain very involved with the day-to-day business, creating an atmosphere of genuine hospitality and warmth.

Guests at Immanuel are accommodated in nine rooms built in three blocks, each covered by a thatched roof. Simple, stylish and comfortable, they are fitted with rustic furniture – some of it homemade. Each has an en-suite bathroom, ceiling fan, air conditioning, mosquito nets above the double or twin beds, tea and coffee facilities and a private patio with chairs. Thanks to special signal boxes imported from the USA, the owner told us that WiFi also reaches to the rooms. Two of the rooms would work well for families, as both have a fun 'attic' floor reached by steep steps that are more like a ladder and complete with twin beds suitable for children.

There is an inviting swimming pool set in a small lawn, and an adjacent thatched 'lapa' where guests can relax in the shade. The homestead also features a menagerie of pets including dogs, ducks, ostriches and tortoises. A small number of springbok and impala roam freely on the ten-hectare plot and they are often attracted to the waterhole, which is just in front on the large terrace and braai area.

A recent addition to the property, which we noted on our latest visit in October 2016, was the construction of a specific therapy hut. A local therapist can be booked to give massages and treatments to the guests of Immanuel Wilderness Lodge which range in price between N$350 and N$650.

Stephan Hock's hobby is cooking and he produces delicious lunches and four-course dinners which are served in the restaurant – which is also open to those who are not staying at the lodge. Found in the thatched main building, the restaurant has french windows that open out onto a small garden and lovely views. There is also a reception, lounge and bar here.

A short nature trail around the property will give guests the opportunity to explore.

Our view

Immanuel Wilderness Lodge is a charming option if you are looking for a comfortable and wonderfully hospitable spot to overnight whilst on a self-drive trip around Namibia. The only activity available on site is a short nature trail so we don't recommend more than one night here unless you just want pure relaxation time.

Tom Morris

Country manager: Namibia

Geographics

Location: Windhoek, Namibia
Ideal length of stay: Expert Africa would recommend a one-night stay at Immanuel Wilderness Lodge either at the start or the end of a self drive holiday in Namibia.
Directions: About 10km north of Windhoek, turn left onto the D1473 (Brakwater), looking out for the signpost to Immanuel Lodge. Then at the T-junction turn north (right) onto the D1474. After around 3km, turn right at the sign to Immanuel Lodge and continuing through their gate and down the relatively bumpy drive to the lodge.
Accessible by: Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Bed & Breakfast
Food quality: Stephan is an acclaimed chef and takes great pleasure in providing high-quality food to guests at Immanuel Wilderness Lodge.

For breakfast, we understand that a good spread of meats and cheeses is laid out, including zebra salami and smoked kudu carpaccio as well as the normal breads, cereals, fruits and yoghurts.

Although we have not eaten here we understand that dinner is normally four courses, using local produce and meats. When we visited in October 2016, the evening’s menu started with spinach cappuccino, followed by a salad, with oryx steak as the main course and a dessert of homemade ice cream

Light lunches are also available.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor Dining
Drinks included: Drinks are available at extra cost, including a good selection of wines as well as bottled water, soft drinks, beer and spirits. These can be ordered throughout the day from the guesthouse waiting staff.

Children

Attitude towards children: Families with children of all ages are welcome at Immanuel Wilderness Lodge.
Property’s age restrictions: There is no age restriction.
Equipment: There are two family rooms, each comfortably sleeping a family of four.
Generally recommended for children: Although Immanuel Wilderness Lodge does accept children of all ages, we would recommend it for children aged over five years.
Notes: The pool is unfenced so children require parental supervision. The paths around the lodge are also quite uneven. There are quite a number of animals around the property including large dogs which, although friendly, may be unnerving for small children.

Communications

Power supply notes: There’s a back-up generator in case of power outage.
Communications: There’s WiFi in the rooms and in the central area.
TV & radio: There are no televisions in the rooms.
Water supply: Mains
Water supply notes: The showers are plumbed, the toilets are flush and there is hot water.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: No
Medical care: There are doctors and hospitals nearby in Windhoek.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: The land surrounding the lodge is fully fenced and the access to the lodge in gated.
Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are kept in the common areas of the guesthouse.

Activities

Self-guided walking

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: On Request.
Money: There’s a safe provided in each room.
Accepted payment on location: Payments may be made by credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Diners and American Express) and in cash (Namibian dollars and South African rand).