Where do I take my children during the school holidays? Somewhere interesting, that fits into my budget; somewhere neither of us has been before; somewhere new everyday; somewhere I can fit into a week?
Living in the capital of Namibia, we used to go to the coast or to South Africa for the holidays. This time should be a road trip through the South of Namibia. A long distance cut into shorter distances to drive every day, interesting sites to see, new experiences, and a challenge for me -as I have never driven such a long distance before.
After consulting with friends and family, and researching the internet, I decided on several lodges and on various stops which I have always wanted to visit.
I packed clothing for a week and healthy snacks, fruit and plenty of water and iced tea. Filled up my tank and decided to leave after work on Friday 23 August.
Day 1 : 23 August
We left from Windhoek @ 14h00, 190km to Kalkrand and found the Teufelskrallen Tented Lodge. The staff welcomed us very friendly with a glass of juice and explained to us the way to our tented accommodation, 1km on. He said, that at 18:30 there would be dinner at the old farmhouse (no mention of prices, menu or the likes).
We were the only guests that day, and had the last, most private tent in the row. The tent-houses were great, very clean, although with a timber floor where dust will always come in. The shower and toilet are outside with a view from the WC onto the watering hole.
The wind was blowing and the temperature icy. We did not want to shower that night and hoped, that the next morning would be warmer.
We took a short walk through the farmlands but did not see any wild.
At 18:30 we went to the dining room in the old farmhouse - mentioned before, we were the only ones. So we had the waiter all to ourselves, we felt observed. He was very attentive, and served us the set menu.
Starting with a white onion soup, which tasted good, albeit a bit salty. The main meal was beef steak (a bit tough) with sweet butternut, roasted potatoes, sliced green beans and carrots. Because we had a starter, the full main meal was too much, and neither of us could finish.
Throughout the whole meal we felt as if the waiter was watching our every move, and it felt a bit odd.
We drove back to our tent. There was a double bed, overlooking the waterhole; and a camping stretcher with a camping mattress on top. The duvets were great, and there were extra blankets. It was a windy night, but we could snuggle under our duvets.
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| View from the tent |
The next morning was cold, and I ran to the outside shower, in a dropper fenced enclosure, linked to the tent with a bridge. Quickly took a shower, washed my hair, and ran back through the cold into the tent, to get dressed. My children did the same, and were glad, that they could get dressed in the warm(er) tent. I guess in winter, one should shower in the afternoon, when the sun is warmest and the wind not as strong.
Breakfast consisted of cereal, or toast with some cold meats and cheese. One could ask for scrambled or boiled eggs. Two waiters were watching us this time. We paid after breakfast ( this had been included in the booking price). But I got a shock when seeing, that they charged me N$200/pp for our dinner the night before.
All in all it was worth the experience. Sleeping in a tent, well equipped with a fridge; very clean; a stunning view from the top of the dune; and well prepared food. The staff was very friendly, although a bit too much in our face.
Would I stay there again? Maybe, but with more people around at dinner and breakfast. Or maybe eat @ the tent.
My rating 7.5
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