Mount Etjo Safari Lodge | Otjiwarongo

Information

Landmark: Mount Etjo Safari Lodge
City: Otjiwarongo
Country: Namibia
Continent: Africa

Mount Etjo Safari Lodge, Otjiwarongo, Namibia, Africa

Mount Etjo Safari Lodge is a private game reserve and hospitality establishment located in the Okikonjego Conservancy of central Namibia, approximately 225 km north of Windhoek and 90 km south of Otjiwarongo.

Visual Characteristics

The lodge is situated at the base of the Mount Etjo sandstone mountain, which rises dramatically from the surrounding flat savanna. The architecture is characterized by a blend of German colonial influence and traditional African thatch. The main lodge overlooks a perennial waterhole that attracts a high density of wildlife, providing consistent viewing from the dining and bar areas.

Location & Access Logistics

Access: Reached via the D2483 gravel road, which turns off the B1 highway at Kalkfeld or the C33.

Road Conditions: Accessible by 2WD vehicles; the road is generally well-maintained.

Status: Located on the 36,000-hectare Okonjati Game Reserve, founded by conservationist Jan Oelofse in 1975.

Airstrip: The lodge maintains a private gravel airstrip for fly-in guests.

Historical & Political Significance

Mount Etjo is a site of major political importance in Namibian history. In 1989, it hosted the signing of the Mount Etjo Declaration, a critical peace agreement between South Africa, SWAPO, and the UN that paved the way for Namibia's independence in 1990. A commemorative plaque and the original conference room are preserved at the lodge.

Key Highlights & Activities

Game Viewing: The reserve is home to over 8,000 animals, including white and black rhino, elephant, giraffe, hippo, and numerous antelope species.

Lion Feeding: A long-standing activity where guests can observe resident lions during a guided feeding session at a specialized enclosure.

Dinosaur Footprints: The lodge provides access to a site featuring fossilized footprints from the Lower Jurassic period, located approximately 30 km from the main camp.

Cheetah & Leopard Observations: Guided drives often focus on tracking large cats within the private reserve.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Accommodation: Options include luxury suites, standard rooms, and the Villa Marieta.

Camping: The Camp Fig Tree provides private campsites with individual ablution blocks located several kilometers from the main lodge.

Facilities: Large swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and conference facilities.

Connectivity: 4G mobile signal is stable at the main lodge; Wi-Fi is available in communal areas.

Best Time to Visit

The dry winter months (May to September) are optimal for wildlife viewing as animals congregate at the waterhole directly in front of the lodge. The summer months (November to April) are preferred for birdwatching and photography of the lush green savanna against the red sandstone of Mount Etjo.

Facts & Legends

A specific conservation fact: Jan Oelofse, the founder, was the lead animal handler for the film Hatari! starring John Wayne, and he utilized the "Oelofse method" of mass animal capture-using plastic boma walls-to establish the wildlife populations on the reserve. The name "Etjo" means "place of refuge" in the local Herero language.