It is not often one gets the opportunity to explore unique destinations in the world.
One such place, the captivating Skeleton Coast off the northern coast of Namibia. The Bushman of the northern interior referred to this region as ‘The land God made in Anger’. Portuguese seafarers of years ago stated to it as ‘The Gates of Hell’. In this hostile and inhospitable environment, you will find one of the most unique and magnificently designed lodges ‘The Shipwreck Lodge’.
Your best way of getting to the Shipwreck Lodge is to fly in via a charted flight. The flight from the city of Windhoek, Namibia’s capital is via top class flight companies that operate from the two main airports, Eros airport, which is regional and international as well as the main hub into Namibia Hosea Kutako International Airport. These independent flight companies will fly you directly to Mowe Bay (German for Gull Bay), where you will be collected by a highly competent guide navigating you over a 1.5 hour journey across rocky terrain, sand dunes & shoreline past shipwrecks and relics of the past to this magical haven. This is when you realize how remote you are from any form of civilization.
Approach: on the last leg of your trip towards the lodge, through the windswept dunes, the unmistakable & inspiring silhouette of the lodge makes its appearance. You are welcomed by Sakkie (the manager) and friendly staff, who make you feel comfortable from the time you arrive, with a cool drink in hand, while you admire your surroundings.
Cuisine: The delicious fare is well prepared from breakfast through to dinner by ‘chef Arron’ and so is the presentation thereof. Every evening you have a selection of a few dishes, prepared by the chef and his team. Vegan meals are also available or other dietary requirements you may have.
Beverages are on tap at any time, from soft drinks through to alcoholic beverages to warm you up after an exciting day out in the barren wilderness.
Activities: Weather permitting breakfast or lunch is provided al-fresco in the dunes, on the beach or on the dry riverbed of the Hoarusib River (when not coming down in flood during March - April). Known as an ephemeral river, meaning it does not flow for up to 75% of the time, however in areas this river has some surface water at certain times of the year.
Where you likely to see the abundance this region has on offer, is that of the desert Elephant, Springbok, Oryx, desert Lion, Brown Hyena, Jackal, Baboon wonderful bird life amongst others.
The lodge offers inclusive to your rates sandboarding, quadbike trails through the dunes, fishing for those that are lucky enough to hook and want the chef to prepare their catch of the day.
Architecture: The exterior theme of the main building, reception, lounge, dining, and patio area is indicative of a shipwreck. With slanted glass panels in the dining area giving, you a feeling of been in a Galion, albeit eclectic and modern in comparison.
The rooms are well appointed, amazingly spacious and comfortable with inspiring architecture, giving you the sense of being inside a ship, including large expanses of windows with a chaise lounge to enjoy the magnificent views. Each room is equipped with a coffee station and freshly baked biscuits available daily as well as a fireplace for those colder evenings, although the rooms are well insulated from the harsh environment.
As you settle down for the night, the sound of the wind buffeting against your cabin with the occasional call of the Brown Hyena affords you the opportunity to savour the environment you find yourself in.
The lodge is designed to have minimal impact on the environment, meaning in this concession should they need to leave the total structural milieu can be disassembled with no physical footprint impacting the ecosystem.
It must be noted that this lodge is a joint venture with Sesfontein and the Purros conservancies known as Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM). Which in short benefits the rural Namibians to financially sustain themselves and manage their natural resources through tourism and through this it has become a highly successful intervention.
The Shipwreck lodge is highly recommended and we would definitely travel there again.
Fashion Fundi
Written By: Kevin Els
WOW, is this awesome - it almost looks like on another planet. 🙂 I have been to Kenia few years ago and I am think of visiting Namibia, too. I will definitely keep a note on this beautifaul lodge. Thanks!
ReplyDelete