Reviews of Amani Lodge in Windhoek Namibia

I had a one night stay at Amani Lodge mid-December 2012 and the price (N$ 1185 Euro 118.50) included breakfast. Guests are accommodated in tented chalets which are spacious and comfortable – no complaints there. Situated on the mountains west of Windhoek with good views of the surrounding area. The lion enclosure, placed below the chalets, provided some impressive sounds throughout the night. Supper was very nice (game steak); service was good and an adequate wine list. Breakfast was average.

On how to get there is a different story. The map provided on the website is not correct and I ended up taking a wrong turn. Once you get on the right route, you will experience one of the poorest roads in Namibia, especially when you take the turn-off to the lodge itself. It is a mountainous area and the road is rudimentary. A standard sedan will work, but may get damaged due to the ban road surface and big rocks. Amani Lodge is also quite far outside of Windhoek by at least 20km and the rough road and the expensive rate counts against it.

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Reviewed by: William B

Amani Lodge was the last stop after our three week trip in Botswana and Namibia. It is the highest accommodation in Namibia so we were literally on top of Namibia for our final night. We overestimated the amount of time it would take to get from Sossusvlei so we arrived at around midday. While arriving earlier than expected we were still welcomed, and lunch was prepared for us.

We had a couple hours to relax and unwind in our room before we set out on the Big Cat Experience. This was definitely the highlight of our trip. We had observed these cats from a distance in jeeps for the last few weeks, so to be able to be so up close to them was simply fantastic! Firstly we visited the cheetahs that are unable to be released into the wild and we thoroughly enjoyed seeing them.

Then we went and visited the 4 cheetahs that are going to be released into the wild as soon as land is available. To see them coming out of the bush and eat their dinner was quite something, and to see them interacting amongst each other over the food was very fascinating.

Lastly we went to visit the lion area, where there is a platform at the height of the rock where the lions have their meat. The late afternoon sunlight was gorgeous and these lions are in excellent condition - very beautiful! We were then taken on a drive by Olivier who is clearly very passionate about his work and the cats - it is a pleasure to see and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

There was champagne awaiting us at the end of the drive, with snacks and a view of the setting sun. Clean, while not fancy rooms have everything you need. All the food served was delightful and the service personable and top notch. Around the gardens are quite the mix of residential animals, with warthogs, horses and dogs. In short our stay was enjoyed, and for anyone wanting to get a closer look at the big cats then this lodge is highly recommended.

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Reviewed by: Angie S

With limited time to go on any real safari which requires a minimum of three days, I consulted the locals and the sanctuary at Amani lodge was on the short list.

Around about an hours drive from Windhoek and at an elevated area, with a cost around US$100. With the high points feeding and closely watching leopards, cheetahs and lions. The drive to their respective spots is scenic and somewhat adventurous. Sun set around 6:00pm with the surroundings basked in warm light quickly became an amazing view, with even the cats looking different in that light. The lodges brochure says 'end the day with lion’s roar'. Although we waited for them to roar after the feeding but it only happened as we were leaving. Definitely a worthwhile experience.

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Reviewed by: Johnson F

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