Vingerklip Lodge

If having unique experiences on holiday is your thing, dinner at the lodge’s Eagle’s Nest restaurant is a must. Perched atop the so-called North Terrace, the aptly named restaurant offers a view that any Verreaux’s eagle would be very happy with! Even the 35 m-high Vingerklip looks small from up there.

Vingerklip is arguably the main attraction of the Ugab Terrace area

– it imposes itself above the mopane and trumpet thorn trees. While day visitors are allowed to access the rock formation, if this is the reason you’re in the neighbourhood, it’s best to book at least one night at the lodge.

Lace up your hiking shoes and explore the trails, which allow for good birding and close-up views of the fascinating geology. Also set aside some time to enjoy the comforts of the lodge: It has two swimming pools, a gym and a kids’ play area. If you’re lucky, you might even see some of the desert elephants that regularly make their way from the nearby Ugab River and stay in the area surrounding the lodge for a couple of weeks at a time before moving on again.

Facilities: There are 12 thatched bungalows each with two double units – a total of 24 rooms. Eight of the units have loft accommodation, providing additional beds for guests travelling with children. All units have a private balcony. Heaven’s Gate is a luxury bungalow that sleeps two in a quiet spot on the North Terrace.

Any niggles? The views of the surrounding landscape are somewhat obscured by thatched roofs with low sides, and other built structures.

Rates: Double room R1 930 p.p. DB&B.

Activities: There are three trails: Vingerklip walk (1 hour) takes you directly to the rock formation. (Climb to the base of Vingerklip to get an elevated view over the terraces.) The longer Vingerklip extension route (2 hours) takes you to Vingerklip and also wraps around the North Terrace. The South Terrace hike (1½ hours) is a great way to have a closer look at how these terraces were formed. The Joint Terrace hike (3½ hours) combines the Vingerklip extension and the South Terrace hike.

Dining at Eagle’s Nest is only for overnight guests and booking is essential as there are only 20 seats available. A R100 p.p. surcharge is added when dining here.

Day visitors: Day visitors are welcome; the entrance fee is R15, payable at the gate.

Contact:

(lodge); 00 264 61 255 344 (reservations); vingerklip.com.na 00 264 67 290 319