Frans Indongo Lodge

You'll find this attractive thatch-roof, blond-concrete lodge surrounded by lush green lawns in a sea of sand. Enter the great room in the main area to find an open-plan lounge that centers around a large wood-burning stove; the room offers plenty of seating in canvas or leather and whicker chairs. You'll find a bar and several tables where guests can privately dine at the lodge's restaurant. Outside, the veranda looks onto a floodlit waterhole. There is a large pool surrounded with numerous sun loungers and an ample viewing deck with the best vistas over this dramatically sparse landscape.

Indongo has twelve rooms that fall into three different categories but all have a large double or twin beds, a desk and chair, a small fridge, television, tea and coffee facilities and air-conditioning. The two double rooms have an ensuite bathroom with just a shower. The eight stand-alone chalets are suitable for two people, each with an ensuite bathroom that has a shower and bathtub. The two family rooms have ensuite bathrooms, complete with shower and bath, as well as a lounge area with a sofa and chairs.

Though part of this reserve is used for agriculture, the park is primarily a wildlife sanctuary. You'll find Africa's plains game including gemsbok, zebra, kudu, springbok and eland, as well as rarer antelope like sable and roan. and the iconic and endangered white and black rhino. You may not come here expressly for the game but you will be pleasantly surprised by the variety. Check out nearby conservation efforts at the Cheetah Conservation Fund and the Rare and Endangered Species Trust. Take a guided walk through the reserve on trails ranging from 1.5 to 4 hours - this is a stunning way to explore Namibia's oft-overlooked flora and fauna.