Kalahari Anib Lodge

The communal area looks like a contemporary barn with exposed rafters and a chipboard ceiling. We love the massive fireplaces and quirky decor. It may look like a stylish roadside coffee shop you might find in the Karoo, except this ‘coffee shop’ has a bar and a big crowd. Floor to ceiling windows open onto a spacious wooden deck under the trees. The curio shop has carefully sourced products so if you’re looking for gifts, you’ll definitely find something here.

The guest rooms are neatly packaged with uplifting decor elements. There are 30 standard rooms geared for big tour groups and 17 comfort rooms, which have four poster beds with a mosquito net and crisp white linen. Each room is en-suite with a shower and has a writer’s desk and luggage bench. We like the charming terrace with its built in seated area and basket chair overlooking the veld.

The Kalahari is renowned for its rust-coloured dunes and desert-adapted wildlife. The lodge offers morning and sunset game drives, exploring the surrounding wilderness area. Look out for creatures such as springbok, zebra, jackal and wildebeest. Make sure you get your spotting eyes on for the Kori Bustard - the largest flying bird. Feel like stretching your legs after all the driving? Enquire at reception about the various hiking trails, you won’t regret getting in touch with the Kalahari landscape.