Immanuel Wilderness Lodge

The place looks lovely and well organized, but our experience was deeply unpleasant. We were on holiday, about a ten-minute drive from home, where my sister lived in Brakwater. That evening, a very heavy storm had swollen the river near Kia Ora. The current was too strong to cross safely by car, so we decided to wait for the rain and river to subside before continuing home. In that isolated area, Immanuel Lodge was the only place we could reach. We got there around sunset hoping to shelter, perhaps have dinner or a drink while the storm passed. The receptionist repeatedly said they were full and had a function that night, then put us back outside in the dark and rain, despite the dangerous conditions. We weren't asking for a room, or even expecting dinner because of the function. I only asked if we could sit on a couch in a corner of reception and buy something to drink while we waited to drive home safely. Hospitality means welcoming guests, and a lodge in a remote area that can become wild in rainy season should understand why someone might need to wait out a storm. If that woman reads this, I hope she'll think about the chance she had to do a good deed. As a human being, she lost that opportunity. The lodge itself looks amazing, and I imagine people who stay there may have a pleasant visit. But because of what happened, crossing paths with the woman at Immanuel was very unpleasant. I still can't believe she sent us out into the storm.

The restaurant was the best part of our stay. The food was great and not too expensive, and the pool was clean and nice. The staff were friendly and accommodating, and the rooms were nice too. I just didn't like the smell of the thatched roof and wood varnish. There isn't much to do, and we didn't see much wildlife.

It’s rare to find somewhere that makes you feel immersed in Namibia’s untamed wilderness, but this place did. The atmosphere captured the raw beauty of the landscape, and the food was exceptional too. Thanks especially for the helpful directions for the route to Sesriem.

We spent the last night of our 16-day trip in Nambia at Immanuel Wilderness Lodge. The owners were friendly and very helpful with our plans to visit Windhoek the next day. We made the most of our last hours at the pool and had a nice dinner. Still, it seemed the restaurant was the owners' priority, because our room wasn't very clean. The furniture and bath were quite old, and the beds were small in both length and width. I think the chalets need a bit of renovation.