Terrace with a view of Nyala (August 2007)

Relaxing on the terrace, sipping a long drink and watching game drink their fill in close proximity – this is the experience that we offer our guests with our newly built terrace. It borders directly on the lodge’s game area and affords uninterrupted views of a watering place which is regularly frequented by Oryx antelope, black springbok, black wildebeest, eland and nyala. With its wooden flooring and railings the terrace blends into its natural environment in a comfortably-rustic way.

In the course of alteration work we also enlarged the adjoining restaurant with the thatched lounge. Armchairs with plump cushions entice our guests to spend leisurely hours in a noble African ambience. They enjoy lingering at the fireplace and reflecting on the day’s events while having a glass of wine in the glow of the flickering fire.

We also have good news for guests with children: our lodge now provides special facilities for families. We have converted existing rooms into spacious suites for four. Furthermore we have built two elegant new chalets.

Training which motivates (January 2007)

Our staffer Ndinelao Fiyeipo Hashipala has proudly returned from a course in home economics, waving a certificate. For a whole week she extended her knowledge of hygiene in all areas of the hospitality business. Theory and practice of indoor cleaning and the proper use of chemicals were crucial components of the course. “I am glad that I was able to take part”, the 38-year-old beams. “I want our guests to feel at home with us, and a spick-and-span room is an important prerequisite.” Ndinelao has been with Frans Indongo Lodge from day one. Apart from cleaning guests’ rooms she is also busy in the restaurant and the laundry. In-service courses which aim at attaining international standards are strongly supported by the tourism sector.

Rubbing Shoulders with Cheetahs     (November 2006)

More and more guests of Frans Indongo Lodge take advantage of our proximity to the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) based on the neighbouring farm and go to see the big cats for themselves. The CCF has been working for the protection of this endangered species since 1990. We recommend two excursions. The “cheetah run” is very attractive for self-drive guests: a piece of cloth, pulled across the ground by a winch, encourages the cheetahs to sprint. Thus they are kept fit even though they live in enclosures, and visitors are able to take shots of the feline predators in motion. The visit to the CCF is wrapped up with a tour of the Educational Centre which features an instructive cheetah exhibit. The highlight of our guided excursion of three to four hours starting at Frans Indongo Lodge is the 64 ha Bellebeno game enclosure. It is currently inhabited by 15 females which cannot be released into the wilds any more. The best time to visit them is in the morning when the big cats are active and so inquisitive that they come very close to our vehicle – with no fence separating us. Cheetahs play an important role in Namibia’s ecosystem, and the entrance fee is used towards their protection.

Number of rhino doubled (September 2006)

Chances to see white rhino during our game drives are now even better. With another two females and two males we recently increased their numbers to a total of seven. The newcomers are from South Africa and will infuse new blood into our breeding programme. They quickly recovered from the excitement of their journey – a clear indication is the fact that they are already getting used to our vehicle. We also have a black rhino at Frans Indongo Lodge. This remains an acutely endangered species, protected by law. In order to increase the black rhino’s numbers, the Namibian government introduced a strictly regulated custodian ship programme. Frans Indongo Lodge is taking part in this effort: the lonesome male in our 60 km² game enclosure will soon have a black rhino female for company.

Birthday Party with the President (January 2006)

Dr. Frans Aupa Indongo, the owner of Frans Indongo Lodge, celebrated his 70th birthday in the end of January. The reception at the lodge was attended by more than 500 guests; among them Founding President Dr. Sam Nujoma and President Hifikepunye Pohamba, followed by a host of well-known personalities in government, business and society circles. During the official ceremony President Pohamba paid tribute to the hardworking septuagenarian’s achievements in life. Choirs had travelled from the birthday boy’s Oshivambo-speaking home region for the occasion to lend additional colour to the programme. The festivities ended with a buffet luncheon which included traditional dishes such as oshifima (Mahangu millet gruel), ombindi (wild spinach), oshingali (purée of beans), omaungu (mopane caterpillars), ondjove (oil from Marula fruits), oxuxwa (grilled chicken), eedingu (biltong, or dried meat) and omungome (traditional bread), accompanied by oshikundu (alcohol-free beer made from Mahangu and sorghum millet), omalodu (alcoholic sorghum beer) and omaongo (alcoholic Marula beer).

Indongo is one of the most successful businessmen in the country. His success is based on diligence and sheer hard work. True to his style the festivities wrapped up after the luncheon because he was in a hurry to get away and supervise the loading of cattle.

Frans Indongo himself lends a hand to speed up construction of the camping site in the vicinity of the lodge. 
Photo: Sven-Eric Kanzler

Rhino released into the wild (May 2005)

Nowadays the lodge’s grounds are home to three White Rhino. The first one was released a year ago, the other two during this month. As part of a partnership agreement we also took in two Black Rhino from Camp Eden. Namibia’s Black Rhino population in the wild was almost wiped out by poachers in the early eighties. Since then numbers have recovered again thanks to eco-tourism, educating the general public and resettlement on suitable farms. 


New hiking trail laid out (April 2005)

Visitors to Frans Indongo Lodge now have three trails to choose from for exploring the area. The first route was inaugurated by guests back in September 2004. The trails lead through the vast savannah scenery of the farm, which is exceptionally rich in game, and take 1.5 to 4 hours to complete. A highlight – literally speaking – is a hilltop offering fantastic views across the plains. 


Meeting in the bush (December 2004)

A modern conference room has been added to the lodge. The auditorium seats 40 to 60 people, is shielded from regular daily operations and affords grand views of the tree savannah. With Windhoek only about a three hours’ drive away, the lodge is highly suited for all kinds of functions, whether teambuilding within a company’s management or a wedding. 


Hospitality professionals at work (February 2004)

The managers of Frans Indongo Lodge are Astrid and Alf Walter. The hotel manageress and the restaurant specialist have learnt their trade from scratch in renowned hotels in Germany and Switzerland. As they pass on their knowledge and experience to the lodge’s staff, guests are able to enjoy excellent service even in the middle of the bush. 


Inaugurated once more (November 2003)

Frans Indongo Lodge in northern central Namibia has been reopened after successful reconstruction. It was largely rebuilt with natural materials and now has more generous proportions than before. Elements of the lodge and the interior decoration are from the Ovambo culture. The first lodge was completely destroyed by a fire in September 2001, just one month after the official inauguration. 

The new restaurant with lounge area and fireplace. Photo: Alf Walter

Ndinelao Fiyeipo Hashipala. Photo: Alf Walter

Rarely can pictures of cheetahs be taken at such close range 
as at the CCF. Photo: Alf Walter

White rhino can weigh up to 2.300 kg. 
Photo: Jan-Dirk Hansen