Ultra-luxury safari lodge inspired by traditional Owambo homesteads, located in private wildlife reserve just outside Windhoek. Features 10 exclusive circular thatched villas with private pools, world-class spa, and exceptional wildlife viewing including rhinos, giraffes, and antelopes. Contemporary African design with impeccable service.
Zannier Hotels Omaanda occupies a 9,000-hectare private reserve in the Khomas Highland, roughly 30 kilometres south of Windhoek along the tarred B1 highway, making it accessible yet completely removed from the capital's urban atmosphere. The reserve supports free-roaming white rhino, giraffe, zebra, oryx, and numerous antelope species, and wildlife encounters on the property itself are a genuine draw rather than a secondary consideration.
The architecture draws directly from the traditional circular homestead design of Namibia's Owambo people. Ten standalone villas are each crowned with deep thatch, shaded by wide overhanging eaves, and enclosed by low ochre-coloured walls inspired by kraals. Inside, each villa combines smooth concrete floors, hand-crafted timber furniture, and earthy textiles in a palette that mirrors the surrounding savannah landscape. Each villa comes with a private plunge pool and outdoor shower facing the bush.
Dining centres on the Le Makaron restaurant, which serves a fixed four-course menu each evening using regional produce and sustainable sourcing principles. A well-stocked wine cellar supports the food programme with South African and international labels. Breakfast and bush-picnic lunches are arranged around the day's game-drive schedule.
The on-property spa offers a range of African botanical treatments, a steam room, and a treatment menu tailored to bush-holiday recovery. A fitness pavilion and a shared infinity pool round out the wellness offering.
Service operates on a fully inclusive model covering game drives, meals, and selected beverages, with each villa assigned a dedicated host. Activities include guided game walks, rhino monitoring participation, and mountain biking on private reserve tracks. The property is adult-focused by design; children under 12 are not accommodated, making it best suited to couples and small groups seeking an immersive wildlife experience within easy reach of Windhoek.
Amenities
- private pools
- spa
- game drives
- fine dining
- wine cellar
- fitness center
Location
Zannier Reserve, 30km from Windhoek, Khomas Region
-22.7167, 17.2333 View on map
Highlights
- Ten private thatched villas with individual plunge pools, each designed after traditional Owambo circular homesteads
- Private 9,000-hectare reserve with free-roaming white rhino, giraffe, and over 30 other mammal species
- Fully inclusive programme including morning and afternoon game drives, guided bush walks, and rhino monitoring
- Le Makaron restaurant serving four-course dinners with Namibian regional produce and a curated wine cellar
- Spa with African botanical treatments just 30 minutes' drive from Windhoek's city centre
Tips for visiting
- Book the property's private charter transfer from Windhoek rather than self-driving — the reserve roads are accessible but the guided arrival improves the first wildlife encounter.
- Request a rhino monitoring excursion when booking; participation depends on ranger schedules and numbers are limited per session.
- The afternoon light on the savannah between 16:00 and 18:00 is best for photography from the villa verandas — position a chair facing west before sunset.
- Pack layers for evening game drives; temperatures in the Khomas Highland drop significantly after dark even in summer.
When to visit
May to October (dry season) for optimal wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures; the lodge operates year-round.
Accessibility
Stone pathways connect the main lodge area to the villas; the terrain is relatively flat but unpaved. Guests with mobility limitations should contact the lodge in advance to discuss specific needs.