Breakfast with Giraffes

Leaving Swakopmund behind us on 12th April, we left just after lunchtime to drive the 3 hours to the Omaruru Game Lodge for one night. I had chosen this as it was roughly halfway towards our next stop, Etosha. It absolutely wasn't cheap (3100 NAD and £145 for just the one night for the cheapest room on Booking including dinner, bed and breakfast) but I was completely blown away by the place.

Omaruru Game Lodge is a bit zoo-like as the animals are fed and as such come to gather around by the dining area. However, because of this it is particularly brilliant for those with children in tow as you can see all the animals up close - for us it was simply perfect and a real highlight of our trip. Even for adults (with an open mind) I feel this is pretty special place to visit.

We checked into our 'standard twin room' which was effectively in a little bungalow. We had a little fridge and AC - it was very comfortable - and headed into the restaurant where there was a set menu but they did manage to rustle up sausage, chips and ice cream for Tiger! We had a sneak peek of the animals gathering for their evening meal as the sun set - everything from elephants, rhino (and a baby), giraffe, zebras, ostriches. They even had two cheetahs!

A huge highlight was eating our breakfast outside the next day and stroking the giraffes!

We loaded the car up and then went for a so-called 'game drive' at 9.30am (600 NAD £27 per adult and 300 NAD per child £13). This is not really a traditional game drive as, again, the animals know they will be fed but it was quite something to have elephants and giraffes sticking their heads into the vehicle and was topped off by seeing three gorgeous hippos having a swim!

Our total bill for the accommodation, food, wine, and game drives came to 4206 NAD (£192). I have to say this was completely worth every penny and I would wholeheartedly recommend Omaruru Game Lodge to all families passing by!