Accommodation

Omaanda

“Pure indulgence at is very best in a vast private reserve close to Windhoek”

Budget level: Top-End

Country

Namibia

When to Go

All year

Property Type

Lodge

Location

Windhoek

Kids Min Age

Why we like it

Pure indulgent luxury in a very private African bush environment.
Very convenient with close proximity to Windhoek Airport.
Great conservation work by Dr Rudie van Vuuren and the Team.
Numerous adventure activities on offer or just relax and enjoy the pampering.
Great fresh food, spa and general wellbeing focus.

The story of Omaanda, the fourth realisation of Zannier Hotels, which opened in July 2018 can be read like another sequel in the epic story of this unbelievable journey. It is the story of an encounter between Arnaud Zannier, the founder of Zannier, and Angelina Jolie, the internationally famous artist loved by all for her engagement, talent and commitment to worthy causes.

When Angelina came across Zannier Hotel’s Phum Baitang she was blown away and recounted to its creator the existence of another place – more than 10,000 km away – lying in a glorious natural setting that should be preserved and cherished in the same way that had been done at the Cambodian resort.

Angelina spoke to Arnaud about the incredible work of a friend of her, Dr. Rudie van Vuuren, with the N/A’an ku sê foundation, involved in the reintroduction and protection of the Namibian wildlife. Curious about this country he did not know, Arnaud decided to visit Namibia. He immediately fell in love with the beauty of the landscapes and decided to establish there to share with conscious guests the emotion he felt at that time, and so Omaanda was born.

Omaanda, meaning rhinoceros in Oshiwambo, is a five-star lodge set within the Zannier Reserve by N/a’an ku sê, an incredible private animal conservation reserve of 9 000 hectares in the countryside surrounding Windhoek, only 30 minutes’ drive from Windhoek Hosea Kutako Airport.

Overlooking the boundless savannah, the lodge offers 10 comfortable round thatched huts, paying tribute to the traditional architecture of Ovambo. Two of them have 2 bedrooms, ideal for families or friends travelling together. Omaanda also features a restaurant and a cosy bar, overlooking a heated infinity pool. A spa with two treatment rooms and a boma complete the lodge facilities. For safety reasons Omaanda only welcome children from 6 years onwards. The close proximity to Windhoek and the International Airport makes Omaanda the perfect choice for the first and last nights of guest’s stay in Namibia, promising a locally authentic experience.

The huts are built in traditional Namibian style, with rounded corners and hand- finished thatched roof. The design is simple und understated; the deep, warm colours are evocative of the earth, sand and natural environment. The interior decoration is composed of rare objects and precious antiques from African culture. These huts are spacious and boast a private terrace with magnificent views overlooking the nearby ‘dam’ (small lake) and the distant hills of the Khomas Hochland plateau.

The bedrooms have king-size beds, walk-in dressing rooms and an open fireplaces. All huts offer a bathroom with separate toilet, walk in shower, double sink and a large bathtub with a view. Every hut at Omaanda has a flat screen television, free Wi-Fi, an integrated sound system, a safe, a minibar, and is equipped with an air conditioning system.

The two 2-bedroom huts were designed with families or small groups in mind. They promise ultra-modern comfort while maintaining the authentic Namibian style of design and architecture. Warmth and strength of colour, original pieces of furniture and decoration, every detail is a reminder of the richness of African culture. A roof of thatch, hand-finished by local craftsmen, perfectly completes these rooms of traditional circular design. The spacious huts (120 sqm) open onto a 26 sqm terrace and are an ideal place for a quiet retreat while watching stunning sunsets or the wild animals roaming on the veld nearby. Each bedroom has its own bathroom and shares a cosy living area with a large fireplace.

The eight 1-bedroom huts are spacious (60 sqm interior) and boast a private 20 sqm terrace with magnificent views overlooking the nearby ‘dam’ (small lake) and the distant hills of the Khomas Hochland plateau.

Numerous excursions and tours, included in the services offered at the lodge, allows for a switch between adventure and rest. Programmes are designed according to the individual desires of the guests and their thirst for adventure. Each excursion offered at Omaanda is a totally unique, distinctive and magical experience, and is realised in partnership with N/a’an ku sê by local and experienced guides.

In 2016, Zannier Hotels partnered with the Namibian N/a’an ku sê Foundation to create an immense nature reserve of 7 500 hectares. Today, the Zannier Reserve by N/a’an ku sê actively contributes to the conservation and regulation of the flora and fauna, protecting biodiversity and fighting the extinction of threatened species. It is characterised by its vast diversity of animals and landscapes of hills and valleys, vast plains and an enormous lake surrounded by vegetation and African bush. The relocation and reintroduction of endemic species such as white rhinos, elephants or caracals are great examples of this vast reserve’s missions.

The Lodge has created a place where rest, fresh food, connection to nature, pampering and activities are front of mind. The spa fits harmoniously with the rest of the resort and its treatments, provided in a traditional hut, are inspired by local Namibian beliefs. Comprising two double treatment rooms, this space is dedicated to care of the body enabling perfect union of body, spirit and soul. The goal is to enhance the life and well-being of everyone who enters this space.