There are moments in travel that stay with you not because they were perfect, but because they felt deeply rooted, alive, and real. My stay at Zannier Hotels Omaanda was one of those moments.
Arrival and First Impressions
It was late afternoon when our transfer from Windhoek’s airport rolled off the tarmac and into the dusty roads toward the private reserve. The journey took under an hour, but the transition felt much more significant. The world of urban sounds faded, replaced by the hush of savannah scrub and distant hills.
Pulling through the reserve gates, part of the expansive Zannier Reserve stewarded in partnership with the N/a’an ku sê Foundation, felt like crossing into another world. Warm light dusted the thatch-roof huts, their round clay walls glowing in the late sun. Even before stepping inside, I sensed how thoughtfully the lodge was conceived, from local architecture and natural materials to its deep respect for the land.
Accommodation: Hut with a View
My hut was one of the one-bedroom units, blending traditional Namibian Owambo style with high-end comforts. The moment I stepped through the door, I was struck by its simplicity and elegance. Soft earthy tones, hand-finished thatch, and a gorgeous panorama looking out over the savannah created a sense of calm and belonging.
A king-size bed faced floor-to-ceiling windows. The bathroom offered a walk-in rain shower, double sink, and a bathtub perfectly positioned to capture that same sweeping view. Air conditioning, a minibar, Bluetooth sound system, and a Nespresso machine were all discreetly tucked away.
Each evening the team stoked the fireplace, and they left a “bush baby,” a hot water bottle, nestled in the soft linens. It was a small touch, but one that made the night feel even more magical.
The Rhythm of Days: Wildlife, Pool, and Spa
Early Morning Drives
I rose each morning just before dawn. As the light spread, we set off in a small open vehicle for our conservation drive. The silence was profound, broken only by the occasional footsteps of antelope or the distant call of birds. During my stay, we tracked rhinos, elephants, and even caught a glimpse of a leopard slinking between trees.
Our guide, Balon, seemed to know the land intimately. On one memorable evening, he stopped the vehicle, set out a rustic table with wine, snacks, and gin and tonics for “sundowners in the wild,” while the savannah stretched around us bathed in golden light.
Midday Pause
Around noon, we would return to the lodge. I sank into the infinity pool, watching the land ripple in the heat. The pool bar served refreshing drinks. There was no rush, just time to breathe, read, or float in and out of the water. The silence was gentle, punctuated only by distant bird calls.
For deeper rest, the spa was a true retreat. My “Touch of Namibia” massage used local botanicals like marula oil. With the privacy of open-sided treatment rooms, you could almost imagine the plains stretching endlessly beyond.
Dining: Simplicity Meets Local Flavor
Meals were always something to look forward to. Breakfast was à la carte, often beginning with fresh bread, cheeses, cold cuts, and fruit platters, followed by hearty dishes. My highlight was a banana crepe I can still taste.
Lunch came as sharing plates of garlic shrimp, couscous, grilled meats, and vegetables. Dinner was more formal, a three-course feast that still felt grounded. One night we had slow-roasted chicken, another a tender lamb shank. Every meal was beautifully plated, fresh, and mindful of dietary preferences.
The restaurant and the boma, or fireside lounge, became gathering points. Evenings ended under the Milky Way, sipping African gin cocktails as the fire crackled and laughter floated in the night air.
Why This Place Stays with You
Balance of Design and Wilderness
The architecture and interiors feel rooted in place. Comfort is effortless, never intrusive.
Intimate Scale, Deep Experience
With only fifteen huts, the atmosphere is calm and personal. Drives are small-group, creating meaningful moments rather than rushed sightseeing.
Meaningful Conservation
This is not safari as spectacle. Through its partnership with the N/a’an ku sê Foundation, the reserve is a working conservancy. Guests can engage and learn about the projects that protect the region’s wildlife.
Seamless Care
Every detail is handled with ease, from transfers and excursions to meal planning. All that is left for guests to do is simply be present.
Moments of Magic
From morning light on the plains to wildlife sightings and evenings by the fire under a sky filled with stars, Zannier Omaanda leaves you with moments that linger long after you’ve gone.
Tips If You Go
- Stay at least three nights to truly experience both relaxation and game drives without feeling rushed.
- Bring a good camera and binoculars for the wildlife.
- Choose the all-inclusive package, which typically covers meals, non-premium drinks, and one daily activity or spa treatment.
- Note that children under six are not accepted, and some activities are for ages sixteen and up.
- Dress in layers, as mornings can be cool and afternoons warm.
- Take your time and let the rhythm of the land slow you down.
When I left Zannier Omaanda, I carried more than photos. I carried calm, gratitude, and a renewed sense of connection to nature. This lodge is not just a place to stay; it is a sanctuary that invites you to slow down and listen to the quiet heartbeat of Namibia.
If you are looking for a destination where luxury meets authenticity and conservation meets comfort, Omaanda will welcome you home.
