Gmundner Lodge

Perfect Blend of Luxury and Authenticity in Namibia

Ashort drive from Windhoek takes me into the beautiful bushland of the Khomas Highlands for an excursion to one of Namibia’s newest tourism gems. I find Gmundner Lodge, set on a 6,000 hectare farm, 35 minutes east of the country’s capital. As I enter through the gates, a baboon sits sentinel atop a Shepherd’s tree, keeping a watchful eye across his realm. The landscape is scattered with acacia bushland, undulating hills, and grazing wildlife. Red hartebeest, warthog, and steenbok flit in and out of bush and grass as I follow the gravel road further into the property. I round a few bends and the lodge, perched along the edge of a hillside, comes into few.

Double doors swing open into a magnificent foyer as I am greeted by lodge staff and manager Pierre Germishuizen. The centrepiece of the space is certainly the 360 degree leather-clad bar counter right in the middle of the main area. Beyond it lay a view beyond words. Awe-inspiring. The lodge is a perfect blend of opulence and old-world charm, offering classic colonial luxury in the heart of the Namibian wilderness. Large villas spread out to the left and right of the main area, like wings along the hillside. There is nothing understated or reserved about them. The perfect showcase probably being the clawfoot tub on your private deck. Each grand unit is named after an even grander global metropolis. Of those that inspire travellers and explorers to wonder and wander. Tokyo, New York, Rome, and Prague. However, the city lights of Tokyo and New York have nothing on the Namibian night sky, and the ancient buildings of Rome and Prague could never compare to the vast and stunning landscapes that spread beyond the valley below.

I discover during my visit that Gmundner Lodge values selfsustainability and going back to nature above all else. The owners hail from Austria, where they run Gmundner Keramik, established in the 15th century. On-site, guests can visit a ceramic workshop, where they can create their own Africainspired ceramic cups, bowls, plates and more to take home. Further afield, a community of San artisans at Donkerbos create beautiful hand-painted ceramic plates as part of Gmundner’s community upliftment projects. These are set to soon be shipped off for display at a museum in Austria. The proceeds of the ceramic sales being ploughed back into their community.

The lodge employs over 50 workers and the operations are designed to be as self-sustaining as possible, with the kitchen being supplied by the on-site gardens and livestock. “All fresh produce used at Gmundner is produced on the farm,” shares Pierre as he shows me around the lodge and operational farm setup. The menu, which changes daily, is determined by what is in season. The chef is unfortunately not at the lodge for me to meet as he is currently training at a twoMichelin-star restaurant in Austria. The lodge's philosophy is to be self-supported, with a value chain from farm to table that is natural and organic.

Walking through the lodge spaces, so very well thought-out, I realise that Gmundner was created for those seeking to retreat back to nature and enjoy the journey in style. Families feel as welcome here as honeymooners and well-travelled adventurers.

In the plans for the near future are a farm deli, bakery, beer, and gin distillery, where guests can enjoy authentic Namibian craft and culinary experiences. The vegetable garden is thriving, fed by an aquaponics system, which uses natural processes to create a symbiotic environment. I hold the most perfect plump purple aubergine in my hand and can visualise the chef incorporating it into a guest’s dinner in the near future. Soil to gourmet fair indeed. This is a perfect example of how the lodge's values of sustainability and natural organic practices are incorporated into every aspect of the business.

Gmundner Lodge makes no attempt to set itself up as an exclusively wildlife or nature reserve-focused landscape. Instead, it is a working Namibian farm where guests can experience the best of both worlds - luxury and authenticity. Here livestock and wildlife coexist in a sustainable and pragmatic example of effective land-use practices. The lodge is a perfect example of how foreign investment can be used to create a sustainable and mutually beneficial business that benefits the country.

Gmundner is a truly unique and authentic experience that showcases the best of Namibia. From its stunning natural surroundings and wildlife to its luxurious amenities and commitment to nature, the lodge is a perfect example of how tourism can be used to benefit both the environment and the local community. The Gmundner logo greets me on my departure. Reminiscent of an infinity sign with a bit of extra flair, it is a beautiful symbol of the interconnectedness of nature, man, and wildlife.

Elzanne McCulloch