Activities

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Daily Onsite Activities

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1. Morning Nature Walking Trail

Time: On you own leisure time
Description: Start your day with a walk through the foothills of the Erongo Mountains. Spot native flora, birds and enjoy the scenic mountain views.

2. Pool & Jacuzzi Relaxation

Time: Anytime
Description: Enjoy a laid-back day by the swimming pool or unwind in the jacuzzi while enjoying scenic mountain views.

3. Sunset Viewpoint Walking Trail

Time: On you own leisure time
Description: Walking trail to nearby rocky outcrop with panoramic views. Perfect for photography and sundowners.

4. Traditional Boma Dinner & Campfire

Time: 19:00 – Late
Description: Enjoy a Namibian-style dinner around the fire with storytelling, live acoustic music, and stargazing.

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Spitzkoppe Day Excursion

Departure Point: Carlo’s Mountain Lodge
Duration: Full Day | ±08:00 – 15:30
Distance: ±70 km from the lodge (±1-hour drive)

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Carlo’s Mountain Lodge to one of Namibia’s most iconic natural landmarks – Spitzkoppe, often called the "Matterhorn of Africa." Towering granite peaks, ancient rock art, and breathtaking desert scenery await just an hour from the lodge.

Itinerary

08:00 – Departure from Carlo’s Mountain Lodge. Guests depart in an air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced guide, heading east through scenic D1914 roads.
09:00 – Arrival at Spitzkoppe Nature Reserve. Start the adventure with a photo stop at the famous Rock Arch, followed by a light hike around the base of the majestic Spitzkoppe Mountain.
10:00 – Guided Rock Art Tour. Explore Bushman’s Paradise, home to ancient San rock paintings dating back thousands of years. Learn about the cultural and historical significance of these sacred sites.
12:00 – Picnic Lunch. Relax under shaded granite boulders and enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch with drinks, included in your package.
13:00 – Free Exploration or Optional Add-Ons.
     • Short guided walks to hidden viewpoints.
     • Optional rock climbing for the adventurous (pre-booking required).
     • Opportunity to purchase local handmade crafts at the reserve’s craft market.
14:00 – Departure from Spitzkoppe. Drive back to the lodge with scenic views of the surrounding desert plains.
15:30 – Arrival at Carlo’s Mountain Lodge.

Included in the Excursion

• Return transfer from Carlo’s Mountain Lodge
• Entrance fees to Spitzkoppe Nature Reserve
• Professional local guide
• Picnic lunch & bottled water
• Cultural insights & photo opportunities

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
• Refillable water bottle
• Camera or phone for photos

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Make Your Own Pizza

Gather around the fire and become your own chef for the night!

We provide:

• The wood-fired pizza oven
• Pizza bases
• A variety of delicious toppings

You create your masterpiece!
N$250.00 per person

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Here’s a selection of the main activities and attractions in and around Usakos, Namibia, up to roughly a 60 km radius.

These activities showcase the rich blend of geology, archaeology, wildlife and history that surrounds Usakos. Depending on your interests - hiking, culture, wildlife or heritage - you can tailor day trips or overnight excursions throughout this dramatic region.

1. Spitzkoppe (≈ 50 km west of Usakos)
   A striking group of bald granite inselbergs rising up to 1 728 m, often called the “Matterhorn of Namibia.” Popular for day-hikes, rock-climbing routes, natural rock arches and overnight camping under star-filled skies. The area is also rich in San (Bushman) rock art panels scattered across its massive boulders.

2. Phillipp’s (Phillips) Cave (≈ 55 km north of Usakos)
   Located on Farm Ameib, this shallow granite cave (15 m deep × 35 m wide × 7 m high) is a national monument famed for its San rock paintings—including the iconic “white elephant”—and Stone Age tools. Accessible via a ~45-minute guided walk from the farmstead; allow at least 2 hours for the round-trip trek and cave exploration.

3. Bull’s Party Rock Formations (on Ameib Ranch, ≈ 55 km north of Usakos)
   A natural cluster of granite boulders shaped like a herd of bulls. Short walking trails wind through and around the formations, providing photo opportunities and a scenic picnic spot. Often combined with a visit to Phillips Cave.

4. Ameib Rhino Sanctuary (≈ 30 km north of Usakos)
   Part of the Erongo Mountain Nature Sanctuary Trust, this guest farm offers simple rooms or campsites and guided walking trails to see re-introduced black rhino, endemic game (e.g., Hartmann’s mountain zebra, black-faced impala) and rock art sites. Walking routes range from 1–3 hours, with interpretive guides explaining both wildlife conservation and San heritage.

5. Khan River Wildlife Viewing (within Usakos town limits)
   The ephemeral Khan River bed, especially during/just after the rainy season (Nov–Mar), attracts klipspringer antelope, ostriches, jackals and other desert-adapted species. Easy roadside stops and short walks (15–30 min) along shaded riverbanks make for informal wildlife spotting.

6. Usakos Railway Heritage Walk (in town)
   Stroll past the historic early-1900s railway station, repair workshops and old hotel—vestiges of the Otavi Mining & Railway Company era. The dilapidated station building and adjacent Roman Catholic church (erected 1905) offer a glimpse of colonial-period architecture. Self-guided; allow 1 hour.

7. Erongo Mountains Day-Hikes (40 km north of Usakos)
   A network of trails through granite canyons, camelthorn gallery forests and past ancient Damara dwellings. Wildlife sightings include giraffe, springbok, oryx, baboons and myriad bird species. Trail lengths vary from 2 km loops to full-day routes—check with local lodges for maps and guide services.

8. Erongo Rocks Farmhouse & Camping (≈ 12 km NE of Usakos)
   A small campsite and farmhouse tucked into granite hills. Ideal for self-drive travellers: cycle in 12 km from town, pitch a tent on concrete pads, barbecue under Acacia shade and enjoy panoramic Erongo vistas. Short on-site hikes available.

9. Epako Safari Lodge Game Drives (≈ 30 km SE of Usakos)
   In an 11 000 ha private reserve, Epako offers two daily safari drives to its floodlit waterhole—prime for viewing oryx, zebra, kudu, giraffe, eland and even rhino at dusk. Guests can also enjoy guided bush-walks to San painting sites and short mountain trails. Fully inclusive rates cover all meals, drives and park fees.

10. Absolute Erongo Walking Trail (≈ 50 km north of Usakos)
    A once-offering 1½-day guided hike through surreal granite landscapes, ending overnight at Hohenstein Lodge and Etemba Wilderness Camp. Note: Currently listed as permanently closed—check local updates for any reopening.