Lying just 30km south-east of Namibia’s capital of Windhoek, GocheGanas is a hilltop lodge that boasts uninterrupted views over a private reserve and offers an enchanting combination of nature, wildlife and wellness experiences. Feel rejuvenated breathing in lungfuls of crisp morning air while traversing the wilderness on a guided game drive or learn about the indigenous flora and fauna on a guided walk before exploring Stone Age caves. A vast array of beauty treatments are offered at the lodge’s world-class spa, which is a ‘must-do’ during your stay.

The architecture and decor incorporates local art and crafts in a celebration of Namibia’s rich culture. You wake each morning in your secluded thatched chalet to uninterrupted views of the surrounding reserve. After a full English breakfast, rest in the communal area of the lodge with its contemporary African design while you decide how to spend your day in the magnificent Namibian wilderness. Take a leisurely stroll to one of the nearby waterholes to watch the animals coming down to drink. Before lunch – enjoyed in Hilltop Restaurant adorned with vibrant African art – you join up with a knowledgeable guide for a tour of the Stone Age caves. The stone tools and pottery shards discovered here are around 9 000 years old and it is believed that the natural springs near the lodge may have made this area a resting place for ancient nomads millenia ago.

En route back to the lodge you stop at a scenic spot for sundowner drinks and snacks as another perfect day draws to a dramatic close. Make sure you do not leave GocheGanas without indulging in a beauty treatment at the state-of-the-art Wellness Village. A multiple award-winning facility, there is an assortment of special packages and wellness treatments available which range from outdoor massages and hydrotherapy, to detoxification and nutritional consultations.