(20 rooms, 6 self-catering chalets) PO Box 588, Windhoek; tel: 061 257151/2; fax: 061 257148; email: heja@namib.net.com
Signposted off the B6 airport road, just 13km from Windhoek, this family-run lodge is 3km along a tarred road past Otjihase Mine, then a further 3km on a gravel track through land grazed by a variety of game animals. Wildebeest, springbok, blesbok, oryx, ostrich and warthog are just some of the animals to be spotted as you drive through.

Rooms are functional, with AC, TV and phone, while chalets also have a kitchenette, braai and small patio. Activities include game drives, and one-hour horse rides with a guide, and there's the possibility of longer drives into Namibia's third highest mountain. The restaurant is open daily, with an à la carte menu except on Sundays. There is even a private church on site for weddings etc. That said, this is not a place to linger, but it makes a carefree stopover for families and is well frequented by the German market. Airport transfers cost N$50 per person.

Heja is particularly popular with day-trippers on Sundays, when the buffet lunch from 12.00 to 14.00 costs N$75 (children under 12 N$35) and you'll need to book. Game drives at N$50 for about an hour, (very) short horse rides and the swimming pool overlooking the dam are added Sunday attractions, and there's a trail around the dam that takes about an hour to walk.