(8 rooms) PO Box 32042, Windhoek; tel/fax: 062 572004/572044; email: info@swartfontein.com. Reservations tel: 061 226979; fax: 061 226999; email: logufa@mweb.com.na; web: www.natron.net/tour/logufa
Run by Silvia and Roberto Scarafia, Swartfontein Lodge is at the top of the steep Spreetshoogte Pass, off the D1261, north of the D1274, and south of the D1275. It is conveniently located about mid-way on a scenic route between Windhoek and Sesriem (C26–D1265–C24, then along the D1275).

The elegant farmhouse has Italian furnishings, the odd antique painting, comfortable sofas and an interesting collection of Africana. A curio shop is to be added shortly.

A small lodge with Italian owners, its new, well-kept guest rooms are in a separate wing with good en-suite facilities. Living rooms and dining room are very comfortable, and the food is excellent, with homemade bread, pasta and ice-cream. What is more, the vistas from the nearby Spreetshoogte Pass, particularly at sunrise and sunset, are spectacular.

Swartfontein, in the Namib Spreetshoogte Nature Reserve, covers about 81km2 of rolling mountains, with game and no domestic stock. They offer early morning birding walks, day and night game drives and private flights (if booked in advance). If you're staying for a while then they will also arrange trips to the Naukluft Mountains and even to Sossusvlei. This excellent lodge deserves to be better known.