A luxury lodge in Namibia wasn't part of Zannier Hotels' plans until a chance encounter between the boutique hotel group's founder, Arnaud Zannier, and film actress and producer, Angelina Jolie. The encounter resulted in Omaanda, a boutique lodge, with ten individual thatch and clay huts in the heart of a 9,000 hectare private wildlife conservancy. Omaanda partners with the Na/an ku se Foundation to protect the biodiversity and incredible wildlife of the Khomas Hochland Plateau just half an hour from Windhoek. The vast landscapes are home to leopards, baboons, jackals, antelopes and more. Within the reserve, the recently opened Shiloh Wildlife Sanctuary treats and seeks to reintegrate animals affected by poaching.
The chic huts have either one or two bedrooms, created in understated, Namibian style, with earth and clay colours, African antiques and furnishings from natural materials. The simplicity belies 21st century comforts which include a flat screen TV, Bluetooth sound bar, WiFi, minibar, Nespresso machine and air-conditioning. Generously proportioned bathrooms include double vanity basins, large bathtubs and walk-in rain showers,
