Ruacana Eha Lodge

by Andreas Vogt

Although very far from other towns in northern Namibia and appearing sleepy at first sight, Ruacana in the far north-western corner of the country is interesting in its own right. Lying at the meeting point of three diverse and completely different cultural entities – the Himba from north-western Namibia, the Owambo from the central north, and the people from neighbouring Angola with their Portuguese elements – the town is also interesting from an ethnological and historical viewpoint.

Visitors who may have become accustomed to the vast flatness of northern Namibia, will see how the landscape gradually changes into the majestic rolling hills of Angola, a spectacular vista that can be viewed from Ruacana. From this viewpoint one literally sees “Africa going on forever” and few will escape the charm of the rolling hills extending endlessly into Angola towards the beckoning and mysterious interior of the so-called Dark Continent.

Having relied in the past on a small guesthouse and a basic campsite directly across the road on the western side of town, NamPower, Namibia’s bulk electricity supplier, completed a more substantial lodge in Ruacana, thereby causing a long-awaited boost to its virtually untapped tourism potential. By turning former single quarters (built originally to accommodate NamPower employees who looked after the Ruacana hydro-electrical power plant in the past) into a posh lodge, they made use of an existing infrastructure and otherwise dysfunctional property, turning it into a promising income-generating venture. The commercialisation of existing properties, the virtual non-availability of similar accommodation establishments in the entire region, as well as Ruacana’s strategic position as a virtual gateway to Angola, were the perfect pretext and rationale behind the opening of the lodge and rest camp.

The result is the Ruacana Eha Lodge and Rest Camp. Relying on the vicinity of the nomadic Himba people, whose home lies between Ruacana and the Atlantic Ocean, the architects and interior designers drew their inspiration from the Himba culture when designing the exterior of the lodge. The ornaments adorning the bedrooms and doors, and the colour schemes and embellishments, all radiate an exotic, yet unobtrusive ambience. The Himba word eha was aptly chosen as a name, as it describes a piece of jewellery worn by the Himba, and also means ‘home’. This piece of jewellery crops up unobtrusively in the design of the doors in the rooms and above the entrance gate of the lodge, while the overall colour scheme reflects the ochre colour of the traditional ointment the Himba women rub into their skins. Carlo Upholsteries, advising on furniture, and Angel’s Touch (Interior Designers) on interiors such as bedding and curtains, did an excellent job, creating a truly classy atmosphere.

Inside there is no shortcoming of luxury and comfort. The lodge itself features 20 double rooms and one family suite. All rooms are air-conditioned and have tea and coffee facilities, television (six channels), telephones and fridges. Facilities include a restaurant seating 72 people, a swimming pool, lounge bar, gym and squash court, clinic and volleyball court. There are 15 camping sites with braai facilities and power points, fully shared ablution amenities with hot and cold water, including toilets for paraplegics, as well as six traditionally shaped domed huts with two beds, a ventilator and a fridge. All the major architecture such as the entrance gate, campsites and ablutions carry a modern signature that is sympathetic to the eye and is in step with the neighbouring Himba communities, while taking the climatic conditions prevalent at Ruacana, especially the humid summers, fully into consideration. Fortunately, due to the nearby Kunene River, there is no shortage of water. This allows for gardens with colourful flowers and lush green patches of grass in front of the bungalows and at the rest camp.

Activities offered by the lodge include visits to nearby Himba communities in their traditional villages, scenic sundowners and drives, guided walks and visits to the impressive Ruacana Falls and hydroelectric power station. The latter is a special treat, as one gains an impressive glimpse of Namibia’s main power generator, which is located completely underground, as well as a view of the diversion weir on the Angolan side of the border and onto Ruacana Falls.

Conferencing facilities at the lodge include seating for 42 delegates, a public address system, overhead projector and Internet connectivity.

Ruacana has a tarred runway 10 km outside the village with co-ordinates 17º25’05”S 014º22’20”E and airport transfers are offered to tourists.

This article appeared in the Dec ‘04/ Jan ‘05 edition of Travel News Namibia.