OUR HOTEL
Relaxation takes a new meaning in our hotel. Beautiful surroundings, charming staff, and great food allow you to truly relax, unwind and recharge.
Our sprawling veranda makes relaxing easy. Under refreshing outdoor mist coolers, you can watch the world go by, the birds go by, the sun go by… while enjoying a cup of tea, a cocktail, or a meal.
Our open-air courtyard, which sets the mood with lovely plants and flowers, striking art, and chairs in the cool shadows is the perfect spot to read, relax, or enjoy your afternoon coffee.
The garden, with its fountain, shady trees and gorgeous birdlife, is an oasis of green and cool, inviting you to do nothing more than stretch out in the shade and chill, in a desert sort of way.
There’s no better way to beat the heat than a dip in a refreshing swimming pool. It’s even better when that swimming pool is under crystal clear blue desert skies. It’s the perfect pool for starting your day with a swim, beating the midday heat or finishing with a cocktail.
Immerse yourself in our one-of-a-kind Kalahari art. Petro Jonker was the mastermind behind all the creative designs, and the majority of the artwork was done by her. Other arists include Lenie Brand (mosaics, basins, and paintings), Zakes Malatji (plaster art), Teddy Mhkize (iron furniture and lamps), Ita Joubert (paintings), Gerda Krugel (paintings), Angelia Erasmus (basins and upcycled old hotel pedalbins).
Our History
In the early 1950s an entrepreneur started a small shop in Vanzylsrus to cater for local farmers and travellers who passed through this town on their way to Botswana. However, tired travellers were seeking more than just a shop and soon rooms were added to provide accommodation and food.
A liquor license was obtained and the newly-minted Gemsbok Hotel entered an era of growth. However, decades later, the hotel had become run-down and neglected and was limping along.
In 2006 the new owners purchased the run-down hotel, demolished the entire place and the most enchanting boutique hotel of the Kalahari was born! Some of the debris was transformed into art which connects our hotel to its former self!