Tranquility at the Namib Desert Lodge
[2024 Update] Reflecting on our visit to the Namib Desert Lodge, I find myself with mixed emotions. Our journey through Namibia had been filled with incredible experiences, particularly our stay at the Namib Dune Star Camp, but we were also unable to reach Sossusvlei due to our vehicle instability.
This momentarily halted my enthusiasm for enjoying our adventures, however, my spirits were lifted at the unique qualities of the Namib Desert Lodge – such as the fossilised dunes! As I revisit my memories of this establishment, I’m eager to share a more balanced perspective of our time there:
Don’t forget to check out my post on how to get discounts onย Gondwana Collection Lodges!
Top Features of Namib Desert Lodge
- Beautiful views and activities of the deep red fossilized dunes.
- Close to Sesriem and alternative accommodation for Sossusvlei.
- Check-in for Namib Dune Star Camp.
- Beautiful sunsets in the heart of the mountainous valley.
- Two lovely pools, modern dining room and food.
Top Activity: Exploring the Fossilised Dunes
On the first evening of our arrival, we took a short stroll towards the dunes. The rich rusty light set over a field of soccer players, illuminating the rocky, surrounding dunes. The colours in this part of the world are incredible.
While not immediately obvious from a distance, up close the vibrant red mounds tell a story of just how long the Namib has been “alive” and transforming over hundreds of years.
Guests are allowed to take hikes on the dune tops, however, because the light was fading we erred on the side of caution as guests have been known to get lost due to the lack of mobile reception.
Our First Stay at the Namib Desert Lodge
The Namib Desert Lodge stands out among the Gondwana Collection for its modern design and unique soft furnishings. The lodge offers 65 rooms at the bottom of beautiful fossilized dunes.ย
The rooms at Namib Desert Lodge are designed for functionality and comfort, making them suitable for short stays. While there aren’t many on-site activities, the hotel boasts two beautiful crystal-blue pools that shimmer invitingly.
After an unsuccessful attempt to reach Sossusvlei due to our car’s limitations, we found solace by the poolside, sipping on delicious cocktails. I must admit, the cocktail helped soothe my disappointment at not being able to reach our intended destination.
First Impressions
During our stay we were very pleasantly surprised as to how comfortable the bed in our suites were. Because the room was simple, we had underestimated how well we would sleep. It may also have been because we were stuck star gazing the night before at the Namib Dune Star camp! Either way, it provided an excellent night’s rest.
We also noticed that the data reception was better at Namib Desert Lodge in comparison to other Gondwana Lodges. Even the Etosha Safari Lodge had incredibly poor wifi, so this was a nice change. Our intention isn’t to spend our holiday online, but unfortunately the modern world has increased our reliance on the internet.
Considering the lodge is in the middle of the desert and along sandy dunes, the cleanliness was impeccable. The rooms were well-maintained, and we encountered no issues in this regard. Tea and coffee were included in each room for those early birds and we used this as our primary charging station.
The bathroom layout wasn’t very practical as the counter space was minimal making it challenging to perform tasks like applying makeup. The lavatories were also a touch odd (if not comical?!). Despite this, the bathroom was functional.
Connectivity at Namib Desert Lodge was better than at some other locations we visited during our trip. However, by this point in our journey, we had embraced a more disconnected lifestyle. We relied on our map book, played offline games on our phones, and I enjoyed reading on my Kindle.
What’s For Supper?
The dining experience at Namib Desert Lodge was noteworthy. The restaurant featured modern decor with bright green walls, and we were treated to a serenade by the staff during our meal. The food quality was good, though it’s worth mentioning that the prices (R350 per person) may be steep for local visitors.
Solace at Namib Desert Lodge
In conclusion, Namib Desert Lodge offers a viable alternative for those wishing to visit Sossusvlei, however, if you do not have a 4×4 don’t even try to get there! We attempted to get there and we didn’t even get 10kms down the road in my Corsa.
Many guests use rental cars, which means they are less concerned about returning it in a good condition. This was my personal vehicle and the harsh terrain demands a more robust vehicle to ensure both your safety, the integrity of your car and reaching your destination.
Despite the setback with our Sossusvlei plans, our stay at Namib Desert Lodge was enjoyable and we’ve thought back on the location fairly frequently as the years have passed. The modern amenities, comfortable accommodations, and inviting pools provided a pleasant respite in the midst of our Namibian adventure.
We had a pleasant stay at the Namib Desert Lodge and feel it’s a great way to break up the journey for a night or two if you are looking to relax with no interruptions.
To Keep In Mind
Bring Peaceful Sleep:ย I’m still not sure how or why, but this location had quite a few mozzies. We had Peaceful Sleep which worked a charm though so it may be good to bring some along for yourself.
Bring Hiking Shoes: Exploring the fosselized dunes really was something special. I loved looking at all the rocks, that used to be sand, as bird duck and dove against the vibrant red wall.
Dining Room: The food at the Namib Desert Lodge was lovely but it can run out. Be sure to visit early for dinner to get the best, particularly at R350 per person. Light lunches are available from the restaurant until 4pm.
Dining Room Bar: The bar at the Namib Desert is nicely made and offers a decent collection of liquor. This is an easy place to sit and relax for a post dinner drink.
