Picture enormous Lawrence-of-Arabia dunes, vast gravel plains, towering mountain ranges and deep sculptured canyons: your image is the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Covering almost 50,000km², it is one of the largest conservation areas in Africa and an alluring travel destination. It's easy to explore the contrasting landscapes by yourself. The roads are spectacular, so make sure you leave plenty of time to stop, take photographs and have a picnic surrounded by space and silence.

There are an enormous number of options for staying in this region, most of which are very close together. Despite this, it's helpful to think of them in three slightly different areas:

Where to stay in the Sesriem area

In the area around Sesriem, there's plenty you can see and do for yourself, from climbing the world's highest dunes to hiking down the Sesriem Canyon. Take a balloon flight at sunrise over the desert to a champagne breakfast, or drive to catch the dawn light on the dunes with your camera. Then there are the depths of the Sesriem Canyon to explore, roaring dunes to climb and wildlife to spot. Even at night it's enchanting: the clarity of the silent, starry skies is astonishing. Here you can stay at:

Kulala Desert Lodge

Set in Kulala Wilderness Reserve, with incredible views over the red desert dunes of the Namib-Naukluft, Kulala Desert Lodge has 15 canvas-and-clay chalets. Each uses chunky natural wood and has a solid en-suite bathroom, as well as polished wooden floors. Main facilities include a cosy dining room and lounge, and a pool for cooling dips. (Read more about Kulala Desert Lodge…)

Little Kulala

Little Kulala is smaller and more exclusive than Kulala Desert Lodge, with 11 strikingly contemporary chalets. Each has indoor and outdoor showers, its own outdoor deck and pool, as well as a small rooftop terrace. Drives to Sossusvlei with expert guides can be arranged, and sleeping under the stars is also possible. (Read more about Little Kulala…)

Mountain Homestead

Previously Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp, Mountain Homestead changed both name and ownership in 2010. The lodge continues to have nine luxurious, thatched bungalows, built high up on a kopje overlooking the desert panorama. The rooms are spacious, with shady decks to relax and individual plunge pools to cool off. (Read more about Mountain Homestead…)

Kulala Wilderness Camp

On the side of a kopje stands Kulala Wilderness Camp; each of its 10 large, en-suite chalets is raised on a wooden deck. It's convenient for driving yourself to the Naukluft Mountains and the dunes; it also offers optional guided trips to Sossusvlei in the morning, and nature drives and walks on the reserve in the afternoon. (Read more about Kulala Wilderness Camp…)

Desert Homestead

South-east of Sesriem, in a vast grassy valley lies Desert Homestead and its 20 spacious and airy guest chalets. There's a cosy lounge area, complete with comfortable sofas, as well as a refreshing pool and a romantic dining room, where candle-light dinners are served. Activities include guided walks, horse-riding and trips to nearby attractions. (Read more about Desert Homestead…)

Sossus Dune Lodge

Barely five minutes' drive from Sesriem, Sossus Dune Lodge has 25 elegant, thatched chalets linked by wooden walkways. As the flagship of the state-owned Namibia Wildlife Resorts , this is the only lodge inside the national park's gates, making it the best base for very early, or very late access to the dunes. (Read more about Sossus Dune Lodge…)

Sossusvlei Lodge

Sossusvlei Lodge is set right beside the busy national park entrance at Sesriem. It has 45 tented rooms with solid brick-and-concrete bathrooms, as well as a large patio, a swimming pool, a bar and a restaurant. Activities can be arranged directly at the lodge, and the staff are generally very friendly and welcoming. (Read more about Sossusvlei Lodge…)

Namib Naukluft Lodge

About 60km north of Sesriem, Namib Naukluft Lodge has 16 well-appointed guest rooms, as well as a camping site; the latter is equipped with private BBQ facilities and communal ablution blocks. The main lodge has a dining room, and outside veranda and a sparkling swimming pool. Activities include Sossusvlei excursions, balloon safaris and sundowner drives. (Please call us for details about Namib Naukluft Lodge…)

Weltevrede Restcamp

Weltevrede Guestfarm is set amidst camelthorn trees, rugged mountains and shifting dunes, corralled by Namib-Naukluft National Park on three sides. It has 12 en-suite rooms, camping sites, and a main lapa and pool. Day trips to Sossusvlei and Sesriem, sunset drives and excursions to the Bushman painting can be arranged on request. (Read more about Weltevrede Restcamp…)

Le Mirage Desert Lodge & Spa

Le Mirage is a luxurious, castle-like lodge 21km from Sesriem. It has 25 luxury rooms and a wellness centre specializing in pampering massages, aroma therapies and de-stress treatments. It offers a range of activities, including scenic balloon flights, quad bike tours and nature drives in its private property. (Read more about Le Mirage Lodge…)

Namib Desert Lodge

At the foot of a fossilised dune, 60km north of Sesriem you'll find Namib Desert Lodge. It's a large lodge, with 68 en-suite rooms set in well-maintained gardens. Build in rows, these are not particularly secluded, but they're comfortable and affordable, and make a good base to explore the landscape surrounding the lodge, including the mountains and the dunes. (Read more about Namib Desert Lodge…)

Betesda Lodge

Lying conveniently on the way to Sossusvlei, Betesda Lodge makes an ideal over-night stop for individual travellers and families alike. It has four family rooms and 18 twin rooms, each with a private veranda overlooking the Namib Desert. Camping facilities are also on-site, and a swimming pool invites you to cool off and relax. (Read more about Betesda Lodge…)

Corona Guest Farm

Corona Guest Farm lies far north of Sesriem, and is less convenient to explore the Namib Desert dunes; however, here you'll find some fantastic scenery and great opportunities for serious hiking. Six standard rooms are spread around the main farmhouse, four deluxe suites are located within the main house, and further accommodation options are available. (Read more about Corona Guest Farm…)

Swartfontein Guest Farm

Swartfontein Guest Farm is ideally situated between the Namib Desert and Windhoek; it has six spacious, individually decorated en-suite double rooms, and serves fantastic home-made Italian cuisine. Surrounded by mountains, Swartfontein is great for hiking, and activities, including early morning walks searching for mountain zebra, can be arranged. (Read more about Swartfontein Guest Farm…)

Where to stay in the Naukluft Mountains

In the Naukluft Mountains, streams, waterfalls and verdant ravines contrast with the aridity of the surrounding desert. Vegetation is lush in the kloofs and valleys, with sycamore figs, wild olive and shepherd's trees particularly common – it's a perfect hiking country. Birdlife is prolific, too. On a morning walk you may spot dassies lazing in the sun and, if you are lucky, a klipspringer or Hartmann's zebra silhouetted on the hillside. Places to stay here include:

Zebra River Lodge

Zebra River Lodge stands in the heart of the Zaris Mountains, and is run by a very friendly and engaging couple. It has nine spacious guest rooms, each with a private shaded veranda to relax. Dinner usually includes delicious home-made food and lively conversations, and activities range from birdwatching to walking and stargazing. (Read more about Zebra River Lodge…)

Büllsport Guest Farm

Bullsport actually owns a section of the Naukluft Mountains; it is one of Namibia's best traditional guest farms, with wholesome farm cooking, eight pleasant and spacious en-suite rooms, and a cool swimming pool. It's ideal for hiking and for visits to Sesriem and Sossusvlei; guided horseback riding is also available. (Read more about Bullsport Guest Farm…)

Ababis Guest Farm

Ababis Guest farm lies at the northern end of the Naukluft Mountains; it has five en-suite double rooms, as well as two separate guest houses (house at the river and Berghouse), catering for up to five visitors. Activities include excursions to Sesriem Canyon, hiking in the mountains, and scenic flights over the Naukluft massif. (Read more about Ababis Guest Farm…)

Barchan Dune Retreat

Well over an hour's drive from Sesriem, on the way to the spectacular Spreetshoogte Pass, you'll find Barchan Dune Retreat. Set in lovely scenery on the edge of the mountains, the lodge has six big, open-plan bedrooms with a quirky design and great views. A warm welcome, super food and some great marked walking trails are guaranteed. (Read more about Barchan Dune Retreat…)

Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge

Far north of the Naukluft Mountains, Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge is notable for its innovative design and good food. Often used by travellers as a lunch stop to break the long journey to Swakopmund, this has a beautiful location, walking trails, and 11 domed-shaped en-suite rooms. (Read more about Rostock Ritz…)

Where to stay in the NamibRand Nature Reserve

Protecting the southern dune fields of the Namib, slightly south of Sesriem, the
NamibRand Nature Reserve is one of Africa's largest private sanctuaries. The reserve encompasses diverse landscapes and environments, from huge red sand dunes to vegetated inter-dune valleys, sand and gravel plains, and imposing mountains. It's a spectacular and fascinating area of desert, best visited in addition to the Naukluft Mountains and/or Sesriem – not as an alternative to these.

There are five lodges on the reserve. All are different in style and character, so speak to our knowledgeable team to see which will suit you best – and which combinations of camps work well together.

Wolwedans Dune Camp

Wolwedans Dune Camp is set on the edge of a high dune in the heart of NamibRand Nature Reserve. It has six Meru-style tents built on individual wooden decks, each with an en-suite bathroom in the back and a private veranda in front. There's also a main lapa, complete with a lounge, open-plan kitchen and dining area. (Read more about Wolwedans Dune Camp…)

Wolwedans Dune Lodge

On top of a dune plateau overlooking the desert you'll find Wolwedans Dune Lodge. Its nine wood-and-canvas chalets are set on stilts, and furnished with comfortable beds draped in mosquito netting; the canvas walls can be rolled up to stargaze and sleep under the stars. Dune Lodge also has a number of main facilities, including a pool, several sun decks and a wine cellar. (Read more about Wolwedans Dune Lodge…)

Wolwedans Boulders Camp

About 45km from the Dune Lodge, the small and remote Boulders Camp is Wolwedans' latest addition. As its name suggests, it's set amongst the granite boulders of a small kopje and has just four spacious tents, each with a kind-size or two queen-size beds. Activities focus on exploring the 450km² NamibRand Nature Reserve. (Read more about Boulders Camp…)

Wolwedans Private Camp

Wolwedans Private Camp is a large wooden villa, available for exclusive use only. It caters for up to four guests, and has two en-suite bedrooms, several sun decks, and a central lounge area, complete with a study, living room, dining room and open-plan kitchen; a private chef and guide can also be arranged. (Read more about Wolwedans Private Camp…)

Tok Tokkie Trails

One of Namibia's best walking trails can be tackled with Tok Tokkie Trails; over three days and two nights, their team will guide you through the unique desert landscape. On a typical day, you will picnic whilst watching weaver birds nest, dine under acacia and sleep on a camp bed beneath the stars. It's not for everyone, but if you like walking in a wilderness, it is magical! (Read more about Tok Tokkie Trails…)

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

In the northern part of the NamibRand Nature Reserve, Sossusvlei is perhaps the most luxurious desert lodge. It has 10 large villas, built from stone and glass, each with a private veranda and glass-panelled bathroom overlooking the surrounding rocky plains, and a star-viewing skylight above the comfortable bed. (Read more about Sossusvlei Desert Lodge…)

Small group safaris including Namib-Naukluft National Park

Simple camping adventures, luxurious camping safaris and exclusive, private guided safari holidays – Wild about Africa offers a variety of small group safaris and holidays to Namibia of which many include the Namib-Naukluft National Park and more specifically, the Sossusvlei sand dunes. Interested? Click here to read more about safaris to Namib-Naukluft National Park and Sossusvlei.

What to see in Namib-Naukluft National Park

Jutting out into the desert are the impressive Naukluft Mountains. Whilst the high plateaux and mountainsides tend to be rocky and sparsely vegetated, the ravines and valleys are verdant. This area receives few visitors but is peaceful, beautiful and ideal for serious hiking.

In the centre of the park, near Sesriem, the Tsauchab River meanders into the heart of the desert. Along its course the river has carved smooth tunnels from the sandstone, forming the beautiful Sesriem Canyon. Emerging into the desert, it has cleared sand from a flat avenue, now lined by towering apricot dunes. This is a breathtaking 60km drive that you will never forget.

At the end, you can walk across a small bar of sand into Sossusvlei: a photogenic clay pan, dotted with green acacia trees and ringed by graceful curving dunes. Many say this is the most beautiful landscape they have ever seen.

South of Sesriem the NamibRand Nature Reserve protects a beautiful area of desert. Low dune fields cut into the desert plains, with mountains visible in the distance. At sunrise the contrast of the ochre sand, yellow grasses and long dark shadows make for spectacular photography. It's a magical, captivating place.

To do justice to this region and explore the mountains and the dunes properly, stay for three nights. With more time, it's best to split your stay between Sesriem and either the Naukluft Mountains or the NamibRand Reserve.


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