Hoodia Desert Lodge: Our full report

Named after a flowering cactus, Hoodia Desert Lodge opened in 2008, making it one of the newest lodges in Namibia's Namib-Naukluft National Park. The lodge has a stunning setting at the foot of the mountains overlooking the ephemeral Tsauchab River, and backed by plains that seem to go on forever. It's also an easy 22km drive from the lodge to reach Sesriem, the gateway into Sossusvlei.

As you approach Hoodia Desert Lodge, you are greeted with a row of well-spaced 12 tented bungalows with the mountains towering above. Each of these lovely thatched bungalows has an en-suite bathroom, plus an open-air bath and shower, and a shaded veranda. Inside, windows on three sides of the bedroom admit plenty of light and afford superb scenic views from the bed. The decor is in warm shades of brown with brightly coloured curtains, while facilities include a tea- and coffee-making station, air conditioning, a minibar and a safe, as well as mosquito nets over the beds. All the bungalows face either the river or the plains and far mountains, perfect for watching the sunset. Bungalow no.1 is the best for uninterrupted sunset views, as it's the last in the row.

Both the indoor and outdoor bathrooms at Hoodia are decorated in a warm terracotta colour with copper taps and decorative mosaics on the walls. The indoor bathroom has a shower and sink, and a separate toilet with double doors leading to the outside bathroom, which also incorporates a changing area, and is designed so that guests can see out without being seen from nearby chalets. Guests are supplied with complimentary toiletries and large fluffy white towels.

Hoodia Desert Lodge has a stylish lounge built under thatch that doubles as a reception area, and an outdoor swimming pool set in a raised deck and sculpted into natural rock. Down a few steps from the lounge is the spacious restaurant, with wooden chairs and tables arranged around a large central fireplace that's doubles as a braai in summer, and glass doors and windows allowing views of the surrounding mountains. The restaurant offers superb traditional and international cuisine accompanied by a wide selection of South African wines. The service is great and attentive staff are on hand to advise on the best wine to suit your meal. The outside terrace looks out over the Tsauchab River, and is a good spot for birdwatching – as well as for sundowners or drinks after dinner, when it's lit up with quirky lanterns made from paper bags.

Hoodia Desert Lodge offers a range of activities, including hiking, excursions to Sossusvlei, sundowner drives and scenic drives, and the lodge can organise ballooning trips.

Our view

Hoodia Desert Lodge's friendly staff offer great service and delicious food in a beautiful setting. The atmosphere of the lodge is calm and peaceful, and the added touches of luxury make this an excellent place to stay.

Geographics

Location: Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: 2 nights

Directions: Hoodia Desert Lodge is located on the C19, half way between its junction with the D854 and its junction with the C27. Turn off from the road then follow the track 6km towards the mountains.

Key personnel

Owner: Thomas and Henreza Becker

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board

Food quality: Breakfast: There's a buffet breakfast with a selection of cereals, bread, fruits and yoghurts. Hot breakfasts, such as bacon and eggs, are cooked to order.
Lunch:A light lunch is available.
Dinner:On our last visit in April 2010, the lodge served up a delicious and beautifully presented three-course meal including some superb steak followed by tiramisu. Hoodia is flexible with dietary requirements as long as they are informed in advance.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome.

Generally recommended for children: While children over 4 are welcome at Hoodia Desert Lodge, there is little to keep them occupied here when not on excursions or participating in activities.

Notes: Children must be supervised at all times.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: There is limited mobile reception, but no internet access for guests.

TV & radio: None

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: The lodge is 220km from the nearest hospital; in an emergency patients would be flown to Windhoek.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: All buildings are locked at night, but there is no guard.

Fire safety: Fire extinguishers and hoses are situated in the main building.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: Available for an extra charge.

Money: Currency exchange is offered.