Reviews of Sossus Dune Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
138 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Sossus Dune Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Mixed feelings about Sossus Dune Lodge"
Two members of staff stood out way above the trend-our guide "Semi" who was brilliant and full of infectious enthusiasm and the porter who was exceptionally alert and attentive." See all these reviews: 28n in Namibia; 5n in South Africa
"Breathtaking views and ideal for dunes"
Lovely setting for dinner and good food, including best eland steak in Namibia! (A few more vegetables might have been nice, we were not quite adapted to the high meat Namibian diet!)" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Magical experience at Sossus Dune Lodge"
We ate on the terrace of the dining area under the stars.
On the first evening we drove ourselves to Dune 45 to watch the sun setting. We were the only 4 people there. It was a beautiful sight in the silent desert. The next morning we joined a drive to Sossusvlei to watch the sun rise over the dunes, a magical experience. It was rounded off by breakfast under a tree. The guide, Stephen, had laid it out most beautifully, even including a tablecloth.
Our only criticism was the odd requirement to pay for each days' expenses at the end of that day, rather than at the stay as happened everywhere else. This was a nuisance especially since dinner was not included." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
"Sossus Dune Lodge review"
The manager and staff were very friendly and helpful. Where they fell down, was on delivering evening meals to the table whilst they were still hot. Clearly, a big timing problem between the kitchen and the serving staff, as both nights we were there, all four of our party had luke warm food. Although at breakfast, (maybe not so much pressure on the staff) they managed to serve the food hot.
All NWR resorts now give you a notice on arrival that any card transaction have to be done by yourself and you are not to give your card to any member of staff or let it out of your sight. They are making an effort to stop card skimmimg." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 1n in Zimbabwe
"Sunrise in the dunes - unforgettable!"
Enjoyed an excellent walk to nearby Sesriem Canyon in the evening sunshine. Learned about the local wildlife from the large animals and the consistency of their dung, right down to a small beetle that protects itself by withdrawing into it's shell and 'playing dead'. Owls and vultures swooped overhead and butterflies fluttered around the bushes. It felt like a film set!
A 5am start on one morning enabled us to be the first to drive into the dunes. Our footprints were the first to be made that morning as we climbed 'Big Daddy' dune and watched the sun rise - an amazing experience. Like a Martian landscape with the breeze lifting the bright orange sand into the air around us. Ran down the dunes to 'Deadvlei' - yes the place all the tourists visit and photograph, but a truely striking and atmospheric place.
Our guide Samuel (Sami), looked after us brilliantly throughout our stay and on all the activities - he was polite, charming & knowledable, helping us to get the most out of each experience. Thank you!
Whilst at Sossus Dune Lodge these travellers undertook a dawn balloon flight. Here's what they said about it:
Slightly apprehensive before this trip as not brilliant with heights, but so glad we did it and would urge anyone to do the same - there is no better location in the world!
The gas burners fire for a few seconds to give sufficient lift then off slowly into the dawn sky. Eerily quiet as we peered down onto the dunes below for a flight lasting about an hour. Other balloons depart at a similar time so there are some fantastic photo opportunities for colourfull baloons sweeping across the orange dunes.
We'd been briefed on the positions to adopt for a bumpy landing, but in the end it was incredibly smooth. Our pilot Marnie was obviously very experienced, and we skimmed the sand for a few seconds before coming to a halt.
Then it was a quick jeep ride to the foot of a dune where an enourmous breakfast was laid out on trestle tables. Coffee, champagene, fruit and even tried zebra meat!" See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Sossus Dune Lodge review"
Trips to Elim dune, Sesriem Gorge and Dune 40 and 45 at sunset were easy to do on our own.
We parked in the 2wd car park and never had a problem with being taken in their vehicle to or from the car park.
Have rated food as average in comparison to other places we stayed, oryx steak excellent though.
There is no internet access here but there is an internet cafe at Oasis Garage outside the park." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Sossus Dune Lodge review"
"Wonderful stay at Sossus Dune Lodge"
The nearby Sesriem Canyon located just 15 min. walk from the lodge is a great place for a relaxing stroll. The lodge is a great staging place for visiting the Sossusvlei. The meals were very tasty, although the portions could be slightly bigger.
We did not take part in the activities offered by the lodge, therefore we cannot comment on this aspect of the accommodation." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Sossus Dune Lodge good for photographers"
Our request for a distant room was not heeded, but given the amount of exercise we had climbing dunes this was maybe a blessing, though the noise from the bar and the clomp-clomping of people on the boardwalk and especially of running children, made only the wee hours of the morning peaceful. Our room did overlook a small lighted waterhole allowing us to watch a few animals stop by to drink.
We found the shuttle service to the parking area to be very good, walking only once when they had a large group arriving. Probably because we planned to tip at the end of our stay--so weren't tipping with every drink and dinner--our dinner service worsened with every night. The food itself was edible, but lacked flavor and texture, making me believe it was all prepackaged or canned. In future, I will try to learn how each camp/lodge operates on arrival, so we can tip accordingly.
When requested the night before, large packed breakfasts are placed on a table available for very early departures.
Whilst at Sossus Dune Lodge these travellers took a scenic helicopter flight over the dunes. Here's what they said about it:
Wow! Standing next to or on the dunes, gives you a feel for their size, but from the air you see just how large the expanse is, and the magnificence of the ever-changing shapes and patterns!
Our pilot was a bit of a hotshot, maybe fun for some the thrill of racing low over the dunes and causing the oryx to run, but not what we desired as photographers or with respect for the thin gemsbok, already stressed with low food and water. So I have really mixed feelings--the aerial perspective is fantastic, but I also feel flights should be banned if they are disrupting the wildlife, especially if it's intentional.
We felt it was not very professional when the pilot showed up for the flight with his booking girl, supposedly for weight and balance. My husband and I mentioned sitting on the same side, hoping the pilot could accommodate us with favorable light, and no mention was made during our preflight meeting that this would be a problem. As it was, he and the girl got the favorable light, and it was difficult to get his attention as he spent his time talking primarily with her." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 14n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Fantastic desert location in the park"
It was very windy when we were there, and one minor grumble was that the restaurant door was constantly being opened for staff to bring and clear food, resulting in cold draughts and quite a cold room - it was June and temperatures outside were low single figures in the evenings.
That was the only grumble we had over the two nights we were there.
Being in the park was a great advantage, as we could be at Sossusvlei at sunrise, and also be out at the dunes at sunset - not possible if you stay outside the park.
We did the sunrise trip to Sossusvlei, which was brilliant - the strong winds and blowing sand added positively to the experience! Paulus, our guide, was very knowledgeable, and had a great sense of humour.
Sesreim Canyon was well worth an hour or two.
Finally, being out at the dunes at sunset was delightful." See all these reviews: 26n in Namibia
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