Sossusvlei Desert Lodge: Our full report

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge (formerly known as Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge) is perhaps the ultimate in desert luxury, and would appeal to those who love their comforts. Located in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, this lodge allows visitors to soak up unspoilt views and participate in a range of activities.

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge has ten chalets constructed from stone-and-glass and decorated in soft neutral tones. The split-level rooms have many comforts, including a glass-panelled bathroom, indoor and an outdoor showers, air conditioning, well-stocked minibars, CD-players, and even your own telescope. Each room can be either twin or double and one can also be converted into a triple room. Rooms are spacious, with their own comfortable lounge areas and sliding glass doors that can be opened on to the desert. Through these doors is a terrace with a sun lounger. Above the beds is a skylight, which makes the room feel light and bright during the day, and at night allows you to star gaze from your own bed. On arrival guests all receive a personalised welcome note and information about the stars.

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge's restaurant serves tasty food from an à-la-carte menu (even for breakfast) that rotates every seven days. The restaurant is adjacent to the bar, which has views over the desert. Down a couple of steps from the dining area is an impressive air-conditioned wine cellar that can also be used for private dinners.

Up a short flight of stairs from the bar and restaurant is a spacious lounge that also has a terrace. Being higher up, you can see further from this terrace than you can from downstairs. There's a real interest in astronomy here. The lodge has a computer-controlled telescope that guests can use, and pathways are lit by red lights at night so that the stars can still be seen (guests are also given a torch). The lodge even has a resident astronomer who can explain the constellations and talk to you about the night sky. There's also satellite TV up here, as well as a small selection of books to browse.

In front of the dining area, and slightly lower than the rest of the camp, is the circular swimming pool. It has fabulous views across the plains to the distant mountains, and antelope visiting the waterhole can often be seen from here. The pool is fed by water from a spring.

On our last visit in 2010, we were greeted on arrival by cheery and welcoming staff who poured us a refreshing glass of homemade lemonade, just what we needed after a hot and dusty journey. We found the service here to be excellent, with no task too difficult for the staff.

Activities at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge include excursions to Sossusvlei (with breakfast), guided nature walks, scenic nature drives, a waterfall trip, birdwatching, quadbiking in ATVs (over 16s only), and a walk to bushman caves with rock paintings. It is possible to hike up some of the nearby mountains with a ranger and guests can go for unguided walks on their own, but are given a radio. For those looking for something less energetic, the lodge can book massages for you in your own room.

Our View

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is a well designed lodge, with a lovely setting offering beautiful views and a range of activities. It offers high levels of service and comfort, and is well worth a stay if your budget can stretch to it.

Geographics

Location: Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: 2–3 nights

Directions: Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is located on the NamibRand Nature Reserve, and can be accessed along the C27, south of Sesriem.

Key personnel

Owner: Lodge chain

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge.

Generally recommended for children: Although children are welcome here, there is not a huge amount to keep them entertained between activities.

Notes: Children must be under parental supervision at all times.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Communications: There is no mobile phone coverage and no internet here.

TV & radio: The lodge has a satellite TV in the upstairs lounge.

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: The closest doctor is in Mariental, but in an emergency, patients would be flown to Windhoek.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: The lodge is protected by its remote location.

Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in each room, as well as smoke detectors.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: Laundry is included.