Sossusvlei Lodge: Our full report

Sossusvlei Lodge is immediately beside the busy entrance gate into the Namib-Naukluft National Park, at Sesreim.

The entrance to the lodge itself is a towering archway flanked by two metal, life-size bushman sculptures standing guard. From here a shaded walkway, lined with plants in large clay pots, leads to a water feature where the bushman theme continues and figurines mimic a hunt in progress. As soon as you enter the lodge, it's clear that it has been painted using the same rich red sand tones as the nearby sand dunes; this theme is evident throughout the lodge.

The centre of the main building is a large paved patio with views over the desert. Although there is a breakfast room, the morning and midday meals are usually taken on the patio. Also adjoining the patio is a restaurant, bar and the lodge's reception. The rich red hues are continued through these various areas, broken by interesting patterns and bushman art along the walls. The bar has its own little shaded verandah with a view over a small waterhole which attracts birds, small animals and the occasional oryx – it's a comfortable spot for a sundowner!

Although we didn't have the time to try out all of the meals at Sossusvlei Lodge, we were impressed by the breakfast spread. An extensive buffet offers a delicious selection from a choice of yoghurts to various cereals, dried or fresh fruit to pancakes and cold meats to numerous cheeses. Added to this is the option of a hot breakfast including bacon, sausages and eggs. It was one of the best breakfast layouts that we'd come across in Namibia.

The Sossusvlei Lodge boasts an inviting large, clear swimming pool, surrounded by paved terracing and well kept green lawns. (Note that the water can be very cold, even on hot days.) Large patio umbrellas shade comfortable pool loungers from where you can enjoy an uninterrupted view of the desert. The nearby water tower supports a viewing deck which is reached be a winding staircase. From this height the view of the desert is even more spectacular and the towering dunes can be seen in the distance.

With 45 rooms, Sossusvlei Lodge is sizeable by Namibian standards. It's more like a hotel than many of Namibia's other lodges – but despite this, it doesn't feel excessively large. The communal areas are all quite close together, and so despite its size, the lodge feels pretty small.

The main bedroom of each of Sossusvlei Lodge's 45 rooms is a large walk in Meru-style tent, whilst the en-suite bathroom is a more solid brick and concrete structure. At the front of the room, large canvas windows can be rolled up to allow for air flow whilst a sewn in mesh keeps out insects. The interior of the room is simply but tastefully decorated. Twin beds with wrought iron headboards are covered with white linen covered with African patterns in the same red, orange and brown shades as the surrounding desert and dunes.

In one corner of the room is a small writing table with two chairs made from wrought iron, and in the other corner is a vanity table with a mirror and a stool. The only piece of art on the wall is a large print of bushman art, hanging above the beds. A wooden door leads from the bedroom out onto a private shaded verandah where you can sit out on canvas director's chairs and enjoy the surrounding views.

Each of the en-suite bathrooms has a walk in shower, a large mirror against the wall above the wash basin and a flush toilet. Basic toiletries are provided for guests in the bathrooms. Each room also has a luggage rack and built in wardrobe with a small safe for any valuables.

The safari activities offered at Sossusvlei Lodge are varied; they have their own adventure centre where guests can make bookings when they arrive. These activities include sundowner drives on surrounding reserve, nature drives, excursions to Sesriem Canyon and Elim Dune or into Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei, quad biking and scenic flights. Many of the activities require a minimum of four passengers – and most are best organized with the centre when you arrive.

Our View

Even though our most recent visit here was short, we found the staff here to be friendly and welcoming. It is likely that the lodge would be a lot busier during Namibia's peak season (July to October) when there are many large tour groups passing through. However, for more independent travellers who want to remain anonymous, and be left to their own devices, Sossusvlei Lodge's proximity to the gate at Sesriem make it worthy of our recommendation.

Geographics

Location: Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: 3 nights

Directions: Sossusvlei Lodge is immediately adjacent to Sesriem Gate of the Namib-Naulkluft National Park; it's barely 200m from it. This is normally about five hours' drive from Windhoek.

Key personnel

Owner: Independent/Owner-run

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board

Food quality: When we last visited, we felt that this lodge has one of the best breakfast buffets in the country!

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Drinks included: no drinks included.

Special interests

Honeymoons: The red dunes of Sesriem and Sossusvlei are very romantic. For a memorable honeymoon, romantic sleep outs under the stars can also be organized on request. These do attract a supplement, and use a bed set up in the dunes.

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Photographic: The beautiful surrounding desert and dunes make for excellent photo opportunities. Being based so close to the Sesriem gate make it relatively easy to make two trips into the dunes on one day: one for the early-morning light, and another to catch the late-afternoon sun.

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Children

Attitude towards children: Sossusvlei Lodge is a child-friendly lodge; the owners themselves have young children.

Equipment: Cots and high chairs can be provided.

Generally recommended for children: Yes

Notes: Like many desert locations, the swimming pool here can be exceptionally cold even on days when the air temperature is warm. Parents should always closely supervise their children when using this pool – and never allow any diving into it. The high water tower here is often used for views; for safety reasons we recommend against children going up there at all.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Communications: There is a central phone and mobile reception.

TV & radio: There is one large satellite TV in the main guest area.

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: A first-aid kit is on hand, and some staff have been trained to administer first aid. For serious medical emergencies, guests would be air-lifted to Windhoek.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: 24 hour staff on duty.

Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in each tent, which are regularly serviced.

Extras

Disabled access: In Place

Laundry facilities: There is a full laundry service here, which is available to guests at an extra charge.

Money: The lodge has money exchange facilities for foreign currencies. Each of the rooms has a safe.