Wolwedans Boulders Camp: Our full report

The latest addition to the collection of well-appointed camps in the private NamibRand Nature Reserve is Wolwedans Boulders Camp. This small, exclusive camp, situated 45km south of Wolwedans Dune Lodge, is reached by 4WD, a scenic transfer during which, on our last visit, we saw ostrich and several species of antelope. The lodge's isolated location makes it a very peaceful and tranquil place to stay.

Built at the foot of a granite boulder mountain, Boulders Camp has only four spacious tents, sleeping up to a total of eight guests. The tents are beautifully decorated, each with a four-poster bed in the centre, elegantly draped with white mosquito netting, and flanked by a dressing table and smaller coffee table and chairs. Outside, on the veranda, are a couple of loungers and additional seating offer impressive views across to the mountains. Roll-up canvas blinds allow cool air to circulate freely, and during the cold winter months, hot water bottles are placed in each bed.

Each room has a private bathroom which, although not en suite, is less than three metres away from the bedroom. These are fairly big with showers, flush toilets, double basins, Moroccan lanterns and bathrobes. You can even roll up the bathroom window to admire the views while brushing your teeth or having a shower. Body lotion, shampoo and small guest soaps are provided too.

The main area at Wolwedans Boulders Camp consists of a dining tent and a lounge tent built on a vast wooden deck, with the kitchen set between them. On one side of the deck is an open fireplace, used for outdoor breakfasts. Another section, designed as the sundowner spot, makes the most of the views over the NamibRand Reserve as each day wanes – well worth a visit on your first night. The lounge interior is furnished with plush leather couches and a small library and is tastefully decorated in earthy colours with old German furniture, books and lanterns. In the dining tent, a communal meal table is set under a rustic lantern chandelier.

Meals are generally served in the main tent or, depending on the weather, under the stars on the open deck. In summer, dinner can be as late as 9.00pm, but in summer it is normally served earlier. Sometimes the chef will do a barbecue. On our last visit in April 2010 the food was absolutely delicious, and of a very high quality. The friendly chef introduced the menu and recommended which wine to choose. We went with his recommendations and we thoroughly approved!

During their stay at Wolwedans Boulders Camp, guests explore various aspects of the 2100km² reserve. Activities comprise two- to three-hour guided walks, usually in the morning, and 4WD scenic drives in the afternoon. The camp itself is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the surrounding vistas.

Although the NamibRand is not primarily a wildlife destination, the vast reserve is home to gemsbok, springbok, kudu, Hartmann's and Burchell's zebra, giraffe, klipspringer, steenbok and hartebeest. Visitors may also be lucky enough to catch sight of leopard, spotted and brown hyena, black-backed jackal, bat-eared and Cape fox, caracal or one of the cheetah that have been introduced here as part of a conservation programme. For the ornithologist, there are over a hundred species of birds to be spotted.

Visitors to Boulders Camp should note that it is not possible to visit Sossusvlei from here; this takes place in the Sesriem area, a little over an hour north of the NamibRand Reserve. For those who want to make the most of Namibia's desert we recommend two nights at one of the lodges in the Sesriem area followed by two special nights at Wolwedans.

Our view

Wolwedans Boulders Camp is a very exclusive retreat in a remote and beautiful corner of the NamibRand Nature Reserve. This high-quality camp feels quite open and in touch with the landscape – making it an exceedingly peaceful place to relax, perhaps whilst doing a little gentle exploring on foot and by 4WD. Let any game be a bonus; come here for the magical ambience.

Geographics

Location: Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: Two nights

Directions: Wolwedans Boulders Camp is situated within the NamibRand Nature Reserve. On arrival at the entrance to this, follow the signs to the Wolwedans farmhouse/reception, 20km from the main gate. After checking in you will meet your guide then take a 4WD scenic transfer to the camp.

Key personnel

Owner: Stephan Bruckner

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: The food is of a very high quality, influenced by international cuisines, and very imaginative. On our last visit, we tucked in to vegetable spring rolls, stuffed chicken and kudu steak followed by pannacotta.

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included

Drinks included: Drinks are included at Wolwedans Boulders Camp with the exception of French champagne and premium brands or special whiskies. These can be ordered and paid for locally.

Special interests

Honeymoons: Namibia is a great honeymoon destination. Imagine watching the sunset after a day amongst the Namib's red dunes and mountains on a remote reserve, totally isolated. The staff at Wolwedans Boulders Camp will pamper you throughout your stay making this a great addition to a honeymoon. Even the owner, Stephan, held his wedding on this beautiful reserve!

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Photographic: The NamibRand Nature Reserve is one of Africa's largest private sanctuaries. The diverse landscapes, from huge red sand dunes to vegetated inter-dune valleys, gravel plains and imposing mountains makes for spectacular photographs!

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Children

Attitude towards children: Children aged 12 and over are welcome at Boulders Camp. Younger children can stay here provided that the whole camp is booked exclusively by one family group.

Equipment: None

Generally recommended for children: Expert Africa does not recommend Wolwedans Boulders Camp for young children as there are no facilities to entertain them between activities. If you plan to travel to Namibia with children under the age of 12, contact us to discuss suitable alternatives.

Central communications

Power supply: Solar Power

Communications: Boulders Camp is in constant communication with their office at the Wolwedans farm. There is no cellphone reception and no phones in the tents.

TV & radio: None

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: The closest doctor is in the town of Mariental. In an emergency, an aircraft will be sent to the camp, landing at the private Wolwedans airstrip.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: None

Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are strategically placed throughout the camp.

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: There are no laundry facilities at Boulders Camp. Guests can ask for laundry to be handled at Wolwedans Dune Lodge but given the distance, clean clothes may not be returned until the following day.