Cape Cross Lodge: Our full report

Cape Cross Lodge is situated on the Skeleton Coast of Namibia, about an hour's drive (110km) north of Swakopmund; it's very close to Cape Cross Seal Reserve.

Cape Cross Lodge is built in a mix of Cape Dutch and west coast fishing village style, within a fully glassed front that lets in plenty of light. The open-plan lounge and dining areas are divided by individual fireplaces, helping to make it feel very cosy and warm – in sharp contrast to the atmosphere outside, which can be bitterly cold.

Enjoy before or after dinner drinks at the bar, or sit on the very comfortable sofas. There are plenty of coffee-table books to read or just sit quietly and listen to the music or watch the waves break. There is a private wine cellar with a good selection of wines and spirits.

Each of the 24 bedrooms at Cape Cross Lodge is decorated with pastel colours and furnished with wicker furniture and good-quality fabrics – and sometimes a bowl of sea-shells for decoration. Most have twin beds and simple and elegant en-suite bathrooms, and some are a little small!) They are all clean and practical, have an electric shaver point, and offer complementary shampoo, body lotion and guest soap. Most have a shower but no bath.

Eight of the rooms have private balconies with beautiful sea views and wooden deck chairs and tables; six of the rooms are facing what they call the courtyard. The rest of the rooms are in privately-owned houses, a stones throw from the main building.

Cape Cross is usually fairly cool at night, and the rooms have no air-conditioning, fans or mosquito nets. They don't have heaters or electric blankets either, so if you want to request extra blankets – we suggest that you do so before dinner.

Being close to the seal colony, Cape Cross Lodge is open to day visitors who sometimes come for lunch. It's also convenient place to stay for the night when travelling between Damaraland and Swakopmund. However, Swakopmund is only an hours' drive south – and so many people prefer to stay there instead.

Geographics

Location: Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: One night – it's usually used as a stopover.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board

Food quality: Breakfast is served buffet style between 06:30 and 10:00; expect a variety of cereals, bread, muffins, cold meat, cheese, fruit, and yogurt to be laid out - on a table that looks almost makeshift, draped with fish nets and on wooden kegs.

Lunch is served between 12:00 and 15:00, and dinner is usually a set menu, served between 18:00 and 21:00. Dinner is only served buffet style during the festive season.

Tea/coffee and cake is available throughout the day and is included in the price of an overnight stay.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Drinks included: Drinks are not included at Cape Cross Lodge

Children

Attitude towards children: Children with parents are welcome at Cape Cross Lodge.

Equipment: Cots and highchairs can be provided for children.

Generally recommended for children: Yes

Notes: None

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Communications: There are no phones in the rooms but the lodge has mobile reception. The reception has internet and fax facilities but it is not for the use of guest

TV & radio: There are no TVs or radios in the rooms but there is a central radio/entertainment centre that plays music throughout the day. There is a TV with satellite channels in the downstairs cellar.

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: The closest hospital or doctor is in Henties Bay, which is about a 30mindrive.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: There are no guards on site

Fire safety: There are no fire extinguishers in rooms but there a few in and around the lodge.

Extras

Disabled access: In Place

Laundry facilities: Laundry can be done at an extra charge per item and can be returned within 24 hours.

Money: You can exchange traveller's cheques at the lodge and each room has an electronic combination safe.