Reviews of Cape Cross Lodge
(85%) From 30 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Cape Cross Lodge review
An entirely acceptable stop-over, ideally situated for the seal colony and the Skeleton Coast, with dramatic sea views and sunsets from bedroom balconies. Would be LOVELY in warmer weather.
Read more about the whole safariCape Cross Lodge review
Great location on the beachfront and close to the seal colony. The building is modern and makes no concessions to 'safari' style, but then it has to withstand the coastal climate. Facilities and food were excellent, and a walk along the beach near sunset a break from the desert inalnd.
One issue may be the construction of holiday apartments close by, which must detract from the setting. They are in compatible style and probably developed by the lodge itself . The environmental impact of more developoment here could be negative.
Cape Cross Lodge review
Excellent decor. They did really well to serve such good food in such a remote location.
Read more about the whole safariCape Cross Lodge mixed experience
We had booked a room without a sea view (to save a bit of money) but that was the wrong decision. These rooms had no views at all and were subjected to noise from the generator while it was on. We were puzzled why such rooms were offered at all, especially at these prices.
In any event, we swapped for a sea view (and paid the extra), and the room and the view were excellent. The communal facilities were like a luxury hotel but they had an odd feel because there were very few guests. Also - and in our view this is a serious crime in a place like this! - they had piped music in the dining and bar areas. I can't imagine any guest would ever want to listen to this and I would really recommend that they don't turn it on.
Our dinner was fine, though rather elaborate and fussy for our tastes. Breakfast was good.
Our only reason for staying there was to be close to the seal colony and that worked fine. However, next time we would probably aim to get to the seal colony earlier and then move on to stay somewhere else.
Cape Cross Lodge review
First time visit to this lodge and it was a good choice for a one night stay.
Very friendly and helpful staff.
Cape Cross Lodge review
The lodge is situated a long way from anywhere - the only thing nearby is the Seal colony, but for people wanting to visit the seal colony then this lodge is an excellent place to stay. There is a water supply outside which attracts jackals and the occasional brown hyena to drink.
My only concern is that if Namibia continues to cull so many seals then the colony which is already a fraction of the size it was 6 years ago when I last visited, will simply cease to be worth visiting and this lodge will then struggle.
Expert Africa comments
We are aware that seal culling/harvesting is practised in Namibia. Whilst we don't agree with the practice, we are assured that Namibia is doing this in a sustainable way – and we believe this to be the case.
Historically, seal culling was at its height here when Namibia was a colony! Since then, the largest number of seals recorded along Namibia's west coast was in 1993, shortly after independence. The latest scientific information (from Namibia’s Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resources) suggests that Namibia’s overall seal population is in a very healthy condition, with an increase in the number of pups and also new colonies along the coast in the last decade.
Visitors to Cape Cross (or any of Namibia’s other colonies) should note that the numbers of seals found at the colony vary substantially with the breeding and feeding seasons of the seals. They come ashore to breed, but spend many months feeding and migrating at sea – so it’s quite possible to come once and find the colony packed full, and back six months later to find far fewer animals. This doesn’t necessarily reflect the overall population, and may be a perfectly normal fluctuation.
Although we are not in favour of seal harvesting, Expert Africa will continue to support Namibia and the many positive wildlife, conservation and community projects which are thriving there.
Cape Cross Lodge review
A really nice lodge - quite a surprise on such a desolate coast.
Good food and service.
Stylish and seasidey
We liked it very much before and were pleased to find things exactly the same. Welcoming contemporary atmosphere with stylish surroundings and friendly hospitality.
Beautiful spot and very well run with delicious, wholesome food. Likde the ostrich shaped napkin design and the explanation as to how it could be replicated at home!
Great for endless walks along the beach and of course handy for the seal colony. Plan to return and do their trip to the Messum crater.
A slightly disappointing experience
Arrived to discover no record of our booking. The courtyard rooms with 'a sea view' felt like staff accommodation. The ceiling was stained with earlier leaks and the room was located next to the hotel's main electricity generators - a very noisy experience.
Whilst it was possible to see the sea the view from the rear revealed a brick wall and a pile of old mattresses.
Given its location Cape Cross needs to be a real oasis in a very harsh desert. For us it didn't quite live up to its billing.
Expert Africa comments
Since Mr T's return we (Expert Africa) have corresponded with our ground handlers in Namibia regarding the reservation not being received by Cape Cross Lodge. The lodge have recently changed their reservation office and during the change Mr T's booking was 'lost'. Although the lodge were able to accommodate them when they arrived this was in a room that would not usually be used for guests. Cape Cross Lodge has subsequently apologised for this mistake and have offered Mr T a refund.
We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.
