Sorris Sorris Lodge: Our full report

Sorris Sorris is a designer lodge located in a private concession of the same name.

Hugging the rocky terrain and huge red granite boulders of southern Damaraland the lodge combines minimalist Scandanavian style with luxurious comfort overlooking the often dry Ugab River and the towering Brandberg Massif.

Sorris Sorris opened in 2015, and is one of Namibia’s most luxurious lodges, offering a high standard of creature comforts in a remote part of Damaraland. It does come with a hefty price-tag though.

After a hot and dusty drive, the V-shaped swimming pool at the top of a kopje, or rocky hill, is very inviting, its large deck set with sunloungers under a wooden shaded area. Close by, the main area at Sorris Sorris is light and airy, with panoramic folding windows opening onto a large deck, overlooking the Damaraland desert plains. On a warm day these windows can be opened completely, but if it's cold or windy, they can be closed up tight.

The furniture here is all light wood with pale-blue fabrics. Individual dining tables and chairs are dotted around, with comfortable seating at either end, and a modern bar counter at the back. Outside, at the far end of the deck overhanging the rocks, is a hexagonal deck with a firepit at the centre and built-in seating around the edge. This offers a fantastic platform from which to try and spot some of the area's elusive desert elephants in the distance, while sipping a drink and watching the sun set behind the Brandberg Mountains.

Wooden walkways and flights of steps meander through the boulder strewn terrain and to the lodges nine individual rooms, including one luxury suite, all spread around the base of a rocky outcrop. Each has lovely views down the valley towards the Ugab River and the Brandberg Mountains in the distance.

From the outside, the rooms at Sorris Sorris appear fairly stark: square, block-like structures, clad in red stone so that they blend in with the rocky environment. Inside, however, they – like the main area – are very light and airy, featuring the lodge's hallmark pale wood, crisp white linen and pale-blue soft furnishings.

Each room has an outside terrace, with floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors that open into the bedroom. Double or twin beds are on a raised wooden platform, while beside the window are a couple of easy chairs and a low table. Each room has a fully stocked minibar and Nespresso coffee machine.

On a raised level behind the bedroom is a fully open bathroom with a washbasin in the plinth behind the bed, & a bath set into a heavy wooden frame by the glazed back wall. A shower cubicle occupies the back corner of the bathroom area, and while partially glazed isn’t completely hidden from the rest of the room – you’ll need to be very comfortable with your travel partner before sharing a room here! A much more private toilet occupies the other corner. The frosted glass at the back of the room can be opened onto a private outdoor paced area, where you can find a second shower and bath. Toiletries, white towels and bathrobes are provided.

The suite – ideal for honeymooners – is generally larger, with a separate lounge area, a bigger bathroom and a spacious deck to the side.

Sorris Sorris offers several activities including guided walks and drives down the often dry Ugab River searching for the areas desert adapted black rhinos (seen roughly twice a month) and elepahnts, the latter of which can normally be tracked down over the course of a day. Trips can also be taken to the Brandberg Massif to see the areas rock paintings and also makes for an incredible spot for a sundowner.

Our view

Everything at Sorris Sorris has been thought through to the highest standard, from the inventive and exceptions menu, to the stylish and luxurious design of the rooms, and the professional and friendly service. It’s one of the most expensive properties in this remote area of Damaraland, but when staying here you can easily see where your money is going.

Richard Trillo

Namibia expert

Geographics

Location: Damaraland, Namibia
Ideal length of stay: 2 nights is ideal to explore this part of Damaraland
Directions: Sorris Sorris in situated in the Brandberg area near the D2319. The closest towns are Uis (35km to the south) and Khorixas (83km to the north), and Windhoek is about 395km (5 hours' drive) away. The nearest airstrip is at Uis. Guests will need a 4WD vehicle to access the lodge.
Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis

Full Board & Activities

Food quality

The food at Sorris Sorris is excellent, with the menu drawing from cuisines across the globe but still with a notable Namibian influence. It’s some of the best and most interesting food we’ve had a chance to try in Namibia.

Breakfast offers a healthy choice with a selection of fresh fruit juice, fresh fruit, yoghurt, muesli and cereals, alongside a range of cold meats and cheeses, and a hot breakfast that includes eggs, bacon, chicken, ham, onion, tomatoes, mushrooms and cheese.

Although we did not stay long enough at Sorris Sorris to experience lunch we understand that it is the same high standard as the other meals we experienced here.
Dinner is a smart occasion and consists of a six course tasting menu served on a candlelit table with crisp white tablecloths. On our last visit in September 2018 our courses were as follows:

A game terrine with pickled red cabbage and a red wine jelly
Deep fried camembert with a crisp green salad
Butternut squash soup with toasted pumpkin seeds
Teriyaki salmon with stir fried vegetables and jasmine rice
Rare beef sirloin with a mushroom sauce, buttered baby carrots and pea puree
Apple crumble with Amarula ice cream

Each of the portions were small in size and incredibly tasty.

Dining style

Individual Tables

Dining locations

Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Drinks included

Drinks, including champagne on arrival, wine, beer, soft drinks and bottled water are included, but premium spirits and some imported drinks may be charged for.

Special interests

Luxury: The stylish (almost Spartan) wooden interiors are direct from the ‘Scandinavian-minimalist’ school of design, making a stay at Sorris Sorris a real luxury. Great food, a terrific pool and endless expansive views of desert complete this lodge’s very modern take on luxury.; See ideas for Luxury

Children

Attitude towards children: At the time of writing Sorris Sorris had not yet decided on a child policy.
Property’s age restrictions: Sorris Sorris accepts children aged 10+
Special activities & services: None
Equipment: None
Generally recommended for children: Given the number of steps and the luxurious feel of the lodge we wouldn’t recommend Sorris Sorris for children under the age of 12.
Notes: The terrain is very rocky, with steep steps leading to the rooms, and the pool is unfenced. Parents need to supervise their children at all times.

Communications

Power supply notes: The generator is on from 5.00am until the last guest goes to bed.
They are hoping to add solar power in the future.
Communications: Patchy cellphone reception is available. There is also WiFi at Sorri Sorris – although it wasn’t working at the time of our visit due to a faulty transmitter.
TV & radio: There are no TVs or radios in the camp.
Water supply: Borehole

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: The nearest hospital is in Khorixas and in an emergency guests can be flown to Windhoek.
Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk
Security measures: Currently there are none.
Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are located in all rooms.

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Laundry is included
Money: There is a digital safe in each room.

There is no currency exchange available
Accepted payment on location: Sorris Sorris accepts cash payments in Namibian dollars and South African rand, as well as credit payments by Visa, Amex and MasterCard.