Reviews of Barkhan Dune Retreat
Wildlife sightings and reviews
37 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Barkhan Dune Retreat and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"A real retreat"
The rooms were set into the barkan dune and were very comfortable and private. Coffee was brought to the room in the morning and it was nice to have that first cup at leisure enjoying the desert morning.
A short hike up the nearby mountain was well marked and offered stunning views of the surrounds." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia
Oryx
7 sightings
Zebra
1 sighting
"Barchan Dune Retreat stopover"
The lodge was in a lovely setting; the rooms were excellent; the drive to the top of the nearby Spreetshoogte Pass was a very worthwhile diversion - the views were terrific; but the food let this place down for us.
I don't think it was freshly prepared - we appeared to be given ready meals from the freezer. Dinner was served at a large communal table but we were the only guests. Excellent wines were included with dinner.
The hosts were very pleasant - they are currently building more rooms and are installing a swimming pool." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe
Meerkat
1 sighting
"Barchan Dune Retreat review"
Had a nice walk and a break up of the drive." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Stay among the rocks @Barchan Dune Retreat"
Unfortunately the water for the shower was cold but otherwise the room was very comfortable.
We were advised to travel up to the nearby Spreetshoogte Pass to watch the sunset which was well worthwhile." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Meerkat
1 sighting
Zebra
5 sightings
"Barchan Dune Retreat review"
The lodge is set in stunning scenery, and the room we had was built into a dune. It was very hot during our stay, and the room was a little difficult to cool.
We went on the sundowner farm drive which was interesting, with quite a lot of game on show.
We liked Barchan Dune last time we stayed there, and still do" See all these reviews: 26n in Namibia
Meerkat
1 sighting
Oryx
1 sighting
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
1 sighting
"Beautiful setting"
The drive there was a long way off the 'main' highway, we found the driving around this area quite tiring though in beautiful scenery.
A beautiful house with very cleverly designed, hidden rooms tucked under the dunes in their grounds. The gardens & birds were wonderful.
The hosts & staff were really friendly & welcoming & gave us really lovely home cooked food." See all these reviews: 27n in Namibia; 1n in Botswana
"Retreat is an apt word"
The retreat is well off the beaten track in an isolated valley. I loved its solitude. It doesn't feel the least bit like a business, just somebody's house with a few rooms. The current owners are most interesting and great hosts. You dine with them and I find that much more entertaining and informative than sitting in a restaurant.
The food, dinner and breakfast, was very good and beautifully served. Well done the (silent) kitchen team!" See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia; 4n in South Africa
"Barchan Dune Retreat review"
"Barchan Dune Retreat... a great farm stay"
We really enjoyed meeting Willem and Hannetjie and sharing their hospitality over a sundowner drink and our evening meal.
The rooms are architecturally interesting, being individual cabins built into the sand dunes. Very comfortable." See all these reviews: 24n in Namibia
"Retreat is just the right name for this place"
They have done a clever and nice job building the individual chalets into the dunes, at the end of a lovely and very quiet valley. Hannjete quietly ensured tea/coffee/beer was provided at multiple points through the day whenever we were back at the home.
Dinner around the table with the hosts were excellent and it felt like being house guests rather than paying guests. We had two enjoyable discussions with the hosts and other guests whilst drinks flowed (especially reducing Willem's whiskey stocks).
The walk up the hill behind the farm is well worth it for fabulous views.
Other guests went on agame drive with Willem and saw a great range of game including a very large herd of Oryx plus Zebra.
The Spreetshoogte Pass is also worth a visit - a very steep and twisting road up that gives incredible views across the plain and only 20 minutes from Barchan Dunes.
Overall a very nice place to relax in the middle of nowhere!" See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
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Desert Quiver Camp
Desert Quiver Camp is an economical option self-catering, well located for access to Sossusvlei.
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Solitaire Country Lodge
Solitaire Country Lodge is a good stop-off on the way to Sossusvlei and can be used as a base to explore the Naukluft Mountains.
Desert Hills Camp
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Desert Grace
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The Nest
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Camp Sossus
Camp Sossus is a offers top notch guiding in a remote wilderness area of the Naukluft Mountains with easy access to the famous dunes of Sossusvlei.
