Reviews of Hoodia Desert Lodge
(97%) From 118 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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The best accomodation in Namibia!
The best accommodation in every respect on our tour of Namibia! Thorough information about activities available on arrival, exceptionally helpful and pleasant staff, spacious well-equipped rooms with, good food, all topped off by a hot water bottle in bed!
We had planned to drive ourselves to Sossusvlei but decided to go on Hoodia's tour when we got there and did not regret it. We learnt much more about the area than we would have done on our own and didn't get stuck driving in the sand unlike some other travellers. A very good sit-down lunch was provided, not a packed lunch as on most activities elsewhere.
Be aware that the map at the start of chapter 12 of the Bradt guide shows Hoodia in the wrong place. It is approached from the C19 not the D854. The map of Sesreim and Sossusvlei later in the chapter shows the correct position.
Hoodia Desert Lodge review
Hoodia is a luxurious oasis off the main highway leading to Sossusvlei, 22 kms north of the lodge to the gate at Sesriem. Its location means that they have mains power, though only intermittent cell phone and very slow internet connections. The lodge and the 11 chalets are very attractive and sumptuously furnished. The setting is spectacular, with mountains rising steeply just across a usually dry riverbed behind the lodge, and in the front, plains stretching into infinity. There's a water tank out front, rather distant but you can spot larger animals such as giraffes getting a drink. The water tank should have been much nearer to the lodge so guests could enjoy seeing the animals closer.
The highlight of any trip to this area is Sossusvlei, and the lodge offers a full day excursion, which we took. Our guide was Jonathan, who was intimately acquainted with the area and willingly shared his knowledge with us. He stopped along the road through the park where the best photos could be taken, took us out to the dunes and areas of dead trees, and explained the geology, botany and biology of the area. He dug out sand dwelling critters, spiders, lizards, scorpions and the like, to demonstrate how they survived in such a harsh environment.
Jonathon also took us up the crest of a dune, and we followed an untraveled route to the fascinating Deadvlei. In the early afternoon Jonathon prepared our picnic lunch, a full setup including tablecloth, china ware, and real silver, not plastic or paper. We stopped briefly at Sesriem on our return to the lodge, but it’s nothing special and could easily be skipped.
Sossusvlei is truly a destination worth a special visit, and Jonathon made sure we enjoyed it fully.
Back at the lodge, it was hard to meet and chat with other guests, as meals were served when you wanted, restaurant style with individual tables. We would have preferred family style. Our chalet, and presumably all the rest of them, only had one useful electrical outlet, inconveniently located on the baseboard; another was located on the wall near the bed, for a hair dryer. Lighting also was rather dim. Given mains electricity, they could have done better in both these matters.
The vehicles were fully enclosed with only one door for the 2nd & 3rd rows of seats. Windows were relatively small and slid back rather than rolling down, limiting photo ops. It was very difficult for persons not next to the window to take pictures. They should have limited the number of passengers to the number of windows, but instead crowded people into the middle rows.
The vehicles were the worst part of the excursion, although we realize the lodge obviously had opted for air conditioned comfort rather than wind and dust. Since the photo subjects were stationary dunes rather than moving animals, for the most part, we had time for everyone to climb out without missing the picture. We had booked a private vehicle but the lodge cancelled this option; they ought to consider reinstating it, which certainly would reduce the crowding inside and improve photo ops.
The owners were not present during our stay. Money could not be exchanged without one of them to handle the transaction. Fortunately, we could pay by credit card.
Overall, our stay here was satisfactory but not excellent, for reasons noted above. However, our guide, Jonathon, more than made up for any lodge shortcomings, and he made sure our visit to Sossusvlei was truly memorable.
Great overnight stay at Hoodia Desert Lodge
We only stayed one night on our way out of Sossusvlei which was a great regret as the accommodation and food were excellent. We used our overnight stay as a rest day and highly recommend the lodge and room facilities.
On arrival we had a fabulous lunch followed by an equally good evening meal. The fresh coffee and cafetier in the rooms was a great touch which others should follow.
Wonderful lodge in the desert
Hoodia is in a beautiful location in the desert. The rooms are lovely with the cottages set apart for privacy.
The main building has great seating areas for a relaxed drink before dinner. Food was very good.
We took the all day tour to the dunes and highly recommend it. Our guide, Jonathan, was very knowledgeable and we had a much more interesting experience than if we had driven ourselves. The tour also included an elegant picnic lunch complete with linen tablecloths and chilled wine.
Our only disappointment was that they were not offering other guided activities so probably 2 nights would have been enough. We were on our own for our second day and went for a great walk so did enjoy our 3 nights there.
Balloon trip
My husband had an upset stomach, possibly from Hoodia Lodge.
we loved the room, the views and especially the balloon trip - it exceeded our expectations.
excellent tour of the dunes on the next day with a great guide. Lunch under the trees was a real treat - linen tablecloth, china and glass and chilled wine...perfect end to an amazing day.
Excellent facility - loved it!
Excellent and friendly personal attention, wonderful food and beautiful facility.
Dunes tour was fabulous and included a gourmet lunch.
Hoodia Desert Lodge review
Arrived in time for a very good fish lunch, very hot 38C!
Good welcome from Andreas, showed us No 5 chalet, well built and very clean. Best pillows and comfy bed. Retired to room, gasping, air-con unable to keep-up. Pool small but cool. Wifi quick & good. Very good dinner.
Early start for Sossusvlei activity with guide. Needed sweater as cold in the morning mist. Highly intelligent & interesting guide Michael, bypassed Dune 45. Saw Jackal and Spotted Eagle Owl baby. Dunes a photographers dream. Spectacular when there early.
Picnic lunch wonderfully organised by Michael, all the china, glass, etc. Home by 2.30pm. Sweltering heat 40+C. Dinner not as good.
Gave us ice before we left for our cool box, next morning.
Hoodia Desert Lodge review
Very well looked after and enjoyed our trip to the Dunes with an excellent guide.
Read more about the whole safari
Mixed Feelings
The lodge is well set out and the rooms are lovely and comfortable. The welcome from Thomas was warm and friendly!
The sundown experience was another highlight of the trip and we would certainly recommend it.
However on our second night, there was poor communication between our guide and the lodge which resulted in one of the staff waking us up during the night to settle the bill, which was far from ideal because we had to wake up early for the balloon flight
The highlight of our trip
Arrived at 2pm after a rather dusty journey from Swakopmund to be greeted with cold towels and a refreshing drink. The 12 bungalows are well spaced in two groups around the central facilities and have a huge bedroom, a twin bowl bathroom and inside/outside showers to take in the views.
Invited to take the sundowner at 6pm, which was the best we have ever had. Only 10-15 minutes traveling to a hilltop overlooking the Lodge about 2 kms away and the desert ahead, clear to the horizon. A table had been set up for just us two with a snack and drinks to which we could help ourselves because the driver, Jonathan, left us to our own devices for an hour-and-a-half of watching a blazing sun set. Absolutely great!
Collected and delivered back for dinner - main course one of the best steaks we have ever had and super service all round.
Next day we went to Sossusvlei and Sessriem again with Jonathan who is a real fount of knowledge, not just about the place itself which is magical, but also the wildlife. We dug up spiders and tracked all sorts of lizards etc across the sands. An excellent lunch was served under a shady tree far from the crowds which were much larger than on our previous visit.
Special thanks to Victoria who looked after us so well, but also to the whole Hoodia team.
