Reviews of Rostock Ritz
Wildlife sightings and reviews
46 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Rostock Ritz and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Far from being the Ritz"
The place has the cheapest construct I've come across on this trip. The funky looking white igloos are no longer white, having been covered up by the local stones to help keep them cool. They are still hot at night though. The very basic furniture inside is made of the same slate looking stones, or rusted metal. The room and bathroom were small, and felt uninviting. It looked more like a pioneer's hut from a century ago. The garden outside was even more unappealing.
The meercats that were featured in travellers photos earlier no longer visit the lodge very much. There was a path to follow if one wanted to go for walks, but the rocks strewn all along the path made it look unsafe.
I don't recommend this lodge even for an overnight based on my stay." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 4n in Zimbabwe; 1n in South Africa
Looking over her whole trip, this traveller commented that it was a trip ‘she wanted to forget’ and noted that her expectations of her destinations had been inappropriate. We take some blame for this: one of our key tasks in planning a trip is to try to match a travellers' expectations with the reality that they will experience. Clearly in this case we failed.
She comments that she "wasn't prepared for how backward Africans were” and that she’d found this trip to be "very taxing”. We’re really sorry this was the outcome. We think it’s important that you read this traveller's whole trip review to put her feedback in context.
As a company we would rather not organise a trip than send someone with badly misaligned expectations – but that seems to have been what happened here.
"Manager & Senior Africa Specialist"
"Rostock Ritz review"
"A lucky upgrade"
Rescue meerkats were entertaining" See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia
"Do not miss this place"
Excellent food, accomodation, swimming pool and lovely self guided walks around.
We had an excellent time." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Rostock Ritz paradise"
Various well marked walking trails." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Rostock Ritz review"
The room was a bit cramped and we would have appreciated a coffee/tea maker since the main dining area was a short walk away.
The father-son team managing the place (sorry! can't remember their names) were friendly and supplied us some useful reference books (which we'd been keen to consult) so we could look things up." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
"Unexpected Delight at Rostock Ritz"
The igloo-shaped rooms are an interesting feature, but a little more cramped than most of our stays." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 14n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Rostock Ritz review"
We had a family room which was spacious and comfortable with great views. The pool is beautiful (bring wetsuits in July and August unless you enjoy cold water swimming - water temp 14 degrees C! ) and the meerkats down went down well with us all. Food pleasant but not as good as guidebooks might suggest. If you do one walk do the Ugab springs walk" See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia
"Could do better"
Fawlty Towers comes to mind" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Rostock Ritz review"
Pros:
1. Stunning location, fascinating chalets shaped like igloos, designed to conserve energy.
2. Very friendly and welcoming staff, includin the managers, the Goosens.
3. The owner came over from his house at dinnertime and walked around and chatted to everyone in the dining room, a really friendly and engaging gesture.
4. Excellent food and service at dinner, also at breakfast
5. There were several resident dogs around, which I enjoyed.
6. Lovely pool and the most comfortable pool chairs, of a most interesting design
7. The place hosts a meerkat rehabilitation center, which was fascinating to see in operation. It also generated some great stories.
8. The evening game drive took us over some remarkable terrain and the guide (also one of the managers) was very knowledgeable about the territory, and the animals and birds in it.
Can't think of any cons, except perhaps that the chalets were very small, and felt a bit cramped, especially after Sosusvlei :-)." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
Holiday styles & special interests in Namibia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Namibia.
Other lodges in Namib-Naukluft National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Kulala Desert Lodge
The comfortable Kulala Desert Lodge offers fantastic views of the Namib and a private gate to the Namib-Naukluft Park - a bonus on guided excursions.
Hoodia Desert Lodge
The owner-run Hoodia Desert Lodge offers a high standard of accommodation, delicious food and excellent service in a stunning, peaceful setting just 22km from Sesriem.
BullsPort Lodge & Farm
A traditional Namibian farm, BullsPort offers warm hospitality and a genuine rural experience, with excellent hiking and horseriding.
Sossus Dune Lodge
One of only two properties inside the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossus Dune Lodge has a superb location, for visiting the dunes.
Desert Homestead
With great-value accommodation in a lovely setting, Desert Homestead is a great base for exploring Sossusvlei.
Little Kulala
A high-end lodge with spectacular views, Little Kulala, makes a great base for visits to Sossusvlei or a balloon ride over the Desert.
Barkhan Dune Retreat
Barkhan Dune Retreat is a welcoming lodge close to the impressive Spreetshoogte Pass, majors on hiking and relaxation.
Sossusvlei Lodge
Sossusvlei Lodge is one of the larger options in this area. However, it occupies a convenient location next to the Sesriem gate into the Namib-Naukluft Park.
Namib Outpost
About 30km from the gate to Sossusveli, Namib Outpost is a great base for exploring the dunes and surrounding attractions.
Dead Valley Lodge
Dead Valley Lodge is inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park, affording guests almost unprecedented access to the dunes.
Desert Camp
Desert Camp is an economical option for independent travellers who want to self-cater, and is well situated for access to Sossusvlei.
Desert Quiver Camp
Desert Quiver Camp is an economical option self-catering, well located for access to Sossusvlei.
Elegant Desert Lodge
Elegant Desert Lodge can be used as a base to visit Sossusvlei. It offers comfortable accommodation and facilities in the desert.
Corona Guest Farm
In central Namibia, north-east of the Namib-Naukluft, Corona Guest Farm offers a traditional farm stay and rugged hiking.
Namib Desert Lodge
Namib Desert Lodge is a good budget option in the Namib-Naukluft although, it is further from Sossusvlei than we'd typically suggest.
Sonop
Away from the hustle and bustle of the area immediately surrounding Sossussvlei, Sonop offers a luxurious stay in a remote part of the Namib Desert.
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.
Desert Hills Camp
Conveniently located for the renowned dunes of Sossusvlei Desert Hills Glamping Camp offers a simple but comfortable tents in picturesque surroundings.
Le Mirage Lodge
Le Mirage Resort and Spa offers accommodation and a range of massage and beauty treatments in a Moroccan-style building in the desert.
Desert Grace
A stylish offering giving access to the famous dunes in the Namib-Naukluft National Park as well as to activities on a private nature reserve.
The Nest
Designed to emulate the appearance of a sociable weaver nest the opulent Nest at Sossus is arguably the most exclusive private property in the Sossuvlei area.
