Reviews of Sossus Dune Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
138 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Sossus Dune Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Sossus Dune Lodge review"
Very enjoyable evening dune ride with 'Rambo' , at his suggestion as an alternaive to our plan - he is also expert with sundowner G & T !
A pity you can't wheel the bed out on to the terrace to sleep." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 3n in Zambia
"Sossus Dune Lodge"
The big plus and it is a big plus is being inside the park at sunrise (well an hour before sunrise) which make preparation for photographers/walkers perfect. Would definitely stay here again, mainly for the latter point
Balloon Flight - This is an experience which should not be missed, even if you think you have a fear of hieghts. After two years, i ended up with the same pilot and as ever Eric was on top form - make the effort to request being in Eric's basket so to speak.
Great views, great breakfast, great experience." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"fantastic location"
very relaxed atmosphere with helpful and attentive staff
the rationale to be inside the national park for an early start before sunrise does not really hold and there were plenty of other cars in before us - partly because our guide was unkeen to leave earlier and also because others can come in from the campsite etc.quite easily before dawn.
the service and food was excellent - the billing slightly chaotic (NB they did not ask for a deposit which Expert Africa had said they might) they could do with more shaded areas to sit outside especially by the bar and swimming pool" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Sossus Dune Lodge review"
The accommodation is very good, the situation superb at the foot of a big kopie looking out to the distant dunes, and the staff were also keen to please, and charming, with good food, and a pleasant little swimming pool.
We took the morning drive to Sossusvlei, having asked questions of the customer relations manager about the trip, because it was an expensive one (over $900) and we had our own 4x4. We decided to take the guided trip because a) we knew that the last 5km could be difficult through the sand without more 4x4 driving experience, and b) we know from experience that a guide usually adds so much to understanding and enjoyment.
Our guide Felix was very good at his job, both in terms of cheerful and excellent information and careful and skilled driving, and in most ways the trip was a very successful one. But not in one respect: we left soon after 5.30. but by sunrise at 6.40 I was very unhappy with the trip, because by then we had not even reached the viewpoint at the first red dune.
I had expected, from everything I had read in the Bradt Guide, in Expert Africa's brochure, and everywhere else, that we would head at speed for the tar road and Sossusvlei so as to get down right among the dunes, and preferably to Sossusvlei itself, for sunrise.
I have a new, expensive digital SLR, and deluded optimism about my photographic skills, so this was a real disappointment. After that, as I say, the trip was very good, but the light for photography down there was flat, as my pictures now show.
Felix was great (went and found the sunglasses I dropped a long way back at one point). The reason we were so slow was that the road taken from the lodge to the tar was out over the plain (and through the river channel below Sesriem Gorge), only joining the tar about 10km or more from the gate.
Aware that I would be among the first of your clients giving feedback to you on the new lodge, I asked to talk to Felix later, with two of the managers (including the senior one) also there, so that I could try to get across all the positives as well as explaining my disappointment/frustration, and giving them a chance to give their point of view.
We talked for half an hour, and what seemed to come out of it was that the trip had been more tuned to the other family with children than to my photography.
I made the point that the evening before I had tried to find out about leaving time and getting down to the dunes, but had not had a clear answer, and obviously there was a gap in the communication between that member of staff and Felix.
However, I still can't see for the life of me why the lodge does not, as standard practice, drive the 5 minutes round the back of the kopie to the start of the tar road, and go fast to the middle of the dunes at least, or to Sussusvlei with a really early start.
That is what Sabina (quite understandably) expected to happen, and why she recommended this lodge to us, being inside the national Park so that they don't have to wait till later for entry.
It's what I did myself the next morning at 5.30. Sadly, just as sunrise was a minute away, the cloud came down, and I never got the red dunes at dawn which I wanted …. So, at the least, I think you should tell future clients to insist that the morning trip does make speed, if that is what the client wants, and to ask very pointed questions the night before to make sure that it will." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Sossus Dune Lodge review"
surrounds and as you could not open the lower sections this prevented cool air circulation.
The pool area needs to have a sunshade as it is in full sun all day.
Staff were very friendly and welcoming and this place deserves to be successful, woefully short of guests at the time of our visit.
Recommend the excursion to the dunes be made in the afternoon, better light and less people." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"A new lodge on the block"
Dawn trips to Sossusvlei and an afternoon trip into Sesriem Canyon were expertly and informatively handled and our thanks to the guide, Rambo {yes,really} for his work.
Our thanks to the manager Francois and his wife for their hospitality
One point: it's quite a long walk from the furthest rooms to the main lodge!!" See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"review"
Felix the guide was great (and said that after a day with our kids he felt about 7 again!!) The Sesriem canyon walk should not be missed and we did our drive to the dunes at sunset which can only be done if staying at this lodge inside the park. Absolute peace. Our favorite stay of the holiday.
Would not go to Namibia again without re-visiting. 10/10." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia
"Sossus Dune Lodge"
The service and food was excellent. It set the tone for the rest of your trip.
The guide (Felix) for the early morning excursion to the dunes was very informative as well as friendly and funny.
We didn't use the pool but it would have been too hot anyway as there was no shade - something that perhaps they should add in the future.
The only suggestion I have is to provide more comfortable chairs for the chalet decks. The cast iron bistro type chairs are not very comfortable for sitting reading, lounging etc." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
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