Reviews of Sossus Dune Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
142 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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"Unbeatable View"
activities seem overpriced (we finally decided to do it by ourselves which was a great decision as what they told us we would have done with them was not 100% true based on feedback from some of the travellers)" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
Oryx
Multiple sightings
"Great stay at Sossus Dune Lodge"
The next morning we departed for the dunes at around 6AM with a picnic breakfast prepared by the lodge. The checkout was painless - we experienced none of the difficulties referred to by Expert Africa in their guidance notes - we had paid our bill by card the night before after dinner. We spent several hours exploring the dunes, and climbing them in the cool of the morning. We drove all the way to the dunes but did get stuck in the sand, so maybe the shuttle would have been better !
The lodge itself was perfect - we had comfortable spacious rooms with sun-loungers from which to enjoy the great views; the food was very good - a la carte not buffet, and most importantly the staff were all friendly and helpful." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Sossus Dune Lodge review"
"Exceptionally friendly staff and great room"
The food was adequate but this is an aspect that they could seek to improve, otherwise we would have given it an excellent rating." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Sossus Dune Lodge review"
No hassle with credit cards as advised in the tour guide.
Friendly staff and great location" See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 6n in South Africa
"Very characterful and wonderful lodges"
"Very characterful and wonderful lodges"
On arrival we learnt that we only had 5 rooms for the first night and not the 7 that were booked. This was apparently due to a plumbing problem. This meant that 4 members booked into single rooms had to share2 rooms for the first night. The manager was very apologetic indeed and handled the situation well. I agreed a compensation package with her and the 4 people concerned received a refund.
The guide was excellent although he did drive rather too quickly into Deadvlei causing one party member to suffer a back injury. This meant that he could not walk the final section into the salt pan where the dead trees are located. This was a great shame as it was one of the photographic highlights of the trip." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Africa Specialist | Namibia"
"Poor quality government service"
When I asked for 2 extra towels to use instead of a pillow, some staff didn't want to allow it. I had to beg them with the reason that I had a medical condition.
The chefs were happy to cater for my special dietary requirements, but never bothered to obtain anything requested, not even low fat milk. The food was generally not cooked well. Once I was given a steak that had gone off (verified by 4 restaurant staff). Breakfast was terrible. The fruit they put out should be in the bin. Bread was of the lowest quality possible. Most lodges made their own lovely white and wholegrain bread in Namibia. I was glad I brought my own cereal and bread so had breakfast in my room.
There is really no need to stay in this place to do sunrise at the Deadvlei. I was the first person to arrive at the shuttle both mornings, well before the shuttle drivers who lived outside the park gate. The tarred road is so good you can do 100km/hr on it easily. The sun does not hit the Deadvlei pan for 40 mins after sunrise. Most people caught the second shuttle and arrived well in time to do photography.
Given this lodge is not pleasant, I would recommend staying somewhere near the gate, and just come thru at sunrise. Whether you are the 1st or 50th person to get there, the pan is full of photographers by the time it is right to be photographed." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 4n in Zimbabwe; 1n in South Africa
We had not been aware that this traveller had a medical condition requiring a special type of pillow before she travelled.
Whatever the root cause of these differences / misunderstandings, we remain very sorry that her time didn’t live up to what she had hoped for. However, we think it’s important that you read this traveller's whole trip review to put her feedback in context.
This traveller commented that it was a trip that ‘she wanted to forget’ and clearly Expert Africa must take some blame for this. She noted that her expectations of her destinations were inappropriate – and one of our jobs is to ensure that travellers' expectations are as close to the reality as possible. Clearly we failed at this.
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. As a company we would rather not send someone to Africa than send someone with badly misaligned expectations … which seems to have been the case here.
"Manager"
"Sossus Dune Lodge review"
Got our rooms mixed up and all in different directions again. Important they understand that people travelling together want to lodge near to each other. It took 10 mins. to walk to 2 of the rooms, which is a long way if you've forgotten something. Maybe they should consider people's ages and put younger ones on the end.
The guiding was excellent and they accommodated our wishes and extra plans without a fuss.
The food was quite good but expensive. In Swakup we ate in the best places with amazing food for cheaper
The little pool and beds in the afternoon were lovely.
The stay was great. We just wanted the warmth and personal aspect we'd been spoilt with!!
These travellers had booked a private guided excursion to the dunes while at Sossus Dune Lodge and had the following to say:
Left at the crack of dawn and were in the dead vleii , on our own as the sun rose, as requested. Very special. Our guide was excellent and very gentle and understanding with 4 old grannies. Got us the best breakfast spot and enjoyed great breakfast.
Asked if we could tag on the canyon as back quite early and took us on the great hike through the canyon.
Whole trip was wonderful. Just what I wanted and back for lunch and siesta. Perfect." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"The perfect place to stay at Sesriem!"
The chalets are architecturally attractive, well maintained, comfortable and large. The thatch roofing is excellent insulation.
Although this lodge is government-owned and managed, the staff are friendly and helpful and efficient. The meals are more modest than we received elsewhere, but still plentiful and tasty.
We would highly recommend staying here if it is available. It books up many months in advance. It was perfect for our photography adventures." See all these reviews: 24n 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.
Desert Homestead
With great-value accommodation in a lovely setting, Desert Homestead is a great base for exploring Sossusvlei.
Zebra River Lodge
Zebra River Lodge offers a range of hikes around the Tsaris Mountains from a comfortable and homely base.
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.
Rostock Ritz
The igloo-style chalets at Rostock Ritz offer exceptional desert views and make a convenient stopover between Swakopmund & Sossusvlei.
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.
Corona Guest Farm
In central Namibia, north-east of the Namib-Naukluft, Corona Guest Farm offers a traditional farm stay and rugged hiking.
Elegant Desert Lodge
Elegant Desert Lodge can be used as a base to visit Sossusvlei. It offers comfortable accommodation and facilities in the desert.
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.
Namib Naukluft Lodge
Namib Naukluft Lodge offers clean, comfortable rooms with pretty views, although it's 60km from the Sesriem Gate into the Namib-Naukluft Park.
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.
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
Conveniently located for the renowned dunes of Sossusvlei Desert Hills Glamping Camp offers a simple but comfortable tents in picturesque surroundings.
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.
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.
