Reviews of Sossus Dune Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
136 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"
The chalets were huge and even had bathrobes, fridge and a hairdyer. The only thing missing was a safe. Downsides were that the rooms got hot in the afternoon (talking to the manager he said he did realise this and that they were hoping to put air-con into the main lounge area in the future so that people could at least go there to read etc in the cool).
I would probably think seriously about this if travelling here in the summer and secondly, that there was no shade at the pool (manager also said this was being done imminently so perhaps worth checking if this bothers you). Staff were all very helpful and friendly and food very good.
Do ask the way across to the dunes if driving yourself rather than go back to the gate as they did not volunteer this info on check-in." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Sossus Dune Lodge review"
The dining room was spacious with great views but again very formal - it was memorable for the luxurious living but not for the atmosphere." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Sossus Dune Lodge review"
Not all the rooms can see the waterhole, although there was not a lack of views.
The views of the sky were amazing - (I know this out of anyones control but WOW).
Service here was hit and miss, it was as if some of the staff did not really know what they were doing (a common problem in goverment run/NWR accommodation) eg we booked an early morning drive to Dead Flei leaving at 5.30 and were told to be prompt. We arrived at 5.20 only to be told it had already left. I went back to the room to get my car keys and by the time I returned the driver was there. However we then waited until 6.00 before leaving as another couple was supposed to join us.
The early morning Dead Flei views are an absolute must!
Check out was slow - especially if trying to pay with a credit card." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Not worth the money"
The lodge reception and accommodations were on top of a little hill, guests have to park their vehicles at car park at the bottom of the hill and transport by lodge's golf cart to the reception. When we arrived, no one was at car park to direct us or transport us to the lodge reception. We waited for 10 minutes and decided to walk up to the reception ourselves. Half way up the hill, a golf cart turned up and the driver apologised for not meeting us on our arrival citing the excuse of shift change.
We were met by the duty manager, Louis Armstrong Jnr who gave us information of the lodge and the activities they offered. We wanted to do the balloning trip on morning and he offered to book for us. The booking was later confirmed and time and venue were given." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Magical Desert Stat at Sossus Dune Lodge"
Particularly liked our Herero gude who was very knowledgeable. Got us to a dune overlooking Dead Vlei for sunrise. Good breakfast set out for us beside Sossus Vlei." See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia
"Sossus Dune Lodge review"
Only thing that lets it down are the dining arrangements. The kitchen is so far removed from the dining area food arrives cold which is a pity because the food itself is good." See all these reviews: 25n in Namibia
"Sossus Dune Lodge - first posh grass roof"
Accomodation could not be faulted. Run by the park extremely well. Very handy for early morning trip to dunes.
Wish we had stayed here a day longer - bad judgement on our part. I have no complaints about the food served in the restaraunt... but everything else was so amazing...." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Sossus Dune Lodge Review"
Our evening meal was also excellent, particularly the oryx.
We were a little disappointed with the lack of information available to us when we arrived. For example, it would have been useful to know
(i) that the lodge has its own road into the park and you don't have to waste 15 minutes driving back to the main gate like we did
(ii) that you don't need a permit if you're staying at the lodge
(iii) that lunch is included, even if the booking states you're on a dinner, bed & breakfast plan
(iv) what time you are expected back at the lodge after sunset
(v) that you apparently need to make a reservation for breakfast (our ballooning trip was cancelled so, having been told breakfast was from 6am, we turned up at 6.10 to find that 'the chef is still waking up'! They eventually started serving at 7am when other guests arrived but they didn't set a table for us or take a hot food order as we shouldn't have been there. We ended up setting our own table and skipping hot food as we'd already wasted an hour of daylight.)
A few minor improvements would make this place fantastic. We'd definitely stay here again." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia
"Great location for Sossusvlei"
The lodge itself is lovely - it has been very sympathetically designed to blend into the landscape and the rooms are beautiful. After saying that there is a lack of atmosphere at Sossus Dune. The staff were all very helpful and eager to please but didn't have the passion which staff at other lodges had. There didn't seem to be anyone in charge when we were there - maybe this is because it is state owned - and i think this showed.
But it was definitely the best place for us to stay. We met so many frustrated photographers at Sossusvlei who hadn't managed to get through the gate until sunrise and then had to drive a further 60 km to get to Sossusvlei. Some of the lodges do have their own private gates but I understand you can't take your own vehicle through them - you have to go on an organised trip.
Beware at Sossusvlei there isn't much sign posting. We arrived before anyone else and had no idea how to get to Deadvlei. In the end we had to wait for another car to turn up to show us where to go. The sign had in fact fallen down but there weren't many markings.
We also went ballooning while at Sesriem which was wonderful. Expensive but well worth it. An experience we'll never forget.
One tip we would give - if you can afford it and you are used to driving a 4X4 we would definitely recommend hiring one. Most of the roads we drove on were gravel roads and we were very pleased we had a 4X4." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
"Sossus Dune Lodge review"
On arrival we were greeted not once, but three times! First by someone with a posh tray with two damp face-cloths, rapidly followed by someone-else with two small soft drinks followed by a third person with a tray with two glasses of sherry which hardly seemed appropriate after a 4/5 hour drive from our last stop.
We were then 'checked-in' by Engelbert (one of the managers) who wasted no time in trying to sell us their N$500 sunrise trip to the Sossusvlei dunes which we always intended to do under our own steam. We did do the sunrise ballooning trip on our final morning which was a marvellous experience although it didn't quite have the 'wow factor' that I 'd anticipated. The breakfast on landing was a super experience being in such beautiful and remote surroundings (although the 'champagne' was, in fact, sparkling wine) which, with the trip costing about £300 person seemed a tad naughty." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
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Desert Hills Camp
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Dead Valley Lodge
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Desert Grace
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Sonop
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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.
