Reviews of Wolwedans Dune Camp

"We are staying in Wolwedans Dune Camp four nights. As stated in the Wolwedans Dune Camp's description on their homepage: ”Positioned on the edge of a 250-metre high dune, Dune Camp has the most extraordinary views across the Namibrand [Nature] reserve. The main areas are spread out across a series of interlocking decks ensuring that the lounge, dining area and tea room all enjoy views across the endless dune landscape to the mountains beyond."

Dune Camp is part of the exclusive Wolwerdans Collection of Camps. Or as they also write: "Wolwedans is more than a collection of camps. It is a collection of dreams. In this land of blue skies and endless plains you will find beauty to feed your soul, tranquility to clear the mind, and space for your imagination to fly. You may feel completely overwhelmed at first, but then quickly settle into a landscape and immersive experience which is ‘simply out of this world”.

There is some truth in that statement; the location on top of the red dunes with a view of the plain and mountains in the distance is absolutely enchanting. In all directions we see spectacular scenery!

However, it comes at a price (8200 NAD per person per day). E.g. some of the guests choose to arrive by private plane at the local airstrip. Others opt for butler and own staff.

We stay in the "tented room". The generous tented room is built on wooden platforms raised off the ground. It´s comfortable and spacious, with a kingsize bed as well as full indoor and outdoor bathrooms. There is no coffee station, but a thermos is provided every night.

Outside, we have a generous deck which allows for plenty of lounging around, but unfortunately, there is not a lot of privacy. You can easily watch your neighbours - and the other way around (!) Not perfect design and perhaps the most important minus regarding this camp.

On the very positive side, you have a “Wolwedans Chiller”, which is a water-filled silo to cool off during hot summer months. We enjoyed this feature very much.

Also, you have full board and activities included in the rate, e.g.: Morning and evening scenic drives, Wolwedans desert sundowners, "Heart and Home village tour" (visit to the Wolwedans Village), full day scenic safari, bushman walk, and E-biking.

We opt for the visit to the Wolwedans Village, where the owner Stephan explained the whole philosophy behind Wolwedans. Very impressive work and recommended tour. We also did the desert sundowner and a very fast bushman walk. However, most of the time, we just enjoyed the most extraordinary views across the Namibrand Nature reserve, from the main buildings and from our own wooden platform surrounding the tent.

Every night, we had nice (but quality wise not very extraordinary) dinners on the wooden main decks overlooking the desert and starry sky! Also, a overlooking a nearby water whole. Before dinner, always sunset + G&T around the fire together with other guests.

On the full day excursion, we went to the North-eastern corner of the nature reserve with our pleasant and knowledgably guide Jacks. We had a scenic drive over the vast plains to a quiver tree forest at the foot of Mt Nubib Berge, actually this uiver tree forest was much more impressive than the famous one near Keetmanshoop which we visited several years earlier (in 2009).

We had lunch at the most spectacular viewpoint “Vultures View” on a small stony mountain peak. What a perfect full day activity.

The last full day at Wolwedans, I decided to climb Mt. Losberg – but that is another interesting story...

In conclusion, Wolwedans was a pleasant acquaintance, and we would like to come back once more. However, given the high-end price tag, Wolwedans staff need to pay more attention to details; not the number of gadgets or fancy facilities, but e.g., make sure; tents/rooms are in perfect shape every day with clean towels (change dirty on the floor), full refrigerator, and hot warm water every morning (e.g., outside the tent) rather than the lukewarm water from the night before. It is also a annoyance that you are not properly shielded from other guests on the private terrace in front of your tent.

Also, the service was always friendly, but certainly not always of the same high quality (some inexperienced staff).

PRO's
- Fantastic and completely unique location in the desert
- Total relaxation and tranquility
- Focus on employee well-being and training in Wolwedans Village
- Focus on local raw materials and a sustainable strategy

CON's
- Tents not properly shielded from neighbours, who have free access to watch each other on the wooden sundeck
- A little too little attention to detail (read above) - given the high price tag
- Some variations in the quality of service provided by staff - given the high price tag
- But bottom-line, we would love to come back another time!" See all these reviews: 35n in Namibia

"I think it is impossible for a lodge to have a more spectacular setting. The tents were beyond luxurious, and the staff and guides were awesome. So many memories -- sunrises and sunsets; ebike rides and horseback riding." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia

"a beautifully located, exclusive place, very special atmosphere.

Enjoyed the sense of sustainability. A very impressive farm at the main office.

Very good project." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia

"Having been in Sossusvlei twice before, we were curious about the adjacent NamibRand Nature Reserve, and we were really taken in by the stunning vistas this area of the world provides.

It’s somehow similar and yet distinct from the Namib-Naukluft National Park. For one thing, there appears to be more wildlife: Besides oryx and springboks, we also saw giraffes, zebras and red hartebeest here. I would like to point out that it was here that we had the very best oryx sightings of the entire trip. And I would almost say that the landscape here is more varied than that of the neighboring National Park.

We would be very happy to return to this camp for another visit." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia; 15n in Botswana

"We both had a lovely stay at Wolwedans. The setting is gorgeous, food and service top rate. stayed 3 nights we would have happily stayed for longer.

This is not a wall to wall animal setting and we knew that. Go there for the landscape which never ceases to impress." See all these reviews: 6n in Namibia

"This is a real favourite and i was so proud to take my partner to such an amazing location.

The quality and service at the Dune Camp has if anything got better over the years. The wildlife opportunities have been reduced by the ravages of the drought but the micro fauna is still as stunning as ever and those landscapes still take your breath away. The staff were wonderful." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia

"We slightly preferred the Dunes Camp to the Dunes Lodge (they have a particularly good all woman team), but both are excellent.

The setting is amazing, and the food is excellent (including vegetarian)." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia

"Wolwedans Dune Camp is one of the nicest camps we've stayed in Africa.

Great "bush camp" atmosphere, simple but beautiful with excellent views, friendly staff, lovely food and great activities.

Amazing views at sundowner spots." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia

"A lovely experience and a much needed 'time out' after all our travelling so far. The 'Angels' were wonderful.

Our guide was less so. He wasn't all that keen on the sundowner drive and told us there were no animals to see on the reserve, just scenery. As a guide, he maybe needs to look for another job!

After being on the Tok Tokkie walk, we didn't feel that there was much going re activities" See all these reviews: 26n in Namibia; 7n in Botswana

"A stunning setting. The staff here were welcoming, friendly and although attentive, did so almost invisibly. There are lots of small lovely touches here. One change in the place seems to be that the dinner menu is now five courses so lots of washing up for the staff!

We enjoyed the shared dining experience.

This place is somewhere you could stay for an extra day (on top of 2) and just drink in the views in the hope that they will stay with you forever. The many many photos we took will just have to do." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia; 1n in South Africa