Reviews of Cape Cross Lodge
(86%) From 45 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Cape Cross Lodge review
Nicely designed, light rooms, great open-fire in the lounge and friendly staff. Also liked the wine-cellar. There are also some interesting historic photos and relics from Cape Cross' past. Good lunch menu, which makes it worth stopping en route to the Skeleton Coast, but evening meal more ordinary (still ok though).
Only 90 mins from Swakopmund and is a great place to start a trip through the Skeleton coast, but there is not a lot to do here apart from the seal colony, so don't arrive to early! Best idea may be to arrive mid-afternoon.
A general point is that if you have a big fuel tank (and/or a diesel) you could easily drive from Henties Bay to Damaraland through the Skeleton coast in one go (approx 6 hours) without staying anywhere en route.
Dramatic seascape from dining room
Ideal location for those wishing to travel a little way up the Skeleton Coast, we made it through the gate just before 3 pm, howling wind, saw the first wreck and oil rig and headed back to arrive at Cape Cross just in time to see the sunset.
Very atmospheric dining room overlooking Atlantic and room cool but lovely. Safe needs securing to the wall.
Enjoyed walking down the beach being followed by jackals. Food average. Charming staff who washed our car windows and lights.
Cape Cross Lodge review
Very friendly and helpful staff ! They even washed the dirt off our car without being asked and helped us with our flat tire.
The lodge is right on the beach - great location - and the room is fantastic, in marine-style and with a view on the wide ocean. Perfect!
Seas, sand, surf and strolls
We spent two days at Cape Cross and thoroughly enjoyed it. Arrived mid-afternoon after kayaking trip and were greeted with coffee and cakes (delicious). This was the nearest to a "conventional" hotel that we encountered on the trip. Nice sitting area with fire at night, good bar service and lovely dining room. Patio has breakfast time visits from jackals drinking from water bowl. Sea front rooms fairly basic, but nice views of sunsets. A great place to chill out for a day after earlier long days on the road and early starts.
We walked cross to seal colony, entering by main gate, but were given permission to return to hotel using short cut along beach. Total walk an easy 9km with plenty of wildlife to see on way. Spent prolonged period photographing colony. In afternoon walked along beach in northerly direction.
Scenery fascinating, but curiously unsatisfying to do a walk in the knowledge that the scenery will look pretty much the same however long one walks. Had been attracted to Namibia by adventure stories of the skeleton coast, but was very grateful for advice from Expert Africa not to spend too much time exploring this area.
Cape Cross Lodge review
Excellent location for exploring the Skeleton Coast and a short distance from the seal colony, though mercifully without the smell.
Rooms have a cool nautical feel although the beds are a bit squeaky. The lounge area is comfortable and cosy around the fire. Staff were welcoming and helpful - it felt a very friendly place.
Everything, including the water, has to be brought in and the high standards are remarkable in the circumstances.
Cape Cross Lodge review
An entirely acceptable stop-over, ideally situated for the seal colony and the Skeleton Coast, with dramatic sea views and sunsets from bedroom balconies. Would be LOVELY in warmer weather.
Read more about the whole beach holidayCape Cross Lodge review
Great location on the beachfront and close to the seal colony. The building is modern and makes no concessions to 'safari' style, but then it has to withstand the coastal climate. Facilities and food were excellent, and a walk along the beach near sunset a break from the desert inalnd.
One issue may be the construction of holiday apartments close by, which must detract from the setting. They are in compatible style and probably developed by the lodge itself . The environmental impact of more developoment here could be negative.
Cape Cross Lodge review
Excellent decor. They did really well to serve such good food in such a remote location.
Read more about the whole beach holidayCape Cross Lodge mixed experience
We had booked a room without a sea view (to save a bit of money) but that was the wrong decision. These rooms had no views at all and were subjected to noise from the generator while it was on. We were puzzled why such rooms were offered at all, especially at these prices.
In any event, we swapped for a sea view (and paid the extra), and the room and the view were excellent. The communal facilities were like a luxury hotel but they had an odd feel because there were very few guests. Also - and in our view this is a serious crime in a place like this! - they had piped music in the dining and bar areas. I can't imagine any guest would ever want to listen to this and I would really recommend that they don't turn it on.
Our dinner was fine, though rather elaborate and fussy for our tastes. Breakfast was good.
Our only reason for staying there was to be close to the seal colony and that worked fine. However, next time we would probably aim to get to the seal colony earlier and then move on to stay somewhere else.
We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.
