About Kanaan Desert Retreat
Deep in the Namib Desert, and bordering the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Kanaan Desert Retreat sits on a ...
... 300km² private reserve. From the guest perspective, the emphasis is on luxury in the desert – but that is firmly linked to the lodge’s conservation and research work into the mitigation of human–wildlife conflict.
Kanaan Desert Retreat is a lovely choice for anyone doing a trip around southern Namibia. Spend a night here to break up the journey between Lüderitz and the Sossusvlei region or – better – spend a couple of nights and soak up the beauty of this simple but memorable lodge and its little visited reserve.
Our view
Kanaan Desert Retreat is a lovely choice for anyone doing a trip around southern Namibia. Spend a night here to break up the journey between Lüderitz and the Sossusvlei region or – better – spend a couple of nights and soak up the beauty of this simple but memorable lodge and its little visited reserve.
Accommodation
8 tents
Children
Best for 12+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Self-guided walking
Traveller reviews of Kanaan Desert Retreat
13 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 10 Sep 2024, 1 nights
"Kanaan Desert Retreat review"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 13 Sep 2024, 1 nights
"Stunning location - emotional!"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 12 Jul 2024, 1 nights
"Kanaan Desert Retreat review"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 10 Nov 2023, 1 nights
"Kanaan Desert Retreat review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 16 Apr 2023, 1 nights
"Kanaan Desert Retreat review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 29 Aug 2022, 1 nights
"Kanaan Desert Retreat review"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 12 Aug 2022, 2 nights
"Kanaan Desert Retreat review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 25 Jul 2022, 1 nights
"Kanaan Desert Retreat review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 14 Jul 2022, 1 nights
"Kanaan Desert Retreat review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 12 Jul 2022, 1 nights
"Kanaan Desert Retreat review"
Overall rating: Excellent







Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 1 pictures of Kanaan Desert Retreat to get the candid view.
View galleryKanaan Desert Retreat: Our full report
Deep in the Namib Desert, and bordering the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Kanaan Desert Retreat sits on a ...
... 300km² private reserve. From the guest perspective, the emphasis is on luxury in the desert – but that is firmly linked to the lodge’s conservation and research work into the mitigation of human–wildlife conflict.
The drive to Kanaan is an experience in itself. Variously dubbed the “Dream Road” and “the most scenic road in Namibia”, the D707 access road does without doubt offer exceptionally beautiful scenery, and it’s well worth lingering over the 45km stretch that leads to the lodge.
Kanaan Desert Retreat itself is no less impressive and – befitting the organisation behind the lodge, which aims to conserve the “land, wildlife and cultures of Namibia” – it blends well into the surrounding landscape.
Built on the slopes of one of the low rocky hills that are a feature of this stark environment, its eight traditional safari tents are spread out in a shallow semicircle, following a contour of the hill and facing roughly west towards the setting sun. Stilts at the front level the tents against the gradient, thus allowing a good view of the surrounding desert from the table and chairs on each of the small decks. Our only slight criticism is that the canvas walls allow sound to carry quite easily between the tents.
Inside, the décor and furnishing are quite simple: double or twin beds surrounded by mosquito nets; a couple of wooden benches; a desk and chair; and a wardrobe with a nice tree outline that adds some character to the room. There is no air conditioning, but a fan helps to cool the tents, and you’ll also find tea- and coffee-making facilities. In the en-suite bathroom are a flushing toilet, shower and washbasin.
At the top of the hill, above the tents, the main area is also stilted, giving a high vantage point from the deck that runs around the front of the building. For days when it is too cold or too windy to eat on the deck, tables are set up indoors. We really liked the décor and the thought that had gone into this compact but functional area when we stayed in April 2018. Black-and-white photos adorn the walls, a telescope faces the seemingly endless desert scenery and a large light-feature in the centre of the room reminded us of the round nests of the southern masked weaver. We found the service to be relaxed but always helpful and on hand when needed. Grab a drink from the bar and take a seat on one of the comfortable sofas to peruse a book or the fact file on the ongoing research taking place on the reserve.
On the other side of the hill to the tents, there is a small office and curio shop – the only place at Kanaan where WiFi is available. The lodge is active in the conservation and research of the surrounding landscape and its inhabitants, and this is also the coordinating point for volunteers based elsewhere on the reserve.
Activities include sunset or sunrise drives, a longer scenic dune drive, walking trails and horseriding. (Note that the number of horses is limited, so it’s worth asking about this in advance.) The lodge is also home to two rescued cheetah which cannot be released back into the wild; they are housed in a large enclosure and are fed every afternoon, allowing for great photo opportunities. Experiencing the magical morning light glinting off the pristine dunes on our sunrise drive was very special, and when we’d tired of trying to capture the spectacle through a camera lens we enjoyed coffee and rusks in the splendour of the reserve before heading back to the lodge.
Geographics
- Location
- Southern Namibia, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- 2 nights
- Directions
- Kanaan Desert Retreat borders the Namib-Naukluft National Park, around 70km due west of Helmeringhausen.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Half Board
- Food quality
- When we last stayed in April 2018 we thoroughly enjoyed the hearty meals that we had at Kanaan.
For breakfast there was a delicious buffet selection of meats, cheeses, muffins, fruits and cereals, with cooked dishes available to order.
We did not get a chance to try the lunch menu but understand that it includes a light dishes such as sandwiches, salads and pasta.
For dinner we tucked into a chilled ginger and butternut soup, followed by a succulent oryx fillet with crispy parmesan potatoes, roasted carrots and feta cheese. Dessert was the Namibian favourite of Malva pudding, this one served with a delicious Amarula custard. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is not possible.
- Drinks included
- The cost of drinks is not included and should be paid locally. Water in the room is not suitable for drinking but bottled water is available.
Special interests
- Riding holidays
- To explore Namibia’s pristine deserts on horseback, look no further than Kanaan Desert Retreat. Bordering the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Kanaan has the same distinctive red sand as at Sossusvlei but with far fewer people, accentuating this wilderness location.
- See ideas for Riding holidays in Namibia
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Kanaan welcomes children
- Property’s age restrictions
- None
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- Camp beds can be added to rooms for children under 12 and cots are also available.
- Generally recommended for children
- Given Kanaan’s remote and rocky location and the fact there is very little to keep children occupied we wouldn’t recommend this for children under the age of 12.
- Notes
- Strict supervision of children would be required because of the layout of the camp and the raised structure of the rooms.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Kanaan Desert Retreat
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Kanaan Desert Retreat have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

75% success

14% success

14% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success
Communications
- Communications
- WiFi is available in the small reception.
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- Each chalet has flush toilets, hot and cold running water.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- The nearest hospitals are in Lüderitz and Mariental, but for anything serious you would need to be transferred to Windhoek or even Johannesburg.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- The lodge is remote, with no fences, and there are no guards.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the tents and in the main areas.
Activities
4WD Safari
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Self-guided walking
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is possible at an additional cost.
- Money
- No currency exchange facilities are available. There are safes in all the tents.
- Accepted payment on location
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted for card payments, with South African rand and Namibian dollars in cash.
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Kanaan Desert Retreat's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Kanaan Desert Retreat.
Other lodges in Southern Namibia
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Bagatelle Game Ranch
Bagatelle is a welcoming guest farm in the Kalahari. Visit as a stopover heading south or to enjoy the photogenic red dunes and varied wildlife.

Eningu Clayhouse
Scarcely an hour from Windhoek airport, Eningu is an artistic place to unwind amid the vast silence of the Kalahari.

Central Lodge
Central Lodge offers clean, fresh and comfortable accommodation surrounded by a well-kept garden in the centre of Keetmanshoop.

Kalahari Red Dunes
A good stop between Windhoek and Fish River Canyon, Kalahari Red Dunes is set around a dry lake on a private reserve, with excellent walking opportunities.

Kalahari Anib Lodge
Kalahari Anib Lodge is a comfortable stop between Windhoek and Fish River Canyon. Expect stunning Kalahari scenery, two swimming pools and lots of space.

Dabis Guest Farm
For good farm hospitality, wholesome cooking and an interesting farm drive, Dabis makes a great stop en-route from Lüderitz to the Sesriem area.

Kalahari Bush Breaks
Kalahari Bush Breaks, situated on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, is a perfect stop-over whilst driving between Namibia and Botswana.

Hotel Helmeringhausen
Hotel Helmeringhausen is a unique hotel in the heart of southern Namibia's farming district and makes a good stopover option.

Namtib Desert Lodge
A charming owner run lodge, located off the scenic D707, Namtib Desert Lodge is a convenient stop en route from the south to Sossusvlei.

Otjimbondona
Otjimbondona Kalahari is a luxurious, peaceful and relaxing lodge conveniently located close to Windhoek's International Airport.

Kalahari Farmhouse
Kalahari Farmhouse, located in Stampriet has comfortable chalets in the gardens of an old farmhouse.
When to go to Southern Namibia
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Kanaan Desert Retreat in Southern Namibia
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Namibia in January
January is at the heart of Namibia’s rainy season. However, as you’d expect from a country dominated by desert and semi-desert environments, the rains are often (but not always) weak and usually quite localised. Some days will be clear, the strong sun raising temperatures to around 30ºC/86ºF; on others humidity and clouds build, sometimes culminating in spectacular thunderstorms. In extreme cases, these generate flash-floods which race down the beds of ephemeral rivers.
Across the country, the greening landscape makes a refreshing change, especially in desert areas. Many birds are in full breeding plumage and migrant species are here in force. In the north, where the rains are more reliable, the abundant water and food allows wildlife to disperse, making it trickier to spot.
- Variable weather: clear, hot & dry, or cloudy & humid with some rain
- Occasional, highly localised thunderstorms
- Many animals with young; birdlife at its most spectacular
- Wildlife dispersed & harder to see, especially in Etosha & the Caprivi
- Very few tourists (apart from the New Year) so rates mostly low
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in January
Namibia in February
February is the wettest month, but as Namibia is dominated by deserts, the rains are often weak and patchy. The variation in weather across Namibia is significant, too; the central highlands and Caprivi can see some heavy rain. More typically, some February days are clear with a hot, strong sun; others are cooler as cloudy skies build and, sometimes, culminate in short, spectacular thunderstorms. Occasionally these generate flash-floods, bringing ephemeral rivers to life and making travel more challenging.
Across the country, the landscape feels green and alive; insects and smaller animals are more easily seen, and many birds and animals are raising their young. However, small pools in the bush and thicker vegetation can make it hard to spot the wildlife.
- Variable weather: clear, hot & dry or cloudy & humid with some rain
- Occasional localised thunderstorms meander over the landscape
- The bush feels alive; birdlife is at its most spectacular
- Wildlife in Etosha & Caprivi is dispersed & harder to see
- Few tourists, so rates usually at their lowest
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Namibia in March
March usually sees Namibia’s main rains tailing off, although actual precipitation varies hugely across the country and can be unpredictable from day to day. Many days will be clear, with a strong sun driving temperatures up. On others, clouds will build, and the late afternoon may see a short, spectacular thunderstorm. Such deluges reduce in both frequency and volume as the month progresses.
Across the country, landscapes are often vivid: a “green and pleasant land”. Many birds and animals are finishing raising their young, so smaller animals and insects are in evidence. In the north, where rains are generally heavier, pools in the bush and thicker vegetation can make it difficult to spot larger animals.
- Variable weather: clear, hot & dry or cloudy & humid with some rain
- Afternoon thunderstorms less common as March progresses
- Animals looking sleek and well-fed, after 3–4 months of plenty
- Wildlife in Etosha & Caprivi is dispersed & harder to see
- Few tourists visit during March, so rates often low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Namibia in April
Typically, April is dominated by dry weather; there’s an ever-decreasing chance of rain. Temperatures are now below their peak and continue to fall. Even so, days remain pleasant and warm, but there might be a slight chill in the air at night. The rains usually leave many parts of the country verdant and green, so animals are in fantastic condition – often with fast-growing young in attendance.
With the dust washed out of the atmosphere, photographers make the most of clear air, spectacular landscapes and healthy animals. Stargazers will have clearer night skies as the month progresses. In the game parks of Northern Namibia, water and food remain in plentiful supply, so finding big game can prove trickier than later in the year.
- Becoming drier &, especially at night, also cooler
- Few visitors, except around Easter, so rates remain low
- Wildlife in Etosha & Caprivi remains relatively hard to see
- Migrant birds have started to leave
- Fresh, clean air and often green, verdant landscapes
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Namibia in May
By May, Namibia is usually drying out fast as the rains have ended. If they’ve been good, then the land remains green, but wildlife starts to congregate at more permanent water sources. Over much of the country the air quality and clarity can be amazing, making this an ideal month for photography.
Typical days are warm, with crisp, clear mornings and clear blue skies. Evenings are usually cool, and temperatures may dip below 10ºC (50ºF) overnight. Many lodges still charge “low season” prices, although with Namibia’s increasing popularity in recent years, some have started to introduce higher “shoulder season” rates.
May’s good-value rates, increasingly good wildlife sightings, beautiful landscapes and crystal-clear air combine to make this one of our favourite months in Namibia.
- Lovely weather: dry, warm days & cool nights
- The country is drying out although many landscapes remain green
- Fantastic air clarity – ideal for keen photographers
- Visitor numbers are often still low, mirrored by lodge rates
- Wildlife is starting to congregate more around remaining water
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Namibia in June
Namibia is dry again. Skies are blue and usually largely cloudless. Days are lovely: warm and dry; nights are cold, sometimes below freezing in the desert. Most swimming pools in Namibia are always outdoors, making them too cold for all except the very dedicated.
Take a warm hat and gloves for game drives, where dawn and dusk will feel particularly chilly. In the north, especially Etosha, wildlife viewing is now into its dry-season pattern, focusing around the waterholes – though the park is still not busy.
Photographers come for superb air clarity, with minimal dust or smoke in the air. Historically, June rates have been low. However, with Namibia’s increasing popularity many lodges now count it amongst their “high-season” months, and request higher prices.
- Clear, bright days with blue skies; cold nights, mornings & evenings
- Great air quality, especially welcome for photographers
- “Shoulder season” for some lodges: lodge rates moderate
- Wildlife gravitates to waterholes, making game-viewing productive
- Some greenery in the landscape, depending on the last rains
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Namibia in July
Reliably warm daytime temperatures (upwards of 20ºC/70ºF) and good wildlife sightings make this a popular month to visit Namibia. Rain would be very unusual indeed and clear skies make for great photographs. Once the sun sets, though, temperatures cool rapidly bringing cold nights that may dip below freezing in the desert. Be prepared: dress in layers and expect early-morning and late-afternoon drives, and anywhere coastal, to be cold.
As the land dries and vegetation shrivels, game congregates beside drinking water: Etosha’s waterholes are busy with animals. Across the country, lodges charge “high season” rates; many are fully booked a year or more in advance, especially during European school holidays (from the latter half of July to late August).
- Dry days, warm in the sun, with crisp, cold nights
- Cloudless skies: July is usually superb for stargazing
- The beginning of European school holidays so more families travelling
- Peak season: so high rates and many lodges fully booked far in advance
- A fantastic time of year for wildlife watching, particularly in Etosha
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Namibia in August
August is the height of Namibia’s “winter”. Expect cloudless skies and plenty of warm sun in the day, but nights down to freezing in the desert. Dress in layers and bring warm clothes (including hats and gloves) for chilly starts and evenings. Only the hardiest even contemplate using outdoor pools.
It’s 3–4 months since any rain, so the land is dust-dry and much vegetation is golden brown. Many landscapes appear sparse and harsh. Wildlife congregates around available water sources, helping to guarantee good animal sightings.
Namibia is never really “busy” by the standards of Europe or the USA, but August is the most popular time to visit, especially for families. Book early (over a year in advance) if you want to stay at the best lodges.
- Dry days, warm in the sun; cold mornings, evenings & nights
- Cloudless skies in the day; spectacular stars at night
- Busy by Namibian standards: family rooms in particular demand
- Peak season: so high rates and many lodges fully booked far in advance
- A fantastic time of year for wildlife watching, particularly in Etosha
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Namibia in September
September is a month of blue, cloudless skies and fantastic wildlife viewing. Rain is almost unheard of. As the month progresses, the days and nights get warmer. In some areas, daily maximums hit around the low 30s Celsius, although low humidity ensures this feels comfortable. The contrast makes the nights seem very cold. The air is becoming dustier, occasionally augmented by smoke from fires – so becoming hazy for photographic purists.
In the national parks, animals congregate around remaining water sources – making September one of the best months for game viewing. Hence it’s one of Namibia’s most popular months for visitors: a “high season” month that is often the time of choice for safari aficionados.
- One of the best months for wildlife viewing
- Warm days & cold nights, with temperatures rising during the month
- Many plants have faded from green to golden brown
- Air can be hazy – with dust & sometimes smoke
- High season rates; many lodges & camps are full 9 months in advance.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Namibia in October
Namibia is usually at its hottest and driest in October. Temperatures build as the month progresses; towards the end, daily highs may exceed 40ºC/100ºF, though with humidity close to zero, even this rarely feels oppressive.
In exceptional years, isolated rain showers may fall in late October. More usually, the end of the dry season sees wildlife watching at its best, particularly in Etosha. The place feels like a desert as spectacular herds of thirsty animals gather around the available water. October is popular amongst wildlife enthusiasts and commands peak-season prices, even if dust and smoke may make the air hazy, challenging photographers. Visitor numbers can fade towards the end of the month, allowing a window for last-minute bookings.
- Probably the most spectacular month for wildlife-viewing in Etosha
- Hot and dry: much of the country feels like a desert
- The air can be hazy with dust & smoke
- It’s peak time to visit, so expect high season rates
- Lodges & camps are full, especially early in October
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Namibia in November
November is always a bit unpredictable: sometimes dry and hot; sometimes cloudier and cooler. Typically, mornings are hot and cloudless and clouds appear in the afternoon. Humidity builds and eventually breaks, resulting in spectacular thunderstorms that bring convection rainfall in late afternoons. Such storms are typically sparsely distributed and highly local – being completely absent from desert areas, for example. Places that do get good rain will flush green, with a tangible feeling of new life softening the landscapes. Many mammals give birth to their young.
Once any rains come, wildlife dissipates in search of food, and game viewing in Etosha becomes harder. Conversely, this is a great time for birdwatchers, with migrant species in breeding plumage.
- A very interesting, variable month, depending on the rains
- With rains come an amazing explosion of both vegetation & new life
- Wildlife viewing better in Damaraland than Etosha if it has rained
- Shoulder season: mid-range rates offer great value
- Away from the Namib, showers are more likely later in the month
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Namibia in December
December is the first “proper” month of Namibia’s rainy season, and one of its hottest. Clear mornings give way to building clouds and, with luck, the occasional short, spectacular thunderstorm: refreshing and cleansing. These are often highly localised and generally warmly welcomed: most Namibians love rain!
Rains clear the air of dust. Even relatively short showers enable plant life to erupt, carpeting this thirstland in green and providing food for the young animals which abound. Animals disperse widely, which can make game viewing challenging. Many birds are breeding and so sporting their most colourful plumage.
Christmas and the New Year fall within local “summer holidays” – so places to stay can be surprisingly busy, especially in and around coastal towns, where temperatures are cooler.
- Hot and humid; sometimes refreshed by cooling showers
- Landscapes flushed green if/where there has been rain
- A tangible life and energy amidst this often green & pleasant land
- Very photogenic: blooming deserts amidst crystal-clear air
- Best time for birdwatchers; larger animals harder to spot
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in December

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