Reviews of Kanaan Desert Retreat
Wildlife sightings and reviews
8 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Kanaan Desert Retreat and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa

0% success

0% success

75% success

25% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success
"Kanaan Desert Retreat review"
Poor briefing, no water in rooms, no hot water flasks as promised, access paths a bit too rough. Cabin views were fabulous.
Just felt overall like a new venture not quite settled down." See all these reviews: 10n in South Africa; 7n in Namibia
"Kanaan Desert Retreat review"
The main part with the dining room at the top of the site (another long climb) is too small for the lodge’s capacity, and the table layout was not made appropriate use of. So one group of travellers who arrived later for dinner the first night had to sit outside in the cold, while inside one table for four was occupied by a single traveller and three more by couples. This could have been organized better. The staff felt a bit overtaxed and stressed. Supplies were limited too: on arrival we were presented a long lunch menu – just to be informed that the only item actually available was cheese-and-ham sandwiches, so nothing for my non-meat-eating wife. That said, though, they accommodated her dietary restriction excellently at dinner.
I was less lucky; on the second evening my main course was oryx steak, which I ordered medium-well-done, but it arrived rare. I sent it back to be cooked more, but it returned medium-rare (so I only ate part of it, leaving the rare middle). Of the drinks menu, less than half of what was listed was actually available, and white wine had run out entirely on the second evening. After dinner there was some unexpected “entertainment”: three of the female kitchen staff singing a number of songs, mostly in Nama, which was intriguing to listen too. But it was basically a way of extracting extra tips. I’d like to except one staff member from all my criticism, however, namely Sharon, who was all-round lovely, with her sparkling enthusiasm making up for some of the shortcomings of the place.
We had one activity included, namely a sunset scenic drive. This was very nice though slightly marred by a couple of French kids (maybe four and six years old) constantly wittering away without a pause throughout the drive. We also booked an extra scenic drive the next morning, which was superb, this time included various animal sightings, and ended with a cool drive into the red dunes. On balance, though, I’d say a single night here would have been sufficient. Now that the two cheetahs they used to have in a large enclosure have passed away, a key attraction of Kaanan has disappeared. And since the morning drive can be done before departing, I’d advice on not staying more than one night here.
The scenery and the views are outstanding, but they’re not unique to this lodge’s location, so maybe there are better alternatives in the area." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia

Brown Hyena
1 sighting

Oryx
Multiple sightings
"Kanaan Desert Retreat review"
Watching the sunset and the sunrise from the hut balcony ...with animals and birds walking on the plains below. Only a few rooms which adds to the relaxed and intermitate feel. The restaurant has similar views, dinner and breakfast was excellent, staff very friendly.
Would love to go back and spend a couple of nights there." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia

Oryx
4 sightings
"Kanaan Desert Retreat review"
The views and location are amazing and certainly worth the drive.
The tents are basic and would not have mentioned the word “luxury” anywhere in the description. We purposely did not have an evening shower - aware of desert location and solar tank capacity so when you only then have cold water in the morning it does not sit well !!
Silly things missed too by housekeeping - bring boiling water for morning drinks but rooms missing milk or creamer ! That said we still had a wonderful stay - all really down to the team mentioned. Food was amazing and the team even sang and danced for us after dinner!" See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Kanaan Desert Retreat review"
"Kanaan Desert Retreat review"
Very tasty and sophisticated food.
Sundowner drive quite expensive but well worth it" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Kanaan Desert Retreat overnight Stay"
"Kanaan Desert Retreat review"
Holiday styles & special interests in Namibia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Namibia.
Other lodges in Southern Namibia
Alternative places to stay in this same area.