Namibia - 9-day Luxury Namibia Fly-in Safari - Private fly-in

Previously known as Wolwedans Dunes Lodge, Desert Lodge is positioned in one of the most enviable locations that the NamibRand has to offer, Desert Lodge has a stunning outlook. Think vast orange dunes, mountains, rolling skies and, well, emptiness…. This magnificent vista is at the heart of the lodge, and all the rooms and guest areas are perfectly positioned to make the most of the impressive surroundings.

The lodge reflects the ambience of a tented camp but provides the comfort and protection of a permanent building. From the spacious main areas to the tented rooms, there are plenty of spaces to connect with fellow guests, enjoy some quiet time, or to simply relax and sink into the ‘Wolwedans Way.’

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Namib Rand Nature Reserve Credit: Mel Van Zyl Namib Rand Nature Reserve

Wolwedans Desert Lodge Credit: Mel Van Zyl Wolwedans Desert Lodge

Wolwedans Nature Drive Credit: Mel Van Zyl Wolwedans Nature Drive

Wolwedans Desert Lodge Credit: Mel Van Zyl Wolwedans Desert Lodge

Wolwedans Desert Lodge - Horse Riding Credit: Mel Van Zyl Wolwedans Desert Lodge - Horse Riding

Wolwedans Nature Drives Credit: Mel Van Zyl Wolwedans Nature Drives

Chalet Family Unit

The tented chalet with an elevated deck on top of a dune plateau sleeps 2 adults in a king-size bed. The en-suite bathroom offers a double vanity, shower & toilet facilities.

Desert Lodge Room Exterior Credit: Mel Van Zyl

Desert Lodge Room Exterior at Dusk Credit: Mel Van Zyl

Desert Lodge Outdoor Shower Credit: Mel Van Zyl

Desert Lodge Sunset from Room Credit: Mel Van Zyl

Desert Lodge Bathroom Credit: Mel Van Zyl

Desert Lodge View from Room Credit: Mel Van Zyl

Room Facilities

Balcony / Deck, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Verandah

The tented chalet with an elevated deck on top of a dune plateau sleeps 2 adults in a king-size bed. The en-suite bathroom offers a double vanity, shower & toilet facilities.

Desert Lodge Bedroom Interior Credit: Mel Van Zyl

Desert Lodge Bedroom Surroundings Credit: Mel Van Zyl

Desert Lodge Fireside Credit: Mel Van Zyl

Desert Lodge Lounge Area Credit: Mel Van Zyl

Room Facilities

Balcony / Deck, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool

Property Facilities

Bar, Internet Access (Complimentary), Library, Restaurant

Room Facilities

Lounge Area, Plunge Pool, Shower, Verandah

Available Services

Credit Card Facilities

Activities on Site

Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Horse Riding

Activities Nearby

Cultural Tours, Hot Air Ballooning

Designed for desert wanderers, Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp offers an original, exclusive wilderness experience and the opportunity to see free-ranging desert-adapted black rhino. The desert plains are starkly scenic, and home to other unique species, from Hartmann’s zebra and giraffe, to the bizarre welwitschia plant.

Styled with the desert in mind, the palette, textures and wildlife of Damaraland’s extraordinary vistas are brought into the elegant suite interiors.

With natural stone found on site reinforcing the camp’s connection to nature, Desert Rhino Camp evokes a real sense of place in this stark desert landscape.

Six suites with deep overhanging stretch fabric roof structures, interior tones of terracotta, sage, fern greens and cream, complemented by classic details of timber and leather, create a sheltered sanctuary within this breath-taking desert landscape.

Run in conjunction with Save the Rhino Trust Namibia, Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp offers rhino tracking by vehicle and on foot with experts from this conservation NGO.

INSIDER'S TIP: Explore this extraordinary landscape in search of desert-adapted wildlife and gain amazing insight into the ecology and conservation of this area. A picnic lunch is the perfect complement to your day’s outing!

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Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness The rugged beauty of the Palmwag Concession sets the scene for an impactful encounter with desert-adapted rhinos.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness Pre-dinner drinks in a fairytale desert setting.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness Rooted in the essence of sustainability, mindful menus and indigenous ingredients are celebrated on every plate.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness Guests unwind in spacious, airy tented suites that offer sweeping views of the rocky plains.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness Learn from the guardians of the wild as you observe their charges, prehistoric-looking desert-adapted black rhino.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness Discover one of the last untouched places on Earth in Damaraland's infinitely beautiful Palmwag Concession.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness After a morning's desert exploration, enjoy a delicious meal in camp.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness A healthy start to fuel a thrilling day's rhino tracking.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness Poaching has been reduced by 80% in five years in the Kunene Region.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness Guests who opt to track rhinos are provided with Sealand Explorer bags containing rhino cards for assisting the SRT tracking team with monitoring.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness Inspired by the palette, textures, and wildlife of Namibia's extraordinary vistas, the main area’s décor embodies a genuine sense of place.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness An early morning coffee by the fire sets the tone for the day's adventure.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness Where better to escape the heat of the day than the main area pool?

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness DRC’s wild, desert landscape informs every aspect of this camp and its profound purpose.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness Family-style dining encourages an interactive storytelling atmosphere at mealtimes.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness Use of natural stone found on site reinforces the camp’s connection to nature.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness Welcome explorers, one and all, to our desert sanctuary.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness Deep overhanging stretch fabric roof structures offer protection from the desert sun while preserving the horizon-wide views.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness Shades of terracotta, sage, fern greens, and cream bring the natural world into the décor.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness DRC’s impact purpose, together with the starkly beautiful landscape naturally guided the camp design.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness The reimagined camp seamlessly embraces its spectacular Damaraland surrounds, while celebrating its remarkable conservation achievements.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness You don't even need to leave camp to find the perfect sundowner spot.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness There’s no better place to marvel at the southern hemisphere stars than from this remarkably remote Namibian camp.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness Lose yourself in the quiet contemplation of the sky filled with a billion stars.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness Nature drives showcase the magnitude of the landscape.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness An infinitely gorgeous sundowner spot.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness The camp is accessed via a flight with Wilderness Air to the camp airstrip, followed by a 10-minute vehicle transfer to camp.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp Credit: Wilderness More than just a connection, Wilderness Air is your gateway to our remote wilderness areas.

Standard Twin/Double Tent(s) Family Accommodation

Utilising smart architectural strategies, redesigned Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp focuses on comfort, creating a sheltered haven within the occasionally harsh but always stunning desert environment. Architectural form and materiality drew inspiration from the copper-coloured earth, the red rocks carpeting the ground and the contours of the hills that define the landscape.

All five tents face the rugged desert landscape, featuring deep overhanging stretch fabric roof structures that offer protection from the desert sun while preserving the exquisite horizon views, within this breathtaking desert landscape. Soft interiors showcase stone, timber and leather, celebrating the classic explorer age, while seamlessly blending in modern style and sophistication.

Families are easily accommodated in two units, each with own en-suite facilities. Sleeping four comfortably. A private rooftop viewing area leads off from the main bedroom that invites quiet contemplation under the vast African sky whilst enjoying a nightcap.

Property Facilities

Library, Pool

Room Facilities

Electrical Outlets, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah

Available Services

Credit Card Facilities, Private Vehicle (Available)

Activities on Site

Bird Watching, Game Drives, Night Drives, Rhino Tracking, Walks (Guided)

Activities Nearby

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp – Nature Drives Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp – Guided Nature Walks * Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp – Rhino Tracking On Foot & By Vehicle * Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp – Full Day Outings With Picnic Lunch Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp – Birding

Nature drives showcase the magnitude of the landscape and offer the best possibilities of seeing desert-adapted wildlife including the iconic black rhino, elephant, giraffe, antelope, Hartmann's mountain zebra – and possibly even the area’s predators such as lion and leopard.

Discover the details of the desert and learn more about the lesser-known flora and fauna that survive in this incredibly harsh environment. Adaptation is a necessity for desert wildlife and walking through this arid environment offers unique insights on this phenomenon. Marvel at the miracles that withstand this seemingly inhospitable landscape.

* Weather permitting and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide.

Offering an exclusive desert sanctuary, the camp provides guests with unique opportunities to track rhinos. This immersive experience enables nature-lovers to actively support the conservation of Namibia's black rhinos while experiencing the region's diverse biodiversity.

Typically set out in the morning by vehicle, following behind the Save the Rhino (SRT) monitors as they track one of their charges – the remarkable desert-adapted black rhino. Due to the vast terrain, long distances can be covered, with other wildlife to be seen along the way. Once a rhino has been located, tracking by foot can take place depending on the position and/or location of the rhino. It is impossible to feel anything other than amazingly fortunate when in the company of such incredible Perissodactyla.

* Note: Rhino tracking remains the key focus and purpose at Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp, a standard activity included on a FI rate basis and available to all guests.

Travel amongst rolling, rocky hills with scattered euphorbia, ancient welwitschia plants, scrubby vegetation, and isolated clumps of trees through the 450 000-hectare (1 111 974-acre) Palmwag Concession and search out the fascinating desert-adapted wildlife of the region. During this full day spent exploring vast tracts of this famed conservation area, a scenic spot will be set up to enjoy a delicious lunch.

Birding enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the diverse avifauna found in the Palmwag Concession. Key species to look out for include Rüppell's korhaan, Benguela long-billed lark and possibly even Herero chat with some focused searching. Verreauxs' eagle are often sighted above the rocky hillsides.

With pressing environmental issues threatening our future, Ongava is once again responding to the
needs of the planet and our guests with the creation of Anderssons at Ongava and the Ongava Research Centre (ORC), the next generation in eco-tourism.

Taking a lesson from the wild in the power of symbiotic relationships, Anderssons at Ongava provides an interactive hub for guests to be a part of conservation science, where cutting edge technology meets hands on, field-based research.

Guests at Anderssons at Ongava have the option of being immersed in and can contribute to developing creative, knowledge driven solutions with resident scientists, visiting researchers, conservationists and rhino security personnel, or simply relaxing and enjoying the luxurious guest suites, waterhole, viewing hide, and pool where they will find their own personal place for reflection.

Ensuring a light footprint and an exceptional experience, Anderssons at Ongava will have seven
contemporary designed luxury guest units and one family unit, accommodating a maximum of 18 Guests.

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Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava The wonderful Vanessa Kaulinge warmly welcomes you to Anderssons at Ongava

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Andrew Morgan | Ongava Suite interior

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Andrew Morgan | Ongava Main area bar and lounge

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Andrew Morgan | Ongava A crush of rhino under the full moon

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Andrew Morgan | Ongava Dining area looking on to waterhole

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Andrew Morgan | Ongava Suite interior

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Andrew Morgan | Ongava Suite interior

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Andrew Morgan | Ongava Guest Suite

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Andrew Morgan | Ongava Main area lounge

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Andrew Morgan | Ongava Suite interior

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Andrew Morgan | Ongava Suite interior

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava Bar area fitted with ORNILUX Bird Protection Glass

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Stefan Redecker | Ongava Main area lounge and viewing deck

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Stefan Redecker | Ongava Spacious main area lounge and bar area

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Stefan Redecker | Ongava Lounge at main area

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava Infinity Pool with a view over waterhole

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava Bar area

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava View from the bar area lounge

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Stefan Redecker | Ongava Cosy fire pit and bar

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava Main area with view over waterhole

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava A visitor outside of a suite

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Stefan Redecker | Ongava Anderssons suite

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava Family unit walk way

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava Suite walk way

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava Suite interior

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava Suite interior, lounge and desk

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Stefan Redecker | Ongava Private views

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava Suite interior

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava Suite interior

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava Suite interior

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava Suite interior

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava Suite interior

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava Outside patio of the suite

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava Outside patio of the suite

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava Ensuite bathroom with double basin

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava En suite bathroom with double basin

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Stefan Redecker | Ongava Twin vanity and cosmetic table

Anderssons at Ongava Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava Exterior shower of the suite

ORC Discovery Centre Aerial View Credit: Stefan Redecker | Ongava ORC Discovery Centre

ORC Discovery Centre Entrance Credit: Stefan Redecker | Ongava ORC Discovery Centre Entrance

ORC Discovery Centre Credit: Stefan Redecker | Ongava ORC Discovery Centre

ORC Visitor Centre Credit: Stefan Redecker | Ongava ORC Visitor Centre

ORC Discovery Centre Credit: Stefan Redecker | Ongava ORC Discovery Centre

ORC Discovery Centre Credit: Stefan Redecker | Ongava ORC Discovery Centre

ORC Discovery Centre Credit: Stefan Redecker | Ongava ORC Discovery Centre

ORC Discovery Centre Credit: Stefan Redecker | Ongava ORC Discovery Centre Display

Etosha National Park Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava Game drive in Etosha National Park

Ongava Game Reserve Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava Bush Walk at Ongava Game Reserve

Ongava Game Reserve Credit: Dr Olwen Evans | Ongava Bush Walk at Ongava Game Reserve

Ongava Game Reserve Credit: Hazel Spencer Chapman | Ongava Game drive on Ongava Game Reserve

Ongava Game Reserve Credit: Dana Allen | Ongava Game drive at Ongava Game Reserve

Browsing at Ongava Game Reserve Credit: Dr Olwen Evans | Ongava White Rhino at Ongava Game Reserve

Ongava Game Reserve Credit: Dr Olwen Evans | Ongava Lion at Ongava Game Reserve

Ongava Game Reserve Credit: Dr Olwen Evans | Ongava Lion at Ongava Game Reserve

Family Unit Standard Suites

1 x family unit - consists of 2 identical suites, each one king-size bed (alternative 2 x three quarter beds). Both suites each have their own bathroom and entrance. Rooms are linked by a short walkway.

The suites are designed as a direct extension of the landscape itself. The rock and other natural elements are used to reflect the environment and drama of Etosha. The natural stone and spacious solid build with innovative roof structure, offers guests a climate-controlled sanctuary in the bush.
Design includes a private viewing deck with 180-degree panorama.

6 x twin-bedded suites with 2 x three quarter beds and 1 x double suite with one queen-size bed.

The suites are designed as a direct extension of the landscape itself. The rock and other natural elements are used to reflect the environment and drama of Etosha. The natural stone and spacious solid build with innovative roof structure, offers guests a climate-controlled sanctuary in the bush.
Design includes a private viewing deck with 180-degree panorama.

Property Facilities

Bar, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Library, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Vegetarian

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Fan, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee

Available Services

Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available)

Activities on Site

Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing Hide, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Night Drives, Walks (Guided)

Activities Nearby

Anderssons at Ongava - Excursions into Etosha National Park Anderssons at Ongava - Guided Nature Walks Anderssons at Ongava - Hide Anderssons at Ongava - Game drives on Ongava Game Reserve Ongava Information System and Visitor Centre

Full- or half-day guided morning game drives in the Etosha National Park, Namibia’s prime savannah wilderness area, allow you to see the massive salt-pan and perennial springs that provide the water required by the Park’s high-density big game population. Full day activity on request and comes with packed lunch.

Offered seasonally and subject to an available walking guide, the guided nature walks through the reserve will proudly showcase the abundant array of life, from the unusual plants to the arid-adapted animals with a chance of potentially approaching white rhino.

Andersson’s hide allows for unobtrusive game viewing of the camp’s waterhole. Often frequented by plains game including warthog, zebra, giraffe and an array of antelope, the waterhole also attracts larger game such as rhino and sometimes even lions.

Guided afternoon/evening game drives take place on the private Ongava Game Reserve. The reserve is famed for its population of rhino and lion, as well as other game such as the endemic black-faced impala.

Guests can interface with science and research across Anderssons and part of this experience is an immersion into the world of natural history and science at the new Ongava Visitor Centre. With dozens of in-depth displays that feature information on the geology, animals, plants and ecological functioning of this fascinating region, guests are encouraged to meander through the self-guided exhibition area.

The Olive Exclusive – elegant, inspired, never formal

The first ultra-luxurious sanctuary of its kind in the Namibian capital – is cool, contemporary and stylish but with a warm heart and authentic African soul. Its sleek, modern lines are complemented by organic textures, natural furnishings, an eco-friendly approach and dedicated personal service.

The seven suites are individually decorated so each reflects a different region in Namibia, and each has its own lounge area with fireplace and dining room, for private dining. Wide glass doors open onto spacious decks where you can relax on a shady daybed, enjoy al fresco lunches or, if yours is a premium suite, take a dip in your own private plunge pool.
Such are the creature comforts that you may find it hard to leave: sink into an extra-length
bed dressed in crisp, pure-cotton linen, or indulge in a bubble bath in a freestanding tub with sweeping mountain views. Air-conditioning & satellite TV are standard, as is a computer with free WiFi access. Then there’s a fully stocked mini bar, complete with a premium wine selection, so you can toast the setting sun in fine style.

The Olive Exclusive boasts a quality restaurant featuring a seasonal menu, with inventive signature dishes.

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The Olive Exclusive Credit: Big Sky Lodges Setting

The Olive - Premier Suite (Caprivi Suite) Credit: Big Sky Lodges Individually decorated suites

The Olive Restaurant Credit: Micky Hoyle Restaurant interior at The Olive Exclusive

The Olive - Premier Suite (Etosha Suite) Credit: Micky Hoyle Individually decorated suites, premier with own private plunge pool

The Olive - Premier Suite (Etosha Suite) Credit: Big Sky Lodges Individually decorated suites

The Olive - Premier Suite (Etosha Suite) Credit: Scott N. Ramsay Individually decorated suites

Junior Suite Premier Suite Self-catering Apartment

The three Junior Suites are set within their own private courtyards with outdoor seating. Large glass windows and cool screeded floors complement the light and spacious interiors. Well placed and easily adjustable lighting adds to the relaxing ambience.

The Olive Exclusive's four Premier Suites have front-row position overlooking the olive grove and valley beyond, and tall glass windows make the most of the views. Doors lead to a large deck with a plunge pool, sunloungers and additional seating.

The Olive Apartment is not at the same extremely high level of the suites at The Olive Exclusive but it is a comfortable, tastefully decorated two bedroom apartment with lounge, dining area and fully equipped but basic kitchen.

Property Facilities

24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Clothes Press, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Heater, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Plunge Pool, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Verandah

Available Services

Airport Shuttle (Available), Babysitting Service, Credit Card Facilities, Room Service

Activities Nearby

Animal Encounters, Art Galleries, Bird Watching, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Golf, Health and Fitness Centre, Helicopter Rides, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Hiking, Historical Tours, Massages, Mountain Biking, Museums, Natural History Tours, Scenic Flights, Squash Court, Tennis Court, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours, Wine Tasting