Wolwedans Desert Lodge | NamibRand Nature Reserve
1 May 2020 - 3 May 2020
Wood and canvas open up to the spectacular Namib Desert, where this lodge is thoughtfully set with respect to the environment. Ultra-spacious, it has two lounges, a few sundowner decks, tea deck, library, wine cellar and two dining rooms, where you can connect with other guests or enjoy some private space. Nine tents are spaced apart, each with its own deck and expansive views of the desert and mountains. As a training camp, Desert Lodge forms part of the Wolwedans Desert Academy, where staff are continuously learning as they are mentored by senior lodge managers. Perfect for families, Dune Lodge is ideal for relaxed travellers. Enjoy morning and afternoon drives in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, sundowners, a local village tour, water walk, star gazing, San Bushman walks and e-biking. Additional activities include hot air ballooning and horse riding.
INSIDER'S TIP: Roll up your canvas blinds and enjoy the cool breeze and dreamy starry nights.
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All tented rooms are open to the beautiful desert vistas and have been built to maximise the views from all corners of the room. Each has a private verandah, connecting you to the swathes of untouched sand beyond. In fact, we highly recommend sleeping with your canvas blinds open to feel the soft evening breeze and marvel at the vast star-studded sky.
There are 7 Tented chalets, linked by a walkway and set atop a dune plateau, featuring elevated decks and sleeping two adults in a king-size bed. Each en-suite bathroom includes a double vanity, shower, and toilet.
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Verandah
3 tented chalets with an elevated deck on top of a dune plateau, each sleeps 2 adults and 2 children. The en-suite bathroom offers a double vanity, shower & toilet facilities.
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, Cycling, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Horse Riding, Sleep Outs, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided)
Activities Nearby
Bird Watching, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Walks, Horse-back Safaris, Hot Air Ballooning
Experience the thrill of a hot air balloon flight with an early morning adventure.
Begin your day with a pre-dawn wake-up, followed by a 1 to 1.5-hour drive to the balloon launch site. Once there, you'll have the opportunity to soar above the stunning landscape, taking in breathtaking views that are truly unforgettable. End this extraordinary experience with a champagne breakfast at the landing spot.
This unique activity requires advance booking, with reservations needed at least one day before your planned flight. Prepare for an extraordinary journey that offers a fresh perspective on the landscape and a truly transformative start to your day, one that will stay with you long after the journey ends.
Duration: Full morning
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Indulge in a range of luxurious wellness and massage treatments designed to rejuvenate both body and mind, all within the comfort of your room.
Whether you’re looking for a soothing massage, invigorating body treatments, or holistic therapies, our expertly tailored services are crafted to provide the ultimate relaxation and renewal. For a complete list of available treatments and pricing, please consult the spa menu. All services are available for booking onsite upon arrival.
ADDITIONAL CHARGES APPLY
From breakfast in the dunes, lunch in the gardens or the 'hard rock' café, to dinner under the stars - a range of unforgettable meal options are available.
Garden Lunch
Duration: Variable
Enjoy a healthy lunch in the Wolwedans vegetable garden. Normally done after a Heart & Home tour, garden lunches can also be booked as a stand-alone activity, in case you don’t join a Heart & Home, or following a scenic morning drive or horse ride. Either way, you should not miss a lunch in the garden.
Lunch at the Hard Rock Café
Duration: Variable
Head out further into the dunes for a full day drive with picnic lunch between boulders at our take on a 'hard rock café'.
ADDITIONAL CHARGES APPLY
Dune Breakfast
Kickstart the day with a one-of-a-kind breakfast tucked between Namibian dunes. Whether a short walk from camp or paired with a sunrise drive, this experience offers an unforgettable start to your day in one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth.
ADDITIONAL CHARGES APPLY
Dinner Under the Stars
End your day with a memorable dinner beneath the stars. Savor exquisite cuisine during this
Private dinner set in a secret location at the heart of the desert.
ADDITIONAL CHARGES APPLY
Experience the magic of Namibia’s wilderness like never before with Wolwedans’ exclusive Desert Sleepout. Savor the sunset, marvel at the sunrise, and gaze upon skies brimming with stars. This unique adventure in the heart of the Namib Desert invites you to leave the ordinary behind and immerse yourself in the vastness above and beyond.
This is a private activity with a dedicated guide who will be nearby throughout the night, to ensure your comfort and safety, while respecting your privacy. This is a seasonally available from September – May for stays of 3 nights or more, and not available from Boulders Camp.
Dinner hamper in the dunes
The Namib Desert sets the stage for an extraordinary dining location. Enjoy your sleep out with a simple dinner hamper under the vast African sky and wake up to a sunrise coffee with the dunes as your backdrop.
Morning coffee in the dunes
Head out into the dunes after dinner in camp for a once-in-a-lifetime sleeping experience. End your sleep-out with a morning coffee in the remote dunes.
Desert Sleepout requires a minimum 3-night stay, is available from September – May (June-Aug have very low night temperatures) and needs to be pre-booked at reservations level.
For fitness enthusiasts, an exhilarating E-Bike adventure awaits, led by our friendly and knowledgeable guides. This experience takes you deep into the dunes and across the expansive plains of the desert, providing a unique perspective that’s typically only accessible by 4x4 vehicles.
Whatever your level, our E-Bike guides ensure you get the most out of this high-energy excursion, blending fitness with exploration for an unforgettable desert adventure.
Morning or Evening Ride (Included)
Duration 1.5-2 hours
Pedal through the shifting sands and have the opportunity to connect with the desert's beauty. Morning rides can be combined with a Village Tour with a lunch or end back in camp where you dip into your private chiller. Evening rides end with sundowners in the dunes.
Full Day Ride (Extra cost)
Duration 4-6 hours
Experienced riders are invited to take part on a full day of riding across the dunes. Along the journey, pause for a picnic in a secluded spot. The excitement of conquering the challenging landscape on two wheels, is matched only by the breathtaking views you'll encounter along the way. This is better suited to our cooler winter months (June – August)
For riders of all kinds, a range of riding experiences is available. Depending on the rider's experience level, the rides can include a mix of galloping, trotting, or walking through the dunes and expansive plains. Whether seasoned or new to horseback riding, these guided rides are designed to suit individual abilities while offering an unforgettable journey through the terrain.
Morning Ride
Duration 2 hours
Set off on a morning horseback ride through the desert, departing from the village and ideal for young adventurers. This gentle ride offers a unique way to explore the landscape and is the perfect precursor to a relaxing lunch in the village garden.
Sunset Ride
Duration 2-3 hours
Take a leisurely 2.5-hour horseback ride through the desert at sunset, exploring the vast landscape as the colors of the sky shift with the fading light. Along the way, stop for sundowners, enjoying a refreshing drink while soaking in the untamed beauty of the desert.
Full Day Ride
Duration 6 hours
Experienced riders seeking a deeper connection with nature may opt for a full-day horseback ride through the desert landscape. From the horseback vantage point, you'll experience the enduring beauty of the desert. Along the journey, pause for a picnic in a secluded spot.
We invite you to contribute to the Wolwedans Foundation through leaving your mark in the desert. The full amount collected goes to the Wolwedans Foundation and each adoption supports a different project being run by the Foundation.
Adopt & Plant a Tree:
Contribute to the restoration of the local ecosystem and help combat desertification by planting a tree in this vital conservation effort. Proceeds go into the Wolwedans Horticulture Project. The tree planting takes about 15 minutes. Your tree has your name on a plaque and we hope you visit us again to see how it has grown.
Adopt a Fairy Circle:
Help preserve one of Namibia's most intriguing natural phenomena by adopting a fairy circle. This project supports the conservation arm of the NamibRand Nature Reserve.
Adopt a SiloTile:
A new initiative with the addition of the silo bar at Dune Camp. Each tile on the silo contributes to our trash to treasure project. All proceeds go towards the waste & recycling plant in Maltahohe, which is part of Rural Revive. Waste is something each of us contribute to on a daily basis, yet few of us think about the impact. In a pristine environment like the NamibRand, creative waste management is a top priority.
The Wolwedans Village is our base camp of operations. Meet the team and learn about the community-driven initiatives, including the sustainability projects that make Wolwedans a renowned leader in sustainable tourism. This tour offers a thought-provoking look into the way of life at Wolwedans, and an insight into the Wolwedans Foundation's AridEden mission.
The AridEden Project, encapsulating the Wolwedans Vision 2030 and beyond, is a strategy that integrates our 5Cs sustainability commitment (Commerce, Conservation, Community, Culture, Consciousness). This approach balances people, planet, and profit, with a focus on empowering our team, fostering well-being, and driving consciousness about sustainable solutions.
Village Introduction:
A 1-hour Wolwedans Backstage tour ending in the garden.
Village Immersion:
A 2-3 hour more in-depth experience concludes with lunch in the gardens.
Family Treasure Hunt:
A 1-hour fun and interactive way to explore the behind-the-scenes of a desert camp. Kids might search for a carrot in the garden, or crush a can in the recycling zone - learning while playing.
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Join an immersive Bushman walk, guided by an experienced Bushman, as you traverse the Namib sand dunes.
This excursion offers a unique opportunity to explore the desert landscape on foot and delve into its intricate details. As you journey through the dunes, you'll interpret the "morning newspaper" left by small critters overnight, gaining insights into their nocturnal activities. You'll also track the fascinating toktokkie beetle, a remarkable creature vital to the ecosystem, and might even be lucky enough to spot the Dancing White Lady spider as it darts across the sand.
This walk provides a fresh perspective on the natural world, shifting from passive observation to active participation. It highlights the tiny, yet significant, life forms often overlooked from the comfort of a vehicle.
It’s possible to combine your bushman walk with the Heart and Home village tour and lunch in the gardens.
"The Bushmen read the desert like a book, every track a story, every breeze a whisper of life."
Duration: 2-3 hours
Disconnect to Reconnect, this signature Wolwedans experience includes 30–45 minutes in peaceful silence. For those seeking a moment of personal reflection in the quiet, we offer the opportunity to leave your phone behind and sit in solitude in a remote spot within the dunes, fully embracing the stillness and beauty of the desert.
Recognized by Quiet Parks International, Wolwedans has an exceptionally quiet environment, where only sounds of nature abound. Quiet Parks International is an organization that works to protect natural quiet spaces, helping to preserve the few places in the world where the peace of nature is still intact, free from man-made noise.
As a recognized quiet place, this rare access to silence, allows you to tune into the subtle sounds of nature, experiencing a profound sense of quiet in mind, body, and soul.
For those wishing to connect with the ancient landscape on a deeper level, this experience can be arranged during a sunrise or sundowner drive.
"Silence is not the absence of something but the presence of everything." – Gordon Hempton, acoustic ecologist.
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Opt for a sunrise or sunset drive with coffee or sundowners in the dunes, or immerse yourself in the vast desert landscape with full-day or half-day options.
Sunrise Drive
Duration: 1.5 hours
Before breakfast start your day with a sunrise drive across the dunes. Savor a hot cup of coffee or tea with home-baked rusks and biscuits as you take in the raw beauty of the landscape. After the sunrise, return to camp or combine with Dune Breakfast.
Morning or Afternoon Drive
Duration: 2-3 hours
Morning Drive: Head out after breakfast and return to camp for lunch. Combines well with an in-room massage.
Afternoon Drive: Head out after afternoon tea to watch the shadows growing over the landscape, ending with sundowners.
Sundowner Drive
Duration: 1.5 hours
A shorter a drive to a prime sundowner spot. Spot oryx and other wildlife preparing for nightfall, set against the stunning Namibian sky, before enjoying a perfectly prepared G&T as you watch the sun dip below the dramatic desert expanse.
Full-Day Drive
Duration: 6 hours
This signature Wolwedans experience promises to be an immersive exploration of the region's most remote and awe-inspiring corners. Enjoy a picnic lunch at our own ‘Hard Rock Café’, an unforgettable setting in the shade of towering boulders.
From breakfast in the dunes, lunch in the gardens or the 'hard rock' café, to dinner under the stars - a range of unforgettable meal options are available.
Garden Lunch
Duration: Variable
Enjoy a healthy lunch in the Wolwedans vegetable garden. Normally done after a Heart & Home tour, garden lunches can also be booked as a stand-alone activity, in case you don’t join a Heart & Home, or following a scenic morning drive or horse ride. Either way, you should not miss a lunch in the garden.
Lunch at the Hard Rock Café
Duration: Variable
Head out further into the dunes for a full day drive with picnic lunch between boulders at our take on a 'hard rock café'.
ADDITIONAL CHARGES APPLY
Dune Breakfast
Kickstart the day with a one-of-a-kind breakfast tucked between Namibian dunes. Whether a short walk from camp or paired with a sunrise drive, this experience offers an unforgettable start to your day in one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth.
ADDITIONAL CHARGES APPLY
Dinner Under the Stars
End your day with a memorable dinner beneath the stars. Savor exquisite cuisine during this
Private dinner set in a secret location at the heart of the desert.
ADDITIONAL CHARGES APPLY
Desert Lodge main area is where guests gather for a coffee in the lounge, dinner on the deck, a wine at the bar or sundowners at the fire pit.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Your Rooms
1x Mountain View Suite/s
Fast Facts
4 Stars
Lodge
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English, German
No. Rooms: 9
Special Interests: Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp | Hoanib River
3 May 2020 - 6 May 2020
The name “Skeleton Coast” conjures up romantic images of desolate beauty, and proudly remote Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp in the Kaokoveld does not disappoint. The dry bed of the Hoanib River supports a thin green ribbon of vegetation and the wild beaches of the Atlantic coast are within reach, with their noisy seal colonies and eerily quiet shipwreck remnants.
Eight large en-suite tents (including one family unit) and the main area provide shady viewpoints, while nature drives into the surrounding area reveal a wealth of desert-adapted wildlife. Desert-adapted lion and brown hyena may also be glimpsed in this vast but far from lifeless landscape.
INSIDER'S TIP: On a stay of three nights or more, a coastal excursion to The Skeleton Coast is included. Usually involving a drive down to the coast and a flight back to camp, to see such a diverse area both on the ground and in the air.
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The camp comprises seven pale olive, luxury tents peaking like whitecaps on an ocean of sand. These well-insulated tented suites – with free-flow stretch canvas roofing, floating concrete foundations on stilts, en-suite facilities, and spacious private deck – offer a perfect escape from the excursions of the day. Gravel pathways link the tents to the convivial main area.
One stylish family unit consists of two bedrooms, each with two three-quarter beds and own en-suite facilities. Separate entrances lead to each bedroom, while a shared spacious outdoor deck offers shaded seating for relaxing and taking in the spectacular views of the surrounding desert with a sundowner in hand.
Property Facilities
Bar, Library, Pool
Room Facilities
Electrical Outlets, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Game Drives, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Nature drives showcase the magnitude of this wondrous lunar-like landscape and offer the best possibilities of seeing unique desert-adapted wildlife. Morning or afternoon drives are available, as well as full-day excursions. Attractions include true desert oases found in the Hoanib floodplains; as well as habitats being home to desert-adapted elephants, gemsbok, giraffe, and springbok.
Guided nature walks from camp take in the magnificent surrounds, as well as offer a glimpse at vestiges of the Strandloper (Beachcomber) lifestyle from hundreds of years ago. A thought-provoking opportunity to study the smaller creatures that survive in this seemingly barren landscape, and be astonished at the fascinating plant life of the concession.
* Weather permitting and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide.
On a stay of three nights (or more) full-day excursions to the Skeleton Coast are offered. This fascinating 4x4 trip to the coast takes you via the wilderness and wildlife of the Hoanib River and floodplain, which include Klein Oases Spring and driving through a dune field – while the Skeleton Coast itself reveals a rocky coastline with its huge Cape fur seal colonies and shipwreck remains. Following a picnic lunch, the return flight back to camp offers a magnificent perspective of your journey from the air.
* Typically, harsh desert conditions prevail in this area with regards to heat, fog rolling in from the sea, high winds and flooding rivers. On occasion, these conditions may affect the duration and routing of the excursion, with guests being driven both ways or – as is the case when it rains and the floodplains fill with water – flown both ways.
Operating within our concession area and on offer to all guests, these trips leave camp early in the morning, include a picnic lunch, and return to camp in the mid to late afternoon. It includes Mudorib Springs, exploring remote areas in the south of our allocated exclusive concession area, with the red basalt landscapes of the Damaraland. Amongst other general game species, guests have the chance of seeing Angolan giraffe and desert-adapted rhino. In the northern and eastern area of the Hoanib, the valleys offer spectacular scenery.
* Subject to private vehicle availability, to guarantee this excursion a private vehicle needs to be booked and paid for.
At the Hoanib Research Centre, presentations by, and interactions with, wildlife researchers are possible when they are in camp. These valuable insights cover all current research being supported at Hoanib, in particular the vital work conducted by Dr Philip Stander and his team studying the unique desert-adapted lion. Learn about the tragic Vanishing Kings lion coalition, as well as the ancient stories and legends of the Skeleton Coast.
* Subject to the availability of researchers when in camp, and conducted in the research centre.
Birding enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the diverse avifauna of the northern Palmwag Concession, from soaring raptors to charming Namaqua sandgrouse; as well as other regular endemics including Rüppell's korhaan, Benguela long-billed lark and Verreauxs' eagle.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Your Rooms
1x Tented Room/s
Fast Facts
Lodge
No. Rooms: 8
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Wildlife
Wilderness Serra Cafema | Hartmann Valley
6 May 2020 - 8 May 2020
Set amongst shady trees on the banks of the Kunene River, Wilderness Serra Cafema is one of the most remote camps in southern Africa, its Portuguese name originating from the mountains that dominate the northern skyline. Guests fall asleep to the sound of rushing water, while by day they explore one of the driest deserts in the world.
Activities here are varied, including boating (water levels permitting), walking, viewing breathtaking landscapes, as well as carefully guided quad-bike excursions that tread lightly on the dunes. In this isolated region, the Himba people continue their nomadic, traditional way of life and when in the area, guests have the opportunity to meet them and learn about their lifestyle and traditions.
INSIDER'S TIP: Most authentic Himba cultural experience in all of Namibia!
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The camp comprises seven ultra-spacious canvas en-suite rooms under thatch. Each has been built on a wooden deck, with elevated walkways linking them to the main area. The view from each suite is spectacular, overlooking the Kunene River and mountains of Angola.
The suites’ elegant interior design pays homage to Himba culture, and each includes a comfortable sunken seating area, an extra-large bed with a canopy and netting, and indoor and outdoor showers.
The large deck is ideal for private dining or simply unwinding and soaking in the sights and sounds of this unique wilderness.
There is one spacious family unit consisting of two bedrooms, each with two three-quarter beds and their own en-suite facilities. Separate entrances lead to each bedroom, while a shared outdoor deck connects the units.
Property Facilities
Bar, Library, Pool
Room Facilities
Electrical Outlets, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities, Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boating, Game Drives, Massages, Quad Biking, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Cultural Tours, Quad Biking
Informative nature drives in open game vehicles allow guests to experience the true Namib in its unbridled glory. A broad spectrum of wildlife, from desert-adapted oryx, springbok, and Hartmann’s mountain zebra are familiar sightings. While walking provides unique opportunities to see the smaller denizens of the desert, from the famous fairy circles to the desert chameleon.
For a truly remote experience, the vast expanse of the Marienfluss Valley offers a much-needed sense of space and enables new interpretation of the concept of beauty. A safari at Wilderness Serra Cafema will leave you in awe of the natural beauty of Namibia and its wildlife..
One of our highlights, guided quad bike excursions through the fragile environs, is conducted with the utmost care along specifically allocated pathways, so as to tread lightly on the dunes and preserve the unique and delicate habitat of this landscape.
In this isolated area, the Himba people continue their traditional semi-nomadic way of life and, when they are in the area, guests have an opportunity to learn about their lifestyle and customs.
Boating on the wondrous Kunene River provides our guests with the opportunity to venture through the lush riverside oases. Nile crocodiles and water birds seem out of place in this surreal, lunar-like landscape.
* Seasonal and water levels permitting.
Wilderness Serra Cafema’s prime location means that it has a unique combination of water and desert birds.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Your Rooms
1x Tented Room/s
Fast Facts
Lodge
No. Rooms: 8
