Hiking Fossilised Dunes at the Namib Desert Lodge

The Namib Desert Lodge stands out among the Gondwana Collection for its unique location. Like natural guards against broad skies, the lodge is dwarfed in the shadows of century old fossilised dunes.

While most guests enter the area to make their way towards Sossusvlei to see the fossilised trees, the Namib Desert Lodge offers access to these natural fossilised dunes, a true marvel in itself.

Top Features of Namib Desert Lodge

• Hiking fossilised dunes (free) right from the lodge, which absorbing beautiful views.
• Check-in for Namib Dune Star Camp.
• Two lovely pools, modern dining room and some of the best food in the collection.
• Average Cost Per Night: N$2 200 (without Gondwana card discount).

118 Kms to Sossusvlei

After our night away at the Namib Dune Star Camp, we returned to the Namib Dune Lodge and attempted to make our way to Sossusvlei. Adventurously, we were in an Opel Corsa, a terrible choice for the corrugated roads and within 20 minutes we had turned around and returned, defeated, to the lodge.

Wondering “what to do now”, we took a seat at the bar area and ordered a tequila sunrise. Hey, when on holiday! The crystal blue shimmer of the lodge’s pool seductively dancing in the sunlight became our new focus for the day. Feeling let down, we checked into our room, which provided ample, cool space for ourselves and our technology.

Hiking to the Fossilised Dunes

As the light of the day started to fade, we decided to go for a walk around the lodge, discovering the various walk ways and hiking trails to the dunes. We weren’t aware that the hills were fossilised dunes before our arrival, and received information from reception.

It is possible to hike to the top of the “mountain” during the day, however, guests have known to get lost so we chose the lower route, always ensuring we could see the lodge. It’s wonderful think of the days passing by, year after year, millennium after millennium until humans randomly arrived to appreciate the auburn hills.

Excellent Dinner Service

Each Gondwana Lodge offers a buffet that includes a variety of local game, salad and bread courses. The dining experience at Namib Desert Lodge was noteworthy. The restaurant featured a modern decor with bright green walls, and we were treated to a serenade by the staff during our meal. The food quality was good, though it’s worth mentioning that the prices (R350 per person) may be steep for local visitors.

Peace for the Night

The rooms at Namib Desert Lodge are designed for functionality and comfort, making them suitable for short stays. With vibrant colours, en suite bathroom (with decent water pressure, which we’d been missing during our trip), surprisingl comfortable beds and front porch, I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort of our stay. PS The loo seat left an unexpected surprise! (You can DM me about it on Instagram haha)

Last Thoughts

Internet connectivity at Namib Desert Lodge was better than some of our other Gondwana stays, however, by this point in our journey we had embraced a more disconnected lifestyle – reading on a Kindle or playing games on our phones. For those who need internet access, the reception staff can assist with WiFi connection.

The Namib Desert Lodge offers a viable alternative for those wishing to visit Sossusvlei, however, it’s crucial to note that a 4×4 vehicle is essential for accessing the area. The harsh terrain demands a more robust vehicle to ensure both your safety and the integrity of your car.

Despite the setback with our Sossusvlei plans, our stay at Namib Desert Lodge improved our spirits and we had a pleasant respite in the midst of our Namibian adventure.

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