The Namibian Dunes – Sossus Dune Lodge

Liz here – I think I looked at every lodge within striking distance of the Sesriem gates – twice!  There are some lovely choices, but I kept coming back to Sossus Dune Lodge due to its position within the park.  It is run by Namibian Wildlife Resorts (NWR) which is government owned and runs lodges/campsights in Namibia parks.  It’s less than 2 years old and there weren’t many reviews but ultimately its proximity won me over.  NWR is certainly taking advantage of its position as we had a full 2 hour advantage over people staying outside the park gates (we left the lodge at 4:30am for Deadvlei; the gates don’t open until approx 6:30am for those staying outside – and at 5:30 for the campers staying in the park - and there can be a line up to get in at that hour).  As you’ll read, we were very happy with our choice and highly recommend it. OK Richard – back to you.

 

Some notes on the lodge – great place, wonderful staff, good food – a definite must do experience.

The lodge is a series of individual pods joined by elevated walkways with a central pool/dining room/bar complex…at the base of a mountain.  The little rectangles below are the individual pods

 

The central unit crouches beneath the mountain – our pod is the first on the left…closest to the pool and bar) Lucky #13~

Franz runs a good bar, there’s a comfy lounge and at 42C you love the pool, plus good food (not French 3 star but the equivalent of a Toronto neighbourhood restaurant – except the beef and lamb – we’re still having a problem with African red meat)

The best part was the view.  We dined overlooking the desert and mountains.  Mornings and evenings were a symphony of colour changes with the rising and setting sun.  Our photography is a failure here.  It looks grey and boring – reality is far better

Our room was unique and charming.  The mosquito net was unnecessary, but the jet turbine scale fan was essential in the heat

One delightful feature – they had set up an artificial waterhole in front of our room with a night light (it’s hidden in the bushy thing upper right).  The springboks and numerous birds were frequent visitors.  Apparently everyone else saw an Oryx, but they continued to elude us

So what is it like to live in 42 degrees celcius?

• since the water (pumped from 300 feet down) is stored in above ground tanks all water is hot water.  We came to believe that the hot water was actually cooler and made for a more tolerable shower – but Liz just jumped in the pool
• depending on windows and locations, sitting on a toilet seat can be an interesting experience.
• we had to put the i-pod in the fridge as it overheated – has not been quite the same since that day
• you do not walk barefoot anywhere
• Liz was concerned her contact lens solution would melt her contact lenses

There was a lovely symbolic moment as we left.  A rainbow appeared over the lodge.  It had been a golden time for us….note that the rain was evaporating before it hit the ground

Comments

[April]

All is glorious.

[Julie]

bee-you-tea-full!

[contact lenses]

Nice place. I love it! It's very cozy!