Little Kulala
Little Kulala is located just outside the national park that is home to the extraordinary towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei.
This acclaimed Wilderness Safaris desert retreat has climate-controlled villas and an elegant al fresco dining area. The 12 elegant thatched villas were designed to blend into the desert landscape and each has an outdoor deck and a private plunge pool, as well as a rooftop 'skybed' for romantic stargazing. The main lodge has a lounge, bar, dining area and plunge pool.
The veranda overlooks a waterhole, where springbok and gemsbok come to drink. The main activity at Little Kulala is guided drives to Sossusvlei, which leave early in the morning when the light is at its best. As well as the incredible views, there are desert animals and plants to spot.
Why We Love It
If you can bear to get up so early, watching the sunrise over the dunes from the comfort of your villa is pretty special.
Wolwedans Private Camp
Deep in the desolate but utterly stunning Namib Desert lies Wolwedans, a superslick lodge, and if that wasn't hermit-like enough, they have their own Private Camp, another two miles further into the bush and designed for just one couple or a small family.
If you manage to feel claustrophobic here, there might be deeper issues at work, but for the rest of us not much can beat lying back in the hammock on the wooden deck, watching the sun go down. There is so little light pollution here that you can see stars right down to the horizon.
When the emptiness and sheer silence of the surroundings eventually sinks in, you can decide to knock up a delicious supper in the fully stocked kitchen or ring the lodge proper so they can deliver a gourmet feast by Land Rover.
Next decision - sleep in the sumptuous double bed with the canvas sides to the bedroom rolled up or down. Dilemmas, dilemmas.
Why We Love It
All this doesn't come cheap - but with privacy the new luxury, this is a luxurious as it gets, and perfect for honeymooners.
Wolwedans Boulders
Located 30 miles south of the other Wolwedans camps, in the far south of the NamibRand Nature Reserve, Boulders Camp is the latest addition to the Wolwedans Collection.
The camp is situated along the edge of a large granite kopje and sleeps just eight guests in four spacious tents, spread out amongst the massive rocks. Each room has an en-suite bathroom and a private deck with sweeping views of the desert plains and mountains. The central lodge building houses the dining and living room tents, as well as a breakfast deck and an open fireplace.
From Boulders Camp, guests can explore the reserve on scenic guided drives, go on walking safaris through the ancient hunting grounds of the bushmen, or simply relax in the comfort of the lodge and soak up the scenery and peace of the desert.
Boulders calls for a two night stay and is ideally booked in combination with a night or two at one of the other Wolwedans camps in the dunes.
Why We Love It
Close by, on top of a cluster of boulders, is a wonderful sundowner spot.
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is a wonderfully secluded oasis at the foothills of the private NamibRand Nature Reserve, tucked away in the in the heart of Namibia's ancient Namib Desert.
There are 10 spacious suites, each with a private veranda for soaking up the beautiful changing colour of the landscapes. The décor is minimalist with fresh white interiors and elegant furnishings. A particular favourite of ours is the fact that the suites feature a skylight above the beds which, no surprises here, is perfect for star gazing.
Dinner is served in a glass-fronted dining room and guests have the choice of delicious African dishes as well as international fare. For a little tipple there is a walk-in wine cellar or a fire lit bar to retreat to. Other foodie temptations include bush breakfasts or surprise dune dinners.
The utter tranquility and compelling landscapes make this lodge a real place to escape the hustle and bustle of day to day routines - the serenity is almost incomparable, whether you are lounging by the pool, stargazing or relaxing on your veranda, there is definitely a slower pace of life here. However should you fancy a faster pace of things there a plenty of activities to keep you active such as; quad biking adventures to explore the Sossusvlei dunes, open 4 x 4 nature drives, hikes and walks.
Why We Love It
The cleverly-designed skylights in each bedroom let you star gaze from the comfort of your own bed.
Hoodia Desert Lodge
On the banks of the Tsauchab River, Hoodia Desert Lodge is surrounded by majestic mountains and the nearby Sossusvlei dunes and pans.
Boasting only eleven luxurious thatched chalets, the lodge aims to offer guests ultimate privacy and each chalet comes with an open air shower, a generous bath and a private deck. The décor combines exposed natural materials with a light and airy colour scheme and contemporary furnishings.
The main building has a shaded outside lounge deck, a lounge area with fireplace, an elegant bar to relax in the evenings and a restaurant where the chefs deliver delicious international and local dishes.
There's an abundance of things to do in and around the lodge, including relaxing by the pool and admiring the dramatic scenery. However the highlight of any stay has to be a Sossusvlei tour, taking you through the famous red dunes and contrasting white salt pans, and complete with sun downers on the way back to the lodge. Additionally guests can also opt to enjoy a helicopter flight over the desert, a horse riding trip, or a quad bike excursion.
Why We Love It
The contrasting mountain and river scenery seen from the lodge is almost as impressive as the contrasting colours in the nearby Sossusvlei.
