Reviews of Barkhan Dune Retreat
Wildlife sightings and reviews
40 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Barkhan Dune Retreat and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Barchan Dune Retreat review"
"Barchan Dune Retreat... a great farm stay"
We really enjoyed meeting Willem and Hannetjie and sharing their hospitality over a sundowner drink and our evening meal.
The rooms are architecturally interesting, being individual cabins built into the sand dunes. Very comfortable." See all these reviews: 24n in Namibia
"Retreat is just the right name for this place"
They have done a clever and nice job building the individual chalets into the dunes, at the end of a lovely and very quiet valley. Hannjete quietly ensured tea/coffee/beer was provided at multiple points through the day whenever we were back at the home.
Dinner around the table with the hosts were excellent and it felt like being house guests rather than paying guests. We had two enjoyable discussions with the hosts and other guests whilst drinks flowed (especially reducing Willem's whiskey stocks).
The walk up the hill behind the farm is well worth it for fabulous views.
Other guests went on agame drive with Willem and saw a great range of game including a very large herd of Oryx plus Zebra.
The Spreetshoogte Pass is also worth a visit - a very steep and twisting road up that gives incredible views across the plain and only 20 minutes from Barchan Dunes.
Overall a very nice place to relax in the middle of nowhere!" See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"A lovely retreat"
The cottages are nicely spaced away from each other and are very spacious. Food is excellent, oryx the first night and then springbok the next, plus great starters and dessert. We ate with the owners and there was some great conversation over dinner.
We went on the sundowner drive around the very large farm and I recommend this. We also hiked the trail up the small mountain in the morning and came across a herd of mountain zebra who were very curious about us. This trail is worth doing and a great start to the day." See all these reviews: 27n in Namibia
"Lovely, friendly place"
Excellent, friendly hosts and it was fun and interesting to join them and the other guests for a very tasty dinner featuring springbok. It was quite hot for sleeping but we were there in January.
I would personally recommend 1 night rather than 2." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia; 5n in South Africa
"Barchan Dune Retreat review"
Wilhelm took us on a great drive on his ranch and cooked us an amazing meal from game on his property. We stayed up late drinking wine and scotch." See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia
"Barchan Dune Retreat review"
Could happily have stayed here another night, but was great as a stop over to break the journey.
They were apparently expecting us for lunch, but we had not noticed that. Not sure what happened there." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Barchan Dune Retreat review"
Very welcoming hosts, lovely meals shared around a communal table with the hosts, free-flowing good wine included, lovely accommodation, superb views. A refreshing place to spent our last proper day in Namibia." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Barchan Dune Retreat review"
We joined our hosts for a tasty evening meal. The homely atmosphere made us feal more like personal guests than paying clients. The room was spacious and clean and the large windows provided panoramic views of the surrounding hills which glowed as the sun rose." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Escape from it all at Barchan Dune Retreat"
We had afternoon tea and cake delivered on a tray..... very civilised!!
The evening meal was sumptuous. You all ate together which can be quite daunting for some people but the hosts got the conversation started and everyone joined in.
I mentioned that I was going to walk up the hill next to the retreat in the morning for sunrise and when I got up at about 5.30am I noticed they had put a tray with a flask of hot tea out for me. This was such a lovely gesture.
The walk up the hill at sunrise is a must. The view is stunning and I happened acorss a herd of zebra..... not sure who was the more surprised!! We had only booked one night and were sad to leave as we had had such a relaxing time there. Highly recommended!" See all these reviews: 25n in Namibia
Holiday styles & special interests in Namibia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Namibia.
Other lodges in Namib-Naukluft National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Kulala Desert Lodge
The comfortable Kulala Desert Lodge offers fantastic views of the Namib and a private gate to the Namib-Naukluft Park - a bonus on guided excursions.
Hoodia Desert Lodge
The owner-run Hoodia Desert Lodge offers a high standard of accommodation, delicious food and excellent service in a stunning, peaceful setting just 22km from Sesriem.
BullsPort Lodge & Farm
A traditional Namibian farm, BullsPort offers warm hospitality and a genuine rural experience, with excellent hiking and horseriding.
Sossus Dune Lodge
One of only two properties inside the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossus Dune Lodge has a superb location, for visiting the dunes.
Desert Homestead
With great-value accommodation in a lovely setting, Desert Homestead is a great base for exploring Sossusvlei.
Zebra River Lodge
Zebra River Lodge offers a range of hikes around the Tsaris Mountains from a comfortable and homely base.
Little Kulala
A high-end lodge with spectacular views, Little Kulala, makes a great base for visits to Sossusvlei or a balloon ride over the Desert.
Rostock Ritz
The igloo-style chalets at Rostock Ritz offer exceptional desert views and make a convenient stopover between Swakopmund & Sossusvlei.
Sossusvlei Lodge
Sossusvlei Lodge is one of the larger options in this area. However, it occupies a convenient location next to the Sesriem gate into the Namib-Naukluft Park.
Namib Outpost
About 30km from the gate to Sossusveli, Namib Outpost is a great base for exploring the dunes and surrounding attractions.
Dead Valley Lodge
Dead Valley Lodge is inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park, affording guests almost unprecedented access to the dunes.
Desert Camp
Desert Camp is an economical option for independent travellers who want to self-cater, and is well situated for access to Sossusvlei.
Desert Quiver Camp
Desert Quiver Camp is an economical option self-catering, well located for access to Sossusvlei.
Elegant Desert Lodge
Elegant Desert Lodge can be used as a base to visit Sossusvlei. It offers comfortable accommodation and facilities in the desert.
Corona Guest Farm
In central Namibia, north-east of the Namib-Naukluft, Corona Guest Farm offers a traditional farm stay and rugged hiking.
Namib Desert Lodge
Namib Desert Lodge is a good budget option in the Namib-Naukluft although, it is further from Sossusvlei than we'd typically suggest.
Sonop
Away from the hustle and bustle of the area immediately surrounding Sossussvlei, Sonop offers a luxurious stay in a remote part of the Namib Desert.
Camp Sossus
Camp Sossus is a offers top notch guiding in a remote wilderness area of the Naukluft Mountains with easy access to the famous dunes of Sossusvlei.
Desert Hills Camp
Conveniently located for the renowned dunes of Sossusvlei Desert Hills Glamping Camp offers a simple but comfortable tents in picturesque surroundings.
Le Mirage Lodge
Le Mirage Resort and Spa offers accommodation and a range of massage and beauty treatments in a Moroccan-style building in the desert.
Desert Grace
A stylish offering giving access to the famous dunes in the Namib-Naukluft National Park as well as to activities on a private nature reserve.
The Nest
Designed to emulate the appearance of a sociable weaver nest the opulent Nest at Sossus is arguably the most exclusive private property in the Sossuvlei area.
