Elegant Desert Lodge: Our full report
The Elegant Desert Lodge (previously known as Betesda Lodge) is a modern and stylish lodge located at the ...
... foot of one of the modern mountains dotting the Namib Desert, about an hours drive from Sesriem, the entrance to the Namib-Naukluft National Park.The lodge changed management and was completely refurbished in 2016, and when we last visited in May 2018 we thought the lodge was looking fantastic, combining the look of a classic safari camp with an elegant and stylish modern interior.
Elegant Desert Lodge has 25 guest rooms, four of which are family rooms sleeping up to four people. The rooms are built into a single line with one long terrace at the front and a veranda at the back, from which it’s sometimes possible to see antelope such as oryx wandering past. The spacious rooms have polished stone floors, which continue up the rear wall behind the bed. They are quite minimally furnished with a pale wooden bench and nightstands, and beds with white sheets and green rugs and cushions adding a splash of colour.
Communal facilities at Elegant Desert Lodge include the stone swimming pool that looks out across at the mountains, surrounded by shady sunloungers. A boma with a firepit is located nearby with ample seating, which makes for a splendid spot to watch the sunrise, or enjoy a drink with the sunset.
The Lodge’s main area is a large stone-and-thatch building surrounded by mullion windows, allowing in plenty of light and providing panoramic views of the desert landscape. The open-plan reception, dining area and bar are well furnished with havey natural-wood tables and white wooden chairs, with the modern and traditional styles elegantly blended.
Activities offered by Besteda Lodge include quad biking, hiking, sundowner drives to a nearby mountan and trips to Sossusvlei in an air conditioned 4x4. (NB: It's essential that you read the Quadbike warning in the 'Health & Safety' section below for our comments on insurance issues regarding this activity.) The lodge can also book scenic flights and hot air ballooning, as well as a tour of the Neuras Winery.
Our view
On our last visit we were delighted with the new look of this Lodge, and the management and refurbishments have brought Elegant Desert Lodge up to a much higher standard. This lodge now works very well for travelers looking for a stylish and comfortable property with easy access to the iconic dunes at Sossusvlei.
Namibia expert
Geographics
- Location
- Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- 2-3 nights
- Directions
- Elegant Desert Lodge is located 5km along the D854 from the turnoff from the C19, 40km from Sesriem.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at Elegant Desert Lodge.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no ages restrictions at Elegant Desert Lodge.
- Notes
- Children should be under parental supervision at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Elegant Desert Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Elegant Desert Lodge have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
50% success
50% success
50% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- The water from the borehole is filtered and suitable for drinking, but bottled water is also readily available.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
Quadbike warning: quad-biking is sometimes available as an activity from Elegant Desert Lodge. As with any potentially dangerous activity, it's vital that you take responsibility for ensuring that you have adequate travel insurance prior to getting involved. Be aware that some insurances cover quad-bike activities only for bikes with lower engine ratings: check such clauses particularly carefully before you get on a bike.- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Fire safety
Activities
4WD Safari
Helicopter
Hot air ballooning
Quad-biking
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
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.
Barkhan Dune Retreat
Barkhan Dune Retreat is a welcoming lodge close to the impressive Spreetshoogte Pass, majors on hiking and relaxation.
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.
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.
