Reviews of Dead Valley Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
21 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Dead Valley Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Dead Valley Lodge review"
See earlier for a fuller review." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
Oryx
Multiple sightings
"Dead Valley Lodge review"
We are not great fans of buffets but this one was really good with game meats being grilled by staff to order along with the pre-prepared food which was cleared and refilled very regularly. All the staff were good at their jobs and clearly took the cue from the two guys who worked very hard and had high standards.
Interestingly, this was one of the few places on the trip that didn't ask us to fill in a questionnaire. Most not only handed one out but stood around while it was filled in - and who answers honestly in such circumstances? These guys had confidence in what they are doing and we're happy to endorse their operation.
We were out a 5am heading for the dunes. To be honest the packed breakfast was the least good thing about Dead Valley but who cares when seeing in the dawn over the dunes and Deadvlei! Later the temperature rose to 40C+ which even the locals found hot, so we appreciated the aircon in the rooms." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
Oryx
Multiple sightings
"Dead Valley Lodge review"
Oryx
Multiple sightings
"Dead Valley Lodge review"
The pool was small with only a few sunbeds.
There was very limited shaded parking for the number of rooms and our enormous and stylish room (No. 1) was well lit but had no power-point anywhere near the bed. The air conditioning wasn’t very efficient and the bathroom was very dimly lit and had no mirror.
In the dining area the rustic looking wooden tables had such an uneven surface it was really tricky to balance a drink without spilling it. Limited choice for lunch but the barbecue and buffet dinners were very good with lots of choices.
One morning we had a packed breakfast which was good, as was the breakfast we enjoyed the next day in the restaurant.
This was a great location for our visit to Sesriem Canyon, our climb of Dune 45 just after sunrise, our visit to Deadvlei and our sunset walk up Elim Dune." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
Oryx
5 sightings
"Dead Valley Lodge review"
Oryx
Multiple sightings
"Dead Valley Lodge review"
Not a lot of choice for vegetarians." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
Oryx
Multiple sightings
"Dead Valley Lodge review"
Breakfast was fine, dinner less so.
Note that the Lodge is situated in the National Park, so park fees have to be paid for the entire stay (we stayed 2 nights so paid 2 days fees although only visited the dune area for one day)." See all these reviews: 30n in Namibia
"Dead Valley Lodge review"
Food was plentiful with many options.
Great location" See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 5n in Namibia; 1n in Zimbabwe
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Zebra
1 sighting
"Dead Valley Lodge review"
"Inside the park gate"
When you see the promotional material and pictures from Dead Valley Lodge, it looks like a desert fort with a fantastic location. In reality, the lodge is just inside the Sesriem Gate to the right on the border of the busy “Klondike" of NWR office, exposed Sesriem Campsite, medical centre, petrol station, police station, and staff facilities.
However, with a list price of approx. 7300 NAD for full board for one night, our expectations were high. Therefore, we were surprised to receive very little attention at arrival at the lodge. There was limited commitment from our host who handed us the mandatory paper forms. We sensed we were just one of many new guests arriving that day.
As we arrived early and our tent (room) was not yet ready (fair), we waited in the open-air lounge. Open-air was to be taken quite literally, as the area was exposed to the strong winds that prevail. We had dust sneaking in from all sides covering everything. It appeared that it was possible to close the area with glass sides, but that did not happen at any time during our visit.
We asked politely for a cup of coffee (after no reaction from the staff). The waiter informed us we could use the self-service coffee station and pointed us in the right direction. In addition, I ask for a glass of white wine. The waiter informed us, that at the moment, we could not buy white wine by the glass (but whole bottles). They only have red wine by the glass. I replied – I admit now slightly sarcastic - that this was the first time we have been unable to buy a glass of white wine in a (luxury) lodge in Namibia after 5 trips and visiting approx. 60 different "lodges".
Finally, we got our tent. It was in “the back row” of tents with a view to the many tents in the front row. All tents were quite close together.
Inside, our tent smelled of tobacco, even though smoking is prohibited in the rooms. It also turned out that the cooling system was not working. The staff promised to fix it. In the meantime, we waited to see if they would succeed before unpacking. By now, we had already decided to find another lodge if not fixed ASAP. However, the cooling was fixed (telling them we were about to leave the lodge speeded up the service). Yet no apology or regret.
In the evening, we had the dinner buffet, which was included in the full board. Excellent food - but still no white wine by the glass.
The next day, we were glad we were only booked 1 night for this place. Needless to say, we will never return. On departure, our host did not ask us about our experiences with the place nor provided an evaluation form. It actually makes perfect sense.
PRO´s
- Inside Sesriem Gate
- Good dinner buffet with amusing chef
CON´s
- Just about everything, read above" See all these reviews: 35n 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.
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.
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.
