Reviews of Hoodia Desert Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
229 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Hoodia Desert Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"great!!"
Nice to see the baboons and ostriches.
Great view of the milky way from this place!
could sit in main lodge with a couple of beers and enjoy the silence......enjoyed it." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Great lodge in the dessert"
"Disappointing and unwelcoming place"
The staff were surly, rude and unwelcoming from the start. We told the guide that I had a bad back and couldn't do much walking on the excursion to the Dunes, but we were placed with a (very nice) Swiss couple clearly wanted to go hiking up the Dunes. The guide, who was disinterested from the start, told us to wait by the Landrover whilst they went for a short walk. However, we were left alone for nearly two hours without water or anywhere to sit and did not receive any apology from the guide on his return or from the manager at the Lodge.
The room was nice - if a bit too small and the food was okay.
The location was amongst the least photogenic of the places we stayed on our trip." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
We were reassured after our conversation with these travellers that they were both fine and that one of the travellers had hurt their back prior to the trip which we had not been made aware of. The core of the bad experience at Hoodia stemmed from the full-day activity that runs into the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Although we consider this to be one of the best excursions on offer in the area, it is an active full day out and we realise that we may not have made the extent of this activity clear.
We are really very sorry that these guests were left on their own for nearly two hours. It sounds as though there was an unfortunate breakdown in communication and the guide had no way of gauging how long they would take on the tour, with the other guests, as it really depends on what they find along the way and what the other traveller's levels of interest are. We know that Hoodia’s guides are some of the most professional and we have always had very good reviews about the Hoodia guides from our past travellers. It is very unfortunate that these travellers' experience was very different from our experience of the activity.
We have relayed all these traveller's comments to the owners of Hoodia and no doubt it will help their service going forwards.
"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
The rooms and lodge were very comfortable and the views were stunning.The day trip into sossusvlei with the guide was WELL worth it - despite having our own transport we elected to take this trip with the guide and were not disappointed: very informative and very well put together package including a delightful lunch under a shady tree with a view (Plus oryx keeping a close eye on us!)
I would highly recommend staying at Hoodia." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Exceptional quality"
Hoodia is set in a secluded plain, some way from the main Sossulviei area. This means it takes a little longer for the dawn drive to the dunes (which is the obligatory excursion) but in our view this was more than compensated for by the attractions of Hoodia itself.
We ate very well. The individual rondavels are very comfortable, complete with the Namibian speciality of outside, but private!, showers.
We took the Hoodia guide, Enos I believe was his name, for the Sossulviei excursion, which we thoroughly enjoyed and learnt a lot. We stayed 2 nights." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia
"Great day in the Desert at Hoodia"
The atmosphere was relaxed but professional. Our room was excellent. The food was excelent.
The day trip to the desert was memorable." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
"Superb"
Cannot fault this place at all. Top service." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Fantastic food at the Hoodia Deset Lodge"
The game steaks provided were exceptional, second to none.The individual cabins were excellent with an outside tub and shower.
The nights were clear and full of stars and laying back in the tub with some accompanying wine made for a magical experience.
Our guide to and in the park was very knowledgeable and gave just the right amount of guidance and free time. The lunch provided by the resort was a treat in the middle of the dunes." See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia
"Wonderful location, facilities & safari"
The day trip to Sossusvlei with two guides - we were the only guests that day - was excellent. Very interesting information about the geology, birds, animals and plants of the desert. A couple of short walks - some manageable dune climbing in the hot sun.
The 'picnic' lunch, more like a high class dinner, was excellent - and gave us time to sit and talk to our guides and learn something of their lives and the political and other issues which are current in Namibia" See all these reviews: 15n 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.
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.
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.
