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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"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
Sesriem rather disappointing as not allowed down into the canyon because of remote danger of flash flooding.
Flight from Geluk to Swakopmund memorable with wonderful views of endless sanddunes and the wreck." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Hoodia was excellent"
On our first day our guide improvised a very successful expedition to some local fountains (springs), which we really enjoyed. In our time there we saw the surrounding land go from the faintest green and mainly red to green.
What wasn't so good is that the transfer from Geluk takes an hour. This plus the flying time plus the transfer time at WHD really eats into the driving time, meaning that the case for driving is enhanced; we could have driven to Hoodia that afternoon, although it would have been hard work.
Another, question mark was the Sossus Vlei excursion. Of course that's why we went to Hoodia but the fact of the matter is that there's a lot of driving, photo opportunities diminish with the angle of the sun as the day goes by and there isn't a huge amount to see and do on arrival. Finally, there's a lot of people there. Goodness knows what it's like in high season. That said, our guide (Johnnie) did a great job tracking spoor in the sand, helping us understand the geology, stopping when appropriate, etc., but despite a climb up Big Mama I felt the day was slightly padded out with the fun set piece lunch under the tree at Elim Dune, and it was great to get back to Hoodia for a siesta!" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
Neuras wine- the Shiraz- was surprisingly good. High price goes to help care for relocated cheetahs there....Tours of vineyard are available.
Apart from the Dunes day out, we were rather disappointed that there was no advice on other things to do from Hoodia - our very interesting day out to Neuras etc was our own idea (thanks to the Bradt Guide) - wonderful scenery etc and very worthwhile doing....
Maybe overall we were a little disappointed in Hoodia.
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During their stay here these travellers also took the Hoodia Sossusvlei excursion and commented:
TOO MANY PEOPLE!! And we were there in the low season! We would avoid it in the high season- or stay at a camp with private access....But, having said that, it was obviously not to be missed and our excellent guide made every effort to take us to the less crowded spots. Beautifully served, proper sit - down lunch under a huge old acacia - with only an oryx for company!
Some of our group made the top of the Big Daddy dune- we got half way- but it was still fun coming down." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia
"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
The owner is extremely present and helpful. The staff are excellent.
The outing to Sossusvlei was wonderful." See all these reviews: 8n in South Africa; 5n in Namibia
"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
The lodge is beautifully designed and the rooms are well-appointed. Excellent service.
John was a very well-informed and engaged guide who made sure that we got the most out of our trip to Sossusvlei and Sesriem. (Only one suggestion: please make sure that the Lodge has reference books for birds, plants and geology.)" See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
Wonderful trip at dawn to the Sossusvlei reserve and a really knowledgeable guide who also turned host at lunchtime serving us a great picnic on a white linen table cloth in the shade of a thorn tree! Ridiculous but wonderful at the same time!
Super pool and probably the best cooking we enjoyed on our trip." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia
"Hoodia Desert Lodge -Great"
Would certainly recommend to others." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Amazing - Rolls Royce of Lodges"
Our chalet was lovely, you would never know that it was a canvas structure. We would love to have had time to use the pool and to test out the outside shower and bath!
Full day desert tour with our guide and driver 'KK'. This included: walking on and in the dunes, the Dead Vrei complete with petrified trees, picnic feast complete with tablecloths and all the trimmings and drinks, and then finally to the Sesreim Canyon. It was an excellent day out, made more so by KK with his helpfulness, friendliness and excellent knowledge (a pity some of the others failed to show their appreciation).
In our absence, our host Thomas had tried to have our boot lock catch welded but it was by now beyond repair. He had tried to obtain a spare for us but parts have to come direct from RSA. When we got back he kindly made many phone calls (some via RSA) and eventually made a firm appointment with the rental agency at our next stop (this resulted in the car being exchanged without any fuss). Thomas also organised for members of his staff to help us to temporarily rope up the boot lid for the drive next day.
What an excellent place to stay. All the staff were so friendly and helpful, and once again our thanks to Thomas and all." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe
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.
