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"
It´s in a modern and design´ish style, but perhaps lacks a bit of personality. This is however offset by the many comforts: Shared pool with a view to the dry riverbed, large seating area with comfortable sofas and chairs. Large dining room with central fireplace, and a shaded terrace. In addition, good internet.
In the private thatched bungalows, there is a wonderful bathroom with both indoor and outdoor bathing facilities, including an outdoor bathtub. All in beautiful terracotta colors. Furthermore, large double bed, fridge and air con.
We stayed on a half board basis. Both breakfast and dinner were of high quality.
The day after arrival, we did the full day excursion to Sossusvlei from Hoodia Desert Lodge. It´s recommended.
PRO´s
- Completely modern and in perfect condition
- Large, beautiful rooms with a romantic outdoor bathtub
- High food quality
- Fantastic full day excursion to Sossusvlei
CON´s
- Slightly impersonal "designer style lodge"
- Exposed isolated location on the dry riverbed and stony plain" See all these reviews: 35n in Namibia
"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
The central area of the lodge is stylish but welcoming, the restaurant is the same with food quality to match the surroundings.
The Sundowner evening excursion was absolutely the best of our trip, set up with individual tables for each couple, you felt you were on your own with no one else around! We were lucky it was a beautiful clear evening to see the sun setting.
Ineos was our guide to the Dunes, he was very informative about the desert and the area around. The lunch set up was amazing.
All in all we really enjoyed Hoodia Desert Lodge." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
Oryx
10 sightings
"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
The restaurant was well designed with a great ambience and a food quality to match. The lounge area of the lodge was similarly well designed and a lovely place to relax.
I have a very minor quibble that the lighting in the individual lodges was a bit underpowered, so I sometimes needed a torch to find things in my luggage, but it feels churlish to mention such a trivial point on what was an amazing stay." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
The trip itself was great (although a long & hot day) and it was really nice that we weren’t automatically taken to the most popular dunes for the sake of it, going instead to a dune where it was just us climbing it but the view at the top was worth it. The guide was really informative and also provided a really useful commentary about which toilets were the best to go for!
The picnic lunch was amazing, both for the scenery and the fact that we had a full table and chair set up complete with table runners, different size glasses and full china and cutlery!" See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
Oryx
10 sightings
"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
The sundowner was incredible, we had a private set up on a hill and they gave us plenty of time to see all of the changing colours of the sunset (and hear some howling jackals).
The day excursion to Sossusvlei with Paulos was just as memorable, with a proper lunch set up in the desert under a shady tree (our apologies to the disgruntled oryx who were previously resting under said tree)." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
Had a wonderful day trip to Sossusvlei as part of our stay" See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
Dinner was excellent; great food and good service. Particular care was taken over a dietary allergy. In comparison, breakfast, whether for the early 6am call or later, was surprisingly spartan and DIY, with the waiting staff paying little attention. Half a croissant per person seemed rather mean!
Personally, I began to feel that everything here was manufactured, the "welcome back" greeting after our trip felt OTT and false. I felt that we were simply on a two day conveyor belt, albeit a very comfortable one. For instance, I noticed that the reception/lounge area wasn’t used by guests, as if it was too much of a showpiece. I certainly felt that if I sat down, someone would be hovering, ready to tidy and 'karate-chop' the cushions.
Nevertheless, we would stay here again and it seems 'the' place to stay to visit Sossussvlei. Clearly they are selling it well, because there was a very international range of guests here." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 7n in South Africa
"Hoodia Desert Lodge Post Covid Sept 2022"
The rooms at Hoodia and the facilities in the main lodge were wonderful and the food was well cooked and presented. A special thank you for the efforts made catering for 2 vegans - they were very impressed with all meals." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
Meerkat
1 sighting
Oryx
10 sightings
"Lovely lodge"
Extremely friendly and service-orientated staff, including the ‘bubbly’ owner – grateful for pointing out a very nice sauvignon to us and sharing some of his scotch with me. Gorgeous setting, albeit windy, with great activities and very experienced guide with perfect narration style. The sun-downer, one of the best!
A must experience in this area of Namibia – tow nights will suffice to our view." See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
1 sighting
"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
It had not been made clear to us that because we were outside of the Park, we could not view the dunes at sunrise.
It also would have been nice to have time to do the balloon ride, but because we were leaving relatively early the next day, there wasn't time. That being said, a two night stay here was adequate. The spot they chose for the "Sundowner" was beautiful and memorable.
We were a bit rushed here, and couldn't have the "Sundowner" on the day we arrived because of a flight delay from Windhoek, which was totally out of everyone's control. But a beautiful spot, and I loved seeing the beautiful dunes, which was always on my bucket list.
The tented room we had, while it had A/C, had open access to the air outdoors, so consequently the room was quite hot. John did mention this to Mr. Thomas, the owner, that was there at the lodge.
The lodge itself was beautifully constructed, with unique architecture." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe; 1n in South Africa
Oryx
Multiple sightings
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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.
