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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89% success
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"More than just a stop to see the dunes"
The owner operators of the lodge live on site and has an excellent relationship with all the staff. They are passionate about the environment and spent extra to get their electrical power from non polluting renewable energy. The owner was driving us to the airport when he stopped suddenly by the roadside of the public road and got out of the SUV, on his return we realized that he had spotted a random bit of garbage in the ditch that he retrieved!
The common areas in the main lodge are very comfortable with excellent sitting area and bar. There is also a fast complimentary Internet, unfortunately they do not have repeater WiFi in the so it is unavailable in the rooms. If we had our trip to plan again we would have spent one or two extra days here lazing around the pool and recharging after two weeks of hectic daily sightseeing.
The dining experience was outstanding with very tasty choices on a menu that varied each day. Our guide to Sossusvlei, Lucas also coordinated the sundowner experience. Lucas was extremely, knowledgeable about the desert environment and also planned our day to minimize the crowds at the most popular attractions. He took us to a quiet location under Acacia trees where he rolled out a gourmet lunch, including a basin for hand washing! Sitting with a glass of cold sparkling wine and watching the Oryx and Ostrich wander by will be a lasting memory.
The private sundowner cocktails on the mountains were an exceptional experience and will be our lasting pleasant memory of Namibia for many years to come." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia; 7n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Giraffe
2 sightings
Oryx
6 sightings
Zebra
3 sightings
"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
Oryx
1 sighting
"Spectacular setting for Hoodia Desert Lodge"
Food and service in the restaurant was very good, although as with many of the smaller Namibian lodges we stayed at, the choices for main courses at dinner were somewhat limited.. Not really a complaint, just an observation, and we did enjoy the vast majority of our meals at the lodges." See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Loved the experience"
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Loved this lodge, would like to go back."
The rooms and main lodge were beautiful, the Gaudiesque outside bath / shower was great. We loved the location in front of the mountain & enjoyed the pool and terrace. We would love to comeback here just for 3 days of rest.
I the middle of nowhere the lodge gave us gluten free bread with our meals. The guided day in the dunes was so interesting and the lovely lunch laid out in the shade was great." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
Oryx
1 sighting
"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
A high point, indeed one of the many high points on our trip, was the “activity “ to visit the dunes at Sossusvlei. Not only were the dunes spectacular, our guide (whose name sadly escapes me) was extremely knowledgeable about the geology, the wildlife and the scanty history of the area. All of which he generously shared with us. On a human level, he rescued a family suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Fabulous"
Tomas, the owner, greeted us on arrival with plenty of enthusiasm which did not wane throughout our stay. This is reflected by the happy staff who provided impeccable service throughout.
The lodge setting is amazing, set along a dry river bed looking out over a mountain which glows red in the early morning and evening. The rooms are spread out along the river giving a wonderful sense of space and privacy. They are appointed in a "safari style" including an optional outdoor shower.
We did the "sunset drinks" option on the first night where they set you up on a nearby koppie with drinks and snacks and leave you to enjoy an amazing african sunset. One of the highlights of our entire holiday.
The trip to Sossusvlei was absolutely amazing. It was surprising just how busy it was but the Hoodia team contrived to make it feel like we were the only people there. The thoughtfulness and planning that went into the day really did make it special. You got the sense that other lodges that perhaps have closer proximity feel they don't need to make the effort. I would recommend Hoodia as being THE team to take you on a trip to Sossus. Fascinating information about the geology/ fauna/ flora + going to deadvlei via the empty hidden vlei topped off with a wonderful lunch at Elim dune.
Overall we had an amazing time and look forward to going back." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 3n in Zimbabwe
Oryx
10 sightings
"Luxury in the wilderness"
Our tented lodges were beautiful, as were the lounge and restaurant. We'd recommend the private Sossusvlei whole day trip. Our guide was extremely knowlegdable and was able to follow the tracks of sidewinder snakes and white widow spiders to lead us to their burrows. He took us off the beaten track and away from the other tourists so we could properly experience the majestic solitude and quiet of the Namib/Naukluft Nattional Park.
The day ended with a picnic under a sprawling tree, we felt as though we'd stepped back in time and into the film 'Out of Africa' as our guide set up tables and chairs and cooled wine in a portable ice bucket." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
Oryx
6 sightings
"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
Extremely warm welcome and attentive and knowledgeable guide. The setting is superb.
Going into the National Park we were able to feel like we were not following the crowd and had a great walk in the dunes followed by a fabulous picnic." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Gateway to Namib Desert"
We had an excellent outing to Sossusvlei and Sesriem with John who adapted very well his program to a mixed group (old people and very old people!!!) Excellent information on flora and fauna." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
Oryx
5 sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
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.
