Rostock Ritz: Our full report
Most frequently accessed by road on a self-drive itinerary, Rostock Ritz is around 240km from Windhoek or ...
... Swakopmund, and 120km from Sesriem. This quirkily designed lodge offers simple accommodation in an attractive setting with sweeping views of expansive gravel plains and the Rostock Mountains.Rostock Ritz offers a total of 19 igloo-style stone chalets, whose unique design not only makes them feel part of the landscape but also helps to keep them cool in hot weather. On our last two visits, in 2016 and 2018, we felt that one of their best features was the panoramic desert view seen from every terrace. The landscape is somewhat barren, but a small waterhole in front of the chalets attracts oryx and zebra. All the chalets are simply furnished with a double or twin beds, mosquito nets, a fan, lock-up safe, a table and two chairs, whilst the three luxury rooms are larger and have a sofa. The en-suite bathrooms are small, with showers rather than bathtubs. One of the luxury rooms is a family unit consisting of two twin rooms with separate bathrooms linked together.
Hot water and electricity are generated by eco-friendly solar power, while the lighting has a generator back up, with lanterns helping to soften the atmosphere.
Rostock Ritz also has a reasonably well-equipped campsite with four camping pitches, separate ladies' and gents' ablution facilities (each with two washbasins, two showers and two flush toilets), electric lighting and a kitchen area with dishwashing facilities.
The main communal area at Rostock Ritz consists of a reception area, lounge, bar and restaurant as well as an outdoor terrace. It's a spacious but cosy building with low ceilings and a slightly cave-like feel, yet brightened in parts by panoramic views of the desert from large glazed windows. There is WiFi available here in the main area.
Outside the main area are two fenced enclosures, which are used as part of the lodge's meerkat rehabilitation programme. This project takes injured meerkats and those no longer wanted as pets and gives them the chance to socialise and build a family. Once the group is large enough and they are fully bonded, the new family is returned to the wild. They have successfully released over 50 animals to date.
A short walk from the main building is a large swimming pool, a popular spot to cool off in the heat of the day and to admire the view from some rather quirky hanging chairs.
Rostock Ritz was built, and is still owned, by one of Swakopmund's most successful restaurateurs. Its restaurant caters to both in-house guests and passing visitors stopping for lunch. Breakfast is usually a buffet, whilst the lodge offers an à la carte menu for both lunch and dinner.
Portions were very generous when we stayed and, while presentation lacked finesse, the food was very good. We also found the service friendly and quite efficient.
Although most guests stop only for lunch or perhaps one night, this 'Ritz' really deserves to be treated more seriously! For travellers who do stay longer, there is a range of activities, including a guided sundowner drive, a 4WD/walking trip to see Bushman cave paintings, and ten different self-guided hiking trails. On a previous visit, it was well worth the effort to wake up early and work up an appetite on the Sunrise Trail before breakfast, and we wished we had stayed another night to fit in more. GPS coordinates for the hiking trails are available from reception, as well as GSP devices to make sure you can always find your way back!
Our view
Whether you decide to stop for lunch or stay the night, Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge is a convenient place to break the journey between Swakopmund and Sesriem. It offers the opportunity to relax surrounded by superb scenery, with unique accommodation and friendly service. A stay at Rostock would also fit very well into a relatively slow trip around Namibia, with an accent on walking.
Country manager: Namibia
Geographics
- Location
- Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- Stay for two nights if you want to take advantage of the self-guided walks and scenery, although it can be used for one if you are simply looking to break the journey between Sesriem/Sossusvlei and Swakopmund.
- Directions
- Most frequently accessed by road on a self-drive itinerary, Rostock Ritz is around 240km from Windhoek or Swakopmund, and 120km from Sesriem. Turn off the C14 and it's a further 7km on a winding gravel road to the lodge. Alternatively, there is a 1.6km-long airstrip and the lodge can be reached by private light aircraft charter.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- Breakfast, served between 7.00am and 10.00am, is usually a buffet of cereals, yoghurt, fruit, cold meats, cheese and toast. A hot breakfast is cooked to order.
Lunch (served daily 12.00–3.00pm) and dinner (from 6.00pm) are served off from an à la carte menu, generally with a wide selection of starters and meat or fish dishes. We only visited for a short period in 2018, however, inin 2016 we found the portions very generous, and were glad we opted only for a main dish; the peri peri calamari may not have been refined, but it was very tasty!
There is a much smaller selection of dishes suitable for vegetarians, so it is best to advise the lodge in advance if you have specific dietary requirements. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is not available
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included.
Special interests
- Walking
- Rostock Ritz offers some lovely walking in Namibia, with over 60km of self-guided trails of varying lengths and difficulty. Walking here you can enjoy the Namib Desert, gravel plains, mountain ranges and deep canyons.
- See ideas for Walking in Namibia
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions.
- Special activities & services
- There are no specific children’s meals on the menu, but options suitable for children can usually be ordered à la carte.
- Equipment
- There is a two-bedroom family chalet, but the lodge does not provide any special equipment such as highchairs or cots.
- Generally recommended for children
- Although children of all ages are welcome at Rostock Ritz, they don't provide any special equipment.
- Notes
- The pool is not fenced and there are some steep drops from the pool deck, and the balconies of the rooms, so children must be under supervision at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Rostock Ritz
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Rostock Ritz have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
86% success
71% success
25% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is also a generator as a back up.
- Communications
- There is a central telephone and WiFi is available in the main area. The lodge normally has cellphone reception.
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- The rooms have plumbed-in showers and flushing toilets. Water is solar-heated.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- Some of the staff are trained in basic first aid. The nearest doctor is in Walvis Bay, approx 210km from Rostock.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There is a night guard, normally on duty between 11.00pm and 6.00am. The chalets have locks on the doors.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are placed at stations outside the chalets.
Activities
4WD Safari
Guided walking safari
Self-guided walking
Extras
- Disabled access
- In Place
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry can be done on request.
- Money
- There is a safe in each of the chalets.
- Accepted payment on location
- Both cash (Namibian dollars, South African rands), and Visa and MasterCard are accepted forms of payment.
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.
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.
