Reviews of Sossus Dune Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
142 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Sossus Dune Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Sossus Dune Lodge review"
The staff without exception were all so friendly and helpful from the first moment we arrived until we finally left feeling that we had struck gold.
This camp is inside the park, and has the advantage that you can go out very early and stay late. Our guide, Rambo, was incredibly knowledgeable and went to endless trouble to ensure we had a great time.
This was one of our highlights." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Sossus Dune Lodge review"
The lounge and dining room were welcoming, although we had all our meals on the terrace overlooking the small waterhole.
We had booked to do a balloon flight through Expert Africa while we were staying here. It was a wonderful experience watching the sun come up and then having a champagne breakfast in the desert. Eric the owner of the company gave us a superb flight - an expensive trip but worth every penny." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia
"Sossus Dune Lodge review"
NWR, government sponsored, had poured a lot of money into building this lodge, but the staffing was appalling - the majority of the staff seemed to have been there only a couple of weeks, having been recruited from unrelated jobs such as parking attendant, and were lacking in training.
The activities of the two lodges were the same, and having done the dune excursion at Sossus Dune, Sossuvlei Mtn Lodge had to put on a drive they don't normally do, to entertain us. It would have been better to have done the dune excursion with Sossusvlei, as they have an air conditioned closed vehicle for this drive, whereas we endured Sossus Dune open jeep for over an hour, at speed, on the 'main' road.
The rooms were incredibly hot - we and all our products liquified - and the outlook not scenic. The 'desert' chalets looked out on a pile of shale, put there to hide the parking area." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Sossus Dune Lodge review"
The chalets stand below a high basalt cliff and, since they face west, get unbearably hot. There are no ceiling fans. Moreover, unlike the chalets at Doro Nawas with their wide sliding doors, the bedrooms at SDL have no less than nine narrow tilting windows (see photo in brochure) and the only access to the rear shadeless deck is via the central back door. Whoever designed this accommodation should be shot!
The food too was unimpressive. The only choice at dinner was between two different meats and this was brought to the table already plated with the vegetables. And for this they have the gall to charge N$1775.5 per person per day HB.
Quite frankly, we think Expert Africa should abandon this place." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
This traveller is perfectly correct: Sossusvlei Lodge is much closer to the gate than Sossus Dune Lodge. However, we must also note that Sossus Dune Lodge is inside the national park, and Sossusvlei Lodge is outside the gate. Due to the closing times of the park gate, guests from Sossus Dune Lodge can access the great dunes of Sossusvlei much earlier, and stay much later, than those at Sossusvlei Lodge.
These travellers visited this lodge in late-October, which is Namibia’s hottest period.
Sossus Dune Lodge was designed without air-conditioning to minimise its environmental footprint. Part of the original ‘brief’ to the designer was, we’re told, to design a lodge that would remain comfortable even when it is very windy in this area (sometimes there are high winds and small sand-storms here). He did this by designing solid chalets, and limiting how the windows open. However, it’s now clear that, during the hottest parts of the year, this helps to make the chalets far too enclosed and hot!
We’ve spoken to the NWR team, and they’re actively looking at altering the design to make it more comfortable during these hotter periods, to help cool the chalets down.
"Southern Africa Manager"
"Sossus Dune Lodge review"
Lodge was less than half full so it is to be hoped that service levels can be maintained when it is full. Chalets are nicley arranged for reasonably good privacy. Pre-dawn (because lodge is inside park) trip to Sossuvlei well worth while but you need a good fleece as well as supplied warm poncho - it is COLD!" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 9n in Botswana
"Sossus Dune Lodge review"
Fantastic situation for visiting Sossusflei, but travelling in the early morning in an open Land Rover, we were as cold as we have been in years." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 1n in South Africa
"Wonderful location"
The guide was very good." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Sossus Dune Lodge review"
The chalets (mountain or dune view) won't fail to put a smile on even the most seasoned traveller's lips. You can sit on your balcony without seeing the other chalets due to the clever way they've staggered them. Food is of reasonably high standard, and drinks were surprisingly good value.
When we visited, however, the manager was away, and his deputy was standing in. He was eager to please, and helped sort out a booking mess up which threatened to spoil our stay. That said, during our 2 night's stay, there was an air or disorganisation about the place, culminating in us almost missing our balloon flight. We were told to meet at the reception at 6am. Wake-up calls had been arranged, but these never happened. There was nobody to meet us at 6 at the reception, except a security guard, who wasn't particularly helpful. By 6:10, we were concerned something had gone wrong. Knowing this was a balloon flight, we didn't have time to dither, and following the advice of the guard, decided to drive to the main gate, where we assumed our lift would be. There was nobody to drive us to the car-park. Normally this isn't a problem in the day, but it was pitch black, and you literally couldn't see where you were going without a torch. We eventually met our pick-up vehicle on the road, half way to the main gate.
Ultimately, the pick-up vehicle was late, and not the fault of the lodge, however, it just felt as though the lodge hadn't made to effort to supply at least one person who could be around to coordinate.
All the above aside, this is a great place to stay, and we would recommend staying here." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Sossus Dune Lodge review"
We did not make use of the guiding here, since it seemed rather over-priced for what is really just a drive to the dunes, so we drove ourselves instead." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Sossus Dune Lodge review"
Food excellent but can be a problem if you go later. Lunch can take a while to get served. Rooms were stylish and well designed. Staff were very good and eager to please. Note that the Sundowner tour was good but probably not worth the cost.
P.S. you get a free minibar with the honeymon suite, though whether you can get through it all is another question!" See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
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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.
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.
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.
Dead Valley Lodge
Dead Valley Lodge is inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park, affording guests almost unprecedented access to the dunes.
Namib Outpost
About 30km from the gate to Sossusveli, Namib Outpost is a great base for exploring the dunes and surrounding attractions.
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.
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 Hills Camp
Conveniently located for the renowned dunes of Sossusvlei Desert Hills Glamping Camp offers a simple but comfortable tents in picturesque surroundings.
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.
