Kwessi Dunes: Our full report
Kwessi Dunes is a new property in the northern NamibRand Reserve, opened in 2020.
While information on what to expect here is sparse, we have known the company behind the lodge for a long time and have every faith that this will be a wonderful new offering set in one of Namibia most spectacular landscapes.Accommodation at Kwessi Dunes is made up of 12 tented chalets including two family chalets built on wooden platform. The bedrooms are comfortable and tasteful: with vintage four-poster beds, canvas walls as well as air conditioning.
Each chalet has an en-suite bathroom with an indoor and an outdoor shower.
To the rear of each chalet is a separate open-air room for star gazing and sleeping under the stars. In 2012, the NamibRand Nature Reserve was designated a 'dark sky reserve' meaning that there is little to no light pollution, so the stargazing on a clear night is exceptional.
In the main area, large glass windows and doors offer stunning views of the surrounding desert and mountains in the distance. Here you'll find a well-stocked bar, a guest library and several seating and dining areas. There is also a swimming pool, with views of the surrounding desert set in a large wooden deck with comfortable sun loungers.
Activities at Kwessi Dunes focus on exploring the NamibRand Nature Reserve – with morning and afternoon scenic drives; guided nature walks; for the more adventurous – quad biking; and spa treatments to unwind.
For an extra cost, Kwessi Dunes also offers additional activities such as day trips to the Namib Naukluft National Park; hot air balloon flights over one of the oldest deserts; sunrise and sunset horse riding; or scenic helicopter flights.
Kwessi Dunes joins four other properties on the NamibRand reserve and would combine well with any of its sister properties such as Shipwreck Lodge and Safarihoek or, further afield, Sable Alley and Camp Kalahari.
Our view
Kwessi Dunes had a difficult beginning, opening for just a few days before the Covid-19 lockdown. While none of our team has visited yet, we are expecting great things when we do get the chance to drop in.
Namibia expert
Geographics
- Location
- NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- We recommend at leats two or three nights at Kwessi Dunes in order to allow time to partake in the varied activities.
- Directions
- The Namib Rand Nature Reserve s situated about 400km south-west of Windhoek.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- No
- Drinks included
- Most drinks are included at Kwessi Dunes. The exceptions are premium-brand or imported spirits and vintage wines/champagne, which will cost extra and are paid for locally.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Kwessi Dunes welcomes children of all ages
- Property’s age restrictions
- There is no minimum age limit.
- Special activities & services
- None
- Notes
- The pool is unfenced and as the lodge is mostly raised on stilts there are some unfenced drops. Children must be supervised by their parents at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Kwessi Dunes
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Kwessi Dunes 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.
100% success
100% success
33% success
33% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Communications
- There is WiFi in the main reception building.
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Borehole
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- The closest doctor is in Mariental, but in an emergency, patients would be flown to Windhoek.
- Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Fire safety
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Horse-riding
Quad-biking
Sleeping under the stars
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A complimentary laundry service is included when staying on full board and activities, on half board items are charged for.
- Money
- The camp does not offer a currency exchange facility. A safe is provided in each chalet for storing valuables.
- Accepted payment on location
- Payments in Namibian dollars and South African rand, or by Visa and MasterCard, are accepted at Kwessi Dunes.
Other lodges in NamibRand Nature Reserve
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Wolwedans Desert Lodge
Wolwedans Desert Lodge is a beautiful camp in a stunning setting on the NamibRand Reserve. Stay here for a luxurious escape into the wilderness.
Wolwedans Dune Camp
Small and intimate with excellent service and great guiding, Wolwedans Dune Camp is a luxurious escape in a beautiful location.
Tok Tokkie Trails
Escape the car and explore the spectacular Namib Desert on foot with an expert guide from Tok Tokkie Trails.
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is located on the NamibRand Reserve and offers a range of activities as well as high levels of comfort and service.
Wolwedans Boulders
Hidden away in a remote corner of the NamibRand enjoy good food and attentive service at the exclusive Wolwedans Boulders Camp.
Wolwedans Plains Camp
With just three bedrooms, private chef and private guide, Wolwedans Plains Camp offers for peace and seclusion in a stunning setting.
