Desert Breeze Lodge: Our full report

Located just outside Swakopmund on the banks of the Swakop River, Desert Breeze Lodge has spectacular views ...

... of the Namib Desert’s sand dunes. Quirky and colourful in design, it has a very different feel to most of Swakopmund’s more traditional accommodation options.

As the sister lodge to The Stiltz, Desert Breeze offers the same friendly staff and quirky design. Although it’s only a five- to ten-minute drive from the centre of Swakopmund, or a thirty minute walk, the views over the dunes make it’s location feel much wilder, although an encroaching residential development has diminished this feeling slighty.
Accommodation at Desert Breeze Lodge incorporates 12 double bungalows and one villa perched on rocks, looking out over the desert. Inside, slightly quirky fittings ad an unconventional touch (the hand behind Desert Breeze was the same as that behind Swakopmund’s renowned restaurant The Tug) and colouful curtains, bedspreads and cushions brighten the rooms, although we felt that the tinted windows did make the rooms feel slightly dark .

Facilities in the rooms include both a wood burner – useful for Swakopmund's chillier winter evenings – and ceiling fan, as well as a minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, and a safe. All the rooms also have WiFi. For those travelling with children, camp beds can be set up alongside the double or twin beds. There are also two bungalows closer together than the rest, good for families with older children. All bungalows come with an en-suite bathroom with a large shower and fluffy towels.

The villa enjoys the same stunning views, and has plenty of room for up to six guests, spread over three separate rooms.

In the grounds we spotted more quirky designs including rock sculptures by German sculptor Knut Huneke. The team at Desert Breeze are hoping to invite more artists to add to these works.

In the communal dining area there are more wood burners and more breathtaking views. This is a perfect place to enjoy breakfast or to admire the desert night sky.

The lodge does not serve lunch or dinner, but the ever-helpful and friendly staff can book restaurants in Swakopmund, as well as activities. Or you can simply walk out into the dunes from the lodge, where you may spot a variety of creatures, including chameleons, springbok or perhaps the odd camel from one of the activity centres. (NB: It's essential that you read the Quadbike warning in the 'Health & Safety' section below for our comments on insurance issues regarding this activity.)

Our view

Desert Breeze is very different from other lodges in Swakopmund, with a quiet, out-of-town location with stunning views of the iconic dunes that makes it an attraction in its own right – although it is only a few minutes' drive from the town centre. With friendly and helpful staff, it's a real alternative for those seeking to be away from the town centre.

Tom Morris

Country manager: Namibia

Geographics

Location: Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, Namibia
Ideal length of stay: A two- or three-night stay is recommended if you wish to partake of the activities available in Swakopmund and neighbouring Walvis Bay.
Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Bed & Breakfast
Food quality: Desert Breeze has one of the best breakfast views in Namibia!

A substantial buffet breakfast, served from 7.00am to 9.30am, usually consists of cereal, yoghurt, cold meats, cheeses and toast, served with tea and coffee, as well as bacon and eggs cooked to order.

Desert Breeze doesn't serve food at lunchtime or in the evening, but there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in town and the team will gladly help with arranging restaurant bookings.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: No
Drinks included: Drinks are not included.

Children

Attitude towards children: Families and children are welcome.
Property’s age restrictions: Children of any age are welcome at Desert Breeze Lodge.
Equipment: A couple of camp beds can be set up in each of the bungalows to accommodate children, but neither cots nor highchairs can be provided.
Generally recommended for children: Although children of all ages are welcome, there are no facilities such as cots or highchairs provided. In addition, there is a large drop in front of the lodge and the balconies also have quite a big drop, so we believe that Desert Breeze Lodge is probably best suited to older children.

Communications

Communications: There is free WiFi throughout the property for guests to use. There is relatively good cellphone coverage in Swakopmund.
TV & radio: No TV
Water supply: Mains
Water supply notes: All rooms have plumbed in showers with hot and cold water, and a slush toilet.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: No
Medical care: There are doctors and a hospital in town.

Quadbike warning: quad-biking is sometimes available as an activity in this area. As with any potentially dangerous activity, it’s vital that you take responsibility for ensuring that you have adequate travel insurance prior to getting involved. Be aware that some insurances cover quad-bike activities only for bikes with lower engine ratings: check such clauses particularly carefully before you get on a bike.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: There is secure parking, and two night-time security guards.
Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are present in many locations around the Lodge.

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Dune-boarding
Fishing
Kayaking
Mountain biking
Quad-biking

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: Laundry is available at an extra cost.
Money: Safes in the room. There are ATMs in Swakopmund to get out money.
Accepted payment on location: Visa and Mastercard.

Namibian Dollars and Rand, other currencies are also accepted but a commission is charged.