Best hotels in NamibRand

Set amongst the phenomenal landscapes of the NamibRand Nature Reserve, this modest but refined camp is dwarfed by the huge red dunes that surround it. Wolwedans Dune Camp (along with the other camps in the Wolwedans Collection) is privately owned and prides itself on delivering a personal experience, full of luxury, privacy and tranquillity. The focus is on a pristine wilderness experience, with considerably fewer tourists than the neighbouring national park, and there is an array of laid back activities on offer, from horse-riding to hot air balloon flights, sundowners with a view and spectacular, all-day drives through the desertscapes.

Set amongst the phenomenal landscapes of the Namib Desert, this elegant, stylish tented lodge has magnificent panoramic views of the 2100 km2 Namibrand reserve in all directions. This privately owned gem borders the famous Sossusvlei area to its west and boasts plenty of its own awe-inspiring scenery. Wolwedans Desert Lodge prides itself on delivering a personal experience full of luxury, privacy and tranquility. It is one of four Wolwedans camps which also include Dune Camp, Boulders Camp and Wolwedans Plains Camp. The reserve offers a pristine wilderness experience, with considerably fewer tourists than the neighbouring national park (though a visit there is still highly recommended). You'll find an array of laid back activities here, and although you may see some interesting desert-adapted species of plants and animals, the focus is certainly on the majestic scenery.

With a strict limit on the number of lodges allowed in the beautiful NamibRand Nature Reserve, it’s not often that a new one appears on the books. But here is Kwessi Dunes Lodge, once a traditional Namibian farm and now 10 cool and quirky chalets, which opened to guests in March 2020. Set smack bang in the middle of the 200,000-hectare reserve, there’s plenty to get your teeth into – we hear tales of nature drives and walks, quad bike explorations, hot air balloon flights, Sossusvlei trips and plenty of opportunities to spot desert-adapted wildlife. Add to that a lovely-looking lodge and a team that knows exactly what they’re doing when it comes to top-notch safaris (and air conditioning and a swimming pool).

Namibia is highly regarded for its otherworldly landscapes, and nowhere is its beauty more fully on display than in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, near Sossusvlei. Here, the wispy yellow grasses, towering red-sand dunes and barren mountains make you feel like you've stepped into a work of art. Then an oryx enters the scene and you're reminded that this is a living desert. Come to Wolwedans Mountain View Suite for authentic peace and quiet, access to the glorious desert-scapes, and ultimate privacy. Located a short walk from Desert Lodge, the one-bedroom suite is entirely secluded; it’s just you, your private guide, chef, butler – and those views.