Best hotels in Sossusvlei

This lodge, in the middle of the Namib Desert, quite literally in the middle of nowhere, has crafted itself as a stand-alone destination in Namibia. Guests travel the extra mile to get here because it is offers something special. During your stay you will find silence and serenity. The team arrange exquisite desert picnics, you can dine on fine food under a blanket of bright stars, quite literally on the edge of the desert (even your villa has a skylight above your bed so you can savour that phenomenal sight late at night) or recline at the sparkling swimming pool overlooking the breathtaking view.

Camp Sossus is an exciting, semi-permanent tented camp offering an exotic desert retreat for avid campers. It promises a unique Namibian experience, and the chance to enjoy the Greater Sossusvlei-Namib area through the exclusive Neuhof Nature Reserve. The eight tents sit in a naturally formed amphitheatre in a granite outcrop in the heart of the region, perfectly sheltered from the desert winds, and nearly invisible in the beautiful landscape. Activities-wise, look forward to multi-day walks, nights sleeping beneath the stars, hot air balloon flights and helicopter or fixed wing scenic flights.

Backed by the towering Namib-Naukluft Mountains, Hoodia Desert Lodge overlooks the ephemeral Tsauchab River, with open gravel plains stretching into the distance as far as the eye can see. This comfortable oasis has just 11 thatch and canvas chalets, all decorated in a rustic and easy-going yet luxurious style. The design makes the most of the sense of space in this secluded part of the Namib Desert, and the lodge is a perfect base camp for exploring Sossusvlei's magnificent sand dunes. Expect a warm welcome, genuine hospitality and delicious food at this family-owned and -run establishment.

A lodge that lives up to its name, Namib Outpost lies in a remote location at Sossusvlei, in the southern Namib. If peace and natural splendour are your thing, and if you love sand dunes, then this is the place to come – Sossuvlei's large salt and clay pan is surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world. The views are spectacular, especially at sunset, when the sand is rosy and you can hear geckos barking and hyaenas calling. Recently renovated, the lodge's atmosphere is relaxed, the accommodation is great and you can explore the desert on horseback.

Perched in a wide grassy valley and cradled by the dramatic Nubib, Tsaris and Naukluft Mountains, this eclectic lodge proves that getting to know the world's oldest desert is best done at a gentle trot. What sets this place apart from the usual Sossusvlei suspects is its genuine farm-style hospitality and those famously excellent horse trails that have guests returning year after year. The fact that the profits of both lodges in the Namib Tsaris Nature Reserve, Desert Homestead Lodge and Namib Outpost, are fully set aside for the conservation of this area means every sundowner you sip is also a toast to protecting one of Africa's most extraordinary landscapes.

Gazing out from Dead Valley Lodge, the desert seems to go on forever and it truly feels like there's no one else in the world. Yet, you're also only a few minutes from the entrance into Namib-Naukluft National Park, making it one of the closest to the dunes of Sossusvlei. You'll easily be the first ones there in the morning! The lodge has borrowed its style from its ancient desert surroundings with gnarled wooden coffee tables and subtle, sandy tones. Plus, there are endless opportunities for adventure, from a trek up the 'Big Daddy' dune to a hot air balloon flight surveying the surreal scenes.