The Namib Desert is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Namibia. It is believed to be the oldest desert in the world. Several rivers and streams cross it, and it is also home to the popular and picturesque Deadvlei.

For this reason, the desert has a wide variety of accommodation options.

Whether you are looking to relax and lock in camping, spend a little extra and book yourself at a glamping establishment or a luxury lodge or even go big and live in luxury accommodation if you prefer, there There is something for every taste.

Getting There

The desert is a slow and somewhat uncomfortable three to four hour drive south of the capital, Windhoek. For beginners, I recommend that you maintain a speed limit of 60 km / h. Blind spots aside, the popularity of the destination makes it one of the busiest gravel roads. It’s also not the smoothest you’ll experience, so an off-roader is probably your best bet, 4×4 if possible.

Pack light snacks and pack a cooler – the trip might seem long.

Don’t forget your spare tire and jack – a flat tire is highly possible.

“Misunderstood” by Gazza or “Superstar” by Lioness? Both work as soundtracks for the life-changing experience you are about to live. Keep it local. (seriously, go buy the CDs)

Solitaire is the only place between Rehoboth and Sossusvlei with a gas station, so if you need it, this is where you should refuel. The cafe sells their world famous apple pie, so be sure to grab a slice, it’s heaven.

Finally, arrival

The Gondwana Collection offers five accommodation choices in its dessert offering: Namib Desert Lodge, Dune Star Camp, Namib Desert Camping2go, Desert Grace Lodge and Desert Whisper. All are conveniently fenced in a large area.

I have had the privilege of experiencing four of the five.

What I like about this Gondwana offering is that neither is the same. Each lodge / camp has a completely different experience.

I’ll start with Camping2go

I would define Namib Desert Camping2go as glamping accommodation. It is perfect for the adventurous and light traveler who loves nature. The tents, each accommodating four people, come fully equipped with bedding, towels, fan and a fully equipped kitchen with crockery, a braai area and even camping chairs to sit on and watch the sunrise.

Each tent has its own large shower and toilet – bonus!

What I liked about this experience was the access we had to nature.

Another great thing Gondwana does is allow campsite guests to use lodge facilities like the swimming pool. Guests can also make a reservation for meals (at an additional cost). Quite impressive.

With the Gondwana cards, the Camping2go experience costs around N $ 400 per person per night, a good deal if you ask me.

After Camping2go, we moved on to our next experience.

Dune Star Camp

Dune Star Camp is a one-of-a-kind, one-night-only glamping experience whose main attraction is sleeping under the stars. It is literally the preposition of value of the lodge – sleeping under the stars.

For this reason, clients check in at Namib Desert Lodge and are transferred from there to Dune Star Camp at 5:00 PM. This is because apart from the sleeping cabins there is not much else in the camp. The next morning, guests are taken back to the Namib Desert Lodge, where they go for breakfast. This experience is very comfortable and very romantic. Children are not allowed in the camp.

With the Gondwana Card, the Dune Star experience costs just over N $ 1,000.

The third accommodation facility we stayed at was the Desert Grace.

Where would we start with Desert Grace? The pink fridge and the pretty sitting area on top of a hill? The gorgeous interior with a feminine touch of pink? Proudly Namibian wall art? The magnificent bar? Where do I ask?

The place is beautiful and it comes with the service to match. The rooms are elegantly and nicely decorated. Each room has a private plunge pool and an outdoor shower. Who doesn’t love an outdoor shower? Marble tops and the Marshall speaker are the extra touches every lodge needs.

The Desert Grace is a four star experience and the experience can be enjoyed for N $ 1,785 per person with a Gondwana Card.

The latest in the collection is the Desert Whisper, which is a luxury offering.

The Desert Whisper is a one-of-a-kind intimate hideaway. The “spaceship” was built to accommodate only two people at a time, making it the perfect destination for intimate vacations like honeymoons or birthdays.

The lodge comes with a fully equipped kitchen, some of the best and best wines, whiskeys and champagne, delicious meals, all! The experience is unlike any other.

With your Gondwana Card, the Desert Whisper can cost around N $ 8,000 per night.

Do not hesitate to contact me if you want more information, travel advice or collaborations.

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