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Desert Camp

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Breathtaking desert location
- Close to Sossusvlei entrance
- Communal bomas and Braai facilities
- Taleni Africa Portfolio

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Overview

Occupying an exquisite location on the edge of the Namib, Desert Camp lies just 5km from the entrance gate to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon, southern Namibia. Situated in its own 40,000 hectare private reserve, a stay here affords guests panoramic desert views stretching out to a mountainous horizon, along with opportunities to see oryx, antelope, and a plethora of birds.

A self-catering accommodation, the camp has limited but well maintained communal facilities. Tented buildings surround a patio, in which a good-sized pool provides escape from the desert heat. To one side a small, shaded bar features a big-screen TV. Two bomas allow groups to share a traditional ‘Braai’ BBQ around a fire, and both cooking and washing up facilities are available. ‘Braai’ packs and other food supplies may be ordered from the main desk, for next-day delivery and guests can either utilise their own self-catering kitchen, or request chef-cooked meals. The nearby Sossusvlei Lodge, also belonging to the Taleni Africa portfolio, provides more elaborate breakfasts and evening meals. Coupon access WiFi is available in the main areas.

The accommodation consists of twenty separate self-catering units, which are primarily canvas, with adobe walls. Inside they are clean, spacious, and comfortable, with twin beds, an ensuite shower, and a separate toilet. A fan is provided, though the heat can be intense in summer. A small kitchenette with stove and fridge sits in the entranceway, and cooking utensils and cutlery are available at additional cost from the main desk, as well as firewood and firelighters should guests wish to use their own private braai area. Each unit has a shaded veranda which houses a picnic table and parking space. The units are well-spaced out, allowing privacy and intimacy amidst the gorgeous desert surroundings. Two of the units are wheelchair accessible.

Activities centre around exploring the breath-taking Sossusvlei, located nearby. Here, dramatic red dunes wall white salt and clay pans, from which the trunks of dead trees protrude. Photography opportunities abound, although as the camp sits outside the park, arriving before sunrise is unfortunately not possible. The activities desk at Sossusvlei Lodge can arrange guided Sossusvlei tours, as well as hot air ballooning, star gazing, and sundowner trips, and the nearby Sesriem canyon makes for a geologically fascinating day trip.

There are no age restrictions at Desert Camp and families are more than welcome. Each accommodation unit features a double fold-out sleeper couch, where up to two children under twelve can be accommodated free of charge, making Desert Camp a great option for adventurous families who enjoy camping in the great outdoors. Activities such as quad biking and archery are available to book at Sossusvlei Lodge, and are sure to entertain youngsters. Note that the pool is unfenced and unguarded, so parental supervision is recommended at all times.

Desert Camp is perfect for independent travellers keen for a more rustic and intimate experience of the Namib desert, explored from comfortable and affordable accommodation in a beautiful setting.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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