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Wolwedans Dunes Lodge

Our rating

9/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Exquisite desert location
- Luxurious canvas chalets
- Seclusion and tranquility
- Wolwedans Portfolio

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Overview

Situated in the 200,000 hectare NamibRand Nature Reserve in southwestern Namibia, Dunes Lodge is the largest property in the Wolwedans portfolio. Set in a lovely spot on top of a dune plateau, it affords guests panoramic views across the desert out to the rugged Nubib mountains. The reserve is a tranquil and secluded location, where oryx and springbok are commonly sighted, as well as an abundance of birdlife.

The communal areas are exquisitely designed in permanent tent-like structures, with wonderful surrounding views. Two lounges contain large leather sofas and dark wood fittings, with one featuring a cosy fireplace for cooler evenings. There’s a library and elegant cellar where wine tasting or private candlelit dinners can be arranged. Breakfast and lunch are served at individual tables, in the evenings beautifully presented meals are served around long tables in two dining rooms, and the service is impeccable. There are plenty of places to relax, from sun loungers around the pool, to the wooden decking which encircles the buildings with spectacular sunset views.

The accommodation comprises ten very comfortable and spacious canvas chalets raised out of the sand on stilts, each with a seating area, writing desk and an ensuite bathroom equipped with a shower, flush toilet, and twin basin. The interiors are simple yet luxurious, with double beds draped in mosquito nets and made up with superior white linen. A telephone and WiFi are available in the main areas, although not in individual tents. The chalets’ canvas walls are rolled up to give the impression of sleeping right in the midst of the enveloping desert. Alternatively, ‘star beds’ are positioned on each private veranda so that guests can sleep directly beneath the stars during warmer months. The chalets are not heated, and can get chilly in winter (June-September), so do bring warm clothing if travelling at this time. The stylish Mountain Suite, perfect for honeymooners, is located a good distance from the other rooms, and with its slightly inflated price tag comes a lovely king-sized bed, lounge, dining area, bar cabinet, plunge pool, and a hammock draped across a shaded patio. There’s also a kitchenette in which a private chef can prepare bespoke meals on request.

Activities are centred on exploring the untouched wilderness of the reserve, be it by foot, vehicle, or air safari. Nature drives with knowledgeable and personable guides bring this exquisite landscape to life, and for a significant additional cost, hot-air balloon or private plane rides provide breath-taking experiences. Kudu, zebra, giraffe, and a variety of antelope can be found, but although the reserve is also home to predators such as leopard and hyena, sightings of these are fairly rare. Delightful sundowner trips and picnics are offered, along with informative tours of the Wolwedans village, educating visitors about the ongoing social and sustainability projects in the area. Spa treatments are also available.

Children over six are welcome at the lodge, and for under twelves an extra bed can be added to a chalet to share with parents. For those with older children, a designated family suite consists of two bedrooms separated by a canvas wall, with a shared bathroom. Cots and high chairs are available on request. As both the lodge and the pool are unfenced, parental supervision is essential at all times.

Although Dunes Lodge is the largest of the Wolwedans portfolio of properties, it combines relaxation and exclusivity in a sublime setting with superb service to boot. Inevitably there’s a price tag to match, but the phenomenal surrounding landscape, good variety of interesting activities, and high level of creature comforts make this a great base for some fantastic desert adventures.

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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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