Like all the best things in life...impossible to adequately describe. Unforgettable.
Between two sets of picturesque rugged mountains is a ridge of red dunes that have been anchored in place by a sparse covering of clumpy grass. Surprisingly high, the dips and curves of the dunes create a surreal location for Wolwedans Dune Lodge. Raised above the sand on wooden walkways, the main lodge is a assortment of quite sitting-rooms, private dining rooms and a friendly bar. Each part of this attractive tented collection is filled with books, leather armchairs and interesting photos. It almost feels like you’re staying in some colonial pioneer’s base-camp.
It’s worth adding here that the food at Wolwedans is exceptional; the owner has a passion for good cuisine and also owns a restaurant in Windhoek called NICE. His “Desert Chefsî produce multi-course delights of real quality from the simple kitchen.
The tented rooms at Wolwedans spread out on either side of the main area and overlook one of the most incredible views you are ever likely to have the privilege of seeing. At night, the stars are positively glaring, there being no light pollution to inhibit their brilliance. They are large and airy, with private verandahs and a big bathroom. You can sleep with your tent wide open because ther are no mosquitoes...hurrah! Water, drawn from underground aquifers, is a problem here so the camp asks you to be thrifty with it and to avoid sending laundry if at all possible.
Perched atop the dune with a nice view of the sunset, is a small lap pool (originally intended as a reservoir in case of fire) which is a fabulous place to spend the afternoon – swinging in a hammock in the breeze. There is a waterhole below the main area that attracts a good number of oryx throughout the day. The oryx are sometimes to be found taking shade under the decking of the lounge which is quite an unusual sight.
Activities here focus on drives that take in the stunning landscapes and learning about the desert-adapted species (zebra, ostrich, oryx, springbok) that you find here. There are also some interesting plants and smaller critters like the white lady spiders and barking geckos.
Wolwedans is a beautiful place with a peace and enormity that is rare in our world. Simply spending time taking it all in is good for the soul.
9 airy, raised tented rooms with stunning views
Like all the best things in life...impossible to adequately describe. Unforgettable.
Wolwedans is a private reserve within the wider Namib-Naukluft area. It is a place of surreal natural beauty, characterised by the rich red sand of the Namib, and the craggy creased mountains of the Naukluft. A ridge of partially vegetated dunes runs along its centre, providing a perfect vantage point for the Dune Lodge and Dune Camp. Read more?
If you are considering travelling to Namibia, chances are you are looking for something out of the ordinary. A journey through Namibia is all about daily surprises; the impossible number of stars, the expanse of views over desert mountains, the improbable salmon-pink of sand-dunes at sunrise, the ingenuity of small creatures adapted to the harsh environment, the ochre and leather dress of the Himba and petticoated dresses of the Herero, the first taste of ostrich biltong and the excellent seafood. Jump straight to some of our favourite Namibian experiences. Read more?
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Catherine's long experience of, and enthusiasm for Africa, makes her a mine of travel information. Add to the mix her vivacious character and inscrutable attention to detail and there are few people you'd rather have plan your holiday.
At Natural High, we've had long experience putting together trips in Africa that really work. Whether it's intimate bushcamps in out of the way places, or a private lodge in one of Africa's top-billing wildlife areas, light mobile camping or remote island escapes, we know there is a lot to choose from. We're absolutely confident that we can recommend the right places for you.