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Wolwedans Desert Lodge Brings Eco-Luxury to the Dunes of NamibRand Private Nature Reserve
Imagine sipping a coffee atop the sprawling orange dunes of the Namib Desert whilst looking out over the extensive nothingness. Some places on earth are simply impossible to do justice by describing. Those who go will tell you the only solution is to visit for yourself and only then will you understand. Guests who have the pleasure of staying with the incredible team at the Wolwedans Desert Lodge are among the few to experience the raw vastness of this incredible landscape and the warmth of the people who call it home.
About NamibRand Private Nature Reserve
Located in Southern Namibia this nature reserve can be found in the Namib Desert which runs along South Africa’s Atlantic Ocean coast. The Nubib Mountains surround the reserve, creating a stunning desert landscape covering over 2,150 square kilometres. NamibRand is one of the largest private nature reserves in Southern Africa and arguably one of the most unique due to its beautiful desert vistas and abundant wildlife.
The NamibRand Nature Reserve protects the Southern Namib Desert biome by establishing a continuous protection zone. This zone supports seasonal wildlife migration, which is vital for maintaining biodiversity in the area, and enables animals to move freely across a wide, uninterrupted landscape.
Discover Desert Safari Luxury at Wolwedans Desert Lodge
Desert Lodge, formerly known as Dunes Lodge, is the ideal safari destination for those looking for soulful serenity, a place for silent contemplation and indescribable views during the day and at night.
In May 2024, the lodge was refurbished, transforming it into a haven that blends the romance and ambience of a tented camp with the luxury and comfort of a permanent structure. Wolwedans Desert Lodge does an excellent job of showcasing the beauty of the desert with its vast orange hue dunes, rugged mountain vistas, rolling skies and expansive openness.
The lodge is positioned at the top of a dune and comprises ten tented rooms which have been designed to maximise views from all angles of the room. Each room has a private verandah with plush seating and a dipping pool that overlooks the dunes around you. The tented room experience is so special that it is even recommended for guests to sleep with their canvas blinds open, enabling them to feel the gentle evening breeze and enjoy the star-covered skies at night.
A Luxury Safari Lodge in the Heart of the Desert
Desert Lodge is open year-round, requiring a minimum two-night stay. It offers two lounges, sundown decks, a cosy library, two dining rooms, and a wine cellar. While the luxury furnishings and exquisite cuisine are trip highlights, it’s the warmth and hospitality of the Namibian hosts that will leave a lasting impression. This is truly a home away from home.
Experience Desert-Adapted Wildlife
The Namib Desert’s wildlife showcases remarkable adaptations to its arid, often challenging environment, making this safari truly unique. Guests are treated to diverse landscapes, from red dunes and gravel plains to lush valleys and expansive horizons, each providing ideal settings for wildlife encounters.
Visitors may spot fascinating desert-adapted species such as Grant’s golden mole, the dancing white lady spider, and the sidewinding adder. The area is also home to over 170 bird species, including the Lappet-faced vulture and the Dune lark. Predators like leopards and cheetahs roam alongside large mammals such as oryx, springbok, giraffe, and hartebeest.
Luxury Desert Experiences
The NamibRand nature reserve is all about experiences. So if you are looking for a luxury safari holiday that comes with endless adventure, this is the place for you.
Your hosts can offer a range of activities including dune cruising, morning and evening scenic drives, village tours, desert sundowners, bushman walks, e-biking and even star safaris for those who love their astronomy. There is also the opportunity to take part in water walks which provide guided experiences to explore the critical role of water in shaping this precious desert landscape and how it supports the diverse ecosystem. For an additional fee, guests can also partake in hot air balloon rides and horse riding.
Protecting the Unique Ecology of the Namib Desert
The NamibRand Nature Reserve was established to conserve the unique biodiversity of the southwest Namib Desert. Through low-impact eco-safaris, the reserve funds its conservation efforts while supporting the local communities. Visitors to these eco-lodges actively contribute to protecting the breathtaking landscapes they come to enjoy.
The reserve has transformed former sheep farms into an expansive, wildlife-friendly space free of fences, allowing animals to roam freely without human interference.
NamibRand is also recognised as a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark Sky Association, one of only two places on Earth to achieve this status. This designation reflects its exceptionally dark skies, perfect for stargazing enthusiasts. Artificial light can disrupt plant species and nocturnal wildlife, causing habitat and behavioural changes. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, the area’s dark skies are preserved, benefiting both wildlife and visitors alike.
Visiting Wolwedans Desert Lodge
The Desert Lodge is open all year round however some consider June to October to be one of the best times to visit. These months offer comfortable daytime temperatures and are the best time of year to enjoy clear, bright days that make the perfect setting for wildlife spotting and photography enthusiasts. These months also fall over the dry season in this area which can enhance wildlife spotting as animals congregate around highly sought after water resources.
Getting there
Our team personally visits each safari destination we recommend to ensure the highest standards of quality, luxury, and unforgettable experiences. Wolwedans Desert Lodge is among our top choices due to its unique setting, unparalleled luxury, and dedication to preserving the stunning landscape and wildlife we come to enjoy. These experiences are truly extraordinary and often beyond words. If you’re interested in arranging a trip to discover this remarkable place for yourself, we’re here to assist in every way possible.