Discover Luxury Lodges in Namibia’s Expansive Landscape
In Namibia, new luxury lodges allow visitors to take in the country’s endless wide-open spaces in style.
Embracing the Open Spaces of Namibia
Space. Miles and miles of space. Locals revel in the sheer emptiness of Namibia, which boasts an average of only eight people per square mile. This fact is particularly striking compared to Johannesburg, where I come from, and where we have more than 7,000 people per square mile.
Having visited Namibia for years, I was recently drawn to the stark desert landscape of the Sossusvlei. This area, part of the Namib-Naukluft Park, is characterized by its stunning dunes and salt flats, home to desert-adapted antelope like gemsbok and diverse wildlife. Just a short drive away is the famously photogenic Deadvlei, known for its denuded trees and ocher dunes.
Luxurious Accommodations in Namibia
Historically, accommodations in Namibia’s desert region have been simple; however, this has changed with the recent introduction of two new lodges and a refurbished luxury camp. December marked my journey to explore these remarkable locations after travel restrictions were lifted.
The first property was an embodiment of social distancing with style. Desert Whisper (villa from $1,050) is a striking one-bedroom villa perched atop a cliff overlooking the sands. Although the nearby Namib Desert Lodge has 65 rooms, I enjoyed the solitude that Desert Whisper offered. Light filtered through its uniquely designed weathered-steel shell, creating tranquil patterns on the wooden floors. I indulged in leisurely days, alternating between the private outdoor pool and an indoor nook, all while savoring a refreshing glass of South African sparkling wine from the villa’s bar.
Next, I traveled seventy miles south and checked in at Kwessi Dunes (doubles from $1,075, all-inclusive), situated within the NamibRand Nature Reserve. This expansive area neighbors the Namib-Naukluft Park and offers guests exciting adventure options. I enjoyed a thrilling quad-biking excursion led by experienced guide Gert Tsaobeb, who pointed out fascinating animal tracks, including those of gemsbok, hyena, and leopard, before we took a refreshing break in the shade of towering boulders.
Tsaobeb shared that the wildlife in this seemingly desolate desert has thrived due to a decades-long rewilding effort aimed at revitalizing previously farmed land. The NamibRand Nature Reserve, renowned for its minimal light pollution, holds the distinction of being one of only 18 certified International Dark Sky Reserves globally, making it the only one in Africa, which is a dream for stargazers. Each of the 12 solar-powered chalets at Kwessi Dunes includes an outdoor “star bed” for guests to enjoy a night beneath a stunning canopy of stars.
Exclusive Experiences at Little Kulala
Just outside the national park, I visited Little Kulala (doubles from $2,335), which served as a fitting conclusion to my journey. Established in 1996 by Wilderness Safaris, it was one of the pioneering luxury camps that put this destination on the map. Recently, the interiors have been revamped, and efforts have been made to enhance sustainability, with 11 solar-powered, thatched-roof cabins, each featuring plunge pools and various thoughtful amenities.
The premier reason to choose Little Kulala is the exclusive access that Wilderness can arrange not only to the surrounding preserve but also to the Namib-Naukluft Park through a private gate. This “back door” access allows guests to experience top attractions like Dune 45 earlier than the crowds and remain on-site for longer periods.
One memorable evening, I set out for the park accompanied by my guide, Akser Simeon. The twilight unfolded a palette of colors across the Namibian desert, as the sands transitioned from saffron to hues resembling cumin, cinnamon, and finally pink peppercorns. Despite the vastness, it felt as though we were the only two souls in the expansive Deadvlei. Later, relaxing in my villa’s star bed, I marveled at the sequined sky, where stars manifested into constellations as the universe unfolded endlessly above.
A version of this story first appeared in the June 2021 issue of GoTravelDaily under the headline Jewels in the Sand. Desert Whisper, Kwessi Dunes, and Little Kulala provided support for the reporting of this story.
