Just 5km from the entrance to Sossusvlei, Desert Camp offers quiet, scenic hassle-free accommodation in the middle of nowhere. And if you really don't feel like cooking for yourself, you can toddle down to the restaurant at Sossusvlei Lodge, another Taleni Africa success story.

The camp consists of 32 sun-dried brick chalets that really do look at home in the desert. Each unit has twin beds and a double sleeper couch, so great for families with young children. The bathrooms have hot running water and flushing toilets. The kitchenette forms part of the shaded verandah and the units have power points and barbecues.

From your bedroom and, well, every window in your chalet, you have a wonderful view of the desert for miles and miles around. And a truly beautiful desert it is. Formed over 20 million years ago, the blue-grey mountain range that rises out of the grassy plains gives true meaning to the expression 'as old as the hills'.

Being at the entrance to Sossusvlei is another plus for Desert Camp because, once inside, it's at least a 45-minute drive to the dunes and you'll more than likely overshoot that estimate stopping for several photoshoots of the unique scenery and maybe an oryx or two on your way.

We recommend Desert Camp as a comfortable no-frills, value-for-money self-catering accommodation option right by the entrance to Sossusvlei.