Kwessi Dunes, once a traditional game farm is now a quirky 10-room desert lodge on 15,000 hectares of exclusive desert terrain, smack in the middle of the 200,000-hectare private NamibRand Reserve. This low key lodge offers full-board accommodation 85km south of Sossusvlei.
The rooms are scattered across the farm, but are close to the main house, pool and restaurant. Built in the traditional Namibian thatch-and-pole style, but with a design flair that is certainly non-traditional: think thatched safari lodge with striped canvas awnings, leather chairs, old maps and steel lamps. Each room comes with WiFi, full en-suite bathroom and, the special touch, an alfresco sleeping deck to enjoy the most marvellous night sky you'll ever see, all night.
Right on the edge of a dune belt, your view is of ochre sand and lots of it. Expected in the desert, sure, but who knew it was this special? A vast open expanse of seeming nothingness, dotted only by a few acacias against the vivid blue skyline. Phenomenal.
Activities include game drives, desert walks, helicopter flights, quad bike tours and hot air balloon rides. For something a bit different, try horseback riding on the open plains of the reserve. Since you are in the middle of the reserve, the view makes for an outing itself.
You can expect to see desert adapted animals such as oryx, kudu, springbok, Burchell's zebra, jackals, aardwolves, African wild cats and bat-eared foxes. Leopard and cheetah are few, but who knows, you could be lucky?
Casual and comfortable with adventure around every corner. Disconnect from the world. Get on your horse. Order a drink. It's going to be a beautiful trip.
Activities included are scenic drives, desert walks, skybeds experience (sleeping beneath the stars), star gazing and quad biking. Additionally, you can do the following activities at an extra cost: Day trips to Sossusvlei, hot air ballooning, horse riding, scenic helicopter flights and spa treatments.
Natural Selection was founded on a commitment to environmental conservation and community outreach, with a mission “to be a force for good in the protection of natural habitats.” To this end, 1.5% of each guest’s stay at Natural Selection camps is dedicated to conservation and community outreach initiatives in the region. Additionally, a per-person, per-night Conservation, Community, and Reserve Fee provides essential funding to protect wildlife, support surrounding communities and manage reserves and concessions. Since 2016, Natural Selection has supported 98 conservation and community projects, spanning Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Madagascar.
"We loved our experience with NTS"
We loved Namibia and its unique landscapes and kind people. It was certainly an adventure and a privilege to get to spend time there.
"We can't wait to return"
I can't thank you enough for helping to put together this trip. It exceeded all our expectations and we fell in love with your country.
"We had a wonderful time in Namibia"
All in all we had a wonderful time and appreciate the effort made to ensure all aspects of our tour ran smoothly with prompt email support where needed.
"What a wonderful journey we had in beautiful and friendly Namibia!"
Namibia has stolen our travel-heart and you can consider us as new ambassadors of this spectacular country.