Wolwedans Desert Lodge (previously known as Wolwedans Dunes Lodge) has ten luxurious chalets on stilts with corrugated iron roofs, roll-down canvas sides and enormous bathrooms. The views - available in abundance in every direction - are not of this earth.
The colour palette here reflects the surrounds in neutrals and ochre reds. Allow the desert breeze in. No matter where you look, a marvel. It's almost hard to believe a place as incredible as this can exist. A place where the serenity is so tangible you almost feel like you could take it with you when you leave.
The main lodge is also on stilts and the lounges, dining rooms, library and wine cellar are surrounded by a platter of sun decks and verandahs. The food has critics flying in from all corners smacking their chops in glee; the service and attention to detail are tempered only by a manic commitment to your personal privacy.
Staying here contributes to the future of tourism. A bold statement, but true as the Desert Lodge is now a hospitality training facility as part of the Wolwedans Desert Academy based at the Wolwedans village and under the umbrella of the Wolwedans Foundation. The main goal is to teach and instil fine hospitality and service excellence. Exactly what you can expect to encounter and experience at any of the Wolwedans lodges. The staff here are all students, with a passion for tourism and the willingness to learn, although the service may not always be 100%, you can be sure that it comes with enduring smiles and an enthusiastic demeanour.
The pinnacle of luxury and seclusion lies in a small valley adjacent to the lodge and is called Wolwedans Plains Camp. The villa has two suites and the same leather-bound luxury of Wolwedans Desert Lodge. Choose to be left alone and fend for yourself in the kitchen; or you can opt for the Full Monty with a private chef and a personal safari. The other lodges within the Wolwedans Collection are Wolwedans Dune Camp & Boulders Safari Camp. If you take your luxury and privacy a little more seriously than most, you can opt for the Mountain View Suite.
Morning and afternoon scenic drives; sundowners; nature walks; Heart and Home village tour; Wolwedans Water walk; stargazing; full day scenic safari, Bushman walk and E-biking.
Nature, the desert and the great big sky are the most important items on the agenda at Wolwedans. Your safaris are conducted by knowledgeable and passionate guides who will reveal the intricate details of an ancient living desert.
Additional activities include: Hot air ballooning and horse riding. To be booked in advance at an additional cost.
Wolwedans Lodges now offer incredible new ways to experience the magic of the Namib Desert. The Desert Sleep Out lets you spend a night under a blanket of stars, surrounded by pure stillness. For a more intimate escape, the Star Bed at Dune Camp offers a private open-air sleep experience with unbeatable stargazing. If you're craving true peace and quiet, the Silence & Solitude Experience gives you the chance to fully disconnect and soak in the beauty of nature like never before.
Sustainability is at the heart of Wolwedans, recognised as a Global Ecosphere Retreat by The Long Run. The lodge promotes a holistic approach to conservation that enhances livelihoods and fosters intercultural dialogue. During the Covid lockdown in 2020, Stephen Brückner established The AridEden Project to balance people, planet, and profit in all of Wolwedans' initiatives.
Guests contribute to sustainability through a nightly Sustainability Levy, which includes a park fee and supports the Wolwedans Foundation’s 5C’s Sustainability framework. The lodge employs an all-Namibian team and runs the Desert Academy for hospitality training, alongside various skills development projects. It also contributes to the conservation of the NamibRand Nature Reserve, promoting sustainable tourism and community resilience.
The Wolwedans Foundation focuses on long-term community outreach and education, providing accredited qualifications to young Namibians in hospitality and culinary arts. This initiative has supported over 300 trainees through the Desert Academy and the Nice Academy. The Foundation levy on guest invoices helps fund vocational training and community upliftment, reflecting Wolwedans' commitment to inspiring a sustainable and inclusive approach to tourism.
"We can't wait to return"
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We loved Namibia and its unique landscapes and kind people. It was certainly an adventure and a privilege to get to spend time there.
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Namibia has stolen our travel-heart and you can consider us as new ambassadors of this spectacular country.
