Namibia is well distinguished by the Namib Desert which lies along the Atlantic Ocean. For many years, accommodation in the Namib Desert has been very simple, but that has changed.
Inspired by Travel + Leisure, we put together four luxury accommodations that offer the perfect views of the surrounding desert and mountains in the distance. These four luxury stays also offer some of the most magical stargazing experiences.
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Kwessi Dunes
Kwessi Dunes Lodge is located deep within Namibia’s NamibRand with access to the desert’s most striking features. Credit: Getaway Gallery
Kwessi Dunes is a new establishment in the northern NamibRand Reserve that opened up in 2020. This property consists of 12 tented chalets including 2 family chalets built on wooden platforms. Each chalet has an en-suite bathroom with an indoor and outdoor shower. Each chalet has a separate open-air room perfect for star-gazing. The main area has glass windows and doors that allow you to see the breathtaking views of the surrounding desert and mountains in the distance. Activities at Kwessi Dunes include a morning and afternoon scenic drive, a guided walk, quad biking for the more adventurous, and spa treatments too. Additional activities such as hot air balloon flights, helicopter rides, and horse riding come at an extra cost.
Desert Whisper
Desert Whisper is situated in the Namib Desert Lodge. Credit: TravelGround
Desert Whisper is a creatively constructed, contemporary desert hideaway in the Namib Desert. The private retreat for two is inspired by natural shapes and materials and is situated in the Namib Desert Lodge offering exceptional views of the Naukluft mountains. This villa is a single-storey suite with an open plan kitchen, lounge, and dining area, an en-suite bedroom with a balcony, braai facilities outside, and a private plunge pool. The bedroom has a king-size bed and a well-stocked bar in the kitchen.
Little Kulala
Little Kulala is located within the Kulala Wilderness Reserve. Credit: Wilderness Safaris
Little Kulala was established in 1996 by Wilderness Safaris and was one of the very first luxury camps in Namibia. Little Kulala has 11 solar-powered thatched-roof cabins with plunge pools. Natur drives and walks are available at this camp. Adventurous guests can explore the desert with quad bikes, and a hot-air balloon flight at an extra cost.
Zannier Hotels Sonop
Zannier Hotels Sonop in the Namib Desert. Credit: Zannier Hotels
Zannier Hotels Sonop is a ten tented suite lodge constructed on top of granite boulders. The camp has two kinds of tents; a one-bedroom tent which accommodates 2, and a two-bedroom tent which accommodates 4. Both tents have an en-suite bedroom and a roll-up canvas for guests to admire the views of the desert. Guided safaris, horse riding, gala-style dining, open-air cinema by the infinity pool and nightly stargazing capture the spirit of old-world adventure.
