But, it's also a very scenic destination itself, and we enjoyed the three days we spent just exploring the area around the lodge.
It's a 5 km (3 mile) drive from the main gate to the lodge itself.
The main gate.
Ruth, at the entrance to reception.
The reception area contains a large gift room with lots of books and things. You can spend an hour just wandering in there. Lots of books about the desert and the plants, animals, and birds that you will see while staying at the lodge. Also, lots of comfy couches and chairs and laptop outlets if you want to check your emails...or do a blog post or two! We found the internet worked fairly well most of the time. There was also a cell signal which we were surprised at.
Beyond the reception are, the first thing you come across is the pool. You're going to want to visit this area, because it gets quite hot in the desert, and the swimming pool area is very inviting...
Great swimming pool at the Namib Desert Lodge.
Our room!
Coffee station, and room fan. They have air conditioning in the rooms, but it is purposely turned off at certain times to conserve energy, so the fan will come in handy.
Nice large shower in the bathroom.
We had a gorgeous view from our room!
The food was good, and there's a nice outdoor seating area to enjoy if you choose and the weather is good for it. Otherwise, the indoor area works just fine.
Main course is buffet style. Very cool mural above the buffet table!
Appetizers and desert is served at your table.
Lahyia, our omelette cook!
We really enjoyed the fresh egg station at breakfast, where you could order your eggs any way you like them, including omelettes with all the fixings.
There are two hiking trails on the property, but just make sure you do them early in the day. In fact, we went before breakfast one day!
Gorgeous scenery.
And you will see some oryx!
The only downside we found wasn't something they can do anything about. The chalets are designed with four rooms all attached and sometimes that can be a problem with noise if the lodge is busy. Not a big deal, and you could try asking to be put in one of the chalets further away and maybe with no neighbors, keeping in mind that could change if more people arrive the next day.
Oh, and the breakfast juices are too sweet. No need to add sugar to fruit juice! Just saying.
We enjoyed our stay, and some of that is related to the people working at the lodge. Edward, the food and beverage manager always made sure our stomachs were full and once again they were very good about making food selections that suited our gluten free diet. They even have a vegetarian menu at this lodge.
Be sure to try and stay at The Dune Star for a night while you're there. You won't regret it! We did a separate post about that here...
what a nice room and beautiful scenery.
ReplyDeleteI loved the scenery there, the colours are amazing.
DeleteMan, you guys are living it up. Although "couch surfing" has its advantages, this type of accommodation certainly has its pluses.
ReplyDeleteYep, I would say that we are! I am taking advantage of all these meals that I am not having to cook.
DeleteLove that mural. Are their any different fruits found there that we normally would not have here?
ReplyDeleteNot really. Fruit is fairly expensive in Namibia, although a lot of it is imported from South Africa. We regularly have apples, plums, watermelon, and cantaloupe, and grapes.
DeleteLooks great. Also love the new larger pictures although it has never been an issue to view them bigger.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tony!
DeleteWhat is on the plate?
ReplyDeleteIt was called Aubergine Tower with Spinach Sauce. It had a slice of eggplant on the bottom and then a slice each of tomato, onion and cheese, I believe.
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