Elegant Desert Lodge (previously called Betesda Lodge) is situated on beautiful farmland and is located 38kms from the gate to the NamibNaukluft Park. Guests are guaranteed a friendly, warm welcome just an hour's drive from Sesriem. An early start is required if you want to watch the sunrise on the way to Sossusvlei. Stay in well-maintained value-for-money desert accommodation, ideal for families with small children.
The name Sesriem is Afrikaans and means "six belts", since the early settlers had to attach together six belts (made of oryx hides), in order to lower buckets down into the canyon to scoop up water, from the pools that were inaccessible to their livestock. The entrance gate to the Namib Desert and the dunes at Sossusvlei is at Sesriem, and so anyone visiting the park needs to pass through this point.
Sossusvlei is a clay pan - set amid huge piles of sand known as star dunes - in the central Namib Desert, and lies within the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia. Fed by the Tsauchab River, it is known for the high, red sand dunes which surround it, forming part of the sand sea, which stretches just north of Luderitz to the Kuiseb River. Some of these dunes reach as high as 220m. Vegetation, such as the camelthorn tree, is watered by infrequent floods of the Tsauchab River, which slowly soak into the underlying clay.
Sossusvlei is one of 4 clay pans in the area, the others being The Dead Vlei, Hidden Vlei and Nara Vlei. A 60km tarred road runs along the Tsauchab valley, and access to the valley is from Sesriem. The road ends 4kms short of Sossusvlei, but 4x4 vehicles can go further. There is a shuttle transport service or if visitors prefer, it is safe to walk.
Elegant Desert Lodge has a restaurant/bar and a guest lounge. All meals are served buffet style and Namibian cuisine is the order of the day. There is a swimming pool, laundry service, disabled access and secure parking. Elegant Desert Lodge is also child-friendly.
Rooms were built with flat rocks from the mountains of Elegant Desert Lodge and have wonderful views over the Namib Desert. Overnight in 25 double rooms, some have double and others twin beds. Each room has an en-suite bathroom and air-conditioning.
Activities include the famous and spectacular sunrise Sossusvlei excursions. On the return journey, guests will take a short drive to walk through Sesriem Canyon. Sundowner drives and quad biking trips can also be arranged, the routes start and finish from the lodge.
Elegant Desert Lodge has it's own landing strip nearby, for transfers to and from the lodge for it's guests.
Sossusvlei: An early morning start at around 05h30 heads to Dune 45 and on to the classic features at Sossusvlei. A visit to Sesriem Canyon follows returning around 14h00-15h00. Maximum 6 passengers.
Hiking: Self-hike around the natural trails around the farm.
Sundowner/farm trip: Cattle and sheep are reared on the farm and oryx, kudu, zebra and springbok are resident in the area.
Quad biking: Elegant Desert Lodge have 5 quad bikes available. Your guide will lead you around the Naukluft Mountains, game viewing and stopping at suitable points to admire the view and quench your thirst at the same time.
Ballooning over Sossusvlei: Drift over the dune fields at Sossusvlei and enjoy a champagne breakfast wherever the wind takes you.
Scenic Flights: Light aircraft regularly depart on scenic flights over Sossusvlei and its surroundings.
Lovely rooms with rooftop terraces or a choice of campsites around 45km north of Sesriem.
Desert Camp is situated only 5 km from the entrance gate to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon in the Namib Naukluft Park.
Set on a ridge, Desert Hills Glamping Camp offers amazing views over the valley beneath.
Mid-range accommodation offering some of the best value for money in the area. Horse riding an added activity.
A new addition on the same property as the Desert Homestead. Hiking & riding are popular activities here.
Desert Quiver Camp uniquely combines modern self-catering accommodation with comfort and style.
Have you ever seen the vast horizons of the Namib Desert from a point of pure solitude? A place where the whisper of the wind is the only sound that stirs the desert silence? The Desert Whisper is the ideal opportunity to embrace silence and solitude, to break away from the rush. Located on a small outcrop within the Gondwana Namib Park, this is an intimate experience where guests can enjoy solitude without compromising on luxury. Guests park their car at the base of the outcrop and are transported to the Desert Whisper by their Host. The kitchen is fully stocked with thought-through culinary delights, and access to a selection of wines, gins, whiskeys and rums to tickly any fancy. The afternoon can be spent lounging by the private plunge pool, with its own stocked pool-bar; are swinging in the floating chairs on the Desert Whisper’s terrace. A moment here offers serenity unparalleled, as the sun sinks into the western horizon.
A small intimate lodge in an amazing part of the Namib Desert. While the lodge can be used as a base from which to visit the dunes at Sossusvlei, the tranquil and beautiful environment make it a destination in it's own right.
Mid-range lodge located only 22km from the Sesriem gate to the Namib-Naukluft Park.
Up-market lodge with private entrance to the dunes at Sossusvlei.
Moroccan inspired architecture seems strangely out of place in Namibia. The location, spa and general amenities are good.
Luxury lodge with guided tour to the dunes using the lodges own private entrance, excellent choice for those looking for a little extra luxury.
Reasonable value for money - on the main route to Sossusvlei.
Take on the great outdoors, without the hassle of setting up a campsite. This is our version of glamorous camping. Show up and relax in style with this new self-catering experience. Tents are fully equipped with kitchen and en suite bathroom, and there is no need to bring any sleeping bags. Spend your evening looking out into the Namib Desert landscape, with the crackling fire to keep you company. For guests who wish to enjoy the best of camping and lodging – full lodge facilities are also available at this camping experience. Enjoy the activities on offer in the oldest Desert in the world.
The Namib Desert is an immense chronicle of time, offering a direct link to the ancient past, yet very much a living entity. Housed at the foot of 20-million-year-old petrified dunes, Namib Desert Lodge is one of Gondwana’s flagship properties. This property is a true oasis in the desert, with lush gardens offering shade over the lodge. Two glorious pools coax guests to enjoy the warm desert afternoon lounging and sipping icy cocktails. But fret not, adventure is close, with Sossusvlei just a short drive from the lodge. Join a Sossusvlei Excursion or travel at your own pace. Evenings are celebrated with Dune Drives to appreciate the sunset and view from atop the petrified dunes. Namib Desert Lodge provides a clear and uncluttered insight into the region’s past and present.
Face the horizon head on, from the crest of a dune where the stars are so clear they seem just beyond reach. A place where imagination becomes tangible. The Namib Dune Star Camp. A short drive from Namib Desert Lodge, guests are chauffeured to the camp. Dinner is served on a beautiful wooden deck with the horizon stretches into forever and delicious aromas float through the evening air. Each of the freestanding cabins are positioned along the crest of a dune to offer undisturbed views. What takes this experience into a class of its own, is that the bed in each chalet is on wheels. This offers guests the opportunity to wheel their bed onto the cabin’s private terrace where incomparable night-sky views await. Fall asleep to the silent sound of shooting starts and the whisper of the desert air.
Before sunrise, the hike will start after an early-bird-breakfast. The first leg consists of crossing the local landmark mountain. We will follow a canyon to the mountain saddle.
A combination of permanent structures and canvas make this an interesting choice for the budget conscious traveller.
The only lodge inside the borders of the national park. Allows for extra early visits to the Sossusvlei dunes.
Most luxurious lodge in the area, air-conditioned rooms and top of the range guiding.
Situated adjacent to the oldest Desert in the world, Sossusvlei Lodge is a luxurious retreat in this premier tourist attraction area in Namibia.
Unique in every way, this property offers a new insight into the rhythms of the mighty Namib. The Desert Grace is the result of a daring architectural feat, with each building constructed entirely from sandbags instead of bricks. Facing the west, this lodge offers unparallel views of the sunset from the comfort of a private plunge pool. Pink Gin and Tonic’s and indulgence is the language in this iconic location. A place where the pulse of the desert comes alive as the setting sun dips into the western horizon. Guests have the opportunity to join a Sossusvlei Excursion, guided and inclusive of a champagne brunch. Or hop on board a Dune Drive in the Gondwana Namib Park, where sunset are celebrated on true Namibian fashion.
Situated a mere 45km from Sesriem, the sky melts into endless plains in a vista so vast it will take your breath away.
These are honest reviews, both good and bad, from our travellers who visited this property.
Really comfortable Lodge, intimate atmosphere and spacious rooms. Perfect dinner and breakfast service
We had a wonderful time there for the excursion with a very nice guide and the dinners outside beside the brasero.
Overall Ok. As Anita (a consultant at the Cardboard Box Travel Shop) told us it's located a little bit far from Sossusvlei.
simple but sufficient; personal made a lot of efforts; a bit outlying for a longer stay; for an overnight stop to be recommended
The only lodge/campsite in Namibia that we did not like, because of the arrogant service and the bad meal in the restaurant. Avoid it!!!
A lovely place to stay. The pool was a refreshing break during such hot weather. Loved the patio out back; it made for great star gazing in the evening.
Good value for money, does the job, food was a bit on the simple side and they struggled to understand dietary requirements. Location good for accessing Sesriem.
The staff at Betesda were excellent very helpful and friendly. We cannot fault anything about the stay. Food was also very good and the pool also good and kept nice and clean.
The best place we've beenin Namibia. All the service people at Betesda were really nice to the guests. Rooms are fantastic and the views froom the terrace at the room are amazing
The room is fine: big and comfortable. However dinner is poor. Breakfast starts at 6 am a bit late if you want to be at the Sesriem gate when it opens (they can pack it for you).
Absolutely friendly and professional staff. Superb rooms and facilities. No problem to travel the 40 Km to the entrance of the Sesriem and Soususvlei. By far the best food in the south
Large room. The shower could be improved, more like a shower of a camping site. Owners very nice. The place itself is very nice. The road to get there is extremely shaky and too far from Sossusvlei
Very nice and quiet place with beautiful surrounding. There you'll find everything you need to relax after the exausting drive from Windhoek. Very good service, warm-hearted staff, very well mantained and managed place.
Accommodation a bit basic, but adequate. Poor electric supply and no points in rooms. Managment and staff could not have been more helpful. Especially helpful when had car problem and had to stay another night when they were fully booked.
Elegant Desert Camp is situated 40 km south east of Sesriem. It is on the northern side of the D854, 5 km east of the junction with the C19. Landing strip - Co-ordinates S2439.70 E0160.02
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