Kanaan Desert Retreat is situated on a large unspoilt reserve with contrasting landscapes which borders the Namib Desert to the west and the Tiras Mountains to the east. It provides the perfect stopover when travelling between 2 of Namibia's most popular and fascinating tourist attractions: the dunes of Sossusvlei and Fish River Canyon. The dedicated team of the retreat focus on the 'rehabilitation of the land' to conserve and protect wildlife and the environment. There are 3 major ecosystems surrounding the Kanaan Retreat; sand dunes, open grasslands and mountains. Many desert-adapted species survive here.
A major drawcard of Kanaan is the opportunity to use the retreat as a film location. There are no permit restrictions here which enables production company's, directors and crews to film wildlife, cheetah and other species of flora and fauna in their natural habitats. All filming activity takes place under the watchful eye of Marlice van Vuuren, one of the country's most well-know nature conservationists.
Homely meals at the desert retreat are served in the refurbished farmhouse complemented with refreshing wines and cool drinks. The small lounge is ideal for meeting other guests and sharing in their wildlife stories and experiences. An inviting fire-place awaits on those cold Namibian nights. The shady verandah offers an alternative dining area as well as a scenic venue for after dinner drinks and sundowners.
Accommodation at Kanaan Desert Retreat is in:
8 En-suite Luxury canvas tents - all overlook a stunning and diverse landscape which captures the beauty and tranquillity of the desert. Individual shower and toilets are standard.
8 Campsites with individual showers and toilets, shading and braai area
Room amenitites:
En-suite with varenda and toilets
Tea and coffee facilities
Mosquito nets
Property facilitites:
Bar & Restaurant area
Laundry facility
Swimming pool
The property is home to free-roaming kudu, ostrich, oryx, caracal, hyena, mountain zebra, springbok and jackal. Fences between Kanaan and the Namib Naukluft park are being removed to allow wildlife to freely roam between the property and the massive adjoining park
Child Policy:
Children 0-3 years stay FOC
Children 3-12 years pay 50% of the share rate
All activities will be conducted under the supervision of experienced and knowledgeable guides and where applicable in open-sided safari vehicles.
Drives: Whether it is at sunset or sunrise there are a number of scenic drives to see dead tree landscapes and quiver trees. Game viewing and sightings of big cats such as cheetah or leopard are possible. All drives are 3 hours long.
Scorpion Night Walk: Heads down as you look for creepy-crawlies scurrying around the desert. Scorpions, spiders and gecko come under the spotlight of your guides UV lamp. Duration: 2 hours.
Ancient Skills Academy: Spend up to 4hrs in the company of authentic San Bushmen who can show you their hunter/gatherer skills such as signs and tracks of the veldt, making fires with traditional San fire sticks and hunting and setting traps. Plants will be pointed out and their medicinal uses. The evening is rounded up with some traditional dances and songs. (Please confirm availability.)
Ancient San Stories under the Stars: Spend a night out with a San Bushman in his village. Eat, learn and listen to their stories and tales of derrring do! (Please confirm availability.)
Cheetah Feeding Tour: Great for photographing cheetah fairly close up on a specialised feeding tour morning and afternoon. Duration: Approxiamately 2 hour.
Photographic Safari: Take advantage of the early morning and afternoon desert light on a photographic safari. Duration: 2 hours each.
Carnivore Ecology Research: Photographic and film crews can gain an insight into carnivore ecology research.
This small luxury camp is the latest addition to the Wolwedans Lodge collection. It is situated around 45km south of the other lodges and therefore offers an insight into a different aspect of the NamibRand Nature Reserve.
A CLASSIC CANVAS-AND-THATCH LODGE IN THE HEART OF THE STRIKING NAMIBRAND NATURE RESERVE, OFFERING AN ESCAPE FROM THE MODERN WORLD AND A CHANCE TO RECONNECT WITH THE WILD
Dunes Camp is the simplest of the establishments on the Namib Rand reserve. Accommodation comes in the form of dome tents each with own bathroom.
Wooden units built on platforms overlooking the NamibRand Reserve. As with all the Wolwedans properties expect some of the best views in Namibia, great food and excellent service.
An upmarket extension to the Dunes Lodge.
Ever fancied your own house surrounded by nothing but the Namib Desert? This luxurious property gives you just that, and way more.
These are honest reviews, both good and bad, from our travellers who visited this property.
Our favorite! Very friendly and enthousiastic staff, beautiful tents and quite some nice activities on offer.
Staff need more training. Tea and coffee and cups in the room but no Kettle to boil water. Waiters clearly untrained.
Beatiful lodge in a nice position. Unfortunately we arrived at around 2PM and there was no availability for the sunset tour. However we did the sunrise drive. Good meals.
it's a very nice place but one thing which seemed as odd : in the dinner the waiters were dressed in black trouser and white shirts while the manager appeared in bermuda short and T Shirt. (the manager earns more money than the waiter ....)
One of the best night in the holiday, great place, great view and great food. We've done the photographer tour, with all the activities, included stargazing and cheetah feeding, great experience, the guides have been wonderful and really helpful.
Driving south on the C27 towards Helmeringhausen, 25kms after Betta, turn west on to the D707. Continue on D707 for 44kms at which point you’ll see a sign for the lodge on your left. It is another 8kms to the lodge along a farm track.
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