Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 064-694000;
www.rostock-ritz-desert-lodge.com
; campsite per person from N$130,
s/d chalets from N$1200/1900; )
This unique accommodation is known for its bizarre
water gardens and cool and cave-like cement-domed chalets. The Rostock Campsite is a
peaceful 7km from the lodge itself. The staff can arrange a number of activities, including
hiking, a visit to the nearby hot springs and the obligatory trip to Sossusvlei. The Ritz lies
east of the C14, just south of the C26 junction.
Getting There & Away
Solitaire is connected to Sesriem by the unsealed C19, and petrol is available in town.
There was a shuttle service just beginning to run from Solitaire petrol station to
Sousslevi for N$100 return, in mid-2012; check with the station to see if it's still going
and for the times the service runs.
NAMIBRAND NATURE RESERVE
Bordering the Namib-Naukluft Park, this reserve (
www.namibrand.org
) is essentially a
collection of private farms that together protect over 200,000 hectares of dunes, desert
grasslands and wild, isolated mountain ranges. Currently, several concessionaires operate
on the reserve, offering a range of experiences amid one of Namibia's most stunning and
colourful landscapes. A surprising amount of wildlife can be seen here, including large
herds of gemsboks, springboks and zebras, as well as kudu, klipspringers, spotted hyenas,
jackals, and Cape and bat-eared foxes.
Access by private vehicle is restricted in order to maintain the delicate balance of the
reserve. Accommodation prices are also extremely high, which seeks to limit the tourist
footprint. As a result, you must book in advance through a lodge, and then arrange either a
4WD transfer or a chartered fly-in.
Sleeping
Wolwedans Dune Lodge $$$
( 061-230616;
www.wolwedans.com
; chalet per person with full board incl activities
from N$4280; )
One of the more affordable lodges in the NamibRand (in this price
bracket, affordable is a relative term), Wolwedans features an architecturally arresting col-
lection of raised wooden chalets that are scattered amid towering red sand dunes. Service
is impeccable, and the atmosphere is overwhelmingly elegant, yet you can indulge in your
wild side at anytime with chauffeured 4WD dune drives and guided safaris.
LODGE
