WOLWEDANS****
Once the hunting ground of the Spotted Hyena, Wolwedans takes its name from the African for "where the wolves dance".The very word conjures up an aura of mystery and romance which, when visiting Wolwedans, nature and the rhythm of the desert will evoke within you. Nestled amidst the dunes in the heart of NamibRand Nature Reserve, and set against a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, Wolwedans provides the perfect base from which to explore vast stretches of awe-inspiring nature. Across this diverse canvas of contrasting landscapes traverse an exciting variety of large and small desert creatures - as wild and ancient as their habitat.
The NamibRand Nature Reserve (Southern Africa's biggest privately owned reserve) originated as a dream of extending the desert frontiers by integrating a large number of former sheep farms and developing a sanctuary free of fences, so that once again the wildlife could roam their habitat unhindered. Inviting nature lovers from all over the world to share in this dream has always been one of our objectives, and today NamibRand is synonymous with some of Namibia's - if not Africa's - most breathtaking locations.
Covering an area of some 200.000 hectares close to Sossusvlei, NamibRand is bordered by the Naukluft Park in the west and the impressive Nubib Mountain range in the East. The special attraction of the reserve is the diversity of desert landscapes. Virtually all facets of the Namib are represented here. Mountains plunging down into endless grassy plains, which are interspersed by red vegetated dunes, create a living tapestry of colours and shapes that make it a visual utopia for artists and photographers.
Game species found in the reserve include gemsbok, mountain and plains zebra, springbok, red hartebeest, bat-eared fox, spotted hyena, Cape fox and African wildcats. The more rocky areas are inhabited by kudu, klipspringer, baboon and leopard, while the dunes harbour a rich and diverse micro-fauna. Over a hundred species of birds have been recorded.
DUNE LODGE
The Dunes Lodge aims at providing a unique experience close to nature, yet without compromising comfort and style.The entire lodge is constructed on wooden platforms and overlooks panoramic vistas in all directions, capturing the desert in an intimate and memorable way. The building style is a combination of wooden poles and large canvas blinds/windows that open up to the desert beyond. The lodge reflects the ambience of a tented camp, but provides the comfort and protection of a permanent building.
Each of the eight spacious Chalets with en-suite bathrooms leads onto a private veranda and stretches of untouched sand. Careful selection of furniture, light coloured linen as well as the selection of accessories give the Dunes Lodge a distinct natural charm. The 9th Chalet - the family room - consist of 2 separate bedrooms and one bathroom.
The Mountain View Suite is part of the lodge and is a place which owns its own description.
The main complex - also built on stilts - consists of a bar and lounge, sundowner decks with a fireplace and a spacious dining room. All communal areas open out onto a veranda with a superb view of the surroundings. Three Chalets are directly accessible from the main complex by wooden walkways and thus easily accessible for elderly and handicapped guests.
MOUNTAIN VIEW SUITE
The Mountain View Suite is a new addition to the Dunes Lodge. Just over 200 square meters of deck rising above the dunes provides ample living space and adds a touch of luxury to the Wolwedans Collection.
Located within walking distance from the Wolwedans Dunes Lodge, yet
secluded, and nestled amidst a magnificent dunes landscape The Suite allows friends of Wolwedans to spend more than two nights in a homely and stylish atmosphere with ample space, maximum comfort and a high degree of privacy.
The Suite consists of a spacious bedroom with a king-size double bed allowing guests to enjoy the view of their private dune valley to the fullest. There is a en-suite bathroom facility with two wash basins, a shower and toilet. A shaded patio, provides an ideal venue for out-door meals and relaxed hours in the shade floating about in a hammock.
Ad to this a spacious lounge, bar and dining area and you have a wonderful home away from home. In the event that guests wish to enjoy meals ‘entre-nous’, an open plan kitchenette supports the preparation of meals at the suite.
An east-facing veranda and sun-deck lead from the platform into the surrounding dunes. A special attraction is the ‘star-gazing’ bed incorporated into the main veranda, providing a wonderful sleep-out venue during summer.
Keeping in line with the traditional Wolwedans style the ambience is that of plain elegance embraced by a natural, comfortable charm. The Suite is furnished with colonial/safari style furniture and a well balanced variety of decorative items. The Suite can be regarded as very elegant, yet allowing for a casual, relaxed and unpretentious life-style. It is most important for us, that our guests feel ‘at home’.
DUNE CAMP
Located on the very edge of a 250-meter high dune, the Dune Camp overlooks the prominent Losberg Mountain towards the east. Heading west, the Chateau viewpoint - one of the reserves' most enchanting panoramas - can be reached by foot in less than five minutes. A sundowner in the dunes, facing the sun as it sets over the Bushman Hills, is an experience to share with someone close.
The Camp sleeps a maximum of 12 guests in a totally unspoilt setting. Guests stay in comfortable tents pitched on wooden platforms and these are furnished with standard beds, bedside tables and a suitcase rack. Each tent has a spacious verandah and a private bathroom fitted with a hot shower, washbasin and flush toilet. Meals are enjoyed at the central lapa. The lounge, dining area and an open-plan kitchen, which allows guests to chat to their chef while he is preparing a three-course dinner, guarantee a cosy ambience.
A sundowner deck with fireplace provides a relaxed atmosphere for brilliant star-gazing. Whilst the lodge aims at accommodating those guests in need of relaxed comfort, the camp is a more down-to-earth and close to nature experience. Ideally suited for the younger and more adventurous traveller the charm of the camp lies in its tranquil and intimate atmosphere, capturing the romance of a bygone era.
PRIVATE CAMP
Situated in the quiet seclusion of an idyllic valley, the Private Camp catering for four guests, is the perfect getaway for honeymooners or individuals seeking uncompromising privacy and solitude. The idea of the Private Camp is to get away for a day or two - not doing much except relaxing and spending quality time with a partner. Guided activities are not part of the package and the emphasis is on pure relaxation.
Browsing through the library, taking walks in the plains and preparing your own meals (we supply all foods and beverages, you cook and serve 'entre nous') will keep you fully occupied. It is recommended that guests, who have not been with us before, book the Private Camp in combination with a night at the Lodge or Dune Camp, joining some of the activities before seeking total seclusion.
The Suite comprises two spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathroom, a veranda and the lounge, combining a study, a living-room arrangement, a dining area and a fully equipped open plan kitchen. The building style is a combination of wood and canvas, and the carefully selected furnishings bring alive the true romance of Africa.
The Camp requires a minimum stay of two nights and is only available from 15 December to 15 March. The Private Camp can also be booked with all services and activities included, for example a private chef and your personal field guide.
Activities
- Scenic drive
- Balloon flight
ZEBRA RIVER LODGE**
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