Name: Kwessi Dunes
Where: If Sossusvlei’s on your bucket list, then this is the place for you. Kwessi Dunes sits deep within NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia. That’s some seriously impressive desertscape.
Rooms: Expect a room with a view – because all 12 chalets look out across the vast desert expanse. The chalets are air conditioned with thatched roofs and canvas walls. The outlook isn’t only at desert level though, cast your eyes upwards at night and you’ll see skies studded with a gazillion stars. The NamibRand is Africa’s first designated International Dark Sky Reserve. To take full advantage of these extraordinary skies, each chalet has its own ‘star gazer’ room, which is completely open to the celestial theatrics above.
Activities: Tempting as it might be just to kick back and soak up the view – perhaps in the swimming pool, there’s a whole desert to explore. Morning and afternoon scenic drives will take you out through the reserve, and nature walks will get you up close and personal. Alternatively, how about setting off astride a quad bike? Or at an extra cost, there’s hot air ballooning, a day trip to Sossusvlei, or scenic helicopter flights. And if you do decide to take it easy, you could always indulge in a spa treatment.
Great for: The most incredible landscapes you’ll ever see. Oh, and bat-eared fox, an array of antelope, Burchell’s zebra, black-backed jackals, aardwolves, African wild cats, leopards and cheetah.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome here – let them run wild!
Amenities: We’ve got a swimming pool, wifi, charging facilities, and hairdryers – you’re all set.
