Located in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, just south of the dunes of Sossusvlei, Kwessi Dunes offers travellers a first-class experience in one of the largest private reserves in southern Africa.
Overview
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the NamibRand mountains, and overlooking the desert plains and dunes of the Namib Desert, Kwessi Dunes is a thatch and canvas build entirely powered by solar, and consists of 12 sleeping rooms and the main lodge. The shared area includes a well-stocked bar, dining area, and library space, furnished throughout with comfortable sofas and armchairs. Outside, there is a veranda extending out onto a fire pit area to warm oneself during the cool of the evening and a swimming pool to escape the midday heat.
Food & service
The service at Kwessi Dunes is attentive and friendly. It should be noted that the menu is restricted given the remoteness of the camp, the real luxury here being the location. This said, the food is absolutely delicious.
Rooms
There are at Kwessi Dunes 10 twin sleeping tents and two family-style rooms. The twin tents include two four poster three-quarter beds and an en-suite bathroom. The family-style rooms come with a four poster king-size bed, two single beds, a shared bathroom with an outdoor shower. All rooms include a shaded veranda; an open-air room complete with a ‘star-bed’ for nights spent star gazing; and large glass doors, Persian-style carpets, and wicker features. The NamibRand is the continent’s only designated International Dark Sky Reserve, small wonder that the opportunity to spend part or the whole of the night gazing at the stars from the comfort of one’s accommodation is frequently cited as a Kwessi Dunes highlight.
Activities
Activities at Kwessi Dunes include the opportunity to explore the desert by foot, horseback or quad bike. Other options include game drives, sleep-outs under the stars, picnics, ballooning and scenic helicopter journeys. Expect to spot a range of desert-adapted wildlife amidst the dunes, including gemsbok, bat-eared fox, black-backed jackals, ‘aardwolves’ (a species of hyena), and African wild cats. The luckiest of guests may even chance upon leopard and cheetah. Kwessi truly encompasses the very best of the Namib.
Impact
Run and managed by Natural Selection, Kwessi Dunes’ portfolio of camps work closely with relevant conservation programmes, people and projects in the areas in which they operate. A stay here contributes to the Khomas Environmental Education Programme (KEEP), a learning initiative set up to teach and inspire environmental and wildlife stewardship among young children in Windhoek.