Located on the southern edge of the Namibian desert in the Karas region, Sonop is a stunning example of luxurious tented camping.
Overview
Built with the British colonial experience of the 1920s firmly in mind, Sonop’s lavish furnishings contrast, quite deliberately, with the encircling desert. Ten elegant tents constitute the camp’s sleeping areas, and the lodge also has a spa, communal area, fitness centre, and heated outdoor infinity pool with a bar.
Food & service
The food and service at Sonop can be summed up in one word: sophistication. A la carte breakfast is followed by light lunchtime dishes, while black-tie service is matched by glistening silverware during the evening gala-style 5-course dinners. Breakfasts and dinners can also be prepared to be savoured among the wild dunes, and staff are more than happy to accommodate specific dietary requirements. A trip to Cocktail & Cigar Lounge after dinner cannot be missed. Shaped in the style of an authentic gentlemen’s club – think billiard table, parlour games and punchy cocktails – this room encapsulates Sonop’s charming testament to the past.
Rooms
There are eight one-bedroom tents and two two-bedroom tents at Sonop, the latter of which has a focus on visiting families. Every bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and offers impressive views of the Namib Desert. Furnished with a range of antiques and precious woods, the tents will transport guests back to the Roaring Twenties – an era defined by its poise and refinement. The rooms also have Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
Activities
The desert provides the majority of activities at Sonop, and guests can choose to explore the region by foot, horseback, or electric bike. Expect to see a vast range of desert-dwelling wildlife, including jackals, brown hyenas, oryxes and leopards. At night, telescopes allow guests to discover the wonders of a clear starry sky, while an open-air cinema – in conjunction with an ice-cold cocktail from the lounge – tops off a day of adventure.