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Kwessi Dunes

Kwessi Dunes

The NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia

Kwessi Dunes is located in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, one of southern Africa’s largest private nature reserves. The vast desert plains stretch out in front of the lodge, framed by mountains and the area’s red sand dunes.

The lodge has 12 air-conditioned canvas tents, all with thatched roofs, en suite bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, and a shaded veranda. Two of the tents are family units, with separate bedrooms that share a bathroom.

As Africa’s first designated Dark Sky Reserve, the NamibRand has some of the lowest light pollution on Earth, Kwessi Dunes takes advantage of this with a unique star-gazer room attached to every tent. The ceiling is open so you can fall asleep under the twinkling lights of the star-studded night sky.

In the main lodge, you can relax into a comfortable sofa in the bar or library. When it gets hot, enjoy a dip in the swimming pool. Then, when evening comes, you can sit around the campfire, enjoying a Namibian sunset with a sundowner drink in hand.

OUR OPINION:

Kwessi Dunes is a comfortable and striking lodge with plenty of character and an abundance of vistas. We love the sense of space and expansive views across the reserve from every angle of the lodge.

OUR RATING: First Class

Speak to someone
who's been there
Audley Travel specialist James

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Namibia specialists

Rooms

The stylish tents have canvas walls and high thatched roofs to keep them cool when temperatures rise. Ten tents have double/twin four-poster beds and there are two family units with a double and twin bedroom which share a bathroom.

All the tents have air conditioning, a private veranda, and a spacious bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers. At the back of each tent you’ll find the star-gazer room, which has a large bed completely open to the skies.

Location

Situated within a sprawling private reserve, Kwessi Dunes is surrounded by the distinctive red dunes of the enormous NamibRand Nature Reserve. Craggy rocks punctuate the vast sandy terrain and the overwhelming sense of space is compelling. The rugged landscape is a playground that you can explore on foot, by vehicle, quad bike, helicopter or hot air balloon.

Food and drink

As the sun rises, breakfast is served around the crackling fire before the first activity of the day. Other meals are generally eaten communally, joining your guides to share stories of adventures around Namibia. The food is hearty and plentiful, and all dietary requirements can be accommodated. Private dining can also be arranged on request.

Families

Children of all ages are welcome at Kwessi Dunes.

Facilities and activities

Activities at this lodge include scenic drives to see the desert-adapted wildlife of the NamibRand, nature walks, and quad biking. If you feel like trying something different, you can enjoy a hot air balloon ride, a scenic helicopter flight, or horse riding.

Tour ideas in The NamibRand Nature Reserve

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Kwessi Dunes as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favourite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    • Wolwedans Boulders Camp, NamibRand Nature Reserve
      Responsible Choice

      Wolwedans Boulders Camp

      NamibRand Nature Reserve
      Deluxe
    • Wolwedans Dune Camp, NamibRand Nature Reserve
      Responsible Choice

      Wolwedans Dune Camp

      NamibRand Nature Reserve
      Deluxe

    The NamibRand Nature Reserve and nearby places