African Safari Consultants

LionLogo.jpg (2229 bytes)

Wolwedans Dune Camp
ball.gif (1653 bytes) Member of the Classic Safari Camps of Africa ball.gif (1653 bytes)

Location:
 
Namib Rand Nature Reserve, one of Southern Africa's largest private concession areas, is situated on the edge of the Namib Desert, close to Sossusvlei. 

Extending for more than180,000 hectares, the reserve shares a common border of some 120 kilometers with the Namib Naukluft Park in the West, and is protected by the Namib Mountain Range in the East.

Accommodation:

The Wolwedans Collection consists of the elaborate Wolwedans Dunes Lodge, the more rustic Dune Camp and the Wolwedans Private Camp.

Wolwedans Dunes 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 main complex of Dunes Lodge - 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.

   

The 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. Add 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.

Wolwedans 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.

   

Wolwedans 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 (all food and beverages are supplied, you cook and serve 'entre nous') will keep you fully occupied. It is recommended that guests who have not stayed at Wolwedans prior, 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 Private Camp 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 Private Camp requires a minimum stay of two nights and is only available from 15 December to 15 March. The camp can also be booked with all services and activities included, for example a private chef and your personal field guide.

Activities/ Game Viewing:
 
The particular attraction of the Namibrand is the diversity of the different landscapes. Virtually all facets of the Namib are represented here. Expansive sand and gravel plains interspersed by vast stretches of golden grass savannah alternate with majestic mountain ranges. 

Encroaching from the west are tongues of dunes, their colors ranging from yellow-gold and ochre to rose, russet, maroon and deep brick-red, paling and deepening as the day wanes. It is these flamboyant colors, the result of oxidation of the ancient quartz grains, that make the area a visual utopia for artists and photographers.

The variety of flora and fauna is as fascinating as the color nuances of the landscape which change as the day progresses. Camel thorn Trees - recognized by their distinctive umbrella shapes, cracked gray bark and green canopies - grow throughout the dune areas and along the river beds. An interesting variety of desert succulents occurs amongst the rocky outcrops and mountain slopes, including conspicuous species such as  Hoodia and Euphorbia.

Game found in the area include Gemsbok, Mountain  Zebra, Springbok, Red Hartebeest, Blesbok, Bat Eared Fox, Spotted Hyaena, Aardwolf, Cape Fox, Caracal, African Wild Cat and Black Backed Jackal. The more rocky areas are inhabited by Kudu, Klipspringer, Baboon and Leopard, while dunes are home to a rich and diverse micro fauna of moles, gerbils, snakes, geckos, beetles, spiders and ants.  

Over a hundred species of birds have been recorded at Namibrand, amongst which are sand grouse, weavers, secretary birds, eagles, falcons, vultures and several varieties of larks. Accompanied by experienced guides, visitors are introduced to the many facets of Namib Rand Nature Reserve's unique desert habitat with its manifold fauna and flora - walking, driving, or from the air in a balloon.

Hot-Air Ballooning
 
Experience the immensity of the Namib Desert painted by the rising sun in a silent balloon riding the air. From the best viewpoint admire the stark beauty of the Namib, an ocean of sand, mountains and endless vistas of shadow and light.

After an hour in the air, celebrate this unique experience with a champagne breakfast at the landing spot.

Balloon safaris start at Camp Mwisho, situated at the North of Namib Rand Nature Reserve or at Sesriem (staying at Sossusvlei Karos Lodge).

Rates:
ball.gif (924 bytes)    Please contact us for a suggested itinerary and quote   ball.gif (924 bytes)

African Safari Consultants
1042 Willow Creek Road # A101 - 240
Prescott, AZ 86301

T O L L     F R E E     ( 8 6 6 )     S E E   -   G A M E
T O L L     F R E E     ( 8 6 6 )     7 3 3   -  

4

2 6 3