Gondwana Collection | Lodges

The Desert Grace

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Overview of The Desert Grace

The Desert Grace is a modern lodge located 60 kilometers north of Sesriem on the C19 road in Namibia's Sossusvlei area. This property embodies desert elegance with a touch of yesteryear charm, featuring a stylish interior in beige tones accented by pale pink.

It's part of the Gondwana Collection and stands out as the first lodge built entirely using sandbags for sustainability, providing excellent insulation and cooler rooms in the desert heat. Guests can sip a pink gin while appreciating the expansive scenery from one of the 24 bungalows, each with its own private plunge pool.

he lodge offers gracious hospitality in a setting where ancient golden desert meets pure love indoors, making it a refreshing stop for travelers exploring the Namib.

The accommodation appeals to couples, families, and those with limited mobility, with a focus on comfort and accessibility. It's easily reached by sedan car and serves as a base for visiting Sossusvlei's dunes, 60 kilometers away. The lodge's design incorporates environmental considerations, blending seamlessly with the surroundings.

Visitors can relax by the pool, enjoy the bar, or partake in activities that highlight the desert's wonders, all while experiencing a sense of timeless grace.

Location and Accessibility

Situated at GPS coordinates -24.17389°, 15.90139°, the lodge is 30 kilometers south of Solitaire and 60 kilometers north of Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. It's nestled in Gondwana Namib Park, offering views of the red sand sea and fossilized dunes.

The area is known for its vast desert landscapes, providing a quieter alternative to busier spots. Access is via well-maintained gravel roads, suitable for standard vehicles, with secure parking available. The property is accessible for guests with limited mobility.

Transfers are available to nearby airstrips: Namib Naukluft Lodge Airstrip (return, max 6 pax), Solitaire Lodge Airstrip, and Sossusvlei Lodge Airstrip, with rates per vehicle.

Accommodation Options

The lodge has 24 bungalows, each featuring a private plunge pool accessible via a sliding door.

Bungalows

• 10 twin bungalows.
• 10 double bungalows.
• 4 family bungalows: Each with four beds and a shared bathroom, suitable for two adults and two children or four adults.
• Amenities include air conditioning/heating, safe, veranda, tea/coffee facilities, minibar (stocked with gin and tonic), fridge, en-suite bathroom with shower, basic toiletries, hairdryer, and umbrella.

The sandbag construction ensures natural insulation, keeping interiors cool.

Property Facilities and Amenities

Shared facilities include:

• Restaurant and bar with stylish decor.
• Wi-Fi at reception (1MB free per person per day).
• 24-hour security and mobile connectivity.
• Laundry service available.
• Credit cards accepted: Visa and MasterCard.

No camping or additional shared pools beyond the private ones.

Dining and Meals

Meals are served in the restaurant at scheduled times:

• Breakfast: 06:30-09:30.
• Light lunch: 12:00-15:00.
• Three-course lunch: 12:00-15:00.
• Dinner: 19:00-21:00.

Bed and breakfast is included for bungalow bookings, with lunches and dinners available for purchase. Options include buffets, à la carte, boma/dune dinners for groups (min 10 pax), and lunch packs. The bar offers drinks like pink gin to enjoy with desert views.

Activities and Experiences

Activities focus on the Namib's landscapes, with guided options providing educational insights.

Guided Activities

• Morning/Afternoon Nature Drive: Discover dunes and wonders in Gondwana Namib Park (2-3 hours, min 4 pax), with refreshments and snack. Morning departs 30 minutes before sunrise; afternoon 2 hours before sunset.
• Sossusvlei Excursion: Half-day to Sossusvlei (5-6 hours), including park fees, brunch, refreshments; departs 1 hour before sunrise, pre-booking essential.
• Desert Night Walk: Post-dinner stroll spotting nocturnal creatures with UV light (45 minutes).

Unguided Activities

• Walking Trails: Self-paced 3km, 5km, or 7km trails; inquire at reception, return before sunset.

These allow guests to appreciate the desert's beauty at their pace.

Child Policy and Reservations

Children are welcome:

• Up to 5 years: Free of charge.
• Ages 6-13: 50% of the bed and breakfast rate.

Family bungalows suit younger visitors.

Video of The Desert Grace

In summary, The Desert Grace provides a stylish, sustainable stay in the Namib, with private plunge pools and access to Sossusvlei. It's suited for relaxed exploration of Namibia's dunes.

INCLUDES

• Bed and breakfast (for bungalow bookings)
• Air conditioning/heating in bungalows
• Private plunge pool for each bungalow
• Safe in bungalows
• Veranda for each bungalow
• Tea/coffee facilities in bungalows
• Minibar in bungalows
• Fridge in bungalows
• En-suite bathroom with shower
• Basic toiletries in bungalows
• Hairdryer in bungalows
• Umbrella in bungalows
• Wi-Fi at reception (1MB free per person per day)
• 24-hour security
• Mobile connectivity
• Secure parking

EXCLUDES

• Lunch and dinner (available for purchase)
• Guided activities (e.g., Nature Drives, Sossusvlei Excursion, Desert Night Walk—bookable separately)
• Laundry service (available for a fee)
• Transfers (arrangable separately)
• Additional Wi-Fi beyond 1MB free per person per day
• National park entrance fees outside of included activities