Hoodia Desert Lodge is situated on the banks of the Tsauchab river, and is only 22kms from the Sesriem entrance to Sossusvlei, and is an ideal location to visit Sesriem Canyon, the magnificent dunes of Sossusvlei on to the Namib Naukluft Park.

Sossusvlei is a clay pan created by a river that flows through the Namib desert every 5 to 10 years. It is famous for the spectacular high, red sand dunes which surround it, part of a major sand sea. The river does not reach the Atlantic Ocean, but drains away between the dunes of Sossusvlei. Vegetation, such as camelthorn trees, are watered by infrequent floods of the Tsauchab River, which slowly soak into the underlying clay. One local meaning of Sossus means 'place of no return' and the word vlei is an Afrikaans word for 'marsh.' Sossusvlei itself is in the small valley and is one of 4 clay pans in the area; the others being The Dead Vlei, Hidden Vlei and Nara Vlei.

Hoodia are a group of succulent plants from the family Apocynaceae it is traditionally used by the San people of as an appetite suppressant, thirst quencher and as a cure for severe abdominal cramps, haemorrhoids, tuberculosis, indigestion, hypertension and diabetes. More recently Hoodia has sprung to international attention as the magic cure-all diet product. However dieting will be the last thing on your mind when you visit the the restaurant at Hoodia Desert Lodge which offers exquisite international and traditional cuisine. All meals are from a set menu.

Sundowners and night-caps can be enjoyed in the bar with it's deck pool, a great spot to jump in and cool off from the hot, Namibian desert sun. Fine dining should be accompanied by fine South African wines, from their very own underground wine cellar, day or night.

Accommodation at the lodge consists of 12 single or double luxury tented bungalows. They are all equipped with a private open-air en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, tea/coffee station, in-room safe, shaded porch and stargazing platform.

The main activity in this area is the Sossusvlei Excursion and other game / scenic / sundowner drives are available. Guided bird and plant tours can also be organized.

Directions:

Hoodia Lodge is around 22km south of Sesriem on the C19