Rostock Ritz is built on the slope of a hill. It overlooks the Rostock Mountain range to the north and the colourful dune landscape of the Namib Desert, to the southwest. The Ritz is also a popular lunch stop for travellers between the dunes at Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert and Swakopmund.

The rooms were designed by a well-known Namibian architect. The unique round structures blend into the granite surroundings. The shape gives it them an African flair, no roof structure was necessary (seasonal twisters are not uncommon in this region), and the 'cave feeling' of the interior allows their guests a feeling of security in the wilderness of Namibia.

Rostock Ritz can accommodate 60 guests. They have 20 en-suite rooms comprising of 16 standard, 2 handicapped and 2 luxury rooms (the honeymoon and VIP suites). Each has it's own terrace and panoramic view over the Namib Desert. There is 24hr electric light and fan facilities and their tap water comes crystal clear from boreholes 30 metres deep and 7 kilometres away. Hot water is generated by solar geysers.

Meals are served in the restaurant from the chef's 'a la carte' menu, or a 3 course menu. There is also a well-stocked bar. Day visitors are welcome! Starters include a selection of seafood, meat or cheese dishes. There are a salads, fish, chicken and meat dishes, side and small dishes, not to mention a variety of desserts and after dinner liqueurs

The hiking trails have been designed for their guests enjoyment as well as to experience the tranquility of the desert. There is much to appreciate here in the form of landscape and astonishing sunrises and sunsets. Insect, bird and many species of wildlife are found here.

Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge specifically ask their guests to 'leave nothing than footprints - silver foil, plastic bags & tins could be the start of a garbage mountain.'

Activities include a variety of well-marked hiking trails through the gorges of Gaub & Kuiseb Canyon. They are of a variety of intensity and duration. These treks cater for both athletes and nature lovers. They include a sundowner/sunrise walk, Plain and Ubib walk, river trail, spring walk, and Gaubspring walk. There is a 4x4 drive to historical bushman paintings hidden in the oasis cave, a sunset drive through the Rostock landscape and a self-drive tour to Sossusvlei. (The highest sand dunes in the world).

Many guests also love to watch the meerkats and the desert fauna, or just relax, unwind and marvel at the fabulous view from the swimming pool.

Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge can be reached by road or daily charter from Swakopmund or Windhoek. Pilots can also land with your own aircraft on their 1.6 km airstrip.

Accommodation in Namibia

Note, most activities must be booked in advance

Scenic drives

Explore the semi-desert area in the vicinity of Rostock Ritz in an all-terrain vehicle. You will encounter red sand dunes, interesting geological structures and rock formation and rare desert plants. With luck you will also spot a few Hartmann-Zebras. The drive ends with a sundowner drink with views across the Namib desert.

Trips to cave paintings

An hour 4x4 drive & a twenty minute hike rewards participants with a gallery of a thousand year old rock paintings. The paintings are in good condition and have been created by generations of Bushmen. After admiring the paintings you will enjoy a drink as the sun sets, and then hike back to the vehicle and return to the lodge.

hiking trails

40 km of marked walking trails (GPS and trail booklet)in the open spaces of the Namib,the canyons of the Gaub(springs) and the red Rostock mountains

Sossusvlei

half-day trips to the dunes at Sossusvlei including a breakfast basket prepared by the lodge

Directions:

Rostock Desert Lodge is situated north of Solitaire. Turn east off the C14, 30 km south of the junction with the C26 or 55 km north of Solitaire. The lodge is 7 km from the turn off.