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Namibia


Weltevrede Guest Farm

Lodges near Sossusvlei - Namibia

Weltevrede Guest Farm (or Rest Camp) is approximately mid-way between Solitaire and Sesriem in the heart of the Namib Desert. It is bordered on three sides by the Namib Naukluft Park, and can be used as a base to visit the famous dunes of Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon. (It is 47kms from Sesriem). It is nestled amidst rugged mountains, shifting dunes, harsh gravel plains, dusty prehistoric river beds and endless camelthorn trees (Acacia erioloba).

Sossusvlei means 'the gathering place of water' in the local Nama language. Seasonal rains from the Naukluft and Tsaris Mountains that succeeded in reaching the vlei, create temporary lakes that reflected the sand dunes surrounding them. The high, red sand dunes which surround Sossusvlei form part of the sand sea, which stretches from just north of Luderitz to the Kuiseb River. Some of these dunes reach as high as 220m.

Vegetation, such as the camelthorn tree, (specially created for tourists to enjoy a shady breakfast or lunch under) is watered by infrequent floods of the Tsauchab River, which slowly soak into the underlying clay. Sossusvlei is one of 4 clay pans in the area, the others being The Dead Vlei, Hidden Vlei and Nara Vlei.

The Weltevrede main building has an open-plan honesty bar and lounge area, with comfortable sofa's to relax and unwind. Breakfast and dinner can be ordered from their set menu in the dining area. Most of the meat, including oryx, springbok and occasionally kudu, is produced from the farm itself, as are some of the vegetables. Tea/coffee is also available. There is a swimming pool, and guests can take a dip after a day's driving or activities.

Accommodation at Weltevrede Guest Farm is in either 12 front rooms, that have a view of the sunset, and 3 back rooms that don't. All of the bungalows have en-suite bathrooms and are equipped with air conditioning. Each has it's own small private veranda, with some good views of the surrounding landscape.

Camping is also available at Weltevrede and each site has its own private toilet, shower & basin situated a few meters from the site.  Each campsite has also has cement chairs & a table, a braai area, firepit, a small basin & a light.  There is no power point at the campsite however power available at the ablution for an extra fee.

Weltevrede Guest Farm does not run it's own trips into Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon, as most of their guests prefer to self-drive into the park. There are a number of unmarked walking trails, starting and finishing at the farm, and it is possible to view some of the game on the farm at their spot-lit waterhole. Springbok is a common visitor.

Children of all ages are welcome at the farm.

Accommodation in Namibia

  • Weltevrede: Fish pond at the entrance of the Lapa (restaurant/bar/coffee station)
  • Weltevrede: A two track road on Weltevrede
  • Weltevrede: A view from the dunes on Weltevrede over the Naukluft Mountains
  • Weltevrede: The high dunes of Sossusvlei
  • Weltevrede: The Lapa (restaurant/bar/coffee station)
  • Weltevrede: A dead tree stump on Weltevrede
  • Weltevrede: The bar area
  • Weltevrede: Ostriches running
  • Weltevrede: Red dunes & sand
  • Weltevrede: A lone Springbuck
  • Weltevrede: The back of the rooms with parking area for a car per room
  • Weltevrede: Every room has a lounge area
  • Weltevrede: A family room, with 1 double & 2 single beds in 1 en-suite room
  • Weltevrede: A twin room, each room uniquely decorated
  • Weltevrede: The small illuminated waterhole with a springbok drinking.  They come most days & we also have about 5000 Namaqua Sandgrouse coming to drink water at this hole every morning
  • Weltevrede: Lapa entrance on the bar side
  • Weltevrede: Lodge against the background of the Naukluft mountains
  • Weltevrede: The swimming pool & deck
  • Weltevrede: The red dunes & Naukluft mountains all on one property (after good rains)
  • Weltevrede: 2011 was a record year for rain in Namibia -the desert came alive
  • Weltevrede: Each room is en-suite with own toilet, shower & basin
  • Weltevrede: Flowing river on Weltevrede during the rains
  • Weltevrede: Canyon like river bed on Weltevrede
  • Weltevrede: view from a campsite
  • Weltevrede: Campsite at Weltevrede
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  • Activities at the Lodge
  • Activities around Sossusvlei
Scenic walks & Hiking Trails
Hiking trails through dry river beds, dunes and open plains or to bushman paintings are available on the farm — trail maps are provided
Game & Bird viewing
After 17 years of conservation activities (by the current owners) with water taken daily to manmade watering holes, there are now a 1000+ Springbuck on the farm. Regular cheetah sightings have been made in the last few years. There are also jackals, leopards, mountain zebras, ground squirrels, kudus, gemsbok, ostriches, various insects and around 60 bird species to be seen at Weltevrede.
Ballooning over Sossusvlei

Drift over the dune fields at Sossusvlei and enjoy a champagne breakfast wherever the wind takes you

Scenic Flights

light aircraft regularly depart on scenic flights over Sossusvlei and its surroundings

Directions:

Weltevrede Guestfarm is situated between Solitaire and Sesriem off the C19. Turn east off the C19 37 km south of Solitaire and 47 km north of Sesriem.

Map of Swakopmund - indicating the Alternative Space

Agama River Camp

Offering a choice of rooms or campsites around 45km north of Sesriem

Betesda Rest Camp

Budget choice, catering for both large bus groups and individual travellers

Desert Camp

Competitively priced self catering lodge - very close to the entrance to the Namib Naukluft Park

Desert Homestead

Mid-range accommodation offering some of the best value for money in the area. Horse riding an added activity

Hoodia Desert Lodge

Mid range lodge located only 22km from the Sesriem gate to the Namib-Naukluft Park

Kulala Desert Lodge

Up-market lodge with private entrance to the dunes at Sossusvlei

Kulala Wilderness Camp

Up-market tented lodge, on the same private reserve as Kulala Desert Lodge

Le Mirage Desert Lodge & Spa

Moroccan inspired architecture seems strangely out of place in Namibia. The location, spa and general amenities are good.

Little Kulala

Luxury lodge with guided tour to the dunes using the lodges own private entrance, excellent choice for those looking for a little extra luxury

Little Sossus Lodge

Reasonable value for money - on the main route to Sossusvlei

Moon Mountain Lodge

A new hotel with raised rooms built on wooden platforms 40km from Sesriem

Namib Desert Lodge

Budget choice, fairly far from the dunes and next to the fossil dune cliffs

Namib Naukluft Lodge

Good solid choice, on a beautiful property some distance from the park entrance

Sesriem Campsite

Closest to the dunes - camping only

Sossus Dune Lodge

Brand new luxury camp inside the Namib Park borders

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Most luxurious lodge in the area, air-conditioned rooms and private butler

Sossusvlei Lodge

Large establishment right next to the Sesriem Campsite, best for keeping driving to a minimum

Weltevrede Rest Camp

A friendly owner run lodge offering excellent value for money. Rooms have private verandah's offering views of sunsets over the Namib Desert dunes & spot-lit waterhole.

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