Where to stay in NamibRand Nature Reserve
7 hand-picked glamping camps and lodges in and around the park.
Wolwedans Desert Lodge
Wolwedans Dunes Lodge
Wolwedans Dune Camp
Kwessi Dunes
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Zannier Hotels Sonop
Little Kulala Lodge
NamibRand Nature Reserve guide
Overview
NamibRand Nature Reserve covers about 202,200 hectares of the Namib Desert in south-western Namibia, next to the Namib-Naukluft National Park and south of Sossusvlei. It was created by joining old livestock farms and returning them to wildlife, which makes it one of the largest private nature reserves in Southern Africa.
The landscape has some of the Namib’s most beautiful scenery: red dunes, golden grass plains, gravel flats, and mountains that rise from the desert. NamibRand is also known for its fairy circles, bare patches of ground ringed by grass whose origin is still debated.
NamibRand was named Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, and its night skies are among the darkest anywhere. Only a few low-impact lodges and camps are allowed, so the reserve feels empty and quiet. Activities include nature drives, guided walks, hot-air balloon flights and stargazing.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Desert mammals
Gemsbok, springbok and Hartmann’s mountain zebra are the most common larger animals. Spotted and brown hyena, leopard, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox and aardwolf are also present.
Birds and small life
Look for sociable weavers and their huge nests, raptors such as lappet-faced vultures and many small desert reptiles.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: April to October, when the days are warm rather than hot and the nights are clear and cold.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Apr – May | Autumn | Golden grass after any summer rain. Pleasant days. |
| Jun – Aug | Winter | Cold nights and the clearest skies for stargazing. |
| Sep – Oct | Spring | Warming up, often windy. |
| Nov – Mar | Summer | Hot. Occasional storms. |
Plan your stay around the new moon for the darkest skies.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hosea Kutako International (WDH), Windhoek | All international arrivals | About 5 to 6 hours by road, or take a charter flight to a lodge airstrip. |
By road
From Windhoek, drive south-west via the C24 or C26 towards Sesriem, then south on the D826. Roads are gravel, and lodges send directions when you book.
Entrance & Fees
Access to NamibRand is for lodge guests only. A daily park fee per guest is charged to fund conservation, and it's usually included in your lodge rate.
Confirm what is included with your lodge before you travel.
Fees last checked October 2026 against the NamibRand Nature Reserve website.
