Thatched chalet at Kwessi Dunes glowing at dusk, NamibRand.

Kwessi Dunes

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It’s not just about sand at Kwessi Dunes, this is where you come to see stars like you’ve never seen them before. Located in a vast desert wilderness area known as the NamibRand Nature Reserve, Kwessi Dunes is the real star of the show. With desert vistas that go on forever, Kwessi feels far away from everything. This photogenic desert hideaway is the main setting for many Insta-worthy activities from horse riding and hot air ballooning, to quad biking over dunes or hiking up them. Spend hours pondering the meaning and mystery behind the fairy circles and, whatever you do, don’t miss an unforgettable early morning excursion to nearby Sossusvlei. Besides snapping the iconic petrified trees of Deadvlei, this is where you have the chance to climb one of Namibia’s highest mounds of sand. It’s not called Big Daddy for nothing. When the sun goes down you can choose the comfort of your air-conditioned suite, or opt to sleep in your own private starbed. You’ll fall asleep counting your lucky stars, quite literally. 

The Kwessi Dunes experience

The 200 000-hectare NamibRand is a private nature reserve adjoining the Namib-Naukluft National Park. It’s so worth the detour on any safari circuit to experience Sossusvlei and the world’s oldest desert. A safari here is not about tracking the Big Five and ticking birds off your list. It’s about experiencing the spectacular dune landscape and marvelling at the solitude of the desert.

Kwessi Dunes at Namib desert, Sossusvlei, Namibia

Stuff we love

Come and play amongst the stars

  • The resident Gemsbok herds that dot the landscape. They are frequent visitors to Kwessi’s waterhole. 
  • Watching the sun rise on an early morning hot air balloon ride over the desert. 
  • The 2-hour climb to the top of Big Daddy dune (believe it or not, it’s easier barefoot.)

Kwessi Dunes in pictures

Lodge activities

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Game Drive
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Bush Walk
Outdoor Bath
Outdoor Shower
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Helicopter
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Horseriding
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Hot air balloon
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Camp pool
Quad Biking icon
Quad-biking
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Sleep under the stars
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Massage

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Stefan Williams
Stefan Williams
a year ago

Simply amazing. We have had 2 trips of a lifetime with Hidden Africa now, and plan on many more. Their … read more

Owen Brenner
Owen Brenner
2 years ago

Chad at Hidden Africa was absolutely wonderful to work with. We worked together to fully customized our 2 week elopement … read more

Sumana Moole
Sumana Moole
a year ago

I cannot recommend Hidden Africa and Chad highly enough! From the very first conversation, Chad was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely … read more

Sonia Kolar
Sonia Kolar
6 months ago

Geraldine worked with my friend Cheryl to arrange the most amazing Southern Africa trip. Geraldine even worked around some of … read more

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