Sossusvlei Lodge

You stay at Sossusvlei Lodge just inside the gate to Namib Naukluft Park, where the red dunes of Sossusvlei and the dry trees of Deadvlei begin. The lodge looks out over the desert, and the floodlit waterhole by the restaurant draws oryx, springbok, and ostrich after dark.

The rooms are air-conditioned, with patios facing the desert. Some have twin beds; the junior suite adds a living area and a private splash pool. The main building holds a bar stocked with South African wines and Namibian beers, a sundowner deck for watching the sunset, and a beer garden under old acacia trees.

The swimming pool is shaped like the Southern Cross, with underwater seats for cooling off while still looking at the dunes. The restaurant serves buffet breakfasts and dinners, with grilled meats and salads made fresh. You can order picnic baskets for early drives to Sossusvlei.

The lodge arranges guided excursions, scenic flights, and hot-air ballooning over the desert. Sesriem Canyon is a short drive away.