The Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge is designed for easy accessibility. All houses are without steps, and the main building is accessible via paved walking paths. Showers are flush to the floor, barrier-free, and spacious.
Accommodation
The main building is set on a natural island in the dry lake (Vlei). It features a traditional African thatched roof and was built in the traditional African style. It can only be reached via a 120-metre wooden boardwalk. The following facilities are available in the main building:
- Restaurant and breakfast buffet
- Reception
- Bar
- Teak wood sundowner terrace
- Free wireless LAN
- Swimming pool with terrace and watering hole view
No. 1 – Nyala
Unlike the other houses, Nyala features an additional “wide-angle
scenic view” apart from the main picture window. Along the whole
length of the building, the canvas contains glass windows arranged to
follow the course of the dunes. The living and sleeping area of Nyala
is the largest available. Its sunset view probably surpasses that of
all the other guest houses. Though there is no view towards the watering
hole, the dunes view makes up for it. A beautiful hidden outdoor shower
is also available. Distance from the main building: 300 metres.
No. 2 – Impala
The house overlooks a bright tree savanna with high grass that shines golden yellow during the dry season. On the other side of the Vlei, the red sand dunes of the Kalahari Desert are visible.
No. 3 – Blue Wildebeest
The two houses called Blue and Black Wildebeest are named after the two gnu species of the reservation. Since they look very similar and tend to form groups together, they have named these “twin houses”. As a unit, the houses are perfect for families or groups of friends and are connected by a boardwalk closed on one side. Thus, it is possible to cross from one house to the other without going “outside”. The facing exterior walls are solid, while the exterior walls on the averting sides consist of canvas.
The houses can also be booked separately. In that case, the doors to the boardwalk will be locked. Especially during sunset, the houses offer a breathtaking view over the grass savanna with its camel thorn trees. Distance from the main building: 180 metres.
No. 5 – Springbok
Elevated on the edge of the Vlei, Springbok offers a beautiful panoramic view of tree savanna, dry lake, and steppe. The terrace lies hidden in the shrubs on the water bank. The open shower features a spectacular savanna view. Short distance from the main building: 100 metres.
No. 6 – Eland
The large Eland guest house features a particularly beautiful bathroom. French windows offer spectacular perspectives. Additional outdoor shower. Even from your bed, you can watch the animals at the watering hole in the Vlei. Short distance from the main building: 150 metres.
No. 7 – Giraffe
As the name indicates, Giraffe is not the smallest guest house. The bathroom is very large, and the open shower is the largest available. This also applies to the outdoor shower. Among large old Acacia bushes, the Giraffe guest house nestles between the shrubs on the water bank. It offers a view over the Vlei to the watering hole and the dunes on the opposite side. Distance from the main building: 200 metres.
No. 8 – Oryx
The Oryx guest house rivals the Red Hartebeest guest house with its spectacular view for animal watching. As hidden and shy as an oryx, the guest house offers a lot of privacy. Through the picture windows, antelopes drinking from the Vlei can be watched even from the bedside. Additional hidden outdoor shower. Distance from the main building: 300 metres.
No. 9 – Red Hartebeest
The Red Hartebeest is the fastest antelope. Due to its proximity to the watering hole, the Red Hartebeest guest house is perfect for animal watching. Chances are good to see warthogs, zebras, kudus, or nyalas. Experience Africa at close range in the additional outdoor shower. Even from the bedside, there is a terrific view over the Vlei, the watering hole, and the dunes on the opposite side. Distance from the main building: 350 metres.
No. 10 – Zebra
The terrace in front of the Zebra guest house makes you feel like being directly inside the Vlei. Its special location underneath a large camel thorn tree sets this guest house apart from the other special ones. The additional hidden outdoor shower underneath the tree adds to the atmosphere. Distance from the main building: 480 metres.
No. 11 – Kudu
The Kudu guest house happened to be the first guest house and still is the favourite of all those who helped set up the lodge. It is the only guest house with steps leading to the terrace and where you have to cross shrubs to get from the terrace to the house. Each spot is perfectly hidden from view. In this almost lonely place, you can become a part of the Kalahari Desert. Rest, relax, listen to your inner voice. A very special guest house indeed. Distance from the main building: 450 metres.
No. 12 – Ostrich
Remote, secluded, with breathtaking views. Any restriction of the view would be a shame. Thus, additional windows had to be installed. Wilderness, peace, nature. Whoever has the privilege to stay here probably does not care much about dinner in the main building. Instead, you should order a candlelight dinner with a good red wine and enjoy the evening on the wooden terrace in the Vlei. The sounds of an African night underneath the starry sky – an unforgettable experience. Actually, the place is way too beautiful to sleep at all. Distance from the main building: 500 metres.
Directions
Easily accessible via a tarmac road. From Windhoek, drive 190 km on the B1 direction Mariental / Keetmannshop. 8 km south of Kalkrand, leave the B1 and turn left onto the grounds of the lodge.