Kwessi Dunes is in 15,000 hectares of exclusive desert with access to Namibia’s NamibRand Nature Reserve. Just south of the dunes of Sossusvlei. The NamibRand is an private nature reserve of over 200,000 hectares (one of the largest in southern Africa). It was established to protect and conserve the wildlife of the Namib Desert. With its rolling desert plains and backdrop of craggy mountains and iconic red dunes, this is a place where time seems to stand still and the space is never ending. Here, it’s not about chasing big game. But rather soaking up the beauty of the colorful landscape. Admiring the antelope that scatter the sand. And gazing at the stars that light up the night sky.
Also recognized as a Dark Sky Reserve, it lies in one of the naturally darkest (yet accessible) places on earth. Making it hands-down one of the most incredible places on earth to experience a starry, starry night.
The view from the lodge is spectacular. Glass windows and doors at the main area look out onto the undulating sand that only ends when it meets the mountains. Far in the distance. Inside, there’s a well-stocked bar, library area and several seating and dining areas. When the sun rises in the morning, head to the camp fire for a morning cuppa. While in the heat of the day, the swimming pool is the only place to be.
Kwessi Dunes has 12 air-conditioned and comfortable chalets. Two of these are family rooms with 2 single beds for 2 children with a shared bathroom for the family*. All rooms have striped canvas walls with high thatched roofs. The tents offer 2 x 3/4 beds, which can be converted to a king, and an en suite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers. A shaded, outdoor veranda and a separate ‘star gazer’ room, that completely opens to the sky complete this cool accommodation offering. The star gazer room is the perfect spot from which to watch the celestial theater show above.
Views from the rooms, the main area and the swimming pool are of the vast, desert vistas and when you can bear to tear your eyes away, enjoy quad biking, scenic drives and walks, hot air ballooning, helicopter flights, horse riding and day trips to Sossusvlei.
*There is a shared bathroom, with an outdoor shower. Max: 2 adults and 2 children. Children of all ages are welcome at Kwessi.
Twin bedsGuest Bedroom
NamibRand Wildlife
You might not find the Big Five wandering around the harsh desert of the NamibRand. But the dunes are home to a variety of wildlife that has adapted in many fascinating ways in order to survive. Take, for example, the gemsbok with their white bellies that reflect the heat of the sand and their sophisticated vascular system that cools the blood around the brain. Or the bat-eared fox – those giant ears aren’t just for comic value but help to amplify the sound of their predators approaching.
What you’ll undoubtedly see most of are antelope. From gemsbok to springbok, kudu to steenbok, they can be found in most corners of the reserve. Silhouetted against the red sand. You may also spot Burchell’s zebra amid the dunes. As well as the more unusual black-backed jackals, aardwolves and African wild cats, which can be surprisingly easy to find compared to other reserves on the continent. Leopard and cheetah are rare but there are small numbers of both.
Kwessi Dunes Activities
When you can bear to tear your eyes away from the views, Kwessi has a great range of activities to enjoy.
Activities marked with an * are at an extra cost
Day Trips to Sossusvlei*
What would a trip to the NamibRand Nature Reserve be without a trip to Sossusvlei? From Kwessi Dunes you will be able to spend the day exploring the iconic Deadvlei and Big Daddy dune before spending time at Sesriem Canyon en-route back to camp.
Nature Drives
Immerse yourself amongst the desert dunes, wildlife and breath taking scenery on a game drive.
Enjoy a morning or afternoon drive through the iconic red dunes of the NamibRand Nature Reserve. While it might not be a big 5 reserve, keep your eyes peeled for gemsbok, bat-eared foxes, black backed jackals, African wild cats and the iconic Oryx who all call the reserve home.
Nature Walks or E-Biking
Head out on foot to discover all that makes the NamibRand Nature Reserve so iconic. Tracking the desert adapted plants & wildlife along the way. E-Bike excursions are also offered.
Hot Air Ballooning*
Take in the vastness and beauty of the reserve from above with an early morning hot air balloon flight.
Hot air balloon
Scenic helicopter flights*
Witness the majestic red sand dunes from a perspective that few ever get to experience. The sheer beauty and grandeur of the Namib Desert by helicopter is phenomenal. This is going to be an exceptional photographic experience and an unforgettable air adventure. So buckle up and enjoy this exhilarating joy ride, this is desert adventure second to none.
Children of all ages are welcome
Duration: 30 min, 45min and 1hr options
Seasonal: Year round
Guided quad biking
Get the heart rate pumping as you explore the iconic red dunes on a quad bike!
Quad biking
Horse Riding*
Perfect for horse lovers, enjoy wide open spaces, red dunes and beautiful desert vistas on horseback (2 to 3 hours).
Night Drives
Experience this exceptional reserve at night. Here sunsets, desert dunes and stars go hand in hand.
Spa Treatments*
Relax, unwind and enjoy a massage during your afternoon siesta time or following your afternoon activity.
Star gazing experience
Did you know that the NamibRand is a registered dark sky reserve? Meaning you can enjoy probably the best star gazing in the world. With this in mind each chalet has a “Star Gazing” extension, right of your bedroom. Giving you the chance not only to enjoy the show evolve above your head but also to decide if you want to sleep inside or out.
Sleep under the stars
When to visit?
Kwessi Dunes is open all year round. The hyper-arid desert terrain is amazing in all seasons (and the air-conditioned rooms will always keep you cool), but the winter and summer months offer different experiences in terms of activities and weather. April to October is Namibia’s dry, winter season.
Temperatures are pleasant during the day in the winter months of April to October. But it can get cold in the early mornings and evenings. This is the time of year to witness the desert in its iconic, dry state and capture those iconic photo opportunities. In summer (November to March), temperatures rise and thunderstorms add drama to the landscape. It’s also an excellent time to spot some of the migratory birds that arrive in the desert.
How to get to Kwessi Dunes
Kwessi Dunes Lodge is in the Namib Desert near the iconic Sossusvlei sand dunes. The space is humbling and the sense of peace is almost spiritual. It’s one of the most striking, stirring places out there.
To get to this special place from Windhoek you can either take a 4 to 5 hour drive from Windhoek. Or, a 5 – 6 hour drive from Swakopmund. There is also an airstrip nearby. The flights from Windhoek in a light aircraft will take about an hour.
*Long stay rates cannot be combined with any other special offers. They exclude Uncharted Expeditions Camp (Botswana mobile safari), and Shipwreck Lodge*. However, any nights booked at these camps will qualify towards the minimum night stay.
2025 Kwessi Dunes Rates in Namibian Dollars
Luxury Room
Per Person Sharing
Single Supplement
High Season:
1st September – 31st October
1-5 Nights
N$16,995
N$6,800
6-7 Nights
N$16,145
N$6,460
Shoulder Season:
1st November – 19th December
1-5 Nights
N$11,495
N$0
6-7 Nights
N$10,346
High Season:
20th December 2025 – 9th January 2026
1-5 Nights
N$16,995
N$6,800
6-7 Nights
N$15,296
N$6,120
2026 Kwessi Dunes Rates in Namibian Dollars
Luxury Room
Per Person Sharing
Single Supplement
Green Season:
10th January – 31st March
1-5 Nights
N$10 845
N$0
6-7 Nights
N$9 761
8 Nights+
N$9 218
Shoulder Season:
1st – 30th April
1-5 Nights
N$12 495
N$4 998
6-7 Nights
N$11 246
N$4 498
8 Nights+
N$10 621
N$4 248
Shoulder High Season
1st – 31st May
1-5 Nights
N$14 645
N$5 858
6-7 Nights
N$13 913
N$5 565
8 Nights+
N$13 181
N$5 272
Shoulder Season:
1st – 30th June
1-5 Nights
N$12 495
N$4 998
6-7 Nights
N$11 246
N$4 498
8 Nights+
N$10 621
N$4 248
Peak Season:
1st July – 31st August
1-5 Nights
N$20 495
N$8 198
6-7 Nights
N$19 470
N$7 788
8 Nights+
High Season:
1st September – 31st October
1-5 Nights
N$18 445
N$7 378
6-7 Nights
N$17 523
N$7 009
8 Nights+
N$16 601
N$6 640
Shoulder Season:
1st November – 19th December
1-5 Nights
N$12 495
N$0
6-7 Nights
N$11 246
8 Nights+
N$10 621
High Season:
20th December 2026 – 9th January 2027
1-5 Nights
N$18 445
N$7 378
6-7 Nights
N$17 523
N$7 009
8 Nights+
N$16 601
N$6 640
NB: *Single Supplement Waiver: 10th January – 31st March and 1st November – 19th December.
Rates are per person per night and include:
Accommodation,
All meals & beverages,
WiFi,
Guest laundry,
Daily activities,
Airstrip transfers,
Guiding,
Park entry fees and VAT.
Rates Exclude:
Premium brand drinks,
Community, Conservation and Reserve Fee,
Gratuities and fully comprehensive personal travel insurance.
Kwessi Dunes Special Offers
Take advantage of these Kwessi Dunes extra discounts valid all year 2025 and 2026 (except where otherwise mentioned).
Kwessi Dunes Honeymoon Special:
One spouse receives 50% off the accommodation rate at camps in Namibia. Excludes Shipwreck Lodge and Etosha Safari House in Namibia. Botswana excludes Jack’s Private Camp, Planet Baobab and the Okavango Spirit (Northern Okavango Houseboat).
Natural Selection’s portfolio in Botswana and Namibia.
Offer is valid all year for an unlimited number of nights and will apply up to 12 months from the date of marriage.
Proof of marriage is required.
Stay 3, Pay 2
Book 3 nights at either Hoanib Valley Camp or Hoanib Elephant Camp, in combination with at least 3 nights at any other Natural Selection Namibia property (including Shipwreck Lodge) get 1 of the nights at the Hoanib camp for free.
Excluding Peak Season: 1st July – 31st August 2026.
