Dune Star Camp A Namib Desert Secret
Wildside Magazine|Spring 2016

En route to Sossusvlei, Ron Swilling discovers one of the most spectacular desert landscapes - accentuated at the golden hours of the day - and the perfect place to appreciate it

Dune Star Camp A Namib Desert Secret

Ripples of soft burnished sand lead the hungry eye over gentle dunes, down to a relief of landscape bathed in gold: an expanse of sand brightened by a fresh band of emerald-green and the soft pastels of the mauve-blue mountains in the distance.

Not surprisingly, this sublime desert scenery was recognised as the superlative setting for the intimate Dune Star Camp. The desert adventure begins in the late afternoon at the mother lodge, Namib Dune Lodge, where guests climb aboard the overland vehicle for the short drive to the camp. It follows the dramatic ridge of petrified dunes, peppered with gnarled camel thorn trees and robust gemsbok posing picture-perfect against the backdrop of red, before stopping on the crest of a steep sand dune. Guests alight and drawn by the spectacular view,move in a communal wave to the wooden deck. The vista is solely theirs for the best times of the day – the golden hours – or so say artists, photographers and dreamers. And, they can’t all be wrong.

Dune Star Camp and Namib Desert Lodge, part of the Gondwana Collection Namibia, are 60km north of Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei, and their dramatic setting threatens to steal the thunder of the famed destination. Or, rather it complements it and is an inspiring addition to a stay in the Namib Desert.

An ancient desert & the slow pace of eternity

This story is from the Spring 2016 edition of Wildside Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Spring 2016 edition of Wildside Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WILDSIDE MAGAZINEView All
4 Reasons Experiences Are Worth Investing In
Wildside Magazine

4 Reasons Experiences Are Worth Investing In

By now, the elation and anticipation of buying the latest Apple product has lost its lustre, and as the bills pile up, buyer’s remorse settles in.

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2020
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Wildside Magazine

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Spectacular coral islands, crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, a stunning array of marine life and a multitude of water sporting activities are what make the Maldives the perfect holiday destination.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2020
MEERU ISLAND RESORT AND SPA
Wildside Magazine

MEERU ISLAND RESORT AND SPA

PICTURE POSTCARD PERFECT

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2020
ADAARAN SELECT MEEDHUPPARU
Wildside Magazine

ADAARAN SELECT MEEDHUPPARU

PERFECT ISLAND ESCAPE

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2020
DE HOOP – NATURE UNCHANGED BY TWO CENTURIES
Wildside Magazine

DE HOOP – NATURE UNCHANGED BY TWO CENTURIES

“Ever wondered what it’s like to kick back in a pristine natural coastal environment so ancient and unchanged that it’s become the benchmark for measuring environmental change in South Africa?”

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2020
ADAARAN CLUB RANNALHI
Wildside Magazine

ADAARAN CLUB RANNALHI

PARTY PARADISE

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2020
A Practical Guide to Evaluating Captive Wildlife Attractions and Activities
Wildside Magazine

A Practical Guide to Evaluating Captive Wildlife Attractions and Activities

Captive wildlife attractions and interactions remain a complex, contentious and emotionally charged issue.

time-read
1 min  |
March 2020
Valentine's Day ‘Month Of Love' Specials From Around The Country...
Wildside Magazine

Valentine's Day ‘Month Of Love' Specials From Around The Country...

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner it’s time to check out the fabulous Valentine’s specials* being offered at top South African hotels around the country – and to check in for that extra-special Valentine’s weekend with your extraspecial someone! *valid for the entire month of February

time-read
10+ mins  |
January 2020
It's A Dogs Life....
Wildside Magazine

It's A Dogs Life....

''Beverley Country Cottages, in the beautiful, lush green Dargle Valley is one of Milo’s favourite places along with his owners, The O’Mahony’s!

time-read
1 min  |
February 2020
Why You Need To Plan A Wine Trip To Italy
Wildside Magazine

Why You Need To Plan A Wine Trip To Italy

Italy offers countless options for an unforgettable, luxurious wine holiday

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2020