The Elegant Desert Lodge

The Elegant Desert Lodge is situated on the farm Hyas, between the Naukluft Mountains to the north and the Tsaris Mountains in the south, in Namibia's Hardap region. This area features flat gravel plains amidst mountain ranges, close to some of the world’s highest sand dunes. The lodge was previously known as Betesda Lodge and underwent a change of management and a complete refurbishment in 2016. Its modern yet soulful design combines the look of a classic safari camp with an elegant interior.

Accommodation is offered in 27 air-conditioned rooms, all of which are en-suite. The lodge also has a beautiful and tranquil garden, described as a small oasis in the desert, offering various spots for relaxation. Communal facilities include a stone swimming pool with mountain views, surrounded by shady sun loungers. A boma with a firepit is located nearby, providing seating for viewing sunrises or enjoying drinks at sunset. The lodge’s main area is a large stone-and-thatch building with mullion windows, offering panoramic desert views and housing the open-plan reception, dining area, and bar.

Guests can wake to the multi-coloured light of the desert sunrise and begin their day with an extensive breakfast buffet. For those planning early excursions, a picnic breakfast pack is available. During the day, options include unwinding in the contemporary lounge, relaxing in the lush garden, or sunbathing by the sparkling pool. A pool bar is available for drinks. A scenic drive is offered, providing spectacular views overlooking the vast gravel plains, contrasted with the Tsaris and Naukluft mountain massifs of the Namib Desert. Evenings allow guests to observe magnificent sunsets while enjoying a beverage, before gathering around the blazing campfire in the African firepit. There is a chance to encounter wildlife quenching their thirst at a nearby waterhole.

The lodge offers 27 elegantly appointed and air-conditioned rooms, all of which are en-suite. These tasteful and comfortable rooms are designed to evoke a soulful yet liberating atmosphere, drawing on the essence of the world’s oldest desert. Each room provides guests with a veranda from which to enjoy vistas of the desert plains.

The rooms are built in a single line, featuring a long terrace at the front and a veranda at the back. These spacious rooms have polished stone floors that extend up the rear wall behind the bed. Furnishings are minimal, including a pale wooden bench and nightstands, complemented by beds with white sheets, green rugs, and cushions that add colour. Some rooms offer views where antelope, such as oryx, can occasionally be seen wandering past.

Breakfast is served as an extensive and wholesome buffet. For guests with early morning plans, a picnic breakfast pack is available. Lunch can be enjoyed in a laid-back setting, with a selection of fine South African wines available from an extensive, handpicked range.

For dinner, the lodge offers a daily-varying 4-course set menu featuring Namibian delights. Dinner is served either in the restaurant or, weather permitting, outdoors under the stars in the garden. The main lodge area includes a bar, and there is also a pool bar available for drinks. The dining spaces, whether indoors or outdoors, aim to provide a blend of modern and traditional styles.

The Elegant Desert Lodge is situated on the farm Hyas in Sesriem, Hardap, Namibia. It lies between the Naukluft Mountains to the north and the Tsaris Mountains in the south. This area is characterised by flat gravel plains and majestic mountain ranges, in proximity to some of the world's highest sand dunes. The lodge is positioned at the foot of one of the rugged hills that rise from the Namib plains.

The location is on the border of the World Heritage Site of the Namib Desert. It is approximately 38km from the gate to Sesriem and Sossusvlei, and about an hour's drive from the entrance to Namib-Naukluft National Park. The lodge is located 5km along the D854 from the turnoff from the C19, 40km from Sesriem. This positioning makes it a base for excursions to Sossusvlei’s monumental dunes and Sesriem Canyon.

The Elegant Desert Lodge suits guests seeking a tranquil retreat and a base for exploring the Namib Desert. Its location appeals to those interested in visiting Sossusvlei’s dunes and Sesriem Canyon, with options for early starts and picnic breakfasts. The lodge’s serene atmosphere, with a garden oasis and multiple relaxation spots, is suitable for individuals or couples looking for calm.

With activities such as quad biking, hiking, sundowner drives, and organised trips to Sossusvlei, it is suitable for adventurous travellers. The option to book scenic flights and hot air ballooning further caters to guests desiring unique perspectives of the desert landscape. The presence of a firepit and a waterhole where wildlife might be seen makes it suitable for those who appreciate natural experiences and evenings under the stars. The lodge welcomes children, though parental supervision is expected.