Sossusvlei, Namibia: Moon Mountain Lodge

Four-star luxury in the desert

by Marita van Rooyen

The latest addition to luxury accommodation in the deserted landscapes of the Sossusvlei area is now officially open to visitors. Moon Mountain Lodge, which is located 30 kilometres south of Solitaire and 50 kilometres north of Sesriem off the C19, is a four-star establishment with breathtaking views, offering guests their own intimate, private space.

Unique surroundings

With a smoking and games room, television lounge and Internet facilities, the lodge is not only a luxurious getaway, but also perfect for doing business away from the hustle of city life. In total, the lodge has 20 rooms, 11 of which are luxury, two executive, four (twin-bedded) for guides, and three self-catering units. As a special cool-off service, all of the luxury and the two executive rooms have their own private splash-pool, where guests can enjoy their complimentary bottle of wine under starry Namibian skies. These rooms are also fitted with minibars. In addition to a shower, two basins and a toilet, the executive suites have a bidet and a large bathtub from where the surroundings can be peacefully enjoyed. All rooms have their own deck for appreciating the captivating views over the Naukluft Mountains, the petrified dune ridges, the red dunes of Sossusvlei and the unique dolomite formations found in the area. The rooms are spectacular, decorated with furniture made locally from dark pinewood and finished off with crisp white sheets. For the executive clients, the rooms come with complimentary slippers and robe.

Catering for all tastes

The lodge also boasts a large dining and lounge area, with uniquely designed tables, decorated with sand, stones and pods that make for an interesting conversation starter. The cocktail bar and observation deck are perfect for enjoying sundowners or watch the views over a good plate of food. And not to worry. “We are not stuck in the old times,” says co-manager, Inka van der Bijl. “Vegetarians don’t have to be scared. We have a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. We even have our own vegetable patch.” If you’re in the mood for a private dinner though, the executive rooms have their own kitchenettes, so feel free to book one of the chefs for the night.

Manager of Moon Mountain Lodge, Frans van der Bijl, used to manage at Fürstenhof Hotel in Windhoek, before he decided to take on a new market, with new challenges. “The style and service we offer here are my kind of thing. I like the ‘over the top’ feeling this place offers. When guests visit us here, they have usually been travelling through the heat and dust, driving for hours on end, and they feel miserable. Then we rush down the mountain with our safari vehicle, cold cocktails on a tray, and we welcome guests to an unforgettable Sossusvlei experience.” Try to arrive before three in the afternoon and you’ll be able to indulge in a proper high tea, complete with scones, cakes and koeksisters.

www.moonmountain.biz 

This article appeared in the Feb/March ‘10 edition of Travel News Namibia.