Namib Dune Star Camp is situated on the crest of ancient sand dunes, overlooking the spectacular landscape of the Namib Desert. Best described as a soft adventure camp, Dune Star Camp offers the thrill of being out in the desert yet provides luxuries like soft beds and hot showers. The intimate camp has nine cabins, with a fair distance between them. Each cabin has an en-suite bathroom.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Hidden Gem
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
Location
42 Nelson Mandela Ave Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia, Windhoek PO BOX 80205 Namibia
The photos are accurate; 9 cute individual "cabins" with shower and beds that roll out onto the deck to provide a night under the stars if you want it. It's fun for what it is.
The truck leaves from the Namib Lodge/parking lot at 5pm for a 30 minute drive up onto the hilltop, where the cabins and dining hall are located. Sundowners and dinner follow, plus a walk to spot scorpions and a half-hearted description of the stars. Better to bring your own star chart and enjoy the view from your bed.
Dinner was adequate but not amazing (local game, but overcooked); the views during sunset/evening/sunrise are the main attraction. It was warm enough to sleep outside comfortably; additional blankets are provided.
Top tips +Wait until bedtime to roll your bed out, to minimize blown dust and sand on the covers. +If you need a shuttle back to the cars earlier than their 8am(?) one, such as if you're going to visit Sossusvlei the next morning, that can be had for a modest 1000 rand per person, well worth it to beat the heat.
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Date of stay: May 2022
Value
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Service
Room Tip:Decide whether you want solitude or a closer walk to/from dinner, and ask accordingly. (1 is...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Bernd Grahl, Owner at Namib Dune Star Camp
Responded 14 Jun 2022
Dear RamblingRovers Thank you so much for your positive review and for taking the time to provide feedback. We are delighted to hear that you had a positive experience with us at Gondwana Collection Namibia. We will convey your feedback to our team. Kind regards The Gondwana Team
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Started off with a scenic drive to our secluded destination, we were a small group of 8, this meant that it felt like an exclusive experience. Treated with a guided walk, sundowner drinks and platter, before a 4-course dinner. Being surrounded by endless views makes one feel very special to be at such a magical place. The staff of 3 were engaging and interactive and they even knew our names, which adds an extra personal touch. Waking up at 3am and starring into the starry skies; what a phenomenal experience!
(Personalised greeting cards in the rooms that we could take home, can give an even more exclusive touch.)
Tip: Request for a Day-room at Namib Desert Lodge when you arrive early, charge your cameras and phones at NDL because there are no charging points in your rooms when you arrive at Dune Star Camp (although you can charge it at the restaurant).
This experience you have to at least do once in your life, for it cannot be put into words.
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Date of stay: December 2021
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Rooms 4 and 5 have the best views.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Bernd Grahl, Owner at Namib Dune Star Camp
Responded 03 Jan 2022
Dear Lizel, Thank you so much for the 5-star review! We are glad that you and your group had a phenomenal experience and we hope to welcome you back soon again. Thank you for the feedback, it is much appreciated. Warm regards Geena
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We slept like angels under the starlight. The food that was cooked by Esther was absolutely amazing and Perzivel gave us an exciting tour/walk around the dunes. We very much appreciated that they let us get up to the dune tents a bit earlier, to relax and chill during the afternoon. We even received a honeymoon surprise! Thank you so much Rudy for the warm welcome and good care! We‘d love to come back!
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Bernd Grahl, Owner at Namib Dune Star Camp
Responded 02 Aug 2021
Thank you so much for the 5 star review Marcow260! We appreciate the kind words and are very pleased to hear that you had a great stay. Please visit us again when you get the chance. Warm regards Geena
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Not far away from the Namib Desert Lodge is the Namib Dune Star Camp, spectacularly situated on top of the “living” dunes with breath-taking views over the vast expanse of the Namib desert below. The staff are awesomely welcoming and friendly, and the service is fantastic. After the setting sun has displayed stunning hues of colours and a sumptuous and beautifully presented 4-course dinner is over and a brief intro to the heavens, you stroll down to your cabin on stilts. Onto the deck, one rolls out a comfortable double bed with crisp white linens and a few gemsboks embroidered on them; and observes a magnificent starry exhibition of the Namib skies in slow motion. Once you’ve been there, you have been to heaven and back!
Early morning one experiences a different display of sunrise colours from the bed. Then it’s time to get up, have an early coffee/tea brought to the cabin and return to the NDL for another delicious breakfast. One can, unfortunately, only stay one night. I highly recommend including the NamibDune Star Camp with the Namib Desert Lodge. Both are out of this world!
Genie Albrecht March 2021
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2021
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Bernd Grahl, Owner at Namib Dune Star Camp
Responded 20 Jun 2021
Thank you for the 5 star review Geniealbrecht998! We are so glad that you had a spectacular time and hope that wee will welcome you back soon again. Warm regards Geena
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On arrival at Namib Desert Lodge they couldn't find my booking - luckily I had everything needed. Communication in terms of where luggage is picked up and when you'll be collected to depart for Dune Star really needs some work. If I didn't ask, we probably would have missed it. It's a short drive in thick sand with some beautiful landscapes on the way. On arrival at Dune Star you're told how the events of the evening will unfold. Basically, you'll meet at the restaurant for sundowners and snacks, afterwards, you'll have a three-course meal and then you can do a short dune walk with the group. I would have given this 5 stars if there were other options for dinner. Perhaps a picnic basket or having dinner in the room. Sitting at a long table with strangers is not my preference for dining. The time I spent in the room/on the balcony looking at the stars was my favourite. The bed was really comfortable and the bedding was warm and snuggly throughout the night. This was hands-down the most memorable sleep I've ever had. There is something special about waking up in the middle of the night and seeing the stars.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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My stay at Dune Star Lodge in Namibia exceeded all expectations, transforming a simple night into an extraordinary adventure under the starry sky.
Nestled in the heart of the majestic dunes, the Dune Star Lodge offers a total escape. The serene atmosphere that reigns here is unique The night spent under the stars at Dune Star Lodge was simply magical.
The icing on the cake was the shower of shooting stars that lit up the sky. It was as if the cosmos itself had decided to offer us an exceptional spectacle. Each shooting star left an ephemeral trail, adding a dimension of magic to this unique celestial experience.
What really defined this night was the enveloping silence. No extraneous noise, just the gentle whisper of the wind and the sweet song of nocturnal nature. This silence amplified the impact of each star and shooting star, creating a celestial symphony in an environment of incredible tranquility
The Dune Star Lodge was able to create an experience that will remain engraved in my memory
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This place was everything that was advertised. The food could have been a lot better but sleeping under the stars more than made up for it. The driver / guide, Sydney, was really good and knowledgeable, be it about the different trees or even star gazing. The staff is also very friendly. One would only wish that a late checkout is possible, waking up for coffee at 6:30 and then 7:30 you're on your way out.
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Date of stay: March 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Bernd Grahl, Owner at Namib Dune Star Camp
Responded 25 Oct 2021
Dear Rjr836, Thank you for the feedback. We are thrilled that you have enjoyed your time with us! Please know that your comment about the food is very much appreciated and will be forwarded to the kitchen staff for their attention. We are just an email away if you want to stay with us again in the future. Kind regards Koney
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It was truly an unforgettable experience. The location is absolutely breathtaking. The views at sunset and sunrise are magical, offering a serene atmosphere that perfectly encapsulates the beauty of the desert.
The way the stars light up the sky at night is unlike anything I’ve seen before.
The host Elia and Elias the cook at Dunes Star Camp were outstanding friendly and welcoming.
The food was excellent as well, with every meal carefully prepared and full of flavor. Enjoying a delicious delicious dessert in the desert 🙂
Overall, Dunes Star Camp offers a unique and enriching experience that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to explore the Namib Desert. A perfect blend of nature, comfort, and exceptional service!
Louis and Gabrielle
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Date of stay: November 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The location of this amazing place looks like from another planet. We enjoyed so much the stay, the people and the nature around us! What was really nice was the fact that on that evening we (me and my son) were the only guest for the dinner. And the hosts were 4 people, all of them smiling and joking. Very curteous and simple in the same time! Loved the food too! But the best is the amazing view: during the night you can see a really stary sky that shows you where we really are in this universe, then in the morning is so calm and peaceful! Amazing!
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Date of stay: October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gondwana Collection Namibia, Owner at Namib Dune Star Camp
Responded 19 Jun 2023
Dear Guest Thank you so much for your positive review and for taking the time to provide feedback. We are delighted to hear that you had a positive experience with us at Gondwana Collection Namibia. We will convey your feedback to our team. Kind regards The Gondwana Team
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We left the base camp to go to the dune camp. We were lucky enough to have a magnificent starry night, a very beautiful sunset, a magnificent view, the impeccable sheets and bedding, the dinner and the very friendly guides. Recommended for a different and very pleasant experience, in peace and quiet at night
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Alexander, Thank you for contacting us. Reservations for Namib Dune Star Camp are only made when you have booked with Namib Desert Lodge, hence Dune star Camp arrangements are made at the Lodge itself. Kind regards, Koney
Rosebank, South Africa133 contributions59 helpful votes
The Dune Star lodge is run as a extension to the Namib Desert Lodge. They drive guests out to the Lodge and normally walk back early in the morning , looking at tracks and desert life. That is an hours walk. It is a one night stay only after staying at Namib Desert Lodge.
The previous answer is correct,Sesriem entrance is an hours drive, but remember that sossusvlei is beyond that. It would not be possible to watch sunrise over the dunes at Sossusvlei.
Good day F892IT_
Thank you for contacting us on TripAdvisor.
Will you be able to inbox us your details so that we follow up with the reservations department?
We sincerely apologize for the delay in response.
Kind regards
Koney
There are more places to choose from in the Windhoek area.
LOCATION
NamibiaKhomas RegionWindhoek
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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