The Desert Grace by Gondwana Collection was our ultimate destination in Namibia, but we were not prepared for what might have been one of the worst travel experiences. Imagine driving almost 700km on unfamiliar dirt roads in a foreign country in a small car not designed for long off-road driving.
Namibia has been on my dream destination list for almost five years. This was a work trip to Windhoek to attend a workshop organised by a travel company I used to work for in Cape Town. Since then, I’ve vowed to go back with Justinah and thoroughly explore it, especially the Namib desert in the southern part of the country. However, as things became busier, we kept putting off the trip whenever we felt it was finally time to pack our bags and hit the road. I think the other thing that contributed to our inability to decide whether we should drive from Cape Town or fly to Windhoek, hire a vehicle, and then drive on the dirt road to the Namib desert, or just pay a guide to carry all the stress on our behalf. We also wondered what would happen if we got stuck in the sand in the middle of nowhere? And what if the car broke down? what if we simultaneously got punctures on all four tyres? what if we got lost? And what if we ran out of fuel? The list was endless.
One of the things that gave us comfort and confidence was the amount of research we did about the entire country, its people, culture, and language, including two popular towns, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. Furthermore, we know Namibia is similar to South Africa because they only gained independence from South Africa on 21st March 1990. Their currency, the Namibian Dollar, is equal to the South African Rand, and that also reassured us that we would be financially okay no matter where we were in the country.
The Namib desert has always fascinated me because it resembles those destinations you only see in movies – endless horizons, mountains, desert, dunes, indigenous plants, canyons, and gravel roads. Even though Namibia was added to our African itinerary as the last country for our Southern African assignment for Afrika Borwa Experiences, the trip was planned a few months ago, and there was no way we were going to explore Southern Africa and not visit one of our bucket list dream destinations. We arrived in the capital city, Windhoek, in the early morning from Botswana. The plan was to pick up the vehicle from Namibia2Go by Gondwana and then head straight to The Desert Grace by Gondwana Collection in the Namib desert.
However, because the universe occasionally likes to throw curveballs, things did not turn out as planned. We initially wanted to book a Suzuki Jimny, but they were not available for our requested dates. Even though other 4×4 vehicles in a similar price range were available, we did not book a vehicle. We were hoping for a cancellation, something I would never recommend doing. On our arrival, all the vehicles were reserved, and that meant either booking the Gondwana shuttle or trying to hire the vehicle at other rental companies. We opted for the latter because we were going to need the vehicle for other destinations around Namibia, and the convenience of having your own vehicle made sense.
The first rental company we went to did not have any vehicles available, so they recommended another one – one of their competitors in the nearby area. Upon our arrival, we were informed that all the vehicles were reserved, but there was a small hatchback – a Toyota Starlet—being returned by their customer in about 45 minutes. We had no choice but to take it because it could be booked online by other people while we decided if we should take it or not. We had an idea of where our destination was but were clueless about the route. We were going to need a GPS/Google Maps, but first, we needed a local SIM card with data. This meant standing in line for almost two hours to get a cellphone SIM card because MTC is the only official network in Namibia. We eventually got our SIM card, activated it, and loaded data before setting out on our journey into the unknown.
The first thirty minutes, we drove on a tar road, followed by almost three hours of pure dirt road. Yes, it’s a gravel road, but it’s also well-maintained, and that gave us the comfort and reassurance that we would make it to our destination with our small vehicle. The landscape kept changing, and it was everything we had anticipated Namibia to be. The roads are well marked with visible street signs, and we kept driving, averaging 60–80 km/h, until we arrived at the popular padstal called Solitaire. This is a popular spot for taking pictures, eating, filling up the vehicle, stocking up on beverages and snacks, or simply taking a break. The Desert Grace is approximately 40 km from here, and the gravel road gets a little rough but manageable as long as you maintain 40–60 km/h driving speed and keep your eyes on the road for sharp rocks.
We finally arrived at the main gate of our accommodation but had no idea we would need to drive for another 10 km on a dirt road before reaching The Desert Grace. About 7 km in, look on your right-hand side, and you will see a bright pink fridge, table, chairs, and a large frame. This is the perfect spot for you to stop for a little break, take some pictures, and grab some cold refreshments inside the solar-operated fridge.
After this moment, you can pad yourself on the shoulder because soon you will arrive at one of the most beautiful and unique accommodations in the Namib desert, The Desert Grace by Gondwana Collection. Even though we were still going to drive to Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, and eventually back to Windhoek, we were just excited that we had arrived at our destination without any punctures and that our little vehicle would have the much-needed rest while we enjoyed the desert for a few days.
As soon as we got out of the car, we were welcomed by the friendly staff with a cool face towel and a bright pink slushy drink. It was beginning to make sense why everything was pink – the fridge, table, chairs, and a large sign we saw on our way to the main lodge.
Pink is the main colour scheme and characteristic of The Desert Grace, and it’s also reflected throughout the property, including inside their popular bar, “One Night In Namibia,” where the hues of the African sunset and Oryx keep you company as you enjoy their signature bright pink gin and tonic drink to end your day.
THE DESERT GRACE BY GONDWANA COLLECTION
The Desert Grace is a luxurious, all-inclusive eco-lodge situated inside Gondwana Namib Park between Solitaire and Sesriem, just a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Sossusvlei.
Opening in 2018, The Desert Grace is the first of Gondwana’s lodges to be entirely constructed using sandbags instead of bricks and the architecture seamlessly blends well with nature, the dunes, and the surrounding scenery. Not only does this have a positive outcome for the environment, but it also makes the 24 rooms cooler and very well insulated. 2020 saw The Desert Grace awarded five green flowers: Eco Sustainability Audit by the Eco Awards Namibia.
LUXURY BUNGALOWS
The Desert Grace comprises 24 en-suite bungalows, 12 on each wing of the lodge. 10 twin bungalows, 10 double bungalows, and 4 family bungalows. Each bungalow has a private plunge pool. Despite their close proximity, they are designed to offer total seclusion from one another. Whether you are sitting in the front outdoor sitting area, taking a dip in the plunge pool, or using the outdoor shower in the back, your neighbours will not see you unless they walk to your bungalow, which is not permitted.
As we walked into our bungalow, we were greeted by the gentle pink hues, modern decor, and retro but luxurious touches with traditional elements that pay homage to Namibian culture and heritage. Nothing feels like an afterthought, so it’s evident that every element was thought out, from the artwork to the light fixtures.
This en-suite bungalow features an en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet with a view of a private patio and plunge pool. Amenities include a coffee/tea station, a pink minibar stocked with gin and tonics, including bottled water and soft drinks, Wi-Fi, a safe, USB ports, a hairdryer, complimentary shampoo, a conditioner, body wash, and air conditioning.
WHERE TO EAT AND HANG OUT AT THE DESERT GRACE
The Desert Grace has its own restaurant, and they offer a buffet-style breakfast and a three-course dinner with unlimited ice cream. The options cater to both meat-eaters and vegans. The bar area was by far my favourite hangout spot for sundowners. This is also where I could sit, listen to music, meet other guests, and have long conversations with the bar staff while enjoying the wide selections of their cocktails.
THE DESERT GRACE: ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES
1. SOSSUSVLEI EXCURSION (GUIDED) – N$ 2495.00
Did you even go to Namibia if you did not explore Deadvlei in Sossusvlei? For your convenience, The Desert Grace offers half-day guided tours to Deadvlei. The guided excursion includes one of the highest dunes on earth (Big Daddy) which was declared a World Heritage site in 2013, Deadvlei, and Sesriem Canyon at Sossusvlei. They also provide breakfast, brunch, and refreshments. If time permits, you can ask the driver to make a quick stop at Dune 45.
2. MORNING/AFTERNOON NATURE DRIVE (GUIDED) – N$ 785.00
Discover the mysterious fairy circles and the many other wonders of the Namib Desert on this drive around the Gondwana Namib Park. Refreshments and light snacks are included. We opted for the afternoon drive so that we could catch the stunning sunset.
3. DESERT NIGHT WALK (GUIDED) – N$ 250.00
Prepare to be amazed by the sight of nocturnal desert creatures on a short, guided night walk (±45 min) after dinner. Refreshments and snacks are not offered.
4. WALKING TRAILS (SELF-GUIDED) – FREE
Experience the Namib Desert on foot on our self-guided walks of 3km, 5km, and 7km. Please enquire at the reception.
5. THE CURIO SHOP
If you would like to purchase some souvenirs from the Namib desert, check out the Curio shop at the reception.
6. HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE OVER THE DESERT (EXTERNAL)
The Desert Grace is situated only a 60-minute drive from Namib Sky. So, if a hot air balloon ride is on your bucket list, you would be close enough to their location to catch a sunrise ride.
GETTING TO THE DESERT GRACE
The Desert Grace is easily reachable by 4×4 or a standard vehicle, though I would strongly suggest a 4×4 vehicle due to its remote location deep within the Namib desert. It will give you more comfort and make getting around easier. If you are flying in, The Desert Grace is approximately a 4-hour drive from Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International airport and a 3-and-a-half-hour drive from Walvis Bay airport.
CONTACT THE DESERT GRACE
Telephone: +264 61 427 200
E-mail: info@gondwana-collection.com | bookings@gondwana-collection.com
Website: https://store.gondwana-collection.com/accommodation/desert-grace
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