Vintage expedition outpost
Days unfold in complete desert quiet, drifting from panoramic boulder decks to twilight screenings at the open-air cinema under southern constellations.
Where it shines
Exceptional
White-gloved butlers provide silver service across private desert decks and guided wilderness excursions.
Remarkable
Stilted canvas tents rise above granite boulders, outfitted with authentic campaign antiques and telescopes.
Notable
Guided reserve drives track roaming desert wildlife and explore ancient Bushman caves.
What they say
Three Michelin Keys
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Africa
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
the experience here is a long way from ordinary camping. En-suite bathrooms with both freestanding bathtubs and rain showers go a long way, as do king-sized four-poster beds and espresso machines.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Across the private 5,600-hectare reserve, guided desert drives and horseback trails traverse sweeping sand dunes where leopards and oryx roam freely.
The rooms
Roll-up canvas walls reveal panoramic dunes, sheltering four-poster beds, vintage clawfoot bathtubs, and brass telescopes positioned for stargazing from private timber decks.
The infinity pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated infinity pool sits among giant granite boulders, looking out across the open desert dunes.
The spa and gym
The Owambo-inspired spa tent uses warm desert sand and heated stones for treatments, beside a compact fitness room.
At the table
Five-course dinners unfold beneath candelabras at the communal table, and daytime drinks are poured at the rustic pool bar.
How it began
To safeguard the fragile desert floor, builders avoided heavy machinery and carried every timber beam and vintage trunk up the boulders by hand.
Good to know
Stay here
Zannier Sonop
See rooms and prices on Expedia or Booking.com.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
We may earn a commission when you book through Expedia or Booking.com. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
Namib Desert
More like this
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
“Solar desert keep”
The Nest@Sossus
“Sculptural thatched villa”
Wolwedans Collection
“Off-grid desert camps”
Kwessi Dunes
“Dark-sky dune outpost”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.