For our stay in the desert, we chose Desert Quiver Camp as our base. Surrounded by rocky outcrops and the Namib desert, it is conveniently located a mere 5 kilometers away from Sesriem Gate. This modern self-catering accommodation located on a private reserve, is a perfect base for exploring Sesriem park and accessing the famous dunes in the oldest desert in the world.

Glamping not Camping:

Even though it is named Desert Quiver Camp, this is not a camping site. It is more of a glamping experience! It consists of 24 units with private parking, split into 12 units on either side of a communal boma and pool area. The units feel quite private as they are spaced a good distance apart from one another, with enough distance not to hear noise from neighbouring units. (We stayed over a peak long weekend).

The Units:

These uniquely designed self-catering units with luxurious ensuite bathrooms, have all the modern comforts required for a desert stay, cool interiors, air conditioning, a good shower and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape! The room is quite spacious and the bed is positioned so that you can enjoy the views of the mountain or desert, through glazing, all from the comfort of the bed.

Interior décor is subtle and neutral. It blends in with the surroundings and does not draw your focus away from the surrounding natural beauty. Design features such as building orientation, cladding and roof overhangs, allow the units to remain cool, even in the heat of summer. The units are equipped with a covered patio with barbeque facilities, perfect for alfresco dining and watching the sunset in the evenings.

A tipple or two at sunset:

Communal facilities include a boma area with bar, Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. We enjoyed time at the outdoor bar when we got back from our daily excursions as it gets quite hot in the middle off the day. The bar is shaded though and located next to the pool, perfect for cooling down. The staff are very attentive and assist you where ever they can.

Fresh Food and other supplies available at Desert Quiver Camp:

Dining options are eating at Sossesvlei Lodge, a five-minute drive away or ordering in from a menu. We preferred to order in, so that we could eat whenever we wanted to and not be limited by timelines. This option requires self preparation of meals.

You will need to order a utility box with cooking and other utensils required, if you are preparing your own meals, for which a deposit is required. Your full deposit is returned as soon as you return the utility box. The utility box was very well stocked and had everything required for preparing a meal.

Fresh food and firewood can be ordered daily from reception. We ordered Oryx and Eland steaks from the menu for dinner and it was delivered to our unit. There is a small fridge in the outdoor kitchenette in which your orders will be placed. This also applies when you are out.

Additional supplies and wine can be ordered from the fuel station or shop at Sesriem Park. (If the food supplies do not meet all your needs.) The store is a mere six-minute drive from Desert Quiver Camp.

We opted to eat breakfast on our patio, so we ordered fresh fruit and other items for breakfast. We ordered and it was delivered to our unit the night before.

Activities at Desert Quiver Camp:

There are various activities offered, such as excursions to the desert, sunset drives, helicopter flights or hot air ballooning, to name a few. This can be booked at reception and the full list of activities is listed on Desert Quiver Camp’s website.

The Naukluft Mountains:

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and could not have chosen a better tranquil environment. We saw some of the most picturesque sunsets and sunrises on this reserve. Sitting on our patio in the evenings, these mountains, as well as granite outcrops on the grounds formed beautiful sunset backdrops. I felt like I was in an oil painting when the sun would light up the mountain.

Getting to Desert Quiver Camp:

It is located 400kms south of Windhoek. We drove from Walvis bay and it is about a 4 hour drive on a gravel road. It is however a straightforward route with a speed limit of 100km/hr due to the gravel road conditions. It is best to drive with a 4-wheel drive vehicle or a higher clearance vehicle. Parts of the road have proven to be treacherous in past, especially closer to Sesriem, so do take care when driving. Look out for my post on driving in Namibia and road conditions over the nex few days.

Until next time, adventure awaits.

Kim

All images taken by and copyright of @InSearchofChocolate