Zannier Sonop Lodge is an extraordinary property nestled at the Southern edge of the Namib desert in the Karas region of beautiful Namibia. “The Namib” means “vast place” and the region is a wild and desolated area, spanning more than 2,000 kilometres along the Atlantic coasts of Namibia, Angola and South Africa.

The Namib Desert is its sandy wonder and this desert is famous for being the oldest and one of the most beautiful deserts in the world. The rocky gravel plains and gigantic dunes are constantly moving and are being reshaped by nature every single day. Once visited, it’s a place that will sear into your mind forever.

At the Southern border of this beautiful desert lies Zannier Sonop Lodge. The lodge is located on top of gigantic boulders in a landscape that is a destination on itself. Dry desert plains, cactuses and other beautiful plants, and mountains shaped like volcanoes form the remarkable setting of the lodge. The architectural design and the otherworldly location make Sonop Lodge one of Namibia’s most unique lodges.

Designed as a luxurious tented camp and defined as “a refined British colonial experience from the 1920’s”, Sonop Lodge is indeed an remarkable designed property which offers a perfect getaway in the beautiful desert landscape. The lodge’s communal areas and tents are all perched on top of round boulders against a hill, ensuring stunning views from all areas.

Rooms And Suites

Zannier Sonop Lodge offers only ten spacious tents, thoughtfully designed to create a memorable journey through time. Richly furnished with antiques made of the best materials, colourful carpets and solid wood, guests are invited to live like the wealthy explorers of the past century. The collection of antiques and curiosities that can be found in each tent and the communal areas is truly amazing. Strolling through the property and touching, feeling and even smelling these small wonders is an experience that you will never forget.

There are eight 1-bedroom tents, all built onto boulders overlooking the stunning the Namib Desert. The luxurious tents offer 42 square meters of space with a bedroom with four-poster bed, a living area with a large desk, and a seperate bathroom. The bathroom is constructed around a central bath tub and boasts an in-bath rain shower, double vanity, luxurious amenities, dressing table and a separate toilet. Each tent also features a an exterior platform – the ideal spot for sunrise or sunset views on the Namib desert. The colonial design is warm, elegant and very luxurious. It forms a timeless ensemble together with the surrounding desert, while contrasting in terms of luxury and elegance. A unique sight and experience.

The two spacious 2-bedroom tents offer 75 square meter of interior space and are an ideal place for a family (up to 4 adults and 2 children between 6 and 12 years). Two large bedrooms offer lots of privacy and have their own bathroom. The shared and comfortable living area also has a telescope to view the distant surroundings around the lodge.

Hotel Assets And Experiences

The desert life is at the core of the Sonop Experience. Scenic sunrise drives in the desert come highly recommended and there are several other great outdoor activities such as group yoga, electric bike tours or horseback riding, among others. There are no televisions in the tents (luckily), but an open-air desert cinema experience is proposed every evening.

The stunning outdoor infinity pool offers breath-taking views on the outdoors and is one of the few heated outdoor pools in the area. Sonop Lodge also features a spa with 2 double treatment rooms and a fitness centre, as well as its own stables and air strip.

The Sonop journey can be experienced through an all-inclusive rate, including the accommodation, full board and all beverages (except premium brands and Champagne), activities and taxes.

Gastronomy

As with all of the Zannier properties, gastronomy is extremely important. At Sonop Lodge, too, this is one of the assets which truly make this lodge stand out. The ‘à la carte’ breakfast is served in the main area and the same space turns into a quiet restaurant at noon, when guests can enjoy some light dishes to share. The pool bar overlooks the desert and offers drinks and small bites.

The gastronomic highlight of the day comes very evening, at 8 pm precisely, when guests are invited to a gala-style dinner in the middle of the desert. Indeed, a large communal table in the most unusual setting is set to create a unique gastronomic experience. Silverware and candelabras set the mood for the glamorous dinner, where butlers serve a refined 5-course meal of the highest standards. Experienced international chefs lead the kitchen and ensure that the food is of a level of quality that is hard to find in Namibia. In the Cocktail & Cigar Lounge, guests can end their evening in style. The bar is designed in the style of an authentic gentlemen’s club and features a billiard table and parlour games. Great cocktails and exclusive spirits are served in a warm colonial atmosphere.

Why Go?

The desert’s richness is emphasised at Zannier Sonop Lodge. Not only the views, but also the activities on offer and even the gastronomic experiences are directed towards the surroundings. Stunning and luxurious design, a collection of antiques, silverware, curiosities and candelabras that would perfectly fit in a great museum, and a flawless service create one of the world’s most unique colonial experiences in the middle of the Namib Desert.

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Written by Sven & Ellen