Sonop
Sonop is a luxurious tented camp nestled atop the granite boulders at the very South of the Namib desert. This unique safari lodge offers an idyllic retreat in an authentic 1920s-style setting where guests can get into the mindset of classic explorers. Surrounded by the stunning panoramic desert landscape, the 10 tented suites are generously spaced apart from their position on top of the boulders. Each tent offers incredible views of the vast sands and is richly decorated with antiques, colourful carpets and polished wood. The lodge also includes modern twists such as the spacious swimming pool, open-air cinema and luxury treatments at the lodge’s spa. Enjoy amazing experiences such as horse rides across the desert, scenic drives and breathtaking stargazing away from the light pollution of the city.
Sonop, Namibia
Solop is located within the Namib Desert in the Karas Region of Namibia, a tranquil and desolate space where travellers can truly get away from civilisation and enjoy the quiet stillness of the sweeping sand dunes. Guests can reach Sonop by flying to Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport, before transferring to Sonop’s own airstrip. The flight takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Alternatively, guests can also drive to Sonop from Mariental (2 and a half hours) or Windhoek (5 hours).
- Peaceful and remote setting
- Stunning desert views
- Horse riding across the dunes
- Barbeque facilities
- Cigar and cocktail lounge
- Spa treatments available
- Swimming pool
- Complimentary wi-fi
The Namib Desert is located in Southern Africa and reaches from the Atlantic Ocean to the foot of the Great Escarpment. The arid desert is almost entirely uninhabited, home to only a few scattered towns. Blocks of granite and bedrock jut up through the otherwise desolate landscape, creating scenery that looks alien and unique. The golden sands stretch as far as the eye can see until the jagged mountainous rocks of the Great Escarpment border the desert off, reaching approximately 3,000 feet high.
It scarcely rains in the Nambi Desert, but the ocean winds create fog and a pleasant breeze. The sand dunes are home to a number of beetles, geckos, and snakes, but there are very few mammals. If travelling to the shore, you may see large numbers of flamingos and pelicans.
Sonop’s Single Bedroom Tents rest on top of the granite boulders of the Namib desert, offering incredible panoramic views of the golden dunes and rocky outcrops that fill the horizon. Each of the tents feature roll-up canvas openings to allow for surrounding views and a light and airy environment.
The bedrooms are complete with four-poster king-size beds, comfy armchairs and a telescope for viewing the distant features on the horizon. Leading on from your room, you will find your own private en-suite bathroom, with twin basins, a rain shower and a large copper bathtub. The rooms are fitted with air conditioning and a heating system to maintain a constant comfortable climate, and tea and coffee making facilities are available. The maximum occupancy for the 1 bedroom rooms is 2 adults and 1 child aged under 12 years.
Sonop’s Two Bedroom Tents rest on top of the granite boulders of the Namib desert, offering incredible panoramic views of the golden dunes and rocky outcrops that fill the horizon. Each of the tents feature roll-up canvas openings to allow for surrounding views and a light and airy environment. Both of the bedrooms are furnished with four-poster king-size beds, a writing desk/dressing table and a telescope for viewing the distant features on the horizon. Both bedrooms also have their own private en-suite bathrooms, consisting of twin basins, a rain shower and a large copper bathtub.
The bedrooms are separated by a living room area with comfy armchairs and plenty of space for relaxing. The rooms are fitted with air conditioning and a heating system to maintain a constant comfortable climate, and tea and coffee making facilities are available. The maximum occupancy for the 2 bedroom rooms is 4 adults and 2 children aged under 12 years.
Guests staying at Sonop can look forward to three delicious meals each day, starting with an a la carte breakfast served in the restaurant from 7 am until 11 am. Lunch is available from noon, and dinner is a three-course affair with silver service. Guests can enjoy delightful cocktails from the poolside bar or Cigar and Cocktail Lounge which opens from 5-11 pm.
Enjoy a soothing session of group yoga out on the pool deck, where guests can admire the panoramic views of the beautiful scenery while an experienced teacher guides you on this relaxing activity.
Venture out on a guided bike ride on Sonop’s fat tyre electric bikes. These bikes are specially designed for traversing difficult terrains like sand and snow, and are perfect for exploring the desert. Helmets are provided by the lodge.
Sit out under a canopy of beautiful dazzling stars and see how many of the Southern hemisphere constellations you can name. Sonop’s remote location allows for excellent stargazing, and the lodge’s telescopes allow you to get a closer look at the wonderful celestial bodies.
Explore the desert landscape on a 30-minute horse ride, and enjoy a peaceful wander with your equine companion. Guests can pick a horse perfectly suited to their experience level from Sonop’s stables, and take the opportunity to learn horseback riding while admiring the golden sands and distant blue mountains.
Sonop’s open-air cinema is a unique experience, perfect for all film lovers. Sit back and relax in a comfortable lounge chair while enjoying a movie in the heart of the Namib Desert. Sip on a tasty cocktail and enjoy the film.
Venture out on a morning or afternoon drive and take in the stunning landscape. The Namib Desert is a truly extraordinary sight, the golden sand dunes stretching on for miles and miles, with only the rocks and granite boulders breaking up the scenery. Guests can travel to the Sossuvlei dunes in the lodge’s comfortable 4×4 vehicles and take in the grand sight of towering sand mountains in luxury.
Zannier Hotels supports Nanofasa, a conservation trust that empowers local communities in Namibia.
‘We are very proud to announce the partnership of Zannier Hotels Omaanda with Nanofasa, a conservation trust that makes a real difference in Namibia. Because empowering local communities is part of our philosophy and DNA, we took the opportunity at Omaanda to reinforce our support to the San community, promoting ancestral art and craftsmanship.’
Sonop is a Zannier Hotels lodge. To combat the shortage of water in the Namib Desert, Zannier Hotels has created 5 waterholes which are activated by mechanical pumps which carry clean water to the camp via 9km of piping. The self-sufficient water source also provides water to local fauna at their Omaanda lodge, enabling the wildlife of the Zanneir Reserve to stay healthy.
‘Fully self-sufficient, the camp is an oasis for travellers as well as for many species searching for shade and water, thanks to the several water points installed around the lodge for the fauna. At Zannier Hotels Omaanda, several dams (name given to African ponds) collecting rainfalls fulfils the same purpose. Those large water points are vital for the wild animals being sheltered within the Zannier Reserve. Through an internal water pipe grid and daily checks, our rangers team makes sure to maintain a sufficient water supply.’
Sonop is fully powered by solar, meaning that the lodge is run on a clean and renewable energy source that doesn’t generate any carbon emissions. This limits the negative impact that the lodge has on the natural environment and helps to offset the carbon emissions generated by guests when travelling there.
Children aged 6 years and over are welcome at Sonop