Namibia, Africa
Zannier Hotels Sonop
Zannier Hotels Sonop is a luxurious tented camp nestled at the Southern extremity of the Namib desert, in the Hardap region. Designed as a refined British colonial experience from the 1920s, this out-of-the-ordinary lodge offers a perfect retreat in a stunning panoramic desert landscape. Constructed on top of boulders, the ten spacious tents aim to offer a unique journey through time.
hotel Guide
Facilities
- Eight one-bedroom luxury tents and a twinset of two-bedroom tents.
- Stables; spa; fitness suite; sitting room with deck; cigar lounge with a billiards table, books, and parlor games; free WiFi throughout. In rooms: private deck with the telescope; antique and bespoke furnishings; Nespresso machine; free daily-restocked minibar; kettle and selection of teas; free bottled water; air-conditioning.
Our Favourite
- The open-air cinema will entice all film lovers, who in the comfort of their lounge chairs can enjoy a film while sipping on a cocktail in the middle of the desert.
Wine & Dine
- From 7 am to 11 am, an energizing ‘à la carte breakfast is served in the main area.
- Same space turns into a quiet restaurant at noon, offering light dishes.
- Overlooking the desert, the pool bar offers drinks and small bites to nibble from 11 am until 5 pm.
- Gala-style dinner. Silverware and candelabras set the mood for the elegant dinner, where butlers serve a delicious 5-course meal.
Dresscode
- Because some evenings/nights can be fresh and it can get windy in the desert, we advise you to pack a scarf, coat, hat or cap, swimsuit, lip balm, sun cream, and good shoes.
Budget
- Rates start at EUR 600 per night, including tax at 15 percent. Daily gourmet à la carte breakfast, lunch, and five-course silver-service dinner; all drinks (except premium spirits and champagne); twice-daily shared desert drives; a 30-minute horse ride; bike hire and stargazing session.
Local Guide
Concierge Services
- The dedicated concierge team is at your disposal to improve your comfort. They will offer bespoke support to organize any activity, booking, or transportation for you. They will happily try to respond also to any other need or requirement.
When to Go
- With 300+ days of sun per year, Namibia is a country that can be visited all year round. The winter season starts in April and ends in September. Temperatures are between 20-25 Celsius, but evenings and nights can be fresh. October to December has little rain and average temperatures around 25 Celsius. December until the end of March can be very warm between 25-34 Celsius but chilling nights.
Activities
- Guests can choose to wake up with a desert yoga experience, where an experienced teacher will guide guests of all levels. Guests can decide to explore the desert by foot, electric bike, or horseback, accompanied by experienced guides who will provide unique insights into the local wildlife.
- The hotel is equipped with stables, where experienced riders offer guests the opportunity to learn horseback riding, as well as ride into the desert.
Eco-Friendly
- Water conservation is of the utmost importance at this desert camp: the lodge recycles waste water, channelling it to watering holes for local wildlife and using it to water plants. It’s solar-powered, too, and every effort is made to keep the environment pristine, with clean-up campaigns, eco-friendly cleaning products, and sustainable dining.
How to Get There
- Fly into Namibia’s Windhoek Hosea Kutako Airport; a direct flight from Frankfurt. Flights from major cities in the UK, US and further afield usually stop over in Johannesburg. From Windhoek, you can arrange a plane transfer to the hotel’s private landing strip (a 90-minute flight).
- The camp is around a six-hour drive from Windhoek, and return transfers by chauffeur-driven car can be booked, plus trips to and from sister property Omaanda.