Zannier Sonop, which means «Sunrise», was built on a hill that consists mainly of large boulders. The ten comfortable, climate-controlled tents are nestled between these boulders and blend in seamlessly with their surroundings. All rooms offer magnificent views over vast plains. The rooms have en-suite bathrooms with bath/shower and double lavado, mini-bar, tea/coffee station and Wifi. Two of the tents are family rooms with two en-suite bedrooms and a shared lounge. The interior is hand-selected, of very good quality and reflects the pioneering style of the old explorers.

The elevated position of the lodge results in a bit of climbing on staircases. The beautiful pool area for example is located at the foot of the hill and you need some stamina to get down and up again, but it is worth it. The spa/fitness room is right next door.

From the car park where guests arrive, you are driven up in an electric buggy on a steep wooden driveway to the main building that sits at the very top. After check-in at the reception you have the possibility to eat in the restaurant or enjoy the view from the lounge. In the evening, the team lights a fire and many small lights along the walkways point the way to your comfortable room.

The NamibRand Nature Reserve is one of southern Africa's largest private reserves. A large number of sheep farms were combined with the aim of creating an unfenced nature reserve where animals can roam freely. The reserve covers 200,000 hectares bordering on the Namib Naukluft Park to the west, and the Nubib Mountains in the east.

Zannier Sonop borders the NamibRand reserve to the south. The lodge is reached via the D707, which is considered one of the most beautiful roads in Namibia. The road basically runs between the last red sand dunes of the Namib Desert and the Tiras mountain range - a beautifully wild and lonely spot in Namibia. The entrance to the lodge is about 6km from the turnoff D707/C13, about one hour south of Wolwedans Boulders. The drive from Aus to the D707 junction takes about 45 minutes, from there another two hours on the D7070 to the Sonop.

The lodge has a private airstrip with a reception building. All vehicles have to be parked here. A lodge's vehicle will transfer you to the lodge. The drive to the Sonop takes about 10 minutes.

There is a good chance to see springbok, oryx antelope and ostrich.

Nature drives to explore the unique area, guided or independent hikes, stargazing, fat bikes, yoga and horseback rides are included. Sonop has a gym, spa and a cinema, which also organises film screenings on request.

Private breakfast or private dinner under the stars can be booked at extra cost. An excursion to the dunes of Sossusvlei is very far (3h), but can also be booked on site for an extra charge.

SwissAfrican Travel Service
Dammstrasse 27
8702 Zollikon
Zurich, Switzerland


Telephone: +41 (0)44 451 40 51