Zannier Hotels Sonop

OVERVIEW:

This stunning new property has created quite a buzz in the industry since opening! A magnificent location in true wilderness with levels of luxury that catch the eye, Sonop is a high quality addition to the Namibian moonscape. This place is all about scenery, far from the significantly busier Sossusvlei area (3 hours’ drive). We would recommend combining it with somewhere closer to the big dunes at Sossusvlei (the classic vision of Namibia). Nevertheless, it works well as a standalone place for total seclusion and sophisticated luxury, making it great for honeymooners looking to get away from the path most trodden.

ACCESS & LOCATION: 

Zannier Hotels Sonop resides in the Hardap Region of the Namib desert in a 13,800 acre private reserve. Constructed atop a mass of granite boulders and enjoying unsurpassed views out across the desert, this amazing property…complete with infinity pool and outdoor cinema beneath the stars…is in a class of its own. The geography of this area is unique; endless views, littered with vast piles of granite rock left over from ancient volcanic eruptions. There is some game (brown hyena, foxes, jackals, kudu, and leopard), but this is not a classic big game destination. You would fly into the reserve on a private charter (80 mins) or you can drive the scenic 5 hours from Windhoek.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT ZANNIER HOTELS SONOP: 

For a lodge that doesn’t have a wide range of safari activities, the rooms must be spectacular: and they are! The 10 tented luxury suites are impeccably designed, with colours and materials that reflect the location and surrounding desert, all designed by local Namibian architects. Each room has a large bedroom with a king-sized four poster bed, beautiful bathroom with free-standing bath, a breezy living area littered with antiques, and private wooden verandas that look out over the expanse of desert - complete with telescope to view the stars! The main area has a magnificent infinity pool, fitness centre, spa and daily yoga. Dining is haute cuisine and there’s an open air cinema (I recommend a movie beneath the Namibian night sky!). There are electric mountain bikes…and also stables for those who fancy a gallop across the plains.

ACTIVITIES AT ZANNIER HOTELS SONOP:

Zannier Hotels Sonop is a spot for beautiful, romantic seclusion for those who are happy to be looked after supremely in the Namibian desert. Please note, some of these depend on weather conditions and/or guide availability, as shown by an asterisk below:

• Expertly guided game drives

  - These take place during the morning and the afternoon. Drives cover a lot of ground, traversing the plains of the 89,000-hectares to see what wildlife you can find.

• Guided safari walks*

  - Set out on foot in the company of a knowledgeable and experienced guide, to observe the concession’s plants, insects, and birdlife. Sometimes it’s possible to track big game too.

• Day trip to Sossusvlei 

  - Go and see the world-famous dunes. This is a full day excursion with a lot of driving (6hrs!). You’re better off designing your itinerary to include them! Talk to one of our specialists.

• Hot air ballooning

  - This activity is available at extra cost. You can take to the skies to marvel at breath-taking views. Please note it’s a 90 minute transfer to the balloon site, and again, maybe best done from Sossusvlei.

• Yoga

  - They have daily classes to suit all levels. It's a pretty magical place to do this while gazing out across the desert.

• Horse riding

  - For those who can ride, this is a lovely way to view the landscape and get off the beaten track!

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.