Naries Namakwa Retreat — Hotel in Nama Khoi Local Municipality

This was our 5th visit to Naries and we always stay in one of the Mountain Suites. The best is #3 but we have never been succesful in snagging it until these last visits. We booked in for the Xmas Day 2024 and returned again on New Years Eve. Of the Mountain Lodges, Unit 3 is the largest suite of the three, situated most forward and arguably the most private.

It's only drawback perhaps is that access from your vehicle to the front door involves some up and down on an irregular surface, which is a bit tricky with any heavy or large items.

The hotel retaurant was not crowded and the staff adorably helpful and friendly. Xmas crackers were found on the dining table for the Xmas Day dinner and on New Years Eve, we were offered a complimentary glass of spakling wine.

On the Xmas Day visit the heat prevented us enjoying the property but on New Years Eve it was perfect. The quality and presentation of the meals, as well as the level of service, was much appreciated after coming from very expensive stay at a 'luxury' 'desert lodge' at Tutwa. Naries reminded us what luxury and value for money looks like.

There are a number of very large boulders near the lodges and you can sit and watch a large family of Dassies sunning themselves on the rocks in the late afternoon and chilly mornings. I even caught one licking the leaves of the plants outside the bathroom window.

Just be aware that, like much of the N.Cape, data coverage is poor and there is no WiFi at the Mountain Suites.

Highly...

The Northern Cape isn’t for everyone. If you are younger you don’t always want to take the time to discover it’s hidden treasures. When you get older though you appreciate the times life allows you to slow down and this is where this place excels. From the moment we arrived till the morning of our departure we were always greeted with warm smiles. We stayed in the self catering accommodation and had all the amenities we could want or need. The best part however is the quiet reflection you get to have. The sunset looks like the sky is on fire followed by a blanket of stars as far as the eye can see. And then an early morning hike to find a heard of gemsbok curiously keeping an eye on you. If you are wondering if you should do it or not, go for it, the destination is...

So Naries Retreat is indeed a RETREAT... far enough from the noise and clamour of life. Paradise. No exaggeration. Staff members are professional, helpful and effective. They are completely in charge of their establishment. 100% well worth a re-visit... this time in WINTER!!! Naries Retreat now has a firm place on my places-to-visit-list. I saw big, fat long-eared hares, the size of a baby kangaroo... okay I know I am exaggeraring now... maybe not? The ghekkos were sort of excitingly creepy, which means I did not mind their presence. No eight-legged arachnids... thank God. The fog on the morning of my departure was the perfect goodbye gift. Mystical, smoky, ethereal. So, yea. Hidden gem... that is Naries...