Rooisand Desert Ranch

We expected much more from this lodge given the photos, location, and price. The service, staff, and facilities didn’t live up to that. The room was basic and dirty, with bars on the windows, worn bathroom mats, no air conditioning, and coffee supplies but no kettle to heat water. They put out coffee and cake in the afternoon, as many lodges do, but we only found out at checkout that there was a charge per person. WiFi was also charged whether or not you used it. Clay shooting was offered at $85 per shot, around £4, which seemed crazy and not worth it. There were only three sun loungers by the pool for more than 16 guests during our stay, and apparently no pool towels, though some families seemed to have been given them. The meal was below average. We were told it had been simplified because seven children were staying, but neither we nor another couple enjoyed it, and the children only ate some of what was served. Breakfast was basic, had no menu explaining the choices, and wasn’t available until 8:30, which was too late for us. The hosts seemed increasingly inebriated through the afternoon and behaved inappropriately that evening. I felt uncomfortable with them sitting with us at dinner, and it seemed they were making up stories to impress us. We weren’t told what services were available, and it felt as if they were offered only to selected guests. We walked about 5 km to the observatory and back, but couldn’t view in the evening because that wasn’t available. We saw no wildlife on the property except locusts. I wouldn’t recommend it, and there are other places to stay.