Between Sesriem and Walvis Bay, the small private village of Solitaire has been a popular stop for tourists for more than 60 years. A thirsty traveler can enjoy cold drinks, ice cream, baked goods, coffee, and lunch at McGregor’s Bakery, Café van der Lee, and the original Tsondab General Dealer. For those in need, there is also the Solitaire Petrol Station and Tyre Repair, which offers important services.
While crossing the wide Namib Desert, Solitaire gives travelers a much-needed break and a look into the past. It continues the tradition of food, rest, and friendly service, made well known by Ton van der Lee’s best-selling book, Solitaire.
The village is at the center of the 45,000-acre Solitaire Land Trust, which supports land restoration and protects wild animals that move freely in the area, such as oryx, kudu, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, springbok, brown hyena, cheetah, and leopard. AvGas is available with prior arrangement, and there is a clean private airstrip.
The 25 spacious and well-equipped rooms at Solitaire Lodge include two family rooms that can sleep up to five people and 23 rooms with two double beds. All rooms have air conditioning and private patios with thatch-shaded decks for relaxing, facing the swimming pool and central courtyard.
Bed and breakfast guests can enjoy a full bar, a wide wine selection, draft beer on tap, and a fresh breakfast at the nearby Café van der Lee. Meals can be enjoyed both indoors and outside with views of the Namib Desert and the sunset.
The late Moose McGregor’s apple strudel is still fresh, still popular, and (almost) always available at McGregor’s Bakery or the café for lunch. The bakery also offers baked goods, sandwiches, fresh pizza, desserts, and cappuccino.
