Rostock’s genial host serves up a wacky event.

Wolfgang ‘Kucki’ Kuhhirt has become a bit of a legend in the Namib over the past twenty years or so. This smiling Namibian, born of German descent, first created Kucki’s Pub in Swakopmund; it swiftly became the must-visit restaurant, famed for its cuisine, its atmosphere, its service and for the cool courtesy and attentiveness of the guy who created it. Those were the days, eh; no-one who ever was lucky enough to be ‘locked in’ on a visit will ever forget it. But can you believe, better was to come; Kucki, so in love with this awesome Namib Desert, took on a farm inland, alongside the proclaimed and fabled Namib-Naukluft Park, and decided to build a lodge! So, in 1998, Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge was born. Tourism then in Namibia was in its very infancy, so this was quite some challenge; an extremely talented architect, Piet Odendaal, based at the  coast, correlated perfectly with Kucki’s visionary concept and up sprang a discerning and imaginative collection of extraordinary African style round buildings on a desert koppie (hillside) with views to die for. The unique construction of all these guestrooms was designed to keep the quarters ever cool under the hot Namib sun yet maintain warmth in desert winters which can produce more than a chilly moment; meanwhile, stone cladding inside and out enhanced the appearance of the buildings, all thus blending perfectly into their awe-inspiring surroundings. Of course, all were created en-suite with 24 hour lighting and fan facilities, not the easiest thing in a far-flung desert location. Organisation and methods were to play a major part in Kucki’s planning during the birth of his dream, for he envisaged using his know-how and culinary skills to provide not only feasts for his guests, but also lunches for passing tourists en route perhaps to the coast. 
Well, the rest is history; Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge has become, dare I say, an institution in the Namib. Overseas tourist flock to the place, eager to understand why every review, every comment is so favourable; but, almost better than that, is the fact that the Lodge is equally popular with local people who look for relaxation and quality, when breaking from their busy city lives, and to take in some rarefied air, stunning landscapes in perhaps an all too brief desert sojourn.
Rostock’s host is rightly proud of two recent developments at the Ritz; firstly, two really top of the range rooms have been created, named the Honeymoon Suite and VIP Suite respectively. These suites are well worthy of their title; for oceans of space, cool, classy decor and wonderful balcony vistas have already made these rooms extremely popular with guests. Secondly, in conjunction and close collaboration with the Institute of Physical Geography and Landscape Ecology at the Leibniz University of Hanover, a remarkable booklet has been produced detailing the ten wonderful and varied hiking trails open to guests in the surrounding Namib and furthermore touching on the actual geology and processes over aeons of time that have so sculpted this fascinating scenery. Prof. Gerald Kuhnt and two of his students, Melanie Hansing and Claudia Pfeiffer, all from Germany, along with Kucki and his enchanting partner Julia Fischer must share the credit for a great publication. However fit or feeble you might be, there will be a trail or more suited perfectly to your ability; don’t miss such a wonderful opportunity to be at one with nature.
Last but not least, and where the article title comes in; Kucki and his Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge, at the end of last month, presented another airborne spectacular in the shape of the sixth annual Rostock Fly-In. No less than 30 light aircraft of all shapes and sizes took part, and the Ritz had to find room for 80 guests altogether. All manner of fun and games in the air, mixed in with some serious and competitive flying too, made this year’s event the usually resounding and well managed success. Leonardo da Vinci got it right in saying: ‘For once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards; for there you have been and there you will long to return.’ Next year? June 5 & 6 2009, don’t miss it! So the ebullient and multi-talented Mr Kuhhirt continues to get the story right and provide fabulous all-round accommodation and activities for his guests; just to see the sun rising or setting over these sensational desert plains ringed by almost ethereal mountain chains in such cornucopias of colour, will surely remain in your memory and your soul forever. Here’s to Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge, just fabulous!

INFO BOX

Directions: Rostock Ritz, very well signed, lies directly off the C14, just 240 km from both Windhoek and Swakopmund, and only 120 km from Sesriem, gateway to Sossusvlei. A stunningly scenic 7 km track, through the desert, will lead you to the Lodge. Access is perfectly possible with a normal sedan.
Airstrip: There is a fine gravel airstrip, unusually with complete night landing facilities; GPS coordinates are S 230 32′ 275″ E15050′335″.
Accommodation: There are 20 traditional African style round buildings, including a Honeymoon Suite and a VIP Suite and 18 standard double rooms. In all, space for 40 guests. Two rooms are wheelchair friendly, whilst two tour guide / pilot rooms are available as well.
Rates: High season, valid until 31/10/2008. N$ 1543, 00 per double room (2 sharing) including breakfast. Singles will pay N$ 975, 00. The Honeymoon and VIP Suites will cost N$ 2518, 00 per night. There are special Low Season rates and amazing discounts available too! 15% off a two night stay, and a 20% reduction for 3 nights.
Activities: Ten superb hiking trails, carefully graded for the extremely fit and for those who would more enjoy a leisurely stroll; 4×4 scenic and game drives in this amazing desert; 4×4 trips visits to see original Bushmen art; swimming - in the coolest pool in the west!; stargazing; scenic flights (pre-booking necessary); self drive trips to Sossusvlei.
Contact details: PO Box 536 Swakopmund Namibia.
Tel +264 61 257467 ◊ Fax +264 61 257469
Email: info@rostock-ritz-desert-lodge.com
Website www.rostock-ritz-desert-lodge.com

© Neil & Brenda Digby-Clarke. June 2008. All rights reserved.