ABOUT US - ROSTOCK RITZ DESERT LODGE NAMIBIA, THE FARM & THE OWNER

"KÜCKI"

Wolfgang Kühhirt, a born Namibian with a German/ Swiss hotel training was the owner of the most popular seafood restaurant Kücki's Pub at the coast. He decided after 20 years in Swakopmund to divert into the desert to create Rostock Ritz (the only Ritz in the world surrounded by rocks and desert). Through his skilled training, a motivated staff was created, and at both establishments a well trained management overlooks the wellbeing of our guests.

THE LODGE

The lodge is built on the slope of a hill overlooking the north the Rotstock Mountain range and in the southwest the colourful dunelandscape of the Namib Desert (Namibia). The well known architect Mr. Piet Odendaal designed unique round structures blended into the granite surrounding. An often asked question is: "Why round?". First of all to give it an African flair; further no roof structure was necessary (seasonal twisters are not uncommon in this region), and the "cave feeling" of the interior lets the guest feel secure in the wilderness of Namibia.

THE FARM

The farm "Rostock South" lies west of the large escarpment in the eastern region of the Namib Desert. Rainfall averages <100 mm per year, causing the rivers to run periodically. The Gaub (main river) streams westwards and joins the larger Kuiseb in the rocky Namib Naukluft Park.

Small fountains and rock pools are found in the river beds of the Gaub, Rotberg and Witberg rivercourses. Seasonal grass and perennial shrubs are common. Larger trees, mainly Acacias occur in the riverbeds.

In the southeast rises the Witberg (white mountain). It's name is derived from the white and weather resistant marble which forms the mountain ridge and builds the corona formation. Rotstock Mountain (red gneiss) borders the farm on the northern side and is our own "Aijas Rock" in the desert. A cave with Bushman paintings is found here. The rock paintings are still in relatively good condition and are approximately 1000 years old.