Bordering on the Namib-Naukluft Park to the south, the lodge is situated on the historic 6,000-hectare Modderfontein farm. It owes its name (meaning “mud fountain”) to the six springs which once surfaced in the area. Sadly, only one spring is still active – the result of prolonged droughts and abstraction of water by mines.

One of Wüstenquell’s main attractions is its fascinating geology, which is dominated by gravel plains that are punctuated by granite outcrops. Centuries of erosion by wind, extreme temperatures, fog drifting inland and the crystallisation of salt concentrates that dislodge tiny rock fragments have created the most bizarre natural rock sculptures.

As the name suggests, Eagle Rock resembles an eagle with its wings spread out, while another rock formation has been sculpted into the profile of an elephant. You could come across an unexpected “hippopotamus” standing right in front of you, or the profile of a cat appearing in the distance. The centre of some rocks has been eroded completely, creating a window to the landscape beyond.

The honeycomb formations are equally fascinating. These cavities of various sizes are created by the disintegration of weaker areas of rock under the protective layers of the hard crusts. As time goes by, the small cavities continue to enlarge, a process which is accelerated by the sandblasting of the winds.

Also punctuating the landscape are smooth granite outcrops. Another process, known as onion-skin weathering, can be observed at these outcrops. As a result of the fluctuation of temperatures between the warm outer rock layer and the cooler rock underneath, as well as pressure release, layers of granite peel off – a process also referred to as exfoliation.

A cavern at one of the granite outcrops is a reminder of the San (generally also referred to as Bushmen) who once made it their home. They used one of the rock surfaces as a natural canvas to depict the trance visions of a shaman (medicine man). The rock paintings can only be viewed on a guided rock formation tour to ensure that they are not tampered with.

Stargazing is another attraction at Wüstenquell. Situated far away from the bright lights of urban areas, the clear night skies offer the perfect opportunity for those fascinated by astronomy, or just the beauty of the stars.

Tracks across the plains betray the presence of Hartmann’s mountain zebra, springbok, gemsbok and ostriches. They tend to be skittish, only moving about at night, and often migrate to other areas if there has been little or no local rain, or if the grazing has been depleted. After good rains, however, the plains are quickly transformed into waving grasslands. Numerous holes of the elusive aardvark provide a clue of this nocturnal species’ whereabouts, while the Cape fox has also been recorded in the area.