Rostock Ritz celebrates its 10th birthday: Although mercurial owner Kucki Kuhhirt has seen quite a few more

I
t was back in 1998 that celebrated Swakopmund restaurateur (Kucki's Pub) and entrepreneur Kucki Kuhhirt opened his innovative and enchanting Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge, which stands sentinel over an awesome tract of the world's oldest desert, the Namib. Thoughtfully and strategically built equidistant between Windhoek and Swakopmund yet within early morning reach of the famed dunes at Sossusvlei, the Ritz has evolved not only into a renowned and busy middle to upper market lodge, but also as a fine a la carte restaurant in its own right. So those tills are ringing in the ears of satisfied customers not only upon checkout but also after busy and regular lunch services too, for those already on the road.
My wife, Brenda, and I recently spent a most enjoyable evening with the engaging Kucki at the Lodge, whence we talked about Rostock's 10th anniversary and more:
N.D.C.: "What inspired you to build a Lodge in the desert, when you already owned and ran thriving businesses in Swakopmund?
K.K.: "20 years of that constant grey mist in Swakop proved to be enough. I was born in nature and there in the coastal town you'll find no wildlife, only barking dogs!"
N.D.C.: "Did you have any formal hotel, restaurant or other business training?"
K.K.: "I was apprenticed as both waiter and cook in Germany for 3 years, then spent 1 year on practical experience in Switzerland before returning to Germany for a 2 year stint in Hotel School (Management). I enjoyed every minute and learnt a huge amount."
N.D.C.: "Rostock Ritz became one of the first tourism establishments in Namibia to introduce and promote Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment (BBEE). Has it worked out well?"
K.K.:"Fantastic. The Lodge is run totally and independently by local (previously disadvantaged) staff, all of whom have been meticulously trained in all facets of lodge work. Bonny Haimbodi, my Manager, who hails from O-wamboland, is a perfect example of how people can progress and make their mark in the industry."
N.D.C.: "Have you ever pondered retirement and how you might then occupy your time?"
K.K.: "There's plenty to keep me busy here. 3 years ago, we decided to stop taking major, economy driven bus tours and re-inven-ted the wheel by concentrating instead on self drive tourists and smaller groups. We improved our standards with continuous in-house training and remodelled some of our accommodation as VIP luxury rooms, dropping our capa-city from 44 beds to 34. Constant and bullish marketing will see us re-establish our previous occupancy rates, but it will take time. But how could I ever think of leaving this fabulous desert anyway..."
N.D.C.: "Well, where did it all begin for you? And what about the loves of your life and family ties?
K.K.:"Which family?! I don't think history is such a good idea. The love of my life is Julia, who shares my life with me here at Rostock. But you won't find any soap operas here."
N.D.C.: "So what do you consider the best thing that has happened, the highlight if you like, of these past 10 years?"
K.K.:"Undoubtedly being in nature and being able to work with animals. Our Meerkat programme is proving to be a huge success. A year ago we rescued and adopted Maja, an abandoned, orphaned Hartmann's Mountain Zebra foal. She has thrived. It is thrilling to help. Also, through my knowledge and experience of both people and kitchens, it has been great to establish perhaps one of the only a la carte restaurants in Southern Namibia.
N.D.C.: "And the worst times?"
K.K.: ...... (NDC - the guy simply hesitated and didn't even respond, so even the bad times are good at Rostock, eh!).
N.D.C.: "Kucki, do you think tourism here in Namibia is on the right track. What would you like to see change?"
K.K.:"No, I don't. I think that promotion of these big bus tours and cheap mass tourism doesn't fit in well in this country. You can see the results of it at Sossusvlei and Etosha for instance.
Also it is no good designing boutique rooms without any regard to the practicality of maintaining them. It doesn't make much sense to fit wall to ceiling mirrors with hidden lighting; no-one can reach the top to clean it, and someone must dismantle an entire wall to change a recessed bulb! Let our establishments provide lovely, attractive but practical accommodation."

It is a pleasure to talk to this erudite, personable and deep thinking guy, but even more fun to stay at his sensational lodge in the Namib. So happy 10th birthday, Rostock, we're sure the next ten will be even more exciting. Enjoy! E-Mail: [email protected] Web: www.rostock-ritz-desert-lodge.com