Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei Highlights
Sossusvlei means 'the gathering place of water' and in good years seasonal rains succeed in reaching the vleis. Sossusvlei has the highest sand dunes in the world, perhaps Namibia's most outstanding feature, approximately 1000 feet in height; a 300km by 150km dune expanse stretching from the Khoichab River in the south to the Kuiseb River in the north. Perfectly shaped, blown into razor sharp ridges and peaks by the wind. "Big Daddy", one of the world's tallest dunes, can be climbed for incredible views of Dead Vlei below and the entire area for miles. Aside from the spectacular scenery and geological fascinations at Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon, the area is ideal for observing some of the dune life for which the Namib is so well known. Geologists believe that this magnificent desert, that covers most of the Namib Naukluft National Park, is the oldest desert in the world. The older the dune the brighter the colour from slow iron oxidisation and a zillion tiny fragments of garnets. These dunes refract spectacular colours with the changing light and turn from burnt orange through reds to deepest mauve.
Game Viewing in the Sossusvlei
Wildlife found in the reserve includes gemsbok, mountain and plains zebra, springbok, red hartebeest, bat-eared fox and spotted hyena. The more rocky areas are inhabited by kudu, klipspringer, baboon and leopard, while the dunes harbour a rich and diverse micro- fauna. Over a hundred species of birds have been recorded. Animals, insects and plants have adapted to live in this harsh and arid region and get most of their water from sea mist that rolls up to 62miles (100km) inland. All creatures make use of this life-giving moisture. Snakes are common in the Namib, but few of the 20 species are ever seen. The impressive black and taupe, spiralled-horned oryx can be found. The Oryx and Springbok are able to survive for long periods without water. Spotted hyenas inhabit the Namib Naukluft Park but are rarely seen, while black-backed jackals are more visible. Jackals eat almost anything including rats and mice, birds, insects, reptiles, fruits and berries and therefore survive well in almost any terrain. The Sandwich Lagoon is an important wetland of remarkable beauty, which attracts in the region of 200,000 birds to the lagoon and mudflats. Flamingos constitute the largest percentage of water birds here and breed during the rainy season. The lagoon also supports several endangered Red Data species such as Chestnut-banded plover, white pelican and black-necked grebe.
Betesda Lodge
Betesda Lodge is surrounded by beautiful mountains, vast plains and the ever changing colours of the surrounding sand dunes; situated close to Sossusvlei it offers the ideal base for guests wanting to explore this magnificent area and see the impressive Sossusvlei sand dunes. Accommodation at Betesda Lodge is comfortable with basic facilities. The lodge offers a relaxed atmosphere and the chef is known for offering scrumptious farm-style meals. Campsites are also available for guests preferring a more adventurous experience. Betesda Lodge also offers a swimming pool. Activities at Betesda Lodge include horse-riding accompanied by an en experienced guide, sunset picnics and trips along the mountains, Hot Air Balloon safaris, scenic flights over Sossusvlei as well as excursions to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon, hiking and quad bike rides.
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Kulala Desert Lodge
Situated in the heart of the Namib Desert; Kulala Desert Lodge offers extraordinary desert scenery as well as the opportunity to see the world famous Sossusvlei sand dunes. An adventurous Hot Air balloon safari will offer a bird's eye view over this magnificent area with its endless open spaces, peace and serenity in a private area away from the crowds. 'Kulala' in the local Oshiwambo language means to sleep or to rest and here at Kulala Desert Lodge guests will ample opportunity to do so. Accommodation is luxurious in thatched units with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas; built on a wooden platform and offers a deck on the flat rooftop where guests can experience sleep-outs under the stars. Another highlight at Kulala is the waterhole in front of the camp attracting a variety of desert wildlife such as gemsbok, springbok, ostrich and jackal; it also provides a perfect location to view and photograph the desert scenery.
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Kulala Wilderness Camp
Kulala Wilderness Camp offers luxury and style in a private setting in the exclusive Kulala Wilderness Reserve on the edge of the Namib Naukluft Park; its close proximity to the world famous Sossusvlei dunes is a highlight, the most well-known being 'Big Daddy' or 'Dune 45' have developed over millions of years. The lodge is small and offers only 10 units with en-suite facilities and guests can also enjoy sleep-outs under the stars in the middle of the desert. The Namib Desert is the oldest desert in the world and offers a fascinating array of desert adapted wildlife species including springbok, gemsbok, ostrich, bat-eared fox, the seldom seen aardwolf and other small species. Activities include excursions to the dunes of Sossusvlei, early morning ballooning (at an extra cost), guided walks and scenic nature drives.
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Le Mirage Desert Lodge
Le Mirage Desert Lodge is luxurious and spacious and offers accommodation in an enormous desert- like castle in the heart of the Namib Desert; home to the oldest desert in the world as well as the highest dunes on our planet. Le Mirage Desert Lodge offers luxury and romance with beautiful desert views as well as a unique location. The lodge offers various tranquil living spaces, large courtyards, a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and a wellness centre where guests can indulge in spa treatments, relax and rejuvenate. Le Mirage Desert Lodge offers a dinner, bed and breakfast rate as well as a full board option. Meals are delicious combined with fine wine. Sossusvlei is undeniably one of the most popular tourist destinations in Namibia and a must-see on your Namibian safari. Activities at Le Mirage include nature drives, walks, quad bike rides as well as day trips to the famous Sossusvlei dunes.
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Little Kulala
Little Kulala offers a luxurious and personal experience in the heart of the desert; the ideal hide-away for honeymooners or guests seeking a private and exclusive experience also the gateway to Namibia's remarkable Sossusvlei sand dunes. Little Kulala offers world-class facilities, friendly people, breathtaking desert scenery and magnificent sunsets. Guests can enjoy a sleep-out in the desert and exceptional stargazing. The intimate lodge offers only 11 climate-controlled units with luxurious amenities as well as a private deck and plunge pool. Activities include nature drives, walking trails including the Black Mountain Trail, a visit to Sossusvlei and Sesriem, Balloon safaris, at an additional cost as well as Sundowner drives, one of the best in the Namib. Desert-adapted wildlife such as ostrich, springbok and gemsbok can be found here and are sparsely distributed.
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Namib Desert Lodge
Namib Desert Lodge offers a comfortable and affordable option for guests wanting to explore the magnificent Sossusvlei Dunes. The area offers incredible diversity of scenery, plants and desert- adapted animals. Guests can discover the wonders of the desert as well as the Gondwana Desert Park. The Namib Desert is one of the oldest and largest deserts on the planet and is protected by the Namib-Naukluft Park consisting of 50 000km² vast wilderness with beautiful red sand dunes. Accommodation at Namib Desert Lodge consists of comfortable rooms with en-suite facilities. Accommodation is based on a bed and breakfast basis; dinner and activities can be booked at Namib Desert Lodge at an additional cost. Namib Desert Lodge has a swimming pool as well as a restaurant.
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Namib Naukluft Lodge
The Namib Naukluft Lodge is a friendly comfortable lodge ideal for families or small groups traveling together. Camp sites are also available and offer a unique setting. Accommodation at Namib Naukluft Lodge is offered in 16 comfortable rooms with en-suite facilities and private verandas. The camp site is private and situated about 5km away from the lodge; facilities include barbeque/braai facilities as well as communal shower and toilet facilities. Namib Naukluft Lodge is situated in a 25,000 hectare Private Nature Reserve stretching from the Namib Desert to the Naukluft Mountains. Activities available at Namib Naukluft Lodge include the Sossusvlei Excursion; daily sundowner nature drives in the Private Nature Reserve, where guests can expect to see game, like oryx, springbok and ostrich. A two hour Walking Trail in the Naukluft Mountains of the Private Nature Reserve is available. It is called the Zebra Trail and offers easy walking.
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Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is remote and romantic; it offers a dramatic and unique location close to the highest dunes in the world with breathtaking views and magnificent Namibian night skies. Sossusvlei Desert Lodge offers visitors the ideal hideaway to restore balance and indulge in peace and serenity, yet Sossusvlei Desert Lodge offers exhilarating desert activities like quad bike rides, nature drives and hot air balloon safaris for the more adventurous. This vast and beautiful land offers an untouched wilderness in the heart of the world's oldest desert. Accommodation is private and elegant with air-conditioning; large windows as well as outdoor showers to enjoy the incredible views and when night falls, a resident astronomer share the secrets of the stars with guests in a state of the art observatory.
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Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp
Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp offers a superb location in a spectacular desert setting; private and exclusive with luxurious accommodation and definitely no shortage in activities for the adventurous guests. Accommodation is offered in luxurious units with flowing mosquito nets offering a romantic feel surrounded by endless plains and beautiful sunsets. Guests can enjoy their own private sundeck and plunge pool and for the more active guests a variety of activities are on offer including excursions to see the Sossusvlei Dunes, Hot Air balloon safaris at Sesriem (on request, at additional cost), Nature drives in the 37 000 hectare private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, Nature walks on request as well as a visit to the Namib- Naukluft Park. Experienced guides will accompany guests on all game activities. Night drives are a highlight and offer sightings of nocturnal species such as aardwolf, Cape fox, black-backed jackal and bat- eared fox.
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The Desert Homestead
The Desert Homestead is a luxurious yet friendly and comfortable guest lodge situated near the famous Sossusvlei Dunes in the Namib Desert. The Desert Homestead offers a heavenly location with exciting horse trails on offer. The location is ideal for exploring the Sossusvlei Dunes and rock pools of the Naukluft Desert. Efficient and friendly staff will see to guests every need. Accommodation is provided in luxurious desert-like chalets with cool thatch roofs and private verandas. Only 16 cottages are available keeping The Desert Homestead small and personal. Romantic sunrise and sunset horse rides are available served with either a delicious breakfast or sunset picnic. The area offers exceptional views and guests can enjoy the desert on horseback riding across beautiful plains.
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Wolwedans Boulders Camp
Wolwedans Boulders Camp is situated deep in the heart of the NamibRand Nature Reserve; a private and secluded safari camp catering for only 8 guests offering an exclusive desert experience. Activities allow guests the opportunity to explore this extraordinary reserve with its red sand dunes, grassy plains and mountain ranges offering unique desert adapted wildlife and plants. Friendly staff and expert local guides will enhance your experience at Wolwedans Boulders Camp. Wolwedans Boulders Camp provides luxurious and spacious tents with exquisite bathrooms offering beautiful views of the surrounding area. Meals are a feast and traditional bush cuisine is served al fresco on wind-still evenings under a magnificent star-lit sky.
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Wolwedans Dune Camp
Situated in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, Wolwedans Dune Camp offers visitors a traditional and rustic desert experience. Wolwedans Dune Camp offers superb service in a peaceful and relaxed environment with the emphasis on offering a unique experience. Wolwedans Dune Camp is small and intimate and guests can enjoy delicious dinners around a cosy camp fire and chat to the chef as he prepares mouth-watering meals. The area offers complete peace and serenity capturing the highlights of this magnificent unspoilt desert. Wolwedans offers the ideal hide-away from the city madness where one can rejuvenate and restore body, mind and soul.
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Wolwendans Dunes Lodge
Wolwedans Dunes Lodge offers visitors a luxurious and unique desert experience; situated in the picturesque NamibRand Nature Reserve close to the highest sand dunes in the world. The area is a photographer's haven offering extraordinary landscapes and magnificent star-gazing. Wolwedans Dunes Lodge offers a variety of outdoor activities including nature drives, Hot Air Balloon safaris, guided walks as well as great bird watching. The Namib-Naukluft Park is the 4th largest conservation area in the world and is home to a variety of bizarre creatures and plants, the most impressive attraction of course being the Sossusvlei sand dunes towering as high as 300m (1000ft). Wolwedans offers visitors the ideal base from where they can explore this beautiful and magnificent area.
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Wolwedans Private Camp
Situated in the private NamibRand Nature Reserve, Wolwedans Private Camp is secluded and offers pure paradise; this exclusive and romantic desert camp is ideal for honeymooners seeking a private holiday or for guests looking for a quiet and peaceful hide away, in need of some much needed rest and rejuvenation. Guided activities such as scenic drives, scenic flights, hot-air ballooning and nature walks can be arranged either privately or at an extra cost or can be shared with other lodge or camp guests; however the main purpose of Wolwedans Private Camp is to offer guests a haven of solitude ideal for 2 days or longer where they can relax and unwind away from other guests and enjoy the magnificent sunsets, breathtaking views and beautiful star-lit Namibian skies.
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