SOSSUVLEI WILDERNESS CAMP
Namibia

Bush Lodge Accommodation

Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp is situated 34 kilometres from Sesriem, the entrance to Sossusvlei within the heart of Namibia's Namib Desert. This is one of the most remarkable sites in the Namib~Naukluft Park and the Namib Desert. Huge towering dunes, the highest in the world, rise dramatically over 1000 feet above the surrounding plains at Sossusvlei itself. The spectacle of changing colours and the lonely Oryx silhouetted against red dunes is one which visitors and photographers from around the world come to savour and capture on film.

Camp Description

The camp is situated on the 21,000 hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve with wonderful desert scenery. It affords access to Sossusvlei, but also offers privacy and exclusivity. The property harbours vast desert plains and rugged mountains with views onto the dunes in the distance. The camp has been built near the top of a mountain, using natural materials of brick, rock, timber and thatch, and provides a refuge from the desert. We have only nine guest rooms, each with its own private plunge pool. The rooms are superbly appointed and offer comfort and atmosphere. The en suite bathrooms also have panoramic views overlooking the plains below and have hot and cold running water, showers and flush toilets. The main living area is under thatch with a pool. We have an outdoor deck where guests enjoy dinner under the stars and a dedicated star~gazing platform with a powerful telescope for those keen on admiring the night skies. The Namib is considered by many to be the finest star~gazing area in Southern Africa.

Game Viewing

On the edge of the oldest desert in the world, this is not a game rich area, however, whatever game we see is interesting and dramatised by the contrast between the desert and animals like Springbok, Gemsbok (Oryx) and Ostrich who manage to survive in these harsh conditions. Night drives using spotlights offer sightings of Cape Fox, Aardwolf, Blackbacked Jackels, Bat Eared Foxes and even the odd Spotted Hyena. These centre on early morning excursions in 4x4 vehicles to the magnificent Sossusvlei dunes and the "vlei" itself at the end of the Tsauchab River ~ a dry river bed that flows only in years of exceptional rainfall. Breakfasts are served under the spreading camelthorn acacias in Sossusvlei before returning to camp in the midday via the nearby Sesriem Canyon. Afternoon activities are on the property ~ taking in the desert scenery and its unique fauna and flora. Wonderful early morning ballooning safaris are offered as an optional extra.

Pricing

Please contact us for current rates:

Location

o 20kms from Sesriem which is the main gateway to the Namib-Naukluft Park and the dunes at Sossusvlei.

Accommodation

Number of chalets:
There are 9 chalets in total consisting of:
8 twin bedded chalets
1 honeymoon chalet
1 pilot/guide room located behind kitchen (basic)
This camp can accommodate 18 guests
Tent details:
o Rock, brick, timber and thatch units built on the side of a mountain with exceptional views.
o All units have large glass fold-back windows overlooking the desert
o En-suite shower (also with exceptional views of the desert)
o Outside plunge pool on each unit
o Fans and large square mosquito nets in rooms
o Soaps, shampoos and insect repellents are supplied in each room

Camp description

o Main unit under thatch
o Large outside veranda area with views of the desert
o Pub and dining area with small curio shop stocking mainly clothes items
o Swimming pool
o Bathroom at airstrip for arriving guests
o Star gazing platform & open air dining deck under the stars

Game viewing

Area mainly renowned for physical beauty and not for game viewing. Possible wildlife sightings include Oryx, Cape Fox, Jackal, Springbok, Ostrich, Aardvark and many desert species of plants.

Activities

o Excursions to Sossusvlei Dunes - 1hr30 minute to two hour drive to the end of Sossusvlei.
o 2 custom built and designed stretch Land Rovers & 1 standard land rover seating 6 or 7 without utilising middle seats, or 9 using middle seats. Land Rovers are closed, however there are blankets on the vehicles for when it is cold and windy.
o Hot Air balloons at Sesriem (on request, additional cost)
o Nature drives on the property
o Nature walks on request.
o Optional night drive after dinner to look for Bat-Earred Foxes and Aardwolf.

Suggested Daily Activity Schedule

All times are a guide only. Times can and do change depending on local conditions.
05h00 - Wake up call
05h30 - Light breakfast is served
05h55 - Depart on Sossusvlei excursion
Full buffet brunch is served on the dunes
Return to Lodge
15h45 - Depart on afternoon activity
19h00 - Dinner at the lodge

Laundry policy

Daily service is included in the nightly tariff, however laundry facilities are limited due to a water shortage in the area.

Extras payment

Payment can be affected by: Cash Traveller's cheques or by Visa or Mastercard
If guests feel that they want to tip, our recommended tipping schedule is as follows:
Lodge staff - US$3.00 per guest per day.
Driver/guides - US$5.00 per guest per day
(This is the suggested gratuity schedule only and is subject to service standards)

Flying times

to/from Windhoek 1 hour
to/from Swakopmund 1 hour

Air strip details

Located 10 minutes' drive from camp
Registered for up to King Airs
Air strip co-ordinates: S24.37.47; E15.56.21

Electricity

o Solar lighting
o Generator for power in the main area and kitchen
o 12v power
o Solar heating for hot water

Guest Comments

"Sossusvlei is the Jewel of the Namib Desert, thank you for sharing the breathtaking scenery with us."
D. C. Italy

"Thank you for making our stay, although brief, a most enjoyable and fantastic introduction to Namibia, its desert and most importantly, its people"
S.C. Mexico

"Sossusvlei was excellent! We were pampered and felt like we were old friends returning. The friendliness and hospitality of the staff puts even the luxuries of the lodge into the background and that is what makes this lodge a winner."
C.v.Z, South Africa

"The setting of this camp is fantastic, we were over whelmed by the vista at sunset and sunrise. We compliment you on reflecting the colour of the desert in the colours and materials used in the camp"
W. A. Canada

"A great experience in this tranquil setting"
C.A. Cape Town

"The view from the lodge at Sossusvlei is breathtaking - like nothing I've seen before. Absolutely incredible. I can't think of anything that would have made our stay more enjoyable. Keep up the good work"
K.E Canada

"Your staff's willingness to please was fantastic, we could not have been better looked after. Because of this, I will always think of Namibia, especially Sossusvlei, and yearn to return"
K.O. USA

"We have left Sossusvlei with new knowledge and respect of the desert, thank you to all the staff for making our stay such an enjoyable and enlightening one. We hope to return again soon."
J. C , USA

"We were lucky to have Isaiah as our guide, what a wonderful person, he was so knowledgeable. Thank you for making the desert come alive for us. We will remember our climb of "Big Daddy Dune" and the picnic under the camel thorn for a long, long time"
M.J. Switzerland

"What a pleasure to find an oasis of luxury and comfort in the middle of the Desert. The panoramic view from my chalet was spectacular and the plunge pool a perfect touch. Thank you to the Management and the chefs for catering to my vegetarian needs and I commend you all on the high standards throughout the whole camp"
J. M.,Seattle

"Thank you to the Management and all the staff for making our stay such an enjoyable one. It is our first trip to Africa and we could not have been shown better hospitality. We are already planning our return trip. Thanks to you."
C. J., UK

"Sossusvlei is a special lodge; the staff and management are so friendly and accommodating. Our guide, Dios ensured that we saw and learnt as much as possible about this unique desert. The sight of 6 Oryx running up the red dunes will remain in my memory for years to come, as well as taking a well earnt swim in the rockpools in the Namib Nauklauf."
C. v K., Germany

"Having never experienced a desert, I was blown away by the clarity of the stars, the wide-open spaces and the massive red dunes. A truly remarkable place."
P. v M., Belgium.

Please contact us for current rates: