Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
NamibRand - Namibia
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge (formerly Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge) is situated in the northern foothills of the 184,000ha, privately owned NamibRand Nature Reserve, some 26kms from Sesriem. The reserve lies on the eastern boundary of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. It is a small and exclusive lodge, within easy reach of the Sesriem main gate and subsequent (self-drive or organized) tour on to the fabulous dunes of Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon. The lodge can be reached in a saloon car.
This desert wilderness is home to a surprising variety of animals which thrive in a desert environment. Oryx, springbok, aardwolf, ostrich, hyena, bat-eared fox, Cape fox, Burchell’s Zebra and Hartman's Mountain Zebra, can all be viewed here. There are also over 115 different variety of bird species here, including sociable weavers, black and martial eagles and the dune lark.
The main lodge has lounges, a terrace and a viewing deck, that has wonderful views of the desert landscape. Meals and drinks are served in the airy dining room.
10 stone and glass split-level desert suites, have been built in the side of a mountain. Each suite is equipped to cope with the climatic extremes of the desert. Air-conditioning and outside showers for those hot summer days, and an en-suite, glass-encased bathroom and an inviting fireplace for those cold winter evenings. There is a large star-viewing window above the bed, and the rooms are equipped with a CD system, a personal compact telescope, and a service-intercom to the main lodge. The powerful telescope provides exceptional opportunities to observe the cosmos, as well as game viewing, all from the comfort of your own room.
The suites are generously spaced apart for extra privacy, with a shaded deck to marvel at the wonderful horizons of the Namib Desert. There is also a swimming pool, fed by an underground spring.
Activities include morning and evening nature drives in open 4WD vehicles. There are guided walks, and marked walking trails for the independent explorer.
Optional extras at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge include a hot-air balloon trip over the Namib, guided 4WD trips to Sossusvlei or Sesriem Canyon and ATV (quad-bike) excursions.
Children are welcome at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. One unit can take an extra bed for a child, but unfortunately, children aged 5yrs and under cannot participate in scheduled safari activities.
- Activities at the Lodge
- Activities around Sossusvlei
- Nature drives
- track down unique desert-adapted wildlife in open vehicles, accompanied by an expert guide. Admire the fascinating and varied terrain, and learn more about the desert fauna and flora. Explore the mysterious fairy circles, where vegetation refuses to grow, and find out how the desert oryx can live without drinking water.
- Dune walks
- guests are free to explore the areas surrounding the Lodge on foot. Experience the tranquility of the desert and marvel at the exceptional plant life, such as the quiver tree, with its attractive yellow flowers. Guided dune walks introduce guests to life below the sands, where many small animals spend the day in cooler burrows. Expeditions to the nearby San caves to view cave paintings can be arranged.
- Quad biking
- explore the desert on already established trails on a quad bike. These exciting expeditions, headed by an expert guide, add a thrill of adrenalin to desert exploration.
- Gaze at the stars
- each evening resident astronomers give fascinating presentation on the stars and constellations in the southern African sky at our specially designed observatory, complete with powerful telescope.
- Picnic excursions
- guided tours of the famous Sossusvlei sand dunes and the fascinating Sesriem Canyon, as well as other places of interest in the area, can be arranged.
- Ballooning over Sossusvlei
- Drift over the dune fields at Sossusvlei and enjoy a champagne breakfast wherever the wind takes you
- Guided Hikes
- learn about the dune fields on an expertly guided walk
- Scenic Flights
- light aircraft regularly depart on scenic flights over Sossusvlei and its surroundings
Directions:
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is situated south of Sesriem. Turn west off the C27 about 5 km from the junction with the D845.
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