Sossusvlei

NAMIBIA | SOSSUSVLEI

Located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib.

The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red dunes to make this one of the most scenic natural wonders of Africa and a photographer’s heaven.

This awe-inspiring destination is possibly Namibia’s premier attraction, with its unique dunes rising to almost 400 metres-some of the highest in the world.

These iconic dunes come alive in morning and evening light and draw photography enthusiasts from around the globe. Sossusvlei is home to a variety desert wildlife including oryx, springbok, ostrich and a variety of reptiles. Visitors can climb ‘Big Daddy’, one of Sossusvlei’s tallest dunes; explore Deadvlei, a white, salt, claypan dotted with ancient trees; or for the more extravagant, scenic flights and hot air ballooning are on offer, followed by a once-in-a-lifetime champagne breakfast amidst these majestic dunes.

REGION HIGHLIGHTS

Sleep out under starry, starry skies on the roof or your kulala, lulled to sleep by the peaceful, nocturnal sounds of the Namib Desert

World-famous Sossusvlei is both the name for the area in general as well as an enormous clay pan, flanked by immense sand dunes. Nearby, at the foot of some these dunes, the skeletons of trees dominate the landscape where once water flowed. This is known as Deadvlei.

A nature drive or eco-sensitive guided quad-bike ride through the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve allows you to take in the incredible views and denizens of the desert, including the likes of oryx, springbok and bat-eared fox, as well as fascinating avian desert specials such as the endemic dune lark.

ACCOMODATION

These are a selection of lodges that we feel combine well for this journey. However we do also have a range of options to consider in each region, and can tailor them to you preference.

aerial-view-guest-area-andbeyond-sossusvlei

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

The lodge is situated within &BEYOND Sossusvlei Private Desert Reserve, a vast 12 715 hectare (31 419 acre) expanse deep in the Namib, the world’s oldest living desert. Set amidst an ocean of dunes, rocky outcrops and gravel plains, the utter tranquility and extraordinary clarity of light makes this area one of Africa’s most compelling landscapes. The night skies are heavenly, with the concession bordering the International Dark Sky Reserve of the NamibRand Nature Reserve. A canvas of beauty that invites reconnection with yourself and nature.

Little Kulala

A welcome oasis situated along the dry Auab riverbed in the Kulala Wilderness Reserve, Little Kulala celebrates the splendour and solitude of the Namib Desert. Excursions to Sossusvlei (via a gate exclusive to Wilderness Safaris vehicles), nature drives, walks and eco-sensitive quad biking, explore this fascinating landscape. A balloon safari offers an awe-inspiring experience soaring above the desert. Inspired by Dead Vlei, the design of the 11 climate-controlled, thatched units, each with a private plunge pool, merges seamlessly into the timeless desert setting. Each unit has a Star Bed on the deck for romantic star gazing.

Kulala Desert Lodge

Kulala Desert Lodge is situated at the foot of the majestic Sossusvlei Dunes and is the closest lodge to Sossusvlei, accessed via a private gate exclusive to Wilderness Safaris. Ideal for introducing your family to the natural wonders of Namibia, take in the sweeping scenery on nature drives and walks, while electric “fat bikes” are a fun way to explore the spectacular open plains. Top off an extraordinary desert experience with a soaring hot air balloon flight over the dune field.

Kwessi Dunes

Opening in March 2020, Kwessi Dunes is located deep in Namibia’s striking NamibRand Nature Reserve, a vast desert wilderness of over 200,000 hectares. With its rolling desert plains and backdrop of craggy mountains and iconic red dunes, this is a place where time seems to stand still and the space is never-ending. Here, it’s not about chasing big game but rather soaking up the beauty of the colourful landscape, admiring the antelope that scatter the sand, and gazing at the stars the light up the night sky. At Kwessi Dunes, you’ll find 12 cool and comfortable (and air-conditioned) chalets all with canvas walls and thatched roofs. Each bedroom has a separate ‘star gazer’ room, completely open to the sky, and the perfect spot from which to watch the celestial theatre show above.

Wolwedans Boulders Lodge

Situated 45 Km's south of Wolwedans and hugged by massive granite rocks, Boulders Safari Camp is the most remote and ‘classic’ camp of the Wolwedans Collection. Upon re-opening end July 2018, Boulders sleeps a maximum of ten guests in five spacious tents. This tiny camp is as far off the beaten track, as it can get. The main area consists of a dining and lounge tent, a breakfast deck, library, pool and an open fireplace. Sundowners can be enjoyed from the top of a mountainous rock plateau close by, delivering epic impressions of the vast beauty of the surroundings.

Wolwedans Dunes Lodge

The Dunes Lodge is perched on top of a dune plateau, overlooking panoramic vistas in all directions and capturing the beauty of the desert in a most memorable way. The building style is a combination of wooden structures and canvas blinds, opening up to the desert beyond. The lodge reflects the ambience of a tented camp, but provides the comfort and protection of a permanent building. Each of the nine spacious chalets with en-suite bathrooms has a private verandah, which connects you to vast stretches of untouched sand. Sleeping with your canvas blinds open is just like sleeping under the stars.