Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Location
- NamibRand Nature Reserve
- Namib Desert
- Southwest Namibia
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is situated in a private reserve with iconic red sand dunes and mountains that are part of a pristine living desert.
The lodge and its guests enjoy exclusive use of a vast land concession covering 49 square miles (127 square kms), which is the northernmost part of the NamibRand Nature Reserve. This private portion of the is enjoyed solely by guests of the lodge, so when out on an activity, guests will rarely encounter another human being.
Main guest area at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge.
The incredible dunes of the Sossusvlei region are colored in hues of orange, red, yellow, buttermilk, pumpkin, and sienna and as the light fades in the evening, shift to tones of ochre, purple, and blue. These dunes are part of the Namib Sand Sea, which is the most extensive dune field south of the Sahara Desert.
The massive dunes, which have been shaped by ancient particles of sand, some millions of years old, are among the highest in the world. Known as the Living Desert, the dunes of the Namib abound with wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, and over 100 bird species.
Activities at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge consist of a variety of desert adventures designed to immerse guests in the natural history and beauty of this incredible destination. Experiences include hiking to the crest of one of the massive red dunes, visiting the other-worldly Deadvlei, exploring the petrified dunes and rock-strewn plains, exploring the reserve on quad-bikes, cycling on e-bikes, visiting a San bushmen rock art site, scenic helicopter or hot-air balloon flights, stargazing, and much more.
Main guest area at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge.
The lodge offers 11 superlative guest suites that are spread out along the curve of a dramatic escarpment, allowing absolute privacy for guests.
Each air-conditioned, glass-fronted suite features a private veranda, bedroom with retractable skylights for in-bed star-gazing, a living room with a fireplace, an en-suite bathroom with a glass-encased rain shower offering 180-degree views, and a perfectly-positioned, private plunge pool for some sublime respite after a long day in the desert heat.
One of the most innovative features of the accommodation design is the way in which the extremes of the natural environment are harnessed to create energy and recycle waste water. Each suite is like its own solar power plant, producing enough energy to not only power the air conditioning, and all the super-comforts of a luxury lodge, but also the water treatment and recycling systems.
Main area indoor dining room.
The split-level main guest area features floor to ceiling, frameless glass panels that fold away to reveal unobstructed desert vistas. An inviting central-island bar and comfortable sitting room allows for convivial conversation, while a number of smaller spaces offer a more intimate option. The interactive kitchen design allow for guests to create their own dishes and menu should they wish to.
A range of singular interior and exterior dining spaces ensures guests never dine in the same place twice. A fine selection of wines from an impressive walk-in wine cellar complements sublime meals, while the Lodge Shop displays Namibia’s finest craft offerings.
Other signature features include a one-of-a-kind gym, elevated and ideally positioned to catch the desert sunrise while doing an early-morning yoga session, or quick session on the treadmill before breakfast. A two-part wellness centre offers a treatment room and a private spa-bath, as well as a wet treatment room with a shower and bath, complete with its own skylight for early-evening star-gazing.
Guest suites showing the solar panels on the roof.
About the Namib Desert
The Namib Desert is between 55-80 million years old and stretches along the western coast of Southern Africa from southern Angola, through all of Namibia and into northern South Africa, a distance of more than 1 200 miles (2 000 kms). The Namib is the only true desert in Southern Africa, averaging less than 1 inch of rain per year throughout most of its range.
The sand sea of wind-swept dunes along Namibia's coast spans a distance of 425 miles (680 kms) from Swakopmund in the north to Lüderitz in the south and inland for 90 miles (150 kms) in some places, including the Sossusvlei region.
Other than some scattered small settlements and the sparse population of semi-nomadic Himba and Herero people, the Namib is essentially uninhabited by humans. The dune-dominated areas of the Namib are also practically lifeless, with only some arthropods and other small organisms able to survive with almost no water.
Scenic helicopter flight - stop for refreshment.
Large animals are present in the areas not covered by the sand dunes, including antelopes like springbok and oryx. Other species present on the plains include desert-adapted elephant, Hartmann's mountain zebra, red hartebeest, ostrich, black-backed jackal, lion, brown hyena, meerkat, and some other species.
A large portion of the Namib Desert is protected as nature reserves and national parks, including Skeleton Coast National Park, Dorob National Park, and Namib-Naukluft National Park. Namib-Naukluft is the largest national park in Africa and one of the world's largest, covering an area of 19 215 sq miles (49 768 sq kms) and includes the popular Sossusvlei and Sesriem area, where many of the tourist lodges are located.
About Sossusvlei
Technically, Sossusvlei (also written Sossusvlei Vlei) is one of many small, clay-encrusted pans that only fill with water in rare rain years and are otherwise bone-dry and surrounded by the reddish-orange sand dunes of the sand sea. The name "Sossusvlei" also refers to the rater large region that surrounds the Tsauchab River, the tiny town of Sesriem, all the towering sand dunes, including "Big Daddy" and "Dune 54", and all the pans, including "Dead Vlei".
The Sossusvlei area is characterized by massive sand dunes, open grassy plains, and ephemeral rivers that rarely flow. It is accepted that the massive sand sea of dunes here originated some 3-5 million years ago further south in present-day South Africa's Kalahari Desert. The sands were carried east by the Orange River and were dumped into the Atlantic Ocean, where they were carried north by the ice-cold Benguela Current offshore and deposited on Namibia's coast. Winds then blew the sand inland to form the huge sand sea.
The reddish color of the sand here is due to the high iron content and resulting oxidation. The redder the dune the older it is, whereas the younger dunes are more yellow in color. The dunes in the Sossusvlei region are spectacular to behold, some reaching height of over 1 000 feet (300+ meters) above the plains.
The very popular 'Big Daddy' dune at Deadvlei is about 1 066 ft (325 meters) high. Many of the oldest and tallest dunes around Sossusvlei are stabilized by some vegetation, which obtains moisture from the common morning fog that blows in from the Atlantic Ocean coast. Climbing Big Daddy or any of the other impressive dunes in Sossusvlei offers incredible 36--degree vistas from the top.
The Tsauchab River flows west from the Naukluft Mountains but only on occasion, with several years sometimes passing between flooding and even when it does flow, it rarely reaches all the way to the actual Sossusvlei Vlei pan.
Deadvlei, also located at the terminus of the Tsauchab River, is certainly the most popularly visited of the Sossusvlei pans owing to its amazing appearance with many long-standing skeletons of dead camelthorn trees.
The Tsauchab River used to flow into Deadvlei and eventually, a good number of camel thorn trees grew there, but at some point, the river's course changed and the pan stropped receiving any water, so the trees all died. The dead trees, white crusted pan, and surrounding red dunes makes for some absolutely incredible scenery, so don't miss it!
ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES
Accommodation
11 guest accommodations in total comprising:
- 10 air-conditioned glass desert suites, each with double beds. Two of the suites are convertible to twin-bed setups. One of the suites is available as a triple (adult(s) and children 16 years and younger).
- 1 Star Dune Suite comprising two desert suites joined by a covered walkway leading to a shared space which includes a lounge, dining space, and outdoor deck. Each of the suites has its own entrance. This suite is ideal for a family or group of friends traveling together.
All of the suites are constructed of stone, wood, steel, and glass and are designed to capture the splendor and solitude of the desert. En-suite facilities include a double-basin vanity, indoor shower, outdoor shower, and toilet. The suites are accessed via footpaths on the ground leading to the main lodge area.
Desert suite interior at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge.
The beautifully appointed suites are spread out along the curve of a dramatic escarpment, allowing absolute privacy for guests. Each air-conditioned, glass-fronted suite is designed to complement the expansive views of the different habitats, perfectly framed from the spacious internal areas.
The suites feature a private veranda, bedroom with retractable skylights for in-bed star-gazing, a living room with a fireplace, an en-suite bathroom with a glass-encased rain shower offering 180-degree views, and a perfectly-positioned, private plunge pool for some sublime respite after a long day in the desert heat.
The suites are spacious, covering 1 400 square feet (130 sq meters) in area and well spaced, with a distance of 65 feet (20 meters) between each.
Other items and features in the guest suites include:
- Lounge and dining room with fireplace.
- Private veranda with swimming pool, loungers, and fire bowl overlooking the desert.
- Star-viewing skylights above the bed.
- Discrete music system.
- Customized personal bar.
- In-room Wi-Fi.
- Telephone (GSM mobile reception).
- Hairdryer.
- In-room safe.
One of the most innovative features of the suites' design is the way in which the extremes of the natural environment are harnessed to create energy and recycle waste water. Each suite is like its own solar power-plant, producing enough energy to not only power the air conditioning and the super-comforts of a luxury lodge, but also the water treatment and recycling systems.
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge can accommodate a maximum of 25 guests in total: 2 persons in each of the 10 guest suites, 4 persons in the Star Dune Suite, and one suite convertible to a triple.
Includes & Excludes
Includes:
- All meals and local beverages including soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas, and coffees.
- Desert experiences (Sossusvlei excursion, Living Dunes, Desert People, Desert Rock, Desert Drive, Big Dune Walk, stargazing, E-biking, and hiking) accompanied by an experienced guide.
- Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting, items will be returned on the same day). Laundry is dried by the sun and on most days any laundry placed out in the morning will be returned by the evening.
- A complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik CL Companion 8×30 binoculars per cottage for use during your stay.
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance.
- Wi-Fi access.
- Tourism Levy & VAT.
Excludes:
- Hot-air ballooning.
- Scenic helicopter flights (one-hour, 90-minute, 2.5-hour options).
- Purchases from the Lodge Shop.
- Champagne, cognacs, fine wines, premium brand spirits, and cigars.
- Spa / wellness treatments.
- Any applicable wildlife fee, park fee, reserve fee, concession fee, other land-use fee.
Single Supplement
A single supplement may apply for any room booked by a single traveler; please ask us for pricing.
Children
Families can rest assured that your children will always be safe and well cared for (both during activities and at the camp) by the lodge staff.
Children of any age are accommodated at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge:
- 1 triple suite available.
- Star Dune Suite (two adjoining suites) sleeps 2 adults and up to 3 children under 16 years.
- Children under the age of 6 years are not permitted on lodge activities. Private desert drives may be requested for children 3-5 years of age.
- Children aged 6-15 years are permitted on lodge activities excluding the use of quad bikes on the Desert Spirit experience (6 - 12 years at the lodge manager’s discretion).
- Children aged 16 years and above are permitted on quad bikes as part of the Desert Spirit experience.
- The lodge offers child minding. This will be at an additional cost (best to pre-book this with us).
The exciting &Beyond WILDChild Program is filled with fun, interactive activities that offer opportunities to learn and discover new experiences and cultures. Deeply rooted in a love for African, it not only creates a series of unforgettable moments for the whole family, but forges strong bonds between our young guests, our planet and its people..
Wildchild activities include:
- Get creative with ostrich shell art and make necklaces and broaches, or mosaic a vibrant picture frame or bowl.
- Revel in fine grains of silky sand as you enjoy sand painting with red dune sand and paint pictures or fill glass bottles decoratively. Learn about dune history and ecology while you play.
- Enjoy San rock painting and make bookmarks and fridge magnets with San art designs. Potato printing for the younger kids in San art designs is also available.
- Delight in monkey ball art and make your own monkey ball designs, using the local fruit as a canvas.
- Explore space and craft solar system mobiles or bottle lid planets as hats for children (under 10) or be absorbed in an astronomy session with an astronomer (for older children).
- Be enchanted with storytelling and listen to traditional stories about the night skies from African tribes.
Facilities
The split-level main guest area features floor to ceiling, frameless glass panels that fold away to reveal unobstructed desert vistas. An inviting central-island bar and comfortable sitting room allows for convivial conversation, while a number of smaller spaces offer a more intimate option. The interactive kitchen design allow for guests to create their own dishes and menu should they wish to.
A range of singular interior and exterior dining spaces ensures guests never dine in the same place twice. A fine selection of wines from an impressive walk-in wine cellar complements sublime meals, while the Lodge Shop displays Namibia’s finest craft offerings.
Other signature features include a one-of-a-kind gym, elevated and ideally positioned to catch the desert sunrise while doing an early-morning yoga session, or quick session on the treadmill before breakfast. A two-part wellness centre offers a treatment room and a private spa-bath, as well as a wet treatment room with a shower and bath, complete with its own skylight for early-evening star-gazing.
Main guest area facilities include:
- Multiple indoor and outdoor spaces for sitting are enjoying the views.
- Rim-flow swimming pool and deck with loungers.
- Spacious bar area.
- Interactive kitchen.
- Wine room offering tastings and dining.
- Lodge Shop.
- Observatory with a resident astronomer.
- Walk-in wine cellar.
- Interactive kitchen & central island bar.
- A two-part wellness centre with a treatment room and gym.
- Guest toilets in main area.
Activities
Activities included in the rate:
- Sossusvlei Excursion to see Sesriem and Deadvlei (guided, drive and then on foot).
- Desert Spirit Experience (guided, on foot and quad-bike).
- Desert People Experience to view San rock paintings (guided, drive and then on foot).
- Desert Rock Experience (guided, on foot).
- Desert Drive (guided).
- Big Dune Walk (guided).
- Stargazing (guided, around or at the lodge).
- E-biking (two circuits available).
- Hiking.
- A complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik CL Companion 8×30 binoculars per guest cottage for use during your stay.
- WILDchild program for kids.
Optional activities at additional cost:
- Private activities only available based on lodge occupancy and vehicle availability.
- Hot-air ballooning.
- Scenic helicopter flights (one-hour, 90-minute, 2.5-hour options).
- Wellness treatments (offered in the lodge spa).
Example of a typical day:
- Early morning wake-up call. Morning wake-up and activity times vary according your selected activity.
- Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity.
- Return to the lodge for a meal and rest period.
- Meet for afternoon tea and snacks (savory and sweet choices) before departing on the activity.
- Return to lodge - freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner.
- Enjoy a nightcap and/or discussion at the bar or on the deck before retiring.
Great Good Fair Poor
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Climate / When to Visit
The Central Namib-Naukluft, including the Sossusvlei region, have a hot and dry, true desert climate with little to no rainfall throughout the year (less than 1 inch on average annually). As is common in a desert, daytime temperatures can be very warm, averaging 82-85°F (28-29°C), but often spiking above 100°F (38°C) during the summer. Conversely, overnight lows in the winter can fall below freezing.
Morning fog blows in from the coast over the sand dunes about one out of every two days. The thick for is created when cold coastal water brought north via the Benguela Current mixes with the the hot, dry air of the desert. The coastal fog has led to hundreds of shipwrecks along the coast, but it provides a vital source of moisture for desert plants and animals living inland. The fog typically burns off mid mid-morning.
Sossusvlei can definitely be considered a year-round destination, with winter months being better if you are concerned about the heat, but keep in mind that most activities take place starting very early in the morning and again late in the afternoon, so as to avoid midday heat.
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is open year-round.
Summer
The summer months are November through April and middays in the desert can only be describer as hot. Early morning are white pleasant, with temperatures around 60°F (15°C), but quickly warming to around 85°F (29°C) once the sun moves overhead. Almost every day is clear and sunny, with some clouds blowing through.
Summer is the 'rain' season, although that is not to say that one should expect any showers. January and February are the best chances to experience rain in the region (a truly special treat if you happen to get this lucky). Rains are rare and typically come as a brief shower that quickly moves off. Heavier, lasting rains are very uncommon, usually only coming every few years.
Winter
The winter is from May through October and the daytime temperatures are moderated compared to the summer and overnights can be quite chilly to cold (as is typical of a desert climate).
Temperatures during the day average 73-75°F (23-24°C), but often climb to 80°F (27°C). Early mornings are brisk, averaging 48-50°F (9-10°C), while nighttime temperatures regularly drop to near freezing or even lower.
Rain during the winter months is extremely rare and most days are completely cloudless and sunny.