Namibian Beauty Tour

Guided full day hike through the Kalahari with 2 over-nights.

Hiking and spending the night in the vastness of the African savannah offers the most intense nature experience. The red sand dunes and the grass and tree planes of the Kalahari will captivate every traveller. Feel the hot desert wind on your skin. Watch antelope herds in the vast veld or spot giraff es feeding among the trees. Experience the sunset.

Enjoy an African Braai at the campfire on a dune before listening to the sounds of the night, either in a tent or even outside under the starry sky. In the morning, shortly before sunrise, grab a hot cup of coffee and watch gnus and zebras on the water hole before experiencing that magic moment when the sun comes up in glittering gold just behind the dunes. All of a sudden, the temperature turns comfortably warm, the night is over, a new day has begun. Africa. The Trans-Kalahari Walk perfectly combines a comfortable stay at the lodge with exhausting but rewarding physical activities and campfire romanticism in the Kalahari dunes.

Enhance both your physical and mental strength and flexibility with our group yoga session. Follow the lead of our specialised yoga instructor and relief your anxiety or tensions. Routines are designed with the novice in mind, to ensure broad base participation and appeal. Connect with your inner-state as you move through several poses, feeling the light, warmth and freedom of the desert become synonymous with your being.

This forty-five minute Group Yoga Activity will be held on demand, usually near the pool either before the breaking of the new day at sunrise or at the end of the afternoon at sunset.

Depart Zannier Hotels Sonop at any time of your choosing. Fill your water bottle at one of our hydration refill stations (one is located near the e-bike shelter), read our simple, easy to follow e-bike operating instructions, points of advice in the shelter and you are ready to depart, following one of our clearly marked (Sonop) cycling and walking trail routes. Choose the White easy-peasy route… or choose the
Orange medium exertion level route.

Like normal cycling, just the return is so much greater. Cycling with a turbo attached. We have selected several routes that will lead you outward alongside our fabulous red dune and return you back down the ancient river-course, if you have selected the White Route. Alternatively take the more strenuous, longer and technical Orange Route and return ridge-side bordering the NamibRand Nature Reserve.

At a charge, this is a shared experience that takes place on the main deck. In arguably the darkest sky on our planet, you are naturally transported alongside and amongst the trillions of awe-inspiring celestial bodies. Surrounded by a swathe of a myriad stars and the Milky Way - so clear, so defined and so immense, you find few words to describe your first evening at Sonop and the experience of the
night sky above you.

Zannier Hotels Sonop, located in the NamibRand Nature Reserve is actually in one of just 16 designated International Dark Sky Reserves in the World.

Your horse, carefully chosen for its even temperament and suitability to the terrain, expertly led by your horse guide, take you from our state of the art stables on one of our bespoke trails. Ascend the ridge of a red sand dune and walk its ridge, feeling the cool breeze in your face whilst you become one within the grand desert vista. Pause in wonder as the light and sun changes the patterns and colours of the plain below. Disembark your horse as your guide prepares and hands you a steaming cup of freshly-filtered single-origin aromatic African coffee, which helps you find your centre within this place, the most ancient desert in the World.

Having refreshed both body and soul remount and follow your guide descending the dune, homeward bound into the ancient river course, interspersed with desert hardened ancient Acacia
Erilobas, some festooned with the World’s largest avian dwellings – the communal nests of the sociable weavers.

If you are not yet an experienced horse rider, private horse riding lessons are possible
at Zannier Hotels Sonop.

Be transported back to the timeless age of outdoor cinematography whilst you experience a classic movie, carefully selected masterpieces chosen for one purpose: to enthral you. Some in monochromatic, some in vivid technicolour, all wonderful. Facing the desert immensity, by the pool, enjoy the beauty of outdoor cinema on a large screen (4,5 meters wide). State of the art HD image and surround sound by Bose. Relax, settle down, be transported into a world of desert fantasy, with a box
of homemade hot popcorn (salted, buttered or caramelized) and maybe your favourite bottle of beer, all the while within a setting never to be forgotten.

Note that movies can be seen in multiple languages, with or without subtitles. This excursion is included in the all-inclusive rate

Twice daily, a non-private morning and afternoon nature drive are included in the all-inclusive rate. This desert safari is all about the subtleties and wonder that surround us; witness the transformation of light and shadow within everything your eyes rest upon; witness the stirring and activity which the new day brings to the many sociable weaver colonies in and around their seemingly chaotic jumbled hay-stack nests; witness the prehistoric-looking quiver trees, silhouetted against the bluest of morning skies. Listen as your expert guide unravels the intricate and fascinating stories, as he reveals the wondrous tapestry of life that this ecosystem supports.

Our guides will invite and entice you out of the vehicle to walk with them as they reveal to you the life of the beetles and insects or show you some long-forgotten cave within a chaotic jumble of granite boulders, littered with the tools and life-supporting implements left behind for our wonder by the ancient San Bushmen.

Departing camp at four thirty in the morning, to arrive at the oldest and largest sand dunes on earth within the “golden time” just after sunrise, makes the inconvenience of the early start a distant memory. As you effortlessly glide, cosseted in your leather and high-quality burled coachwork sound-attenuated interior of Sonop’s exclusive luxury full-size 4WD, you have precious time to allow your thoughts, dreams and mind to wander over and within the spectacular desert landscape.

You enter the Namib Naukluft Park, home to both Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Your breath is sure to catch as you become immersed in the beauty and enormity of the rich-red dunes, with the younger and lighter taupe-yellow coloured sand merging from their base on either side of the road.

After ensuring that you have sufficient hydration, sun protection and your essential camera plus extra batteries and storage, you don your backpack or sling and walking with your guide you begin your pilgrimage up the snaking razorback. Slow steady small strides are the order of the day. After recovery and sufficient time to pay your respects to your place within this extraordinary place, you descend the back of the dune.

After a short while exploring your immediate surrounds and maybe capturing the moment on your camera, your Chef invites to you to sit and replenish your now growing appetite. A setting, an adventure, an experience such as this deserves to be celebrated and so an iced glass or two of Champagne adds its weight to the event.

Discover the delicate life-pulse of the desert through the sole of your boot. Your expert guide will demonstrate our many wonderful highlights, some obvious and others less so, educating you as to the many fascinating facets which make up the web of life which surrounds us at Zannier Hotels Sonop. Observe the geology and topography transition from one zone to the next, bringing with
them their associated ecosystems.

Guided walking trails of a two-hour duration can be arranged for the cooler times of the day, in both the early morning or late afternoon. This excursion is included in the all-inclusive rate.

This private excursion takes place from 7am -
depart camp with your guide on an informative journey following a desert track, hemmed between an ancient riverbed on the left and a long red-sand yellow-grass dune on your right. After watching the micro life shake themselves awake with the warming sun, your guide will stop the vehicle and show you the way as you ascend the dune to the top. Turn a full sweep at the apex of the dune in awe, as you drink in an elevated and unimpeded 360° panoramic view of the desert plains, dune and mountains beyond.

Your personal Chef awaits to prepare a range of fare, ‘à la minute’, that would befit an aristocratic luxury 1920 safari. No breakfast of this nature would be complete without freshly squeezed orange juice and a bottle of desert-dry Brut Champagne. A uniquely desert gastronomic experience.

This private excursion takes place from 8pm -

Romance, drama, intimacy, imagination and grandeur are all emotions that you will experience in large doses during your privately curated dinner. Carefully chosen in site to allow for complete discretion and privacy, so that apart from the period setting paraffin hurricane lanterns hanging from the ancient branches of the Acacia Eriloba to the side of you and the candelabra on the table, no other human-created light can be observed. The immense Galaxy above you sets the dramatic stage in its incredible intensity, from which your grand style safari table takes its lead. Tastefully adorned with all that you would expect whilst on an extended luxury safari during the early twentieth century. After being comfortably seated by a white-gloved waiter, served water and the wine of your choice (pre-selected and prepared to perfection) your private Chef takes you on an epicurean journey: four courses, inspired by the menu one would expect on an aristocratic African safari.

Wake-up call at quarter to four in the morning, for a departure at four fifteen, sharp. Glide effortlessly over the desert tracks and roads, cocooned in oversized leather seats within the Sonop luxury full-size 4WD. Be enveloped by a carefully curated classical playlist on the premium quality multi-speaker sound system. After a peaceful journey in superlative luxury arrive at the balloon launch site, where you meet your pilot who briefs you on the safety aspects pertaining to your flight. Feel your excitement mount as you climb up and into the sturdy basket, which you share with seven other chosen ones and your pilot.

Capturing magnificent photographic memories are the order of the day and you would do well to ensure you are well prepared. After being airborne for a full forty five life-changing minutes, your pilot will prepare everyone for the landing. After safely coming to a stop, disembark taking additional photos then walk a short distance to a long communal table where the tastiest full-English breakfast and ice-cold champagne will be served. After breakfast and receiving your Certificate of Flight, embark on your camp-bound journey within the exclusive Sonop luxury full-size 4WD.

Experience the wild and scenic Namibian beauty by air. Go across the thousands of miles of no man’s land and explore Namibia differently, up to 10,000 feet. A unique opportunity to admire the pristine ecosystem from above, and to realize your dreams of soaring like a Golden Eagle over deserts, bushes, mountains, rivers and backcountry.

Several routes & durations are available as follows:
• Sonop – Omaanda or Omaanda – Sonop (4,5 hours from base)
• Sonop – Deadvlei – Sonop (2,5 hours)
• Sonop – Lüderitz – Sonop (3,5 hours)
• Sonop – Coastal Trip over Dunebelt – Sonop (3,5 hours)
• Sonop – Fish River Canyon – Sonop (5,5 hours)
• Sonop – Fish River Canyon – Lüderitz - Sonop (6 hours)
• Sonop – Swakopmund – Sonop (6 hours)
• Sonop – Dune picnic – Sonop (2,5 hours)

This half-day morning adventure takes you into the Namib Naukluft National Park. Learn about the ecosystem, Aeolian geological processes, walk to Deadvlei, perhaps climb a sand dune, and for the fit and adventurous, conquer the towering ‘Big Daddy’.

Set out to the dunes on our reserve, where the story of the deserts ecology is written in the sand. Explore the dunes on foot or by quad bike with a specialist guide who’ll uncover the secrets of the dunes.

Step back in time and bring to life the history of the area and its people. Follow your expert guide into the untamed Namib Desert scattered with San rock art. Explore heritage sites and gain insight into the San people.

Explore the unique landscape on this fascinating geological excursion, in a vehicle and on foot. View the varied topography, exposed due to the upliftment events after the continent of Gondwana split into Africa and South America. Observe young geology ‘in action’ as the dunes shape this awe-inspiring landscape.

Be mesmerised by the magnificence of the desert on morning or late afternoon desert drives that continue after nightfall. Explore four different habitat types and ecosystems. Learn about fairy circles, how deserts are formed and function, and how animals have adapted to this desolate environment.

Enjoy this exclusive experience at &Beyond Sossusvlei Private Desert Reserve, the only private reserve featuring the iconic star dunes of Namibia. Take the time to appreciate your surrounds and tuck into a delicious picnic breakfast.

Sossusvlei neighbours Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, which has also been awarded Gold Tier status, declaring it an environment with little to no impact from artificial light. Get a closer look at the night sky from our sophisticated observatory and state-of-the-art telescope.

Indulge in one of our many relaxing treatments for a truly authentic African spa experience that rejuvenates the mind, body and soul. Our treatments promise to leave you feeling in harmony with the tranquillity of the surrounds.

Available at an additional cost.

Gain a bird’s eye perspective over the spectacular scenery surrounding the lodge, in the company of other guests. The balloons are unable to fly over the Namib sand dunes; however, you will still be treated to awe-inspiring views.

Available at an additional cost.

Traverse the stark beauty and vast expanse on an e-bike. Easy to ride and super fun, these nifty bicycles are fitted with a battery-powered ‘assist’ that gives a boost via a throttle when pedalling. There are two different options, an 11km (6.8mi) or a 19km (11.8mi) route.

Explore the lodge surrounds on foot, take the time to sit in the stillness and be enchanted by the views. There are two defined hiking trails, a 2.2km (1.4mi) or a 3.4km (2.1mi) route waiting to be explored.

andBeyond’s WILDChild programme, designed especially for children visiting our safari lodges and camps in Africa, is filled with fun, interactive activities that offer opportunities to learn and discover new experiences and cultures. Deeply rooted in the love for the African bush, 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.

Take off from nearby the lodge and soar over the vast expanse of the desert for an approximately 60 min helicopter flight. Hover over jagged mountain tops that emerge from the iconic Namib dunes, white mineral pans, rocky outcrops and unique fauna and flora. Be captivated as you fly over a landscape that has remained unchanged for millions of years.

Available at an additional cost.

Avid photographers will enjoy this 90 min photographic flight showcasing the best of the Namib Desert. This flight extends to the ocean, where the red dune belt drops 152m (500ft) into the sea. Observe a seal colony at Black Rock and fly with doors off allowing you to capture red dunes, resident desert-adapted wildlife, rocky mountains and sandy plains. This experience includes a stopover in the dunes to enjoy a glass of champagne.

Available at an additional cost.

Experience the desert from above on a 2.5 hour helicopter flight. Fly over the Devil’s Fork dune formation and soar past the gnarled, twisted trees of Deadvlei. Continue until you hit the coast where the dunes fringe the sea, turn north from Meob Bay and follow the shoreline towards the Eduard Bohlen shipwreck. Enjoy a champagne stop and head home with views of Witberg Mountain.

Available at an additional cost.

Take off from near &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge and soar over the vast expanse of the desert for a 45 min helicopter flight. Hover over jagged mountain tops that emerge from the shifting Namib dunes flying over a landscape that has remained unchanged for millions of years.

Available at an additional cost.

Explore the rugged area on a morning or afternoon game drive learning about its remarkable flora and fauna including the giraffe research that is conducted in this area.

With your guide you can track the elusive desert-adapted black rhino on foot. Available to children aged 12 and over.

Spend time with the local Himba and Herero communities, understanding their unique cultures. In the case of the Himbas, they represent one of the last true nomadic tribes of Africa

Enjoy a walk with one of our experet guides as you discover the surrounding area on foot.

The dangerous beauty of Skeleton Coast
.

Either on your way to the lodge from Möwe Bay or returning from the lodge, you will see what is left of the victims of this treacherous coastline: Decaying ships, the remains of a Ventura Bomber and the abandoned Westies Diamond Mine bear witness to the unforgiving nature of this arid landscape. You will also visit the seal colony.

The music of the Namib.


Embark on a sundowner drive to the Roaring Dunes where the desert’s voice can be heard.


Or watch the sun disappear into the Atlantic Ocean.

All along the river… Spend your morning exploring the Hoarusib River. Visit the Clay Castles, a striking geological formation. You might even spot the elusive desert-adapted elephants, brown hyenas and lions.

Seaside lunch
...

Weather permitting, enjoy a scrumptious lunch on the vast empty beach.
Feel the crisp sea-breeze tousle your hair and ponder the meaning of life
 as the ocean washes onto the pristine sand in its unending ebb and flow.

Join one of our guides on a scenic drive over the Roaring Dunes . This excursion will only be conducted in an area specifically allocated for the purpose by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to minimise the effects on the environment.
The tour takes approximately 1.5 hours and is for one guest per quad. As a safety precaution the minimum age is 16 years.

For the more adventurous at heart, join us for dune boarding.

This is done by lying down on a polished board while you slide down the dune headfirst. Speeds of up to 80km/h can be reached.