Cardinal DMC - Skeleton Coast

Depart from Sossusvlei Lodge in the late afternoon on a leisurely drive on the Lodge's private reserve. Watch the shadows lengthen as your guide takes you out to a panoramic location where sundowner drinks will be served as you relax and watch the spectacular sunset. The inner tranquillity that a desert sunset imparts while you sit amongst nature is really something special...

An early start from the Lodge to enter the Namib-Naukluft Park at sunrise, while the temperature is still mild and when the dune contrasts are at their best. You will travel in one of our all-terrain URI Gameviewer vehicles, custom-built in Namibia for the Lodge, with your own specially trained guide who will share all his knowledge of the area, animals, plant life and much more with you.

Regular stops are made on the spectacular ±60 kilometre drive through the dune corridor down to the Vlei to gain information or take in the vistas. At Dune 45, we make a stop to view the the world's most photographed dune. Further along, a gradual 2,6 kilometer round-trip guided walk up to Dead Vlei is a must for the healthy visitors. The more energetic have the opportunity to climb to the upper ridge of Big Daddy Dune, one of the highest dunes in this area! We spend time exploring Sossusvlei before returning to the Lodge approximately 5½ hours later in time for lunch.

The guided nature walk starts at sunrise, departing from the Lodge and takes place on and around the spectacular Elim Dune Belt.

Our knowledgeable guides focus on the small things often overlooked – nocturnal animal tracks, plant species and smaller wildlife.

Experience the remarkable depths of Sesriem Canyon. Our experienced guides will share the history behind this magnificent natural canyon carved by the Tsauchab River.

Discover the majesty of the Namib Desert by Helicopter!

Our Pilots are well experienced and will guide you through the scenery on an adventurous and informative flight.

We offer a range of scenic flights over the breath-taking grass plains to the towering dunes of Sossusvlei and the hidden mysteries of Deadvlei. Exciting flips over the Sesriem Canyon, Dune 45 and Elim Dune as well as custom built flights for photographers that wish to focus on specific areas of the Namib.

Desert Air have a well-maintained 6-seater Cessna 210 light aircraft permanently based on the Sossusvlei Lodge property along with an experienced pilot who also doubles as a trained "aerial" desert guide.

A number of routes are available on request, including:
A 40 minute trip to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon will provide you with wonderful aerial photographs of the Vlei and Canyon.
A longer hour trip to the forbidden coast (Sperrgebiet) and the area known as Lange Wand, which is the coastal area of the Namib Desert, will provide you incredible views where a 'sea of desert dunes' meet the Atlantic ocean.
An hour and a half trip over the Sossusvlei area will include Conception Bay, a seal colony, shipwreaks and even old diamond miners camps.

"Up, up and away" as you sail silently over the reddish dune sea of the Namib. Add an exhilarating dimension to your visit to the desert.

The duration of the excursion is approximately 3½ hours. The Hot Air Balloon flight itself takes about one hour and ends with an exclusive Champagne Breakfast at the landing spot in scenic nature. The Breakfast is followed by a Nature drive back to Sossusvlei Lodge.

Special group rates apply for groups of min 24 pax, max 110 pax.

Due to the desert temperatures this activity is offered in the mornings only. Guests are collected at the lodge ½ hour before sunrise. The balloon rises as the sun rises. The first light hour of the day is known to be the most spectacular, especially in the desert with the rich contrast of colour and shape on the towering sand dunes of the Sossusvlei Area, on the vast desert plains and surrounding mountain ranges.

Host you special function or bush dinner in the heart of the Namib Desert!

With views of towering red sand dunes amidst the vast desert plains, this is the most awe-inspiring venue nature has on offer.

Sossusvlei Lodge have perfected the art of outdoor catering enthusing guests with delightful bush dinners, breakfasts at Sossusvlei, special events and even private intimate dinners.

Each function will be planned according to your requirements. You can be assured this will be a function that will be talked about and remembered for a lifetime!

Host you special breakfast function in Sossusvlei with views of the towering red sand dunes under the shade of the age-old acacias.

Sossusvlei Lodge can provide a full English or Continental Breakfast complete with a table and chair setup.

Each function will be planned according to your requirements.

Our front Desk, will help Guests plan their activities in Swakopmund ensuring they experience and enjoy all on offer in Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and along this exciting and very unique Southern Atlantic coastline and neighbouring Namib Desert. Their sole objective is making sure that every guest's stay is personalised and filled with interesting, exciting, educational and cultural activities and adventures.

It provides:
* Airline Re-confirmations
* Car & Bicycle Hire
* Transfer Arrangements
* Restaurant Reservations
* Shopping Advice & Information
* Personalised Consultation

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.

Explore this ancient and arid landscape with your guide on the Nature Drive. Departing early in the morning, the guide will show you that this harsh, dry environment is alive with desert-adapted flora and fauna, and perhaps, if lucky, discover the desert-adapted elephant.

Usually departs at 06h30 and will go out for +/- 4 – 6 hours.
Drinks & snacks are included.

Departing mid-afternoon your guide will take you to explore this diverse landscape of ancient Damaraland, filled with geological wonders and other surprises.

Learn about the fascinating geological formations of Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes, and discover Namibia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Twyfelfontein - known for being one of the largest and oldest collections of San rock art engravings in the world!

Usually departs at 15h00 and will last for +/-2 hours. along with seeing Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes.

Relax and watch a magical and memorable sunset.

Walk up to the sundowner location and make yourself comfortable. Order your drink of choice, or choose from one of our famous cocktails or mocktails and delight in sumptuous snacks.