One of the most pristine areas on Earth, the Namib Desert is a world of vast spaces, endless horizons, dramatic landscapes and jagged mountain heights. Cradled against the ancient mountains, andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is renowned for its luxurious accommodation overlooking the starkly beautiful Namib Desert. Designed to capture the splendour and solitude of the desert, just ten stone and glass suites spread out along the curve of the escarpment, allowing absolute privacy.
Accommodation:
Take a breather from your hectic schedule and reconnect with yourself and with nature at &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. Surrounded by the mountains and sand dunes of the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is an escape to the world as it should be. Sheer silence, total tranquillity and romantic luxury. From stargazing to intimate picnics in the desert, this is an extraordinary desert wilderness.
Guest areas flow into vast desert views, as the stone and glass structure of the Lodge melts into wraparound verandas. Cool water gushes from an underground spring into the refreshing lodge pool, while an extensive walk-in wine cellar provides refreshment of a different sort. Mouthwatering dinners are served by lantern light on the open dining veranda or in a surprise location in the nearby dunes. When night falls, our resident astronomer reveals the mysteries of the stars in our state of the art observatory.
Elements of bone, slate and stone create a dramatic, yet entirely natural, look, while rough timberwork, twiggy chandeliers and wooden sculptures call to mind the craggy mountains. Massive windows in the split-level bedroom and sitting room, as well as the ensuite bathroom, open onto the wide plains where you can’t help but lose yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the desert from the comfort of your private veranda. The dusky pink colours of the natural rose quartz that Namibia is known for provide a fresh contrast to the creams and greys of the interiors.
Cradled against ancient mountains, looking out onto a broad rocky plain that rises towards distant dunes of fiery sand, &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge boasts a location that is at once dramatic and serene. Fantastically formed rock formations vie for attention with massive sand dunes as the shifting rays of the sun bring the landscape to life. With just ten villas constructed of stone and glass, guests can enjoy the solitary splendour of this remote landscape in privacy. Suites are air conditioned against the searing heat of day and cosy fireplaces ward off the chill of winter nights
Widlife:
&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is set in the far northern part of the NamibRand Nature Reserve, a vast area of over 440 000 acres that lies between the endless dune fields of the Namib Desert and the jagged mountains of the escarpment. Offering an experience that encompasses both sandy dunes and rocky outcrops, guests to the NamibRand are guaranteed to view a variety of desert habitats. The harsh environmental conditions that exist here have led to the evolution of numerous plant and animal species that are specially adapted to survive in the desert.
The majestic oryx (or gemsbok) is the iconic antelope of the Namib Desert. With its bold black and white facial markings, sweeping horns and ochre coat, this striking animal is an unforgettable sight against the breathtaking setting. Herds of up to thirty appear on the open plains or amongst the dunes. Uniquely adapted to their desert home, oryx are able to live without water by extracting sufficient moisture from their diet.
Often spotted standing atop the highest dunes, the antelope maintain this photogenic pose in order to lose heat stored in their bodies in the slight breeze. Another animal that has adapted to the harsh desert terrain is the Hartmann’s mountain zebra, which digs beneath the earth’s surface for its drinking water. The springbok, which gets its name from its habit of leaping off the ground with all four feet, is also characteristic of the arid Namib Desert.
The world’s largest bird, the ostrich, does superbly in the arid habitat of the Namib, where it rarely seeks shade or water. Aardwolf, bat-eared and Cape fox, as well as porcupine spend a large portion of their lives underground, emerging at night, when temperatures have dropped.
Activities:
Desert Activities
Scenic drives in open 4x4x safari vehicles on the NamibRand Nature Reserve. Closed air conditioned vehicle excurisons to Sossusvlei and the Sesriem Canyon. Guided nature walks and marked hiking trails. Stargazing from the lodge's sophisticated observatory and hot air ballooning and scenic flights over the desert (at an additional cost) are all examples of some of the activities available.
Nature Drives
Set off on a scenic drive to the fascinating petrified dunes, a frozen landscape of endless undulating waves or choose to explore the massive boulders of Bushman’s Koppies, haphazardly strewn one on top of the other like a giant’s building blocks. Stop to admire the thousand hues of a desert sunset before returning to the lodge in the evening. Scenic drives offer an opportunity to encounter a variety of desert-adapted animals such as gemsbok, zebra, springbok, bat-eared fox, aardwolf, caracal and jackal.
Quad Bike Excursions
Set out on a quad bike trail through the dunes, led by an experienced guide. Enjoy the solitude and majesty of the desert as the trail winds over the dunes and rocky outcrops. As the day winds to a close, stop to enjoy a chilled sundowner as a dazzle of stars slowly comes to full, blazing life in the velvety night sky.
Sossusvlei Hot Air Ballooning (additional costs apply if not mentioned under inclusions)
As the sun’s first rays peek over scarlet sand dunes, the hot air balloon drifts slowly upward revealing the undulating landscapes of Sossusvlei. This soul-satisfying journey offers excellent photographic opportunities & lifelong memories!
Star Gazing
The lodge’s observatory provides the ideal place to gaze in awe at the wonders of the clear desert sky, with the resident astronomer on hand to point out the brightest and most beautiful constellations.
Why Visit:
· Unforgettable dune dining, guided nature walks and hiking trails
· Scenic Nature drives in open 4 x 4 safari vehicles, 4-wheel all terrain motorbike excursions and San rock paintings
· Excursions to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon in closed air conditioned vehicles
· Stargazing at a sophisticated observatory, accompanied by a resident astronomer, early morning hot air ballooning and scenic flights
· Perfect for honeymooners, couples, photographers and families
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Designed to capture the splendor and solitude of the desert, just ten stone and glass suites spread out along the curve of the escarpment, allowing absolute privacy. Each air conditioned glass-fronted suite is designed to complement the expansive views of the different habitats, perfectly framed from the spacious internal areas. Featuring a private veranda, bedroom with retractable skylights for in-bed star-gazing, a living room with a fireplace, an ensuite bathroom with a glass-encased rain shower offering 180º views, and a perfectly-positioned private plunge pool for some sublime respite after a long day in the desert heat.
All suites include star-viewing skylights, discrete music systems and customised personal bars. 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.
Creating an ideal family environment, or an ideal option for groups of friends, the Star Dune Suite consists of two suites linked by a covered walkway, with a private lounge and dining space. The combined amenities of this extended accommodation provide the perfect space for one and all to enjoy. For those family groups, our &Beyond guides and lodge team will provide a host of fun and interactive children’s activities.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Disability Services, Eco Friendly, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Detached Private Bathroom, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fireplace, Hair Dryer, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Outside Shower, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
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.
With a dedicated guide and a private vehicle, guests have the luxury of tailoring their own desert experience, choosing their own drive times, and spending as much time as they want exploring the desert.
