Discover the Beauty of Sossusvlei, Namibia

Namibia is a land of ever-changing landscapes. The moods of the landscape can change in a matter of minutes and take your breath away again and again. There is nothing like it anywhere else on Earth. If you are looking for an adventure-filled vacation, this is the country for you!

Known as a self-drive destination, the Namibian circuit is a popular one. It attracts millions of tourists each year. If you would rather not drive, fly-in itineraries are available. A bird’s eye view of the arid terrain will add a completely different dimension to your vacation!

Hidden among the dunes of Namibia’s ancient Namib Desert in southern Africa—is Sossusvlei—well known for its amazingly red, majestic sand dunes. Due to re-open on 16 October 2019 after an extensive refurbishment, the &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge includes 10 air-conditioned, freestanding, individual suites, and the Star Dune Suite.

The refurbishment focused on a number of different areas. New sustainable design solutions have been installed to provide state-of-the-art water-saving mechanisms, water harvesting and recycling systems. Photovoltaic power generation is available in every room.

Each and every building is a self-contained solar power plant. Each produces enough energy to not only power the air conditioning and all the typical comforts of a luxury lodge, but also the water treatment and recycling system. Imagine—sustainable dessert living with all the luxury finishes!

Looking for a family vacation spot or maybe a getaway with your friends? The Star Dune Suite is perfect for you. It actually comprises 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.

Described as a “serene oasis”, the lodge is secluded with impressive views of the awe-inspiring dunes and rugged mountain heights. This landscape is something you have to experience for yourself. The tranquility and the way the light catches it at different times of the day, will leave you awe-inspired and spending most of your days just taking it all in.

Our resident southern Africa expert, Harland Lindsay, travelled to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge two years ago, and this is what he had to say:

“&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge was virtually perfect: from service to balloon rides; cuisine to astronomy experience; tranquility to quad bikes. Of the half dozen excellent Namibian venues we have experienced, we rated this as number one.

During our 5 days stay, the desert served up blue-skied hot days, interspersed with exciting sandstorms and enthralling lightning displays, while the night skies shone with trillions of diamonds—and all of this was experienced from our luxurious private lodge!

We felt . . . that we were an integral part of the desert! “

The main lodge itself is a masterpiece. Built with its surroundings in mind, here you will enjoy glass rock with harmonious tones to complement the landscape that enfolds it. The building itself, does not interfere with the magnificent views. The guest area features floor to ceiling, frameless glass panels that fold away to reveal unobstructed desert vistas. The pictures below will obviously be different after the refurbishment, which we cannot wait to see!

At sunset, wildlife is drawn to a nearby waterhole— a double bonus to sundowner time in the desert! The Sossusvlei skies, one of the world’s few Dark Sky Reserves, are a wonder-world of constellations. Every evening, guests are invited to celebrate these magnificent skies with a resident astronomer at the on-site, world-class observatory. You can spend nights under the stars in the wild, like nowhere else on Earth

If you are looking for a romantic retreat, look no further. A two-part wellness centre offers a treatment room and a private spa-bath, as well as a wet treatment room with shower and bath, complete with its own skylight for early-evening stargazing. Romantic to say the least! The lodge also boasts an impressive wine cellar and gym. Sossusvlei Desert Lodge offers a fantastic Honeymoon Special: one person pays full price and the other person pays 50%, based on stays of 2 nights or more.

Speaking of special offers, Sossuvlei Desert Lodge also offers a complimentary hot air balloon ride over the magical dunes if you book a three-night stay or more. Remember, they only open on 16 October 2019, which falls in high season. Mid-Season rolls in on 01 November when, at an amazing ZAR 9, 265.00 per person per night you can enjoy this fabulous lodge and all that comes with it. Accommodation includes three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, refreshments on scenic nature drives, and laundry!

Activities included are:

Scenic nature drives
Quad bike excursions
Stargazing at a state-of-the-art observatory, accompanied by a resident astronomer
Excursions to Sossusvlei, Sesriem Canyon and Dead Vlei
Guided nature walks
Fat-biking
San rock paintings
Petrified dunes
Dune ecology activity

Flights to Namibia and Sossusvlei Desert Lodge are excluded and can be quoted on request.