Sossusvlei & Namib Rand

DESCRIPTION

The Sossusvlei, Namibia's famous highlight in the heart of the Namib Desert, is a huge clay pan, enclosed by giant sand dunes. Some of the spectacular hills of sand stand at a height of 300 metres, the highest in the world. The dunes of the Namib Desert have developed over many millions of years. It is thought that the vast quantities of sand were deposited into the Atlantic Ocean by the Orange River. This material was subsequently moved northwards by the Benguela current to be dumped back onto the land by the surf.

The best time to view Sossusvlei is at sunrise; the colours are strong and constantly changing, allowing for wonderful photographic opportunities. The midday heat is intense and best spent in the shade, while sunset also offers excellent photo opportunities

 

ACCOMMODATION

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BullsPort Guest Farm

BullsPort Guest Farm is one of the oldest farms in Namibia. It is rich in history, wild and bird life, flora and fauna. The fascinating Naukluft Mountain range invites you to discover the hidden...

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Desert Homestead

The Desert Homestead is situated approximately 32km southeast of Sesriem. The wide grassy valley is sheltered by the Nubib, Tsaris and Naukluft Mountains with a view reaching the distant dunes of ...

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Kulala Desert Lodge

Kulala Desert Lodge is located within the arid Namib Desert on the 37,000-hectare private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, and is the closest lodge to the iconic dunes of the Sossusvlei...

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Little Kulala

Little Kulala is a luxurious desert retreat situated in the private 37,000-hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve - the gateway to Namibia's Sand Sea with its towering dunes and starry skies...

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Sossus Dune Lodge

Sossus Dune Lodge is the only lodge actually within the Namib-Naukluft Park, opening in 2007. Built in an environmentally sensitive manner, primarily from wood, canvas and thatch, the lodge has 23...

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Wolwedans Boulders Safari Camp

Wolwedans nestles into the dunes and is set against a backdrop of extraordinary natural beauty. Located in the heart of NamibRand Nature Reserve, Wolwedans camps provide the perfect base from...

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Wolwedans Dune Camp

Wolwedans nestles into the dunes and is set against a backdrop of extraordinary natural beauty. Located in the heart of NamibRand Nature Reserve, Wolwedans camps provide the perfect base from...

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Wolwedans Private Camp

Wolwedans nestles into the dunes and is set against a backdrop of extraordinary natural beauty. Located in the heart of NamibRand Nature Reserve, Wolwedans camps provide the perfect base from whic...

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Wolwedans Dunes Lodge

Wolwedans nestles into the dunes and is set against a backdrop of extraordinary natural beauty. Located in the heart of NamibRand Nature Reserve, Wolwedans camps provide the perfect base from...

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Desert Homestead Outpost

Deep in the 7000 ha nature reserve of Desert Homestead Lodge, adjoining the Unesco world heritage site ‘Namib Sand Sea‘, the Outpost opens its gates and offers relaxed hospitality with a n...

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Camp Sossus

Camp Sossus is built in a naturally formed amphitheatre of a south-facing granite outcrop within striking distance of Sossusvlei, and is ideally positioned to avoid the harsh desert sun.   The...

ITINERARY IDEA

Day 1: Sossusvlei & Namib Rand

Meal Basis: Bed & Breakfast

Windhoek is Namibia’s capital, home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation options. The city is clean, safe and well-organised, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste (Old Fort), the 1896 Christuskirche (Christ Church), and the more contemporary Supreme Court

Day 2 - 3: Sossusvlei & Namib Rand

Meal Basis: Full Board plus Activities

Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red sand dunes to make this one of the natural wonders of Africa and a photographers heaven.

Aside from the attractions at Sossusvlei - Dune 45, Hiddenvlei, Big Daddy and Deadvlei - other attractions in the area include the Sesriem Canyon and Namib-Naukluft National Park, where the mountains of the Namib meet its plains.

Day 4 - 5: Sossusvlei & Namib Rand

Meal Basis: Bed & Breakfast

Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, colonial-era buildings and the cool sea breeze make it very popular

Day 6 - 8: Sossusvlei & Namib Rand

Meal Basis: Full Board plus Activities

Remarkably this area is seemingly inhabitable, however is home to superbly adapted wildlife that has evolved over time to survive in this arid environment. Herds of nomadic elephant are found traversing the dried seasonal riverbeds in search of water and vegetation. These small oases also provide sustenance to a wide range of superbly adapted species including springbok, gemsbok, giraffe and a variety of other species, as well as lion and cheetah. This is also home to the largest free roaming population of black rhino as well as several endemic Namibian species of bird. Nomadic Himba tribesmen still live their traditional nomadic lifestyle and Africa's largest collection of prehistoric rock engravings and San rock art can be found at Twyfelfontein, Namibia's first World Heritage Site.

Day 9 - 11: Sossusvlei & Namib Rand

Meal Basis: Full Board plus Activities

The Etosha National Park is Namibia's premiere game viewing experience, situated in the northwest of Namibia and is an area well known for its wildlife. Vegetation ranges from dense bush to open plains attracting a diversity of wildlife. In the heart of the Park is The Etosha Pan - a shallow depression that covers an area of 5000sq kilometres. Dry and shimmering for most of the year, the pans fill up with water after good rains to a depth which is seldom deeper than 1m. In the dry season wildlife is attracted to perennial springs and waterholes that makes for excellent game viewing.
Within the park are three large public rest camps catering for the more budget orientated traveller. There are several smaller establishments on the outskirts of the park on private land offering a more intimate and comprehensive experience. All of these establishments offer excellent value for money.

This itinerary is a guideline, Africa & Beyond tailor every trip to your individual specifications including all accommodation, flights, transfers & activities, please contact us to discuss your ideas.

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