Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Sossusvlei Desert Reserve is set in the far northern part of the NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia. Here you can see a vast area of over 180 000 hectares (444 800 acres) that lies between the endless dune fields of the Namib Desert and the jagged mountains of the escarpment. You'll experience sandy dunes and rocky outcrops, and guaranteed to view a variety of desert habitats.

While staying at the Lodge, you'll be surrounded by rocky outcrops that form the foothills of the Nubib Mountains, which are visible to the east. A variety of different rock types occur in the area, creating spectacular formations with different textures and colours as far as your eye can see. Vast plains and valley floors extend to the south of the Lodge, where caves and petrified dunes created from sandstone can be viewed. Further south lies vast stretches of distinctive red sand dunes, extending for thousands of square kilometres into the heart of the Namib. Whether rocky hillside, sandy plain, dry river bed or sand dune, you're bound to witness each of the habitats around the Lodge that form a home for characteristic plants and animals.

Accommodation

Take a breather from your hectic schedule and reconnect with yourself and with nature at the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge.

Nestled deep in the heart of Namibia's ancient Namib Desert in Southern Africa, the lodge is a secluded and serene oasis that overlooks awe-inspiring dunes and stony outcrops.

The lodge itself is luxurious without being pretentious; it's a place where you can put your feet up in pure comfort and privacy, while being surrounded by all the creature comforts you wish for.

If you're up for something more active, quad biking adventures, hikes and walks will let you explore the surrounding scenery and satisfy your sense of adventure.

Cradled against ancient mountains, looking out onto a broad rocky plain that rises towards distant dunes of fiery sand, 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.

Activities

· Twice-daily nature drives - track down unique desert-adapted wildlife in open vehicles, accompanied by an expert guide. Admire the fascinating and varied terrain, and learn more about the desert fauna and flora. Explore the mysterious fairy circles, where vegetation refuses to grow, and find out how the desert oryx can live without drinking water.

· Dune walks - guests are free to explore the areas surrounding the Lodge on foot. Experience the tranquillity of the desert and marvel at the exceptional plant life, such as the quiver tree, with its attractive yellow flowers. Guided dune walks introduce guests to life below the sands, where many small animals spend the day in cooler burrows. Expeditions to the nearby San caves to view cave paintings can be arranged.

· Quad biking - explore the desert on already established trails on a quad bike. These exciting expeditions, headed by an expert guide, add a thrill of adrenalin to desert exploration.

· Gaze at the stars - each evening resident astronomers give fascinating presentation on the stars and constellations in the southern African sky at our specially designed observatory, complete with powerful telescope.

· Picnic excursions - guided tours of the famous Sossusvlei sand dunes and the fascinating Sesriem Canyon, as well as other places of interest in the area, can be arranged at an additional cost.