Amid massive dune fields and the jagged escarpment, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is a serene oasis overlooking the shifting sands and stony outcrops of the ancient Namib Desert. Set in the foothills of the far northern region of Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft Nature Reserve, 10 stone, steel and glass suites provide a peaceful retreat from which to soak up the haunting beauty of the vast, stark terrain and endless horizons characterising this dramatic landscape. The best part? Each suite has a retractable skylight above the oversized bed, allowing for private stargazing.
Set out with your knowledgeable guide on a 4x4 or walking safari and learn how these desert-adapted species, like welwitschia plants, overcome the dry conditions for their basic survival. If you are after an adrenalin fix, traverse this rugged landscape on a quad bike (ATV), zipping over the towering sand dunes, or climb into the basket of a hot-air balloon for postcard aerial views of the desert. From the summit of each dune, look far over the sandscape layered with dusty pink rose quartz and hues of orange, pumpkin and apricot. Take an excursion to Sossusvlei and climb the Big Daddy dune or visit Deadvlei – a salty-white clay pan punctuated with dead black acacia trees set against the bright orange sand dunes.
Throughout your days at the lodge, the shifting rays of the sun bring different pieces of the desert to light, not only its varied colours and textures but wildlife such as proud oryx antelope, pebble-eating ostriches and Hartmann’s mountain zebra, along with jackals and hyena. But after dark, a completely different landscape comes to life in the majestic skies above this never-ending desert. Bordering an internationally recognised ‘dark sky reserve’, the galaxy is better appreciated from this lodge than almost anywhere else in the world. Astronomy talks hosted in the observatory by the resident astronomer provide fascinating insight into the intricacies of our solar system. The feelings of grand insignificance which brew in the vastness of this desert become exaggerated when gazing into the infinite skies, observed still from the comfort of your suite through the skylight above your bed.