Namibia : Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei is a remarkable area within the Namib Naukluft National Park. Sossusvlei itself is a huge clay pan enclosed by massive red sand dunes, some of the highest in the world at over 1000ft. The red tone of the dunes is a result of the high concentration of iron oxide in the sand and the best time to see them is in the early morning or evening when the sun is low. Shadows are cast on the dunes and the colours are spectacular, it really is one of the most remarkable sights you will see. Walking up any sand dune is an arduous task and Big daddy is quite a challenge, but its worth it for the achievement and the amazing views of the dunes and pans below. An easier way to see the dunes from above is by low level flying by plane or by hot air balloon. Another great excursion is the low level flying from Sossusvlei up the Skeleton coast to Swakopmund where you fly over old diamond mines, ship wrecks and huge seal colonies. You can stop in Swakopmund for a delicious seafood lunch on the beach and go on a boat trip to see the seals, dolphins and occasionally whales.

The dunes of the Namib desert developed over a period of many millions of years. It is thought that the vast quantities of sand were carried into the Atlantic Ocean by the Orange river. The Benguela current subsequently moved it northwards. The surf pushed the sand back onto land and coastal dunes developed as a result, which were gradually shifted by the wind. The wind continuously restacks the sands of the huge shifting dunes.

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the dunes	shadows	spectacular colours

Big daddy	dunes	from above

low level flying	hot air balloon	flying

Quick links:

Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp

Kulala Desert Lodge

Kulala Wilderness Camp

Wolwedans Camps

Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp
The Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp is situated on a 20,000-hectare private desert reserve 30km from the park gate. The lodge is set on the side of a hill and has the most spectacular views across rugged desert plains to the mountains and the sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the distance. It must be one of the most dramatic views I have seen in Africa.

The camp is set on a hill side, there are nine luxury rooms each with its own private plunge pool and glass fronted to take advantage of the views. The main dining and bar area has a large terrace so meals can be taken out side and it's a great star viewing deck. There is a small water hole below the lodge where you occasionally see game coming to drink. It is quite a long drive from the lodge to Sossusvlei but you can go on walks and drives in the concession area. There is not much game around but emphasis is on teaching you about the desert and the plants and animals, which have adapted to desert life which is fascinating and the scenery is stunning. There are plenty of birds and the sociable weavers nests, which take over whole branches of the ancient trees.

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the lodge	set on a hillside	luxury rooms

walks	sociable weaver nests	dining room

Kulala Desert Lodge
Kulala is set on a 21,000-hectare private reserve adjacent to the Namib Naukluft Park and only a short drive to the park gates. It has magnificent views of the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei as well as spectacular mountain scenery and vast open plains. The lodge has an earthy feel to it with all the buildings made from canvas, thatch and with mud walls, the pitched roofs make it look like a nomadic camp from a distance and it blends in well to the dramatic landscape.

There are 12 comfortable rooms or Kulalas (Swahili name for resting place) all ensuite and set up on wooden platforms to catch the desert breezes. Unusually there are private rooftop stargazing platforms where you can ask for your mattress to be put out on and sleep out under the spectacular African sky. The bar and restaurant areas are comfortable and tastefully decorated in earthy and natural colours, there is also a swimming pool to cool down in the heat of the day.

There is a tented camp for self-drive clients or if you have your own vehicle and guide, the accommodation is comfortable in meru style tents with ensuite bathrooms and solar heated water.

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spectacular scenery	nomadic camp	comfortable roooms

Kulalas	earthy colours	swimming pool

Kulala Wilderness Camp
Kulala Wilderness Camp, in the heart of the Namib Desert, is a 12-bedded camp situated on the 21,000-hectare private reserve near Sossusvlei. The camp is about four kilometres from the main Lodge, with a separate entrance and access road. It is built at the foot of a mountain facing west with great sunset views.

The camp consists of six Meru-style tents with en suite bathrooms with showers. Hot water is solar heated. The tents are linked to the main dining room, bar, reception area and swimming pool by gravel pathways. The interiors are simple yet comfortable and have solar powered lighting and overhead fans. The main dining area, bar and reception are built from stout timber and canvas with thatch roofing.

On the edge of the oldest desert in the world, this is not a game rich area, however, whatever game you do see is interesting and dramatised by the stunning desert landscapes and interesting adaptations to this environment that animals like Springbok, Gemsbok (Oryx) and Ostrich have undergone. Night drives using spotlights often encounter smaller mammals such as Aardwolf, Bat Eared Fox, Hares and sometimes Spotted Hyenas.

This camp is best suited to the self-drive guest, or guests on guided safari. Accommodation is on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Activities are laid on at an additional cost. These include early morning ballooning, excursions to Sossusvlei as well as guided walks and nature drives.

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tent	tent interior	lounge

main area	ostrich	pool

Wolwedans Camps
Nestled amidst the dunes in the heart of the NamibRand Nature Reserve approximately 80 km south-east of Sossusvlei are the Wolwedans Camps. The special attraction of NamibRand is its diversity of desert landscapes; wide sand and gravel plains and endless expanses of savannah alternate with impressive mountain ranges and red, vegetated dune belts. Experienced guides take you on drives through this fascinating countryside where you will encounter large and small desert animals and learn about their habits. Breathtaking views and a spectacular location have earned Wolwedans the reputation of being one of the most attractive and unique safari camps in Namibia.

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NamibRand	fairy circles	oryx

There are 4 lodges at Wolwedans - Dune Lodge, Boulders, Dune Camp and the Private Camp

Dune Camp was my favourite. It's simple but very comfortable with 6 large East African style tents with shade netting and a big shaded veranda. Each tent has an adjacent private bathroom with shower and loo and is equipped with solar powered lights.
The entire camp is constructed on wooden platforms and overlooks panoramic vistas, which capture the ambience of the desert. The dining and sitting area has great character with comfy sofas and lots of books and old pictures and antiques. There is also a deck and camp fire where you can sit out under the stars. The food as in all the camps is excellent.

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bathroom	evening drinks	lounge

tent	tent interior	tent veranda

The Wolwedans Dunes Lodge aims at providing a unique experience close to nature, yet without compromising any comfort and style. The entire lodge is constructed on wooden platforms and overlooks panoramic vistas in all directions, capturing the desert in an intimate and memorable way. The building style is a combination of wooden poles and large canvas blinds/windows that open up to the desert beyond. Each of the eight spacious chalets, with en-suite bathroom, lead onto a private veranda and stretches of untouched sand. Careful selection of furniture, light coloured linen as well as the selection of accessories, give the Dunes Lodge a distinct natural charm. The main complex - also built on stilts - consists of a bar and lounge, sundowner decks with a fireplace, a spacious dining room and an intriguing wine cellar built into the dunes. There is also a swimming pool and deck for cooling down in the heat of the day.

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bedroom	chalets on stilts	sundowner deck

The lodge also has the mountain view suite for those who like privacy with its own sitting room and where you can have your meals but you can also to be part of the main lodge.

The Private Camp is the piece de resistance of the Wolwedan's collection of camps. It can sleep up to 6 people but is most comfortable with 4. There are 2 ensuite rooms and the lapa can sleep a further two. There are spacious decks with tables and chairs for a variety of dining spots and a fully equipped kitchen, open dining and sitting room. The whole house is open fronted to take advantage of the spectacular views and you can drop the canvas fronts down or leave them open to see the stars at night. In the evening a bat eared fox crept up to come to drink at the bird bath a few metres away totally unperturbed, and waking in the morning springbok were grazing with their young virtually at the end of our beds. You can stay here on a fully inclusive basis with a guide and chefs, who come at meal times or the lodge will provide all your food, prepared and ready for you to cook. You will be left to perfect seclusion with a fully stocked bar and fridge. It couldn't be a nicer place to relax and unwind at the beginning or end of your Namibian holiday.

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bathroom	bedroom	the camp

the camp	dining / sitting room	drinks with a view

Boulders Camp – will open in 2008