Namibia: 7 Wonders in 7 Days
Experience the peaceful dunes and starry nights of Sossusvlei on this week-long Namibian adventure. Revel in private adventures, gourmet dining, and the unique flora and fauna of this ancient desert.
SPECIAL OFFER
9.0*
ECO SCORE
12
PASSENGERS
7
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Namibia: Drink It In
Set amidst an ocean of dunes, rocky outcrops and gravel plains, the utter tranquility and extraordinary clarity of light makes this area one of Africa’s most compelling landscapes. Travel to the heart of an age-old desert where the dunes are taller and the stars are brighter than you have ever imagined. Among these vast ancient vistas, a thousand tiny miracles play out each day, as fascinating desert animals and plants make dozens of unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in this arid environment. Stripped down to barest simplicity, the desert playground of Sossusvlei is the ideal place to reawaken your soul. The exclusivity of your private adventure in private accommodation with minimal interaction with staff and other guests as well as the company of a private guide will ensure an unforgettable adventure into the wild heart of Sossusvlei.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
- • This operator combines stunning and eco-friendly accommodations with immersive desert activities led by a first rate, enthusiastic staff.
• This luxury lodge harnesses the natural environment to create energy and recycle waste water, to minimize its environmental impact.
• Drift over Sossusvlei’s scarlet sand dunes at sunrise in a hot air balloon, followed by a celebratory bubbly breakfast.
Trip Sustainability Awards
CARBON
Fantastic advances in minimizing carbon footprints at locations.
ENERGY
On the East African Energy Renewal Board
EDUCATION
Runs local educational facilities for children.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Upon your arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport, make your own way to the arrivals hall where you will be welcomed by a representative who will assist you with check in for your private charter flight to Sossusvlei airstrip.
Arrive at the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge on the NamibRand Nature Reserve, where you'll enjoy a stone and glass haven, opening onto ever-changing outlooks. Home away from home, be captivated by a shaded veranda complete with private plunge pool, a living room with a fireplace, large retractable skylights and a bedroom with ensuite bathrooms with glass encased rain showers offering 180º desert views.
Afternoon Desert Drive: Be mesmerised by the magnificence of the desert and explore four different habitat types and ecosystems. Learn about fairy circles and how deserts are formed and function, and how animals have adapted to this desolate environment. As the sun sets over the horizon, toast to wonderful time spent in the desert with a well deserved sundowner, and drink in the sight of towering red dunes, infinite space and sublime stillness.
Day 2: Namib Naukluft National Park
Sossusvlei Excursion: This adventure takes you into the Namib Naukluft National Park. Learn about the ecosystem, Aeolian geological processes, walk to Deadvlei, perhaps climb a sand dune, and for the fit and adventurous, conquer the towering ‘Big Daddy’. After your extraordinary explorations relish a delectable picnic in the beauty of the vast space.
Desert Rock Experience: Explore the unique landscape on this fascinating geological excursion, in a vehicle and on foot. View the varied topography, exposed due to the upliftment events after the continent of Gondwana split into Africa and South America. Observe young geology ‘in action’ as the dunes shape this awe-inspiring landscape by Aeolian processes, relating to wind activity.
Day 3: Bike & Hike Adventure
Hot Air Balloon Flight*
Hot Air Balloon adventures in Sossusvlei promise a totally unique way to experience Namibia’s brilliant vista. Awaken before dawn and set out in the early morning moonlight to a designated launch site, where you can watch excitedly as the balloons are brought to life. As the sun’s first rays peek over the scarlet sand dunes, the hot air balloon drifts slowly upward, revealing the undulating landscapes of Sossusvlei. Watch as mighty herds of orxy shrink in size below you and spot the enigmatic fairy circles, which stand out as indented circular patches devoid of vegetation, an intriguing phenomenon of the Namib Desert. The seasoned pilot will eventually select the perfect landing spot, just in time for a grand celebratory bubbly breakfast, where you can recap the morning’s bucket list moment as you savour a delicious morning meal.
*This activity is at an additional cost and subject to availability.
Enjoy the afternoon with a hike or an e-biking excursion.
E-Biking:
Traverse the stark beauty of the Sossusvlei Private Desert Reserve and appreciate the vast expanse on an e-bike. Easy to ride and super fun, these nifty bicycles are fitted with a battery-powered ‘assist’ that gives a boost via a throttle when pedaling. Ride across the rugged desert terrain completely in awe of your surroundings. You can enjoy the 19 km (11.8 mi) route or you can shorten your ride on the 11 km (6.2 mi) route as our cycle path has been designed in a figure of 8 shape. Our team will assist you in setting yourself up on the bike and you will be provided with a pack including water, snacks and a radio. You can also combine your cycle with a hike – we like to call it our ‘bike and hike’ adventure.
Hiking:
Explore the lodge surrounds on foot and walk in the footsteps of desert-adapted wildlife. Take the time to sit in the stillness under a unique quiver tree and be enchanted by the views from atop the mountains. There are two defined hiking trails, a 2.2 km (1.4 mi) or a 3.4 km (2.1 mi) route waiting to be explored. Combine this with the e-bike self-exploration option on our ‘bike and hike’ adventure.
Day 4: The Living Desert
Living Dune Experience:
Explore the Sossusvlei Desert Reserve on foot and by quad bike with your specialist guide who’ll uncover the secrets of the dunes. Hear about how the oldest and second driest desert on earth came to be and observe the many small and some uniquely adapted creatures that have managed to make this harsh environment – literally called “the living desert” – their home. Watch as your guide reads the signs in the sand and join him as he tracks diurnal lizards, endemic dune larks and even, if you are in luck, a Grant’s golden mole. The story of the desert’s ecology is literally written in the sand. During this activity, our guides will show you how the desert is teeming with life in places you would least expect it.
Scenic Coastal Flight*
Take off from near the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge and hover over the spectacular sweep of the desert. From your birds-eye perspective, be captivated by rolling sand dunes, craggy mountain tops, solidified rock formations and enchanting fairy circles. This adventure offers a unique way to experience Namibia’s brilliant vista. Doors can be removed for keen photographers. Enjoy sundowners in the vast expanse and appreciate the tranquillity.
*This activity is at an additional cost and subject to availability.
Day 5: Hike The Dunes
Big Dune Walk:
Enjoy this exclusive experience at the Sossusvlei Private Desert Reserve, the only private reserve featuring the iconic star dunes of Namibia. A dramatic landscape of dunes and mountains, which mirrors that of Deadvlei, but one which is completely private and tranquil. Take the time to capture the perfect tapestry of your surrounds and tuck into a delicious picnic breakfast, surrounded by ancient camel thorn trees and towering dunes.
Wellness Treatment*
Indulge in one of our many relaxing treatments for a truly authentic African spa experience that rejuvenates the mind, body and soul. We have partnered with Healing Earth, a leading natural, eco-friendly, and holistic spa and skincare company. Choose from a selection of treatments: Healing Earth African Shea Butter Ritual, Soul of the Earth Celebration, Quiet Mind Journey, Earth Glow Body Polish and Wrap, African Footprint Ritual and African Handprint Ritual.
*This activity is at an additional cost and subject to availability.
Day 6: Desert Leisure & Discovery
Morning Desert Drive:
As the sky transforms from burnt orange to golden hues, traverse rocky mountains, dunes, vast sand and gravel plains, tapping into the fascinating and ancient formations that shape this landscape. This experience allows you to explore the desert and deeply appreciate the vast expanse.
Star Gazing:
The observatory presents the ideal place to gaze in awe at the wonders of the clear desert sky as resident astronomers point out the brightest and most beautiful constellations, the vast Milky Way and distant, mysterious planets. With the nearest town 140 km (87 mi.) away from the lodge, there are no sources of light pollution and the reserve’s sky is one of the darkest yet measured in the world.
Day 7: Local History
Desert People Excursion:
Step back in time and bring to life the history of the area and its people. Strap on your walking shoes and roam back to the ancient San Bushmen era and discover what influence hardy desert farmers, hopeful prospectors and Nama pastoralists had on the desert. Follow your expert guide into the pristine and untamed Namib Desert scattered with San rock art. Explore heritage sites and gain insight into the culture and time-honoured traditions of the oldest inhabitants of Southern Africa, the San people.
Day 8: Departure
This morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your private charter flight to Hosea Kutako International Airport. Bid farewell to your journey before you board your flight home.
Please note:
The rates listed for this trip reflect current exchange rates to USD and are subject to change.
Rates
Questions?
“If Namibia is on your bucket list and you like the idea of a shorter trip where you stay in one place, the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge will be a spectacular base of operations for your forays into the desert for hikes, desert drives, hot air ballooning, and E-biking. Add your favorite wellness treatments and it’s a perfect, exotic getaway.”
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Welcome and assistance service at Hosea Kutako International Airport; Private charter flights from Hosea Kutako International Airport to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge and return; Accommodation as specified in the itinerary; Meals, drinks (soft drinks, house wine, local brand spirits, local beer, teas and coffees) and laundry as specified; Activities as specified in the itinerary; National parks, concession and landing fees where applicable; Emergency medical evacuation insurance; Administration fees
NOT INCLUDED:
Meals, drinks and laundry not specified in the itinerary or as outlined in the "included" section; Premium brand drinks, champagne, cognacs, cellar wines, cigars and cigarettes; Gratuities and any items of a personal nature; Sightseeing and excursions not specified in the itinerary; Flights and transfers not specified in the itinerary; National parks and concession fees not specified in the itinerary; Travel Insurance; Visa fees (please be sure to check if visas are required)
