The private NamibRand Nature Reserve is a place of serene sand dunes and rugged mountains – a complete escape into a timeless and tranquil world. Whether stargazing from the comfort of your bed or picnicking in the dunes, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, a luxury Namibian safari lodge, immerses you in desert romance.
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge | NamibRand Nature Reserve Luxury Namibia Safari Safari Lodge
The place
From our location atop a massive sand dune, we can see the Namib Desert stretch to either side of us, a scene of untouched, wild and magnificent beauty. Clinking our Champagne glasses together, we toast to our good fortune. Here, in the midst of the Sossusvlei dunes, the cares of the city feel very far away … yet we’re surreally still in the lap of luxury. A feast of gourmet snacks lies on a white cotton table in front of us, while Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is several dunes behind us, cradled against ancient mountains and overlooking the gravel plains that give way to the very dunes we’re dining on.
From our location atop a massive sand dune, we can see the Namib Desert stretch to either side of us, a scene of untouched, wild and magnificent beauty. Clinking our Champagne glasses together, we toast to our good fortune.
Here, in the midst of the Sossusvlei dunes, the cares of the city feel very far away … yet we’re surreally still in the lap of luxury. A feast of gourmet snacks lies on a white cotton table in front of us, while Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is several dunes behind us, cradled against ancient mountains and overlooking the gravel plains that give way to the very dunes we’re dining on.
The room
After our sundowners, we return to our desert villa at the luxury Namibian safari lodge, drinking in its understated splendour. Made of stone and glass, its curved walls, plush bed and comfortable lounge area with fireplace give it the sensation of sweeping space – made more so by a minimalist design and sliding glass doors that open up to the endless desert vistas. It’s decorated in soft, neutral tones that contrast beautifully with the desert tones of sienna, ochre and orange, while wooden sculptures and chandeliers enhance its natural feel. As the sky turns an inky black we lie on the bed and stare out the stargazing window above us – watching the first stars light up the night sky. After dinner, we’ll join the lodge’s resident astronomer at the planetarium to learn more about the galaxies above us. But first we freshen up, enjoying the powerful jet of the outdoor shower, and listening to the tinkle of the water as it hits the floor – the only sound in this vast and wonderfully silent place.
After our sundowners, we return to our desert villa at the luxury Namibian safari lodge, drinking in its understated splendour. Made of stone and glass, its curved walls, plush bed and comfortable lounge area with fireplace give it the sensation of sweeping space – made more so by a minimalist design and sliding glass doors that open up to the endless desert vistas. It’s decorated in soft, neutral tones that contrast beautifully with the desert tones of sienna, ochre and orange, while wooden sculptures and chandeliers enhance its natural feel.
As the sky turns an inky black we lie on the bed and stare out the stargazing window above us – watching the first stars light up the night sky. After dinner, we’ll join the lodge’s resident astronomer at the planetarium to learn more about the galaxies above us. But first we freshen up, enjoying the powerful jet of the outdoor shower, and listening to the tinkle of the water as it hits the floor – the only sound in this vast and wonderfully silent place.
What sets it apart
We loved the warm welcome we received here, particularly as it included a bottle of sparkling wine, which we enjoyed at a private dinner in the wine cellar. It prompted a feeling of romance between us, which continued throughout our stay, with sunset drinks and picnics in the desert as well as guided dune walks. We’ve found our very own jewel of the desert at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, surrounded as it is by the majestic dunes and lunar mountains of the Namib Desert. We spent days exploring its desert landscapes, along with many hours soaking up the silence at the pool (which sources its water from an underground spring) or on our verandah. There were plenty of opportunities for magnificent star and game viewing – our villa had its own telescope to scan the dunes or the sky, and the planetarium and its astronomers were available to teach us more about the cosmos. The dramatic landscape of Deadvlei was very special too, especially when we spotted a majestic oryx in the dunes. With its solitude, endless space and utter serenity, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is truly one of a kind.
We loved the warm welcome we received here, particularly as it included a bottle of sparkling wine, which we enjoyed at a private dinner in the wine cellar. It prompted a feeling of romance between us, which continued throughout our stay, with sunset drinks and picnics in the desert as well as guided dune walks.
We’ve found our very own jewel of the desert at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, surrounded as it is by the majestic dunes and lunar mountains of the Namib Desert. We spent days exploring its desert landscapes, along with many hours soaking up the silence at the pool (which sources its water from an underground spring) or on our verandah.
There were plenty of opportunities for magnificent star and game viewing – our villa had its own telescope to scan the dunes or the sky, and the planetarium and its astronomers were available to teach us more about the cosmos. The dramatic landscape of Deadvlei was very special too, especially when we spotted a majestic oryx in the dunes.
With its solitude, endless space and utter serenity, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is truly one of a kind.
At a glance
- Luxury desert lodge with 10 air-conditioned stone and glass suites and one Star Dune suite. The lodge has a swimming pool, gym, safari shop and observatory with a professional astronomer.
- Private nature reserve (Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve), individual dining, flexible schedules and complimentary laundry.
- Game drives, walking safaris, hiking, swimming, stargazing and astronomy, hot-air ballooning (additional cost), Sossusvlei, Sesriem Canyon, Deadvlei and petrified dunes excursions (one complimentary, further are additional costs), San rock painting excursion and spa treatments (additional cost).
- Children welcome, but some activities are age dependent. WILDChild Programme and triple rooms available. Babysitting available at an additional cost.
- Luxury desert lodge with 10 air-conditioned stone and glass suites and one Star Dune suite. The lodge has a swimming pool, gym, safari shop and observatory with a professional astronomer.
- Private nature reserve (Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve), individual dining, flexible schedules and complimentary laundry.
- Game drives, walking safaris, hiking, swimming, stargazing and astronomy, hot-air ballooning (additional cost), Sossusvlei, Sesriem Canyon, Deadvlei and petrified dunes excursions (one complimentary, further are additional costs), San rock painting excursion and spa treatments (additional cost).
- Children welcome, but some activities are age dependent. WILDChild Programme and triple rooms available. Babysitting available at an additional cost.
Prices
- Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
- It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
- Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
- However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.
- Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
- It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
- Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
- However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.
Gallery
- The main guest area at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is a bold geometric structure. © Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
- Sossusvlei Desert Lodge has 10 desert suites and one Star Dune Suite. © Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
- The rooms at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge are spacious and comfortable, making it hard to leave them. © Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
- Have breakfast cooked for you out in the wilderness at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. © Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
- Sossusvlei Desert Lodge’s offers various dining options, including the main guest area. © Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
- Enjoy the unique experience of having dinner inside a mysterious fairy circle when staying at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. © Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
- Even the bathrooms at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge maximise on the spectacular views. © Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
- The suites at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge are nestled up against a rocky mountain. © Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
When to Go
Namibia’s cooler and drier winter season is definitely the best time to visit Sossusvlei. Crisp clear mornings and evenings are preferred for getting active, especially if you’re keen to hike up some of the towering dunes. Early starts are also recommended for the best photographic opportunities, with cloudless skies ensuring that the saturated colours of the sand formations are at their most intense. The complete lack of rainfall in this winter season means that you’ll experience nothing but the stark, undiluted beauty of Sossusvlei.
A luxury Sossusvlei safari is also very possible in the hot summer, with luxury lodges having many tactics for making the heat manageable. This time of year tends to be less busy, so you’ll have an even more enhanced sense of solitude as you explore Sossusvlei and the surrounding areas. It also means that you could be one of very few people ever to have witnessed the near-miraculous transformation of Sossusvlei after a summer rainstorm. Cooler year-round conditions at Skeleton Coast offer the possibility of a combined itinerary.
Get an obligation-free safari proposal
We'll tailor-make the experience that suits you best!
Looking for inspiration?
Sign up for our occasional newsletter and we’ll feed your imagination with exciting safari ideas.