Sossusvlei Desert Lodge | NamibRand Nature Reserve Luxury Namibia Safari Safari Lodge

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.