The red dunes of Sossusvlei against the unwavering blue of the desert sky provides one of the most unique contrasts on the continent.
Guests are met at any location of their choice in either Johannesburg or Pretoria, from where they are transferred to O.R. Tambo International Airport for a flight to Windhoek , and from there a light charter flight to Sossusvlei . Sossusvlei is a mud pan created as a result of a river that flows through the Namib. The river typically flows only once every 5 to 10 years, as a result of the scarcity of rain in the area. Even in very wet years the river does not reach the Atlantic Ocean but drains away into the sands of the Namib Desert. 'Sossus' means 'place of no return'. The Namib - known as ‘The Living Desert’ - is a world of vast space, endless horizons, dramatic desert landscapes, and jagged mountain heights. Led by Sossusvlei’s expert rangers and naturalists, the afternoon is devoted to exploring the desert landscape in open 4x4 vehicles.
These days are devoted to early morning and late afternoon nature activities that explore Sossusvlei and the surrounding desert accompanied by an experienced guide. Between these activities, you are welcome to relax in your luxury accommodations and to savor the quiet and desolation of this magical place.
Sossusvlei seems to exist purely to take a visitor’s breath away. Hosting some of the world’s highest dunes in striking red and amber hues, this stretch of the Namib Desert offers a beautiful solitude for those who truly wish to ‘get away from it all’. Evenings provide a different thrill, the sky overwhelmed by the Milky Way in its full glory. Far removed from city lights and civilization, from crowds and cacophony, nights in this otherworldly outpost will prove unforgettable. The 'vlei' only fills after rare and heavy rainfalls, when in a complete turnaround, it becomes a spectacular turquoise lake. The term 'Sossusvlei' refers to the area that encompasses the great plain of the Tsauchab River, together with an area of red dunes which appear to be marching along like giant sentinels to the south and north of the plain. Some of the highlights on these days are exploring the dunes on foot and visiting Sesriem Canyon. The canyon begins as an almost imperceptible but nevertheless deep cleft in level, stony ground, and widens until it finally flattens out onto the plain. As the canyon is deep and sheltered, it often holds water well into the dry season. The canyon is an invigorating sight in a barren and stark environment. Exploring the area on quad bikes (four wheelers) is sure to be another highlight of your visit to Sossusvlei.
A last morning nature experience is followed by breakfast, after which guests fly to Windhoek and from there board an onward connection to Johannesburg. Guests are met at O.R. Tambo International Airport and are transferred to any location of their choice in either Johannesburg or Pretoria.