Amid massive dune fields and the jagged escarpment, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is a serene oasis overlooking the shifting sands and stony outcrops of the ancient Namib Desert. Set in the foothills of the far northern region of Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft Nature Reserve, 10 stone, steel, and glass suites provide a peaceful retreat from which to soak up the haunting beauty of the vast, stark terrain and endless horizons characterizing this dramatic landscape. The best part? Each suite has a retractable skylight above the oversized bed, allowing for private stargazing.

Set out with your knowledgeable guide on a 4x4 or walking safari and learn how these desert-adapted species, like welwitschia plants, overcome the dry conditions for their basic survival. If you are after an adrenalin fix, traverse this rugged landscape on a quad bike (ATV), zipping over the towering dunes, or climb into the basket of a hot-air balloon for postcard aerial views of the desert. From the summit of each dune, look far over the sandscape layered with dusty pink rose quartz and hues of orange, pumpkin, and apricot. Take an excursion to Sossusvlei and climb the Big Daddy dune or visit Deadvlei – a salty-white clay pan punctuated with dead black acacia trees set against the bright orange dunes.

Throughout your days at the lodge, the shifting rays of the sun bring different pieces of the desert to light, not only its varied colors and textures but wildlife such as proud oryx antelope, pebble-eating ostriches, and Hartmann’s mountain zebra, along with jackals and hyena. But after dark, a completely different landscape comes to life in the majestic skies above this never-ending desert. Bordering an internationally recognized ‘dark sky reserve’, the galaxy is better appreciated from this lodge than almost anywhere else in the world. Astronomy talks hosted in the observatory by the resident astronomer provide a fascinating insight into the intricacies of our solar system. The feelings of grand insignificance that brew in the vastness of this desert become exaggerated when gazing into the infinite skies, observed still from the comfort of your suite through the skylight above your bed.

Highlights

• Ten private stone villas with skylights
• Dark Sky Reserve provides impeccable stargazing
• Private observatory & resident astronomer
• Hiking, quad biking, dune climbing & e-biking
• Hot-air ballooning & helicopter flights
• Wine cellar & world-class wellness center
• Family-friendly activities & childminding service

Activities

• DUNE WALKS & DRIVES
• GUIDED WALKS
• HIKING
• HOT AIR BALLOONING
• NATURE DRIVES
• QUAD-BIKING
• SCENIC DRIVES
• SCENIC FLIGHTS
• SPECIALIST GUIDES
• STAR GAZING

I still dream about going to sleep looking up at the stars through the skylight above my bed! I also thoroughly enjoyed the Sossusvlei excursion and the rooms are very luxurious with all the modcons including electric blankets in Winter.

Rooms

Triple Suite

The Star Suite consists of two en suite bedrooms that are linked by a communal area featuring a private lounge and dining area.

Suite

Each air-conditioned stone and glass suite has a wraparound veranda boasting incredible desert vistas and an outdoor shower. The design and décor of the suite are minimalistic and unassuming with an emphasis on capturing the splendor and solitude of the surroundings. Massive windows bring the stark beauty of the desert into your peaceful abode while a glass-encased en suite bathroom and dramatic skylight over the bed continually draw your attention to the grand outdoors. On cool evenings, stay warm with a nightcap at your room’s central fireplace.

Facilities

The bold, contemporary geometric main building is sleek in design, while the fluidity of this split-level lodge complements the natural desert environment, striking a pleasing contrast with the ruggedness of its surroundings. The lodge has a central island bar suited to mingling and a comfortable sitting room with floor-to-ceiling windows that fold away completely to facilitate dune-watching. There is a gift shop and a mezzanine library all pulled together by a wraparound verandah, bringing the desert landscape to the fore.

Guests can observe wildlife with a sundowner at the nearby waterhole, frequented by wildlife, as the last of daylight disappears behind the dunes. The spring-fed circular, infinity-edge swimming pool is the ideal place to cool off during the afternoon and watch shimmering mirages over the hot sands in the distance. Astronomy talks with a qualified astronomer are held after dark in the observatory, which boasts Namibia’s second most powerful electronic telescope. To minimize as much light pollution as possible, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge’s exterior is lit by red light at night.

Take care of your health and mental well-being at the gym and two-part wellness center. Practice yoga or meditate as the first rays of light illuminate the desert landscape or work up a sweat on the treadmill to boost your energy for the day. After a day of hiking dunes and exploring the surrounding area, retire back to camp for a rejuvenating treatment for an authentic African spa experience that you won’t soon forget.

Dining

Guests are treated to a 5-star dining experience when staying at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. The interactive kitchen prepares fresh, innovative meals that will satisfy the most discerning traveler, with a layout allowing for guests to create their own dishes and menus if they so desire.

Dining spaces are spread out in various locations inside and outside the lodge, ensuring that guests won’t enjoy a meal in the same place twice. Before sitting down to dinner, visit the walk-in wine cellar and handpick a bottle to accompany your meal.