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. The night skies are heavenly, with the concession bordering the International Dark Sky Reserve of the NamibRand Nature Reserve. A canvas of beauty that invites reconnection with yourself and nature.
Sustainability and uncompromised luxury go hand in hand at Sossusvlei. 10 beautifully appointed stone and glass suites, spread out along the curve of the escarpment, open onto ever-changing outlooks. Each spacious air conditioned suite offers a secluded, shaded veranda complete with private plunge pool, a living room with a fireplace, a large retractable skylight above the bed, and an ensuite bathroom with a glass-encased rain shower offering 180º desert views. The two-bedroomed Star Dune Suite is an ideal option for families or groups of friends.
The split-level guest area is an inspired masterpiece of glass, rock and steel. Large glass panels fold away to reveal unobstructed desert vistas. Inviting amenities include a central-island bar, comfortable sitting room, walk-in cellar, interactive kitchen and rim-flow pool. Other signature features include numerous shaded, private spaces; a sunrise-view gym and sunset-facing wellness centre which offers both a treatment room with a private spa-bath, and a separate wet-room spa. The lodge’s Signature Shop showcases Namibia’s finest craft offerings.
Designed to capture the splendour and solitude of the desert, beautifully appointed rooms spread out along the curve of the escarpment, allowing absolute privacy. Each air conditioned glass-fronted suite at &BEYOND Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is designed to complement the expansive views of the different habitats, perfectly framed from the spacious internal areas. Featuring a private veranda, bedroom with retractable skylights for in-bed star-gazing, a living room with a fireplace, an ensuite bathroom with a glass-encased rain shower offering 180º views, and a perfectly-positioned private plunge pool for some sublime respite after a long day in the desert heat.
Creating an ideal family environment, or an ideal option for groups of friends, the Star Dune Suite at &BEYOND Sossusvlei Desert Lodge consists of two suites linked by a covered walkway, with a private lounge and dining space. The combined amenities of this extended accommodation provide the perfect space for one and all to enjoy. For those family groups, our &Beyond guides and lodge team will provide a host of fun and interactive children’s activities.
Stargazing
Each evening you will be invited to join the resident astronomer* as they unlock the mysteries of Namibia’s skies in the lodge’s state of the art observatory, complete with a Celestron CPC 1100 GPS (XLT) computerised telescope. 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. &Beyond Sossusvlei Private Desert Reserve neighbours Africa’s only International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR) and was originally instrumental in helping the NamibRand Nature Reserve gain its prestigious Gold Tier status, which celebrates nighttime environments that have little to no impact from light pollution and artificial light. 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.
Living Dunes Experience
One would picture the oldest desert on earth as a completely barren and lifeless landscape, but the exquisite Namib Desert is a flourishing ecosystem, with more life than one would ever expect.
Explore &Beyond 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.
Scenic Helicopter Flights
The ideal way to capture the beauty of the surrounds is with a scenic helicopter flight over the breathtaking vast expanse 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 is ideal for you both to experience Namibia’s brilliant vista and to get your hearts beating. As if this was not euphoric enough, land in a romantic spot and enjoy a glass of Champagne and a picnic. Doors can be removed for keen photographers.
E-biking in the Namib Desert
Easy to ride and super fun, these nifty bicycles are fitted with a battery-powered ‘assist’ that gives a boost via a throttle when pedalling. 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.
