Windhoek & Sossusvlei: Desert Safari

Windhoek, the bustling capital of Namibia, combines a rich colonial heritage with a dynamic African charm. Known for its clean, organized streets and welcoming atmosphere, the city is an ideal gateway to Namibia’s vast and varied landscapes. German architecture, street cafés, and vibrant markets blend seamlessly with African influences, creating a unique cultural experience for visitors.

The city is home to iconic landmarks, including the striking Christuskirche with its distinctive Gothic architecture and the historic Tintenpalast, the Parliament Gardens, surrounded by well-kept flora and statues representing Namibia’s storied past. The Namibia Independence Memorial Museum provides an immersive look into the country’s journey to freedom, while the lively Post Street Mall offers a taste of local crafts and souvenirs.

Surrounded by the Khomas Highland, Windhoek provides easy access to some of Namibia’s most renowned attractions. A short drive leads to Daan Viljoen Game Park, where a network of hiking trails offers sightings of kudu, zebra, and other wildlife against a backdrop of rolling hills and acacia-dotted plains. For adventurers, Windhoek serves as a convenient launch point for safaris to the Namib Desert, Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei and the Skeleton Coast.

With a thriving culinary scene, Windhoek offers a range of dining options from traditional Namibian fare to European-inspired cuisine. Local breweries add to the experience, offering acclaimed beers crafted with age-old techniques. Windhoek’s blend of heritage, culture, and natural beauty makes it a compelling destination for travellers exploring Namibia’s breathtaking landscapes.

Nestled in a tranquil corner of Windhoek, The Olive Exclusive provides an oasis of contemporary luxury, combining organic textures with African-inspired decor. It offers a serene and eco-friendly escape, ideal for travellers seeking both comfort and sophistication in Namibia's capital.

Activities & Highlights
Guests can explore the chic Olive Restaurant, renowned for its seasonal menu and inventive dishes, balancing local flavours with a touch of sophistication. Each suite, individually designed to reflect Namibia’s diverse regions, includes its own fireplace, lounge, and dining area for private meals, fostering an intimate and personalized experience.

Accommodation
The Olive Exclusive offers suites with high-end amenities such as air conditioning, satellite TV, and iPod docking stations. Each suite's decor draws inspiration from unique Namibian landscapes, making it both luxurious and culturally rich.

Sossusvlei epitomises unspoilt desert beauty. A salt and clay pan, the area is situated in one of the largest conservation reserves in Africa – the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The Sossusvlei area is incredibly popular with photographers and tourists, with this scenic region being famous for its large, red sand dunes. The dunes of Sossusvlei are some of the tallest in the world, and is one of Namibia’s most visited attractions.

The word Sossusvlei originates from the Nama word for ‘dead-end’ and the Afrikaans word for ‘marsh’. Strictly speaking, the area refers specifically to the salt and clay pan at the end of the Tsauchab River, however it’s often used to include Dune 45, Deadvlei and Hiddenvlei in its entirety. At Sossusvlei, the dunes meet and this prevents the Tsauchab River from flowing any further, hence its name meaning ‘dead-end marsh’.

The famous red dunes of the Namib Desert have developed over many millions of years and change shape with the wind. The Sossusvlei sand dunes specifically, are known as ‘star dunes’, due to the wind shaping them from different directions.

The fauna and flora of the Namib Desert have adapted to survive in their extreme environment, with temperatures reaching upwards of 40 degrees Celsius in the day and then falling to below freezing at night. Some of the larger mammals you can see are ostrich, springbok and gemsbok. Larger predators include spotted and brown hyena with some of the smaller mammals being the bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal, porcupine, Cape fox and aardwolf.

Nestled in the heart of Namibia’s breathtaking desert landscape, &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge offers a unique blend of luxury and adventure. This remarkable lodge is a gateway to the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei and the stunning vistas of the Namib Desert. Guests can immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of the surroundings while enjoying exceptional service and hospitality. The lodge's design seamlessly integrates with the natural environment, allowing visitors to feel truly connected to the serene desert atmosphere.

Activities & Highlights
At &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, an array of exhilarating activities awaits. Guests can embark on guided excursions to explore the mesmerizing dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, where they will witness the striking contrast of ancient trees against the vast desert backdrop. Hot air balloon rides offer a spectacular aerial view of the sweeping landscapes, while nature drives and hiking adventures provide an opportunity to encounter the region's unique flora and fauna. For those seeking relaxation, the lodge’s spa treatments promise rejuvenation amidst the desert's calm, ensuring a holistic experience.

Accommodation
The accommodations at &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge are designed to provide unparalleled comfort and luxury. Each suite features floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing guests to soak in the stunning desert views while enjoying modern amenities. The lodges blend contemporary design with natural elements, creating a harmonious atmosphere. Private terraces invite guests to unwind under the vast Namibian sky, perfect for stargazing after a day of adventure. The lodge's commitment to sustainability is evident in its eco-friendly practices, ensuring that the breathtaking environment remains preserved for future generations.