4 DAY EXTRAVAGANCE SOSSUSVLEI SAFARI

The red sandbanks of Sossusvlei alongside the unswerving blue of the desert sky exudes one of the most exceptional diverges on the continent

Day 1 : Sossusvlei

Visitors are met at any location convenient in Johannesburg or Pretoria, from where they are shuttle transferred to O R Tambo International Airport for a flight to Windhoek, and from there you will take a light charter flight to Sossusvlei. Sossusvlei literally translates to “dead-end marsh”, as it is the place where the dunes come together preventing the Tsauchab River to flow any further, some 60km east of the Atlantic Ocean.  However, due to the dry conditions in the Namib Desert the River seldom flows this far and the pan remains bone-dry most years.  During an exceptional rainy season the Tsauchab fills the pan, drawing visitors from all over the world to witness this spectacular site. Photographic enthusiasts are spoilt with a glassy “lake” holding reflections of the surrounding dunes.  The dunes in this area are some of the highest in the world, reaching almost 400 meters. When the pan fills it can hold water for as long as a year.

Led by Sossusvlei’s skilled rangers and naturalists, the afternoon is dedicated to sightseeing the desert landscape in open 4×4 wheel drive vehicles.

Overnight: Kulala Desert Lodge

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 : Sossusvlei

The morning is devoted to an excursion to the famous Sossusvlei red sand dunes and Sesriem Canyon. In a number of areas surrounding Sossuvlei look out for the petrified dunes.  These are ancient dunes that are approximately 1 billion years old and have solidified into rock. Sesriem Canyon is situated approximately 4.5km from the entrance gate of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The Tsauchab River has shaped the Canyon over millions of years and it is one of the few places in the area that holds water all year round. The canyon is narrow at places however it is worth exploring due to the stunning rock formations that will captivate your attention. In the afternoon we return to the lodge and after some time spent relaxing, we explore the area on quad bikes (four wheelers).

Overnight: Kulala Desert Lodge

Meals: Full Board

Day 3: Sossusvlei

The movements of the day revolve around an early morning guided nature drive to the spectacular dunes of Sossusvlei through the private gate on the Tsauchab River to the world-renowed Sossusvlei Pans, which are bordered by red sand dunes that stand out glaringly in the face of the blue sky. These dunes have formed over millions of years, the wind uninterruptedly altering the contours and making them to vary landscape. The ‘vlei’ only fills after rare and heavy rainfalls, when in a complete turnaround, it develops into a remarkable turquoise lake.

Overnight: Kulala Desert Lodge

Meals: Full Board

Day 4 : Departure

A final morning nature encounter is followed by breakfast, after which visitors fly to Windhoek and from there board an onward connection to Johannesburg. Visitors are met at O R Tambo International Airport and are shuttle transferred to any location convenient in Johannesburg or Pretoria, concluding an unforgettable safari in Sossusvlei.

Overnight: None

Meals: Breakfast