Experience the extraordinary NamibRand Nature Reserve in the heart of the Namib Desert in ways that you find personally rewarding. Besides driving into this surprisingly varied, biodiverse landscape in a 4x4 vehicle, you can explore it through optional activities perfectly suited to your individual preferences. You might go hiking and e-biking, behold the striking desert terrain up close, walk the massive sand dunes and interact with the people that inhabit this breathtaking land. You will also have the opportunity to stargaze in the observatory with an astronomer.
Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
DAY 1
Upon disembarkation in Walvis Bay, you will be met and transferred to Walvis Bay Airport for your charter flight to Sossusvlei.
Fly from Walvis Bay to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge airstrip.
Upon landing, you will be met by a local lodge representative who will transfer you to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge.
Check-in on arrival followed by being shown to your room to freshen up.
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is situated in the northern foothills of the NamibRand Nature Reserve and is designed to make the most of its breathtaking surroundings while providing a sophisticated and luxurious stay. The lodge is designed with glass and stone curves, where walls and windows fold away completely to open out to the grassy plains, distant dunes and mountain ranges.
Each spacious, air-conditioned suite features a shaded deck, split-level bedroom and living room with fireplace for cool evenings, en-suite glass-encased bathroom and outdoor shower. Stargazing is a highlight with a star-viewing sky light in each room and an observatory with a powerful telescope. Available guided activities to explore the local reserve include Desert People Experience, Desert Rock Experience, Desert Drive, Big Dune Walk, Stargazing and Self Exploration (E-biking and hiking).
Time permitting, embark on a fascinating afternoon guided excursion to explore the NamibRand Nature Reserve.
The breathtaking NamibRand Nature Reserve began as a conservation initiative in 1984 and now extends over a huge expanse of pristine Namib Desert, restoring land that was once used for Karakul sheep farming. The reserve shares a lengthy common border with the Namib-Naukluft National Park to the west, while the imposing Nubib mountain range forms a natural border to the east.
The particular attraction of NamibRand is its diversity of desert landscapes, representing virtually all facets of the Namib Desert, including sand and gravel plains, endless stretches of grass savannah, majestic mountain ranges and vegetated dune belts of deep red sand. The variety of flora and fauna is as fascinating as the color nuances of the landscape, which change continuously as the day progresses.
Before NamibRand became a private nature reserve, it consisted of sheep farms allocated in the early 1950s to ex-soldiers of World War II. Today visitors to the NamibRand can admire nature in its original state, as indigenous animals and plants are flourishing.
Enjoy delectable African cuisine for dinner, which is served in the airy dining room.
After dinner, consider stargazing at a state-of-the-art observatory, accompanied by a resident astronomer.
Overnight at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
DAYS 2 & 3
Spend two full wonderful days in the dunes.
On one of the mornings, rise early for a magical excursion with your lodge guide into the Namib Naukluft National Park, entering the park gates at sunrise to capture the dunes while the light is soft and shadows accentuate their towering shapes and curves. This area boasts some of the highest free-standing sand dunes in the world. Your local guide will give you an insight on the formation of the Namib Desert and its myriad of fascinating creatures and plants that have adapted to survive these harsh environs.
Once you have explored the dune fields, you will be treated to a hearty buffet brunch under the shade of a camel thorn tree.
Return to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge for a late lunch, stopping off to view Sesriem Canyon along the way.
The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure or you may like to join another guided excursion on the NamibRand Nature Reserve. This can be done on a 4x4 nature drive or on a guided walk to view San Rock paintings.
Dinner will be served at the lodge. After dinner, consider stargazing at a state-of-the-art observatory, accompanied by a resident astronomer.
Overnight at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
DAY 4
Depending on departure time, embark on one last morning activity followed by breakfast and check-out formalities.
Transfer to the airstrip and board your charter flight to Windhoek.
Fly from Onguma to Windhoek.
On arrival at Windhoek’s Airport, you will be met and assisted to connect onto your regional scheduled flight to Cape Town, South Africa.
Fly from Windhoek to Cape Town.
On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will be met and transferred to Cape Town harbor where your cruise ship awaits.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up-to-date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
09:15am Disembark your cruise ship in Walvis Bay and transfer to the airport
10:00am Arrive at Walvis Bay’s airport, embark your light aircraft charter flight to Sossusvlei (Flight time TBA and subject to change and will be finalized 24 hours prior to travel)
11:00am Scheduled flight from Walvis Bay to Sossusvlei
12:00pm Arrive Sossusvlei’s airstrip and transfer to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge with a lodge representative
12:30pm Lunch at the lodge followed by check-in formalities and free time
3:30pm Afternoon tea
4:00pm Activity such as a nature drive or nature walk
7:30pm Dinner, optional stargazing
Overnight at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
DAY 2
06:00am Wake-up call
06:15am Light breakfast snack
06:30am Depart on the Dead Vlei excursion. A full buffet brunch will be served in the dunes
12:00pm Return to the lodge
12:30pm Lunch at the lodge
3:30pm Afternoon tea
4:00pm Activity such as a nature drive, nature walk or E-biking
7:30pm Dinner, optional stargazing
Overnight at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
DAY 3
06:30am Breakfast at the lodge
07:00am Morning game activity such as nature drive, nature walk or E-Biking
12:30pm Lunch at the lodge
3:30pm Afternoon tea
4:00pm Activity such as a nature drive, nature walk or E-biking
7:30pm Dinner, optional stargazing
Overnight at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
DAY 4
08:00am Breakfast followed by time to gather belongings and complete check- out formalities
TBA Transfer to airstrip for flight to Windhoek (Flight time TBA and subject to change and will be finalized 24 hours prior to travel)
Scheduled light aircraft flight Sossusvlei > Windhoek(1h20min duration)
12:00pm Check-in for your scheduled regional flight to Cape Town
1:45pm Flight from WDH to CPT
3:55pm Arrive Cape Town International Airport and meet your representative who will
transfer you to Cape Town harbor to embark your cruise ship
5:00pm Approximate arrival time at Cape Town harbor
Please Note:
• The contents and order of activities in this program are subject to change by the lodge management without prior notice, due to the prevailing weather conditions and movement of dangerous wildlife on the Game Reserve.
• During early-morning game drives in open vehicles it can be a little cool. We recommend that guests take along a windbreaker.
• Guests should also bring their sunhats, sun block, sunglasses, cameras and binoculars.
• The game drive vehicles traverse over uneven terrain and the game drives can be bumpy. This tour is therefore not recommended for guests with back or neck problems.
• Tour not recommended for guests with wheelchairs or walking difficulties
• Please consult physician before traveling. Namibia is a low-risk malaria area
• Passports are required to be with guests
• Two consecutive blank pages are compulsory for entry into South Africa
• Please consultant your embassy regarding visa requirements for South Africa
• Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed
• Activities included: One morning Sossusvlei excursion, Living Dunes Experience, Desert People Experience, Desert Rock Experience, Desert Drive, Big Dune Walk, Stargazing and Self Exploration (E-biking and Hiking). Activities are guided and subject to availability.
• Guests are not permitted to use cellular phones on or during activities. They are also not permitted to speak loudly or stand up on the game drive vehicles, as this will disturb the animals.
• Smoking is not permitted during the drives.
• It could be difficult for some guests with walking difficulties to get in and out of the open vehicles.
• For safety reasons, no children under the age of 6 years allowed on the open vehicles.
Expected Weather
Summer days i.e. +/- 28 degrees Celsius
What to bring:
Sunhat, sunblock, camera, and something warm as the evenings can become cool.
Luggage restrictions
20kg check-in luggage and 5kg hand luggage restriction on domestic flight
10kg soft-sided bags only on charter flight including hand luggage and camera equipment. Dimensions: 700mmx360mmx305mm
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a doctor’s certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via the Reservations Team at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which the cruise line nor our local ground operator are responsible for.
Local Currency
NAD & ZAR (USD not accepted at the lodge. Credit cards accepted.)
Electricity
South Africa’s electrical system is 220/230 volts A/C 50 cycles. Most hotels and lodges have hair dryers and plug adaptors in the bedrooms.
If you bring electric appliances, take along an international converter kit complete with a set of adapter plugs.
Outlets in South Africa require a three-pronged adapter plug with 3 round prongs. Adapters can be brought from home as not all will be provided. Be aware, however, that overnight recharging may not be possible where generator use restricts the availability of electricity.
Documents and Visa Requirements
Passports are required to be with guests.
As per South African law, upon your arrival into South Africa you need to ensure that your passport has at least two full pages open for passport control stamps.
South African Immigrations requires that you have at least two consecutive double-blank pages in your passport or entry to the country may be denied. Mozambique Immigrations requires that guests obtain their visa beforehand. Passports should also be valid for more than 6 months at the time of travel. Please consult your local embassy for all visa requirements pertaining to South Africa and Namibia for your nationality to ensure that you have the proper documentation prior to travel.
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle, and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.
Hotel
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Address: Sossusvlei, Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia, Namibia
Phone: 011 809 4300
Program Includes:
• 3 nights at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge (suite) including accommodation, 2 activities daily, all meals and local beverages during meals and game activities mentioned, as well as park fees
• Complimentary laundry services at the lodge
• Transfers to/from airports, qualified English-speaking driver/guide in an air-conditioned vehicle (Walvis Bay & Cape Town)
• Porterage for maximum 1 piece of luggage per person
• 1 x 500 ml bottle of mineral water per person on transfers
Program Excludes:
• Any other meals not listed in the itinerary.
• Any other drinks not listed in the itinerary including champagne and premium brand spirits & liquor
• Gratuities for drivers, guides, game rangers, trackers & lodge staff
• Personal expenses such as telephone calls; curio shop purchases & laundry
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
