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AndBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert

Days 1 - 2: Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert

AndBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Location Map

Experience the haunting beauty of the Namib Desert at AndBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, situated in the foothills of the private NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia. This extraordinary lodge is renowned for its luxurious and private accommodation.

Thanks to conservation efforts, the NamibRand spans 180,000 hectares of pristine desert wilderness, and is the largest private nature reserve in Southern Africa.

The Namib - known as 'The Living Desert' - is a world of vast space, endless horizons, dramatic desertscapes and jagged mountain heights.

Led by Sossusvlei's expert rangers and naturalists, explore the desert by quadbikes (all-terrain four-wheeled motorcycles), open 4x4 vehicles - even by hot-air balloon.

Excursions to the famous Sossusvlei sand dunes, the highest in the world, and Sesriem Canyon will add to this unforgettable desert experience.

The lodge comprises of 10 air-conditioned stone and a glass desert villas set along the curve of the escarpment that feature a bedroom with retractable skylights for in-bed star-gazing, a living room with a fireplace, an en-suite 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.

The guest area features floor to ceiling, frameless glass panels that fold away to reveal unobstructed desert vistas. An interactive kitchen allows guests to create their own dishes and a fine selection of wines complements sublime meals. Other features include a one-of-a-kind gym, a 2-part wellness centre offering a treatment room and a private spa-bath, as well as a wet treatment room.

For those wishing for more privacy, the 2 bedroomed Star Dune Suite is ideal for families or groups of friends. Linked by a covered walkway, the suite features a private lounge and dining space, and the amenities of this extended accommodation provide the perfect space for one and all to enjoy.

Example Details For AndBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Nights: 2 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Suite
Includes: All meals, tea/coffee, 2 scheduled shared activities daily within the NamibRand Nature Reserve, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, soft drinks and bottled water and a laundry service are included. Sossusvlei excursions can be arranged at an additional cost - rates on request.
 
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AndBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Location.

Address

AndBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge,NamibRand Nature Reserve, Sossusvlei

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may be occupied from midday on the day of arrival. If possible, aim to arrive at the lodge around this time, so you can check into your room and relax before your first afternoon game drive, but if you don't think you can arrive by this time, you should aim to arrive by 15:00 at the very latest, or else you may miss the afternoon drive.

Rooms must please be vacated by 11:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

Children of any age are welcome. Children under 6 years old cannot participate in scheduled safari activities. Children aged 6-11 can participate at the lodge manager's discretion. Children under 16 cannot participate in quad bike excursions.

All suites have a split-level bedroom, a sitting room with a fireplace, an en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers (no bath tub), a private plunge pool, firepit, air conditioning, room safe, a hair dryer, a telephone, discrete music systems, a star-viewing skylight, discrete music system and custom-stocked personal bar.

In addition, each suite has a complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik binoculars.

Activities at the lodge include scenic drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles on the NamibRand Nature Reserve, excursions to Sossusvlei and the Sesriem Canyon, guided nature walks, marked hiking trails, bike riding, stargazing from the lodge's sophisticated observatory and quad bike excursions.

Hot air balloon excursions can be arranged at an additional cost.

The main lodge has a swimming pool, a bar, a restaurant, spa, Safari Shop, a wine cellar, observatory with a resident astronomer and complimentary Wi-Fi.

The Sossusvlei Desert Lodge spa offers a range of different treatments and massages that rejuvenates the mind, body and soul (additional cost).

Visa and MasterCard credit cards are accepted.

Babysitting services are available (additional cost).

A laundry service is included.

The lodge is not fenced and although there are no dangerous animals within the grounds, guests are requested to be vigilant at all times.

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) is not permitted in any of the conservation areas managed by AndBeyond, until such time as their impact on wildlife and anti-poaching initiatives can be assessed.

The Strand Hotel

Swakopmund

Day 3: Swakopmund

The Strand Hotel Location Map

Surrounded on 3 sides by the Namib desert, and on the 4th by the Atlantic Ocean, Swakopmund is an interesting blend of African and German heritage, and one of the most friendly towns in Southern Africa. Many of the locals are of German descent, and together with its beautifully preserved German colonial architecture, the availability of German style beer, and the precise orderly manner which is evident everywhere, you would be forgiven for thinking you were in a small town in Germany, and not on the edge of the Namib Desert.

Probably the most popular single activity is quad-biking over the large red sand dunes that start from the edge of the town, or try sandboarding down the dunes as an alternative. The Cape Cross Seal Reserve is a 125 km drive north of Swakopmund, and home to breeding colonies of thousands of Cape fur seals. 

Several operators also offer scenic flights. The 2 most popular options are to take a flight north up the coastline, over the Skeleton Coast and back round, or to  fly across the desert to the Sossusvlei Dunes and back to Swakopmund along the coastline, taking-in a number of shipwrecks.

With it's extensive restaurants, bars, lounges, deli and sea-facing terraces, the Strand Hotel is the social epicentre of Swakopmund.

Uniquely located on the iconic and historic Swakopmund Mole and surrounded on 3 sides by the Southern Atlantic Ocean. On the fourth side, it backs up to the town's central park, through which it is a short 5 minute walk to the historic centre of this charming German/Victorian era colonial seaside town.

Arriving at the Strand is a dramatic experience as you pass through its 13m high and 9m wide Ocean View Atrium which travels right through the hotel, offering sea views at either end. Off this Atrium Lobby is the main Reception, consisting of an inviting open fireplace which rounds off the warm welcome.

All the 125 rooms and suites offer uninterrupted sea, beach or garden views. The Standard Rooms have panoramic sliding windows from which to admire the views. The Luxury Rooms have a 'step out' balcony, whilst the Suites have a 'sit on' balcony. The Presidential Suite has its own private terrace.

Example Details For The Strand Hotel

Nights: 1 Night
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Standard Room
Includes: Breakfast is included.
 
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The Strand Hotel Location.

Address

The Strand Hotel,Off Strand Street, Swakopmund

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may normally be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must please be vacated by 10:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

All rooms have a satellite TV, Wi-Fi, telephone, individually controlled air conditioning, electronic Safe Deposit Box, a hairdryer, an electronic lock key system, electric outlets (220 volts) and a hospitality tray with tea/coffee making facilities.

The Strand activities and adventures office is located in the reception lobby. A variety of activities can be booked here (additional cost).

The Strand Hotel offers its residential guests and all casual visitors 3 exciting restaurants, bars and sea facing terraces as well as a lobby lounge, beer garden and beach kiosk. Reservations are essential for all guests.

The Brewer and Butcher serves lunch from 12:00 to 14:30 and dinner from 18:00 to 22:00.

The Farmhouse Deli serves an à la carte and breakfast buffet from 06:00 to 11:00. Lunch/dinner is served from 12:00 to 21:00.

The Ocean Cellar offers a relaxed contemporary fine dining experience. Lunch is served from 12:00 to 14:30. Dinner is served from 18:00 to 22:00. In addition, a sushi menu is available from 12:00 to 22:00.

Cafe Mole is open daily from 10:00 to 18:30.

The gym is located on the 2nd floor of the hotel and features a studio with strength, balance and flexibility equipment.

The Atlantic Spa offers a variety of different treatments and therapies (additional cost).

The spa is open: Sunday - Thursday from 09:00 - 19:00; Friday - Saturday from 09:00 - 20:00; Public Holidays from 09:00 - 20:00.

Credit cards are accepted.

Camp Kipwe

Damaraland

Days 4 - 5: Damaraland

Camp Kipwe Location Map

Huddled in the rocks, with sweeping views across the Aba Huab valley, Camp Kipwe is full of surprises, starting when you first arrive. It appears as if rocks have tumbled down the hill to reveal this gem of a camp.

Guests staying here can enjoy guided nature walks around the Twyfelfontein Conservancy, as well as trips to see the Bushman etchings and the mysterious Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain. For a very special experience, an Elephant Nature Drive is a must-do - explore the terrain in search of these elusive desert-dwelling elephants who have adapted to the dry and sandy conditions of northern Namibia. You may also be lucky and find a desert black rhino too!

In between activities, relax around the pool which is built into the rocks, enjoy a drink at the bar, or make yourself comfy in the lounge/dining room areas and enjoy the scenery. At sunset, make your way to the viewpoint and have a sundowner drink while taking in the 360 degrees of breathtaking views.

The rainy season here is from October/November through to March, but as this area receives minimal rainfall at best, the rain seldom last for more than an hour or 2 at most.

The 9 twin-bedded rooms are in the shape of rondavels and have boulder, cement and rock walls, which gives the initial impression that you are entering a cool, secluded cave. All rooms have an outside deck where you can admire the views. The en-suite open-air private bathrooms are built amongst the rocks, allowing guests to take advantage of the outdoor weather. Hot water is supplied by wood-burning 'donkey' boilers and solar geysers.

The Kipwe Suite is an air-conditioned, luxury elevated thatched suite that has a private lounge equipped with a satellite television and minibar with drinks included. The large double room with kingsize bed opens up onto an en-suite open air bathroom with a beautiful bath area.

Example Details For Camp Kipwe

Nights: 2 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Bungalow
Includes: Full Board Basis: all meals; and 2 x game viewing activities are included.
 
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Camp Kipwe Location.

Address

Camp Kipwe,Off the D2612, Twyfelfontein

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may normally be occupied from 13:00 on the day of arrival and must normally please be vacated by 10:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

Children of any age are welcome.

All of the rooms have an outside viewing deck, a private open air en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, a hairdryer, in-room safe, a flashlight and an air horn (for emergencies). Hot water is supplied by wood-burning ‘donkey’ boilers and solar geysers.

The Kipwe Suite has a private lounge equipped with a satellite television and minibar, large double room with king size bed opens up onto an en-suite open air bathroom with a lovely bath area as well.

There is a swimming pool built into the rocks. The lounge and dining room offer stunning views. There is also a view point and sundowner spot offering 360 degree views.

There is a curio shop.

The camp has no Wi-Fi and limited/patchy mobile/cell phone reception due to the remote location.

Activities include a guided nature drives in search of the desert-adapted elephants and desert black rhino (approximately 4-6 hours departing in the morning at 06:30; including drinks and snacks), or a Twyfelfontein, Burnt Mountain and Organ Pipes excursion (approximately 2 hours in the afternoon; departing at 15:00).

Guests are free to follow the short walking trails with information showing the names of different plants and trees on their own (or, depending on guide’s availability they are welcome to ask the guides to take them on a longer walk).

Visa and MasterCard credit cards are accepted. The lodge also accepts Namibian Dollars, Rand and US Dollars for cash payments.

Please note that there are snakes and scorpions in the area and the lodge is surrounded by boulders so parents need to make sure that their children do not put their hands in little nooks and crannies, and do not climb, jump and leap on the boulders.

Ongava Lodge

Etosha National Park

Days 6 - 7: Etosha National Park

Ongava Lodge Location Map

Ongava Lodge is situated within the privately owned Ongava Game Reserve, a 30,000 hectare private reserve which is located adjacent to the southern boundary of the Etosha National Park.

The lodge offers the full Etosha experience, whilst providing superb accommodation and service. The main lounge and bar area both overlook the floodlit waterhole with wonderful views across the plains below, as does the dining area, where meals are served around a large 'family' style table. There is also a swimming pool for guest's enjoyment in-between game drives.

Activities include morning guided game drives in an open Land Rover into the Okaukuejo area of Etosha, where it is possible to see elephant, lion and many plains game including springbok, gemsbok, giraffe and hartebeest.

Guests can also enjoy day and night drives on the private reserve, which is home to resident white and black rhino. Tracking white rhino on foot is a highlight. Walks with a guide are also available, as are visits to a hide overlooking a waterhole - a fantastic place to relax and while the hours away up close and personal with wildlife coming to drink. The arid environment where little water occurs makes this a popular drinking spot for game.

Guests are accommodated in 14 luxury brick and thatch chalets, each with air-conditioning and an en-suite bathroom with a bath and a shower.  Each chalet is built on an elevated deck, which are linked by walkways. Glass fronted doors lead out onto a private veranda, where guests can relax and look out over the bushveld and the waterhole.

The Family Chalet consists of 2 en-suite bedrooms, joined by a boardwalk. A private vehicle can be booked at an extra cost (subject to availability).

Example Details For Ongava Lodge

Nights: 2 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Chalet
Includes: All meals, twice daily scheduled shared camp activities, Park fees, all local drinks and a laundry service are included. PLEASE NOTE: The rate excludes premium imported brands and champagne.

The minimum age for walking activities is 13 years; and 16 years old for rhino approaching on foot.

Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari.

 
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Ongava Lodge Location.

Address

Ongava Lodge,Off the C38, Ongava Concession

Directions

From Windhoek: Follow the B1 north via Okahandja and Otjiwarongo, and then take the C38 to Outjo. Follow this road until the Etosha National Park, and the entrance to Ongava Private Reserve is on the left-hand side. Check in with the guard at the entrance, and proceed as directed to the lodge.

From Etosha - Andersson Gate: Immediately after you exit the Andersson Gate, the entrance to Ongava Private Reserve is on the right-hand side. Check in with the guard at the entrance, and proceed as directed to the lodge.

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may be occupied from midday on the day of arrival. If possible, aim to arrive at the lodge around this time, so you can check into your room and relax before your first afternoon game drive, but if you don't think you can arrive by this time, you should aim to arrive by 14:00 at the very latest, or else you may miss the afternoon drive.

Rooms must please be vacated by 10:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

Children aged 8 years and older are welcome.

All rooms have a private viewing deck, air conditioning, overhead fans, tea/coffee facilities, and a hair dryer. There is internet service in the lapa.

The main dining area and bar overlooks a waterhole.

There is Wi-Fi service in the lounge.

There is a swimming pool and a curio shop.

There is a photographic hide in the reserve (16 years and older permitted).

Ongava Lodge has a computerised telescope equipped with a Wi-Fi Kit - with Skyportal Wi-Fi Module + Celestron NexYZ 3-Axis Universal Smartphone Adapter.

Activities that are available at Ongava include game drives, nature walks and birdwatching.

Ongava is one of the largest private game reserves in Namibia, with over 125 square miles to explore. During your stay here, climb into an open vehicle for game drives on Ongava and into neighbouring Etosha National Park to view the astonishing variety of life found in this spectacular environment.

Rhino tracking on foot in the company of your trained guides is a part of your quintessential African adventure at the lodge.

Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are accepted.


Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

The minimum age for walking activities is 13 years; and 16 years old for rhino approaching on foot. The final decision on whether a guest can join a walking activity remains with the guide and lodge manager.

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