Etosha National Park

Discover the Beauty of Namibia’s Namib Desert at &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
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Discover the Beauty of Namibia’s Namib Desert at &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Hidden within Namibia’s Namib Desert, &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge offers an exclusive retreat amidst one of Africa’s and the world’s most striking landscapes. For an authentic African Safari experience, include a stay here. This luxury lodge blends seamlessly with its surroundings, providing an unparalleled experience of the desert’s serene beauty. Wake up to breathtaking views of the vast dunes and mountains. Explore the region’s unique flora and fauna, or simply relax by the lodge’s infinity pool, which overlooks the expansive desert plains. As night falls, the lodge’s state-of-the-art observatory opens, offering mesmerizing stargazing opportunities under some of the clearest skies on Earth. Combining luxurious accommodations with a deep respect for the natural environment, &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Namibia’s desert wonderland.

Our amazing Micato Safari started in Namibia’s capital city Windhoek, then continued on with overnight stays and game drives in Etosha National Park and the Skeleton Coast (click the links to see my previous articles). After departing Shipwreck Lodge and a quick refuel stop, we landed at &Beyond’s private lodge airstrip. Our first glimpse revealed the resort’s dramatic setting among an expanse of dunes, rocky outcrops, and plains. Ten beautifully appointed stone and glass suites, along the curve of the escarpment, look out on the ever-changing desert landscape. All suites are air conditioned with shaded veranda, private plunge pool, living room with fireplace, and glass enclosed rain shower with 180-degree views. The main, split level, lodge area was the perfect spot to enjoy a drink and watch nature unfold before us.

&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge put us in the perfect position to embark on a safari game drive in the vast Namib-Naukluft National Park. Sossusvlei is a surreal desert landscape – its towering red dunes meet stark white salt pans, creating an otherworldly spectacle. Climbing the iconic Dune 45 (not for the faint of heart!) offers panoramic views that stretch to the horizon, while the hauntingly beautiful Deadvlei, with its ancient, desiccated trees standing in stark contrast to the white clay pan and red dunes, is a photographer’s dream. The tranquility and raw beauty of Sossusvlei make it a must-visit for those seeking to immerse themselves in one of the world’s most unique desert environments.

We could not tear ourselves away from this mystical landscape, furiously taking pictures as the early morning mist slowly lifted to reveal colors that our eyes could not comprehend. The musky desert fragrance, the cool breeze transformed into desert heat, and the silent setting created a vivid full sensory memory of this magical place and left us grateful that places like this still exist on our fragile planet.

It’s never TOO early to plan your next adventure. Our safari was organized with Micato Safaris, voted top safari outfitter year after year. They ensured our trip went off with out a hitch, with the best guides, accommodations, transportation, and amenities. Email me, mollie@herrickstravel.com and find out about upgrades, complimentary breakfast, special amenities, and VIP service for all Herricks Travel customers. To receive my blogs to your inbox, please enter your email address in the subscriber box, and respond to the confirmation email.

Namibia’s Etosha National Park
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Namibia’s Etosha National Park

Namibia takes its name from the world’s oldest and most impressive deserts — The Namib. Along with the famous Skeleton Coast, (check out my previous article here), Etosha National Park must be included on your Namibia safari itinerary. This southwestern African nation is bordered by South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana. A wildlife haven nestled in the heart of Namibia, the expansive park, covering over 22,000 square kilometers, is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and safari lovers. The park is not only a wildlife hotspot but also a place that reflects Namibia’s rich cultural tapestry — the local communities surrounding Etosha, including the Ovambo, Himba, and Herero people, contribute to the park’s cultural diversity.

Etosha is renowned for its incredible wildlife and is home to four of the Big Five – elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos – plus, plenty of giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and numerous antelope and bird species. Etosha’s waterholes are a prime location for observing the animals as they gather to quench their thirst, providing unparalleled opportunities for wildlife photography.

To reach Etosha National Park, we flew on Scenic Air in a Kodiak Turbo Prop from capital city Windhoek, having spent the night after arriving via a short commercial flight from Johannesburg.

At the heart of the park lies the vast Etosha Pan, an otherworldly expanse of shimmering white salt. During the dry season, the pan is a striking contrast to the arid savannah, creating a surreal landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see and functions as the focal point for both wildlife and visitors alike.

Our accommodations were at Onguma The Fort, located just outside the park. This exceptional property has a classic African feel with a touch of Indian and Moroccan flavors. Eleven private Bush Suites flank the Main Fort building, and all offer unparalleled sunset views of the Etosha Pans, frequently visited by a menagerie of wildlife especially during our evening meals on the lodge deck.

Our days were filled with early morning and late afternoon game drives in an open vehicle, with some time in between to sun ourselves and relax at the pool right off the main lodge courtyard. A big attraction at Onguma is “The Onkolo Hide.” This water-level camouflaged shelter affords guests the opportunity to sit calmly and enjoy the wildlife extremely up close and unobserved. The vantage points give you amazing camera angles.

Namibia is a country that blows away any preconceived notions of what Africa should be, and a visit to Etosha must be included in your itinerary. A gem in Namibia’s crown, this national treasure offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and unparalleled wildlife encounters. And, a visit to Etosha, not only offers a unique wildlife experience, but it’s an opportunity to support conservation and anti-poaching efforts.

It’s never TOO early to plan your next adventure. Our safari was organized with Micato Safaris, voted top safari outfitter year after year. They ensured our trip went off with out a hitch, with the best guides, accommodations, transportation, and amenities. Email me, mollie@herrickstravel.com and find out about upgrades, complimentary breakfast, special amenities, and VIP service for all Herricks Travel customers. To receive my blogs to your inbox, please enter your email address in the subscriber box, and respond to the confirmation email.