Namibia

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.

Namibia’s Skeleton Coast “Shipwreck Lodge”
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Namibia’s Skeleton Coast “Shipwreck Lodge”

An African safari transcends traditional travel – it is a captivating expedition that offers a unique blend of awe-inspiring landscapes, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion.

Having visited South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania, I looked forward to returning to Africa, this time to Namibia, a country that blows away any preconceived notions of what Africa should be. We packed our bags and headed on our adventure with Micato Safaris. A nonstop flight took us from New York to Johannesburg where we met up with our expert safari director, Brian. After an overnight stay at the beautiful resort-like Saxon Hotel, we connected with a short flight to Namibia’s capital city, Windhoek, spending a night at the iconic Weinberg Hotel. This serene estate property was the perfect place to recover from jetlag.

From Windhoek, we flew via Scenic Air light aircraft from lodge to lodge – from Etosha National Park to the Skeleton Coast to Sossusvlei. Our trusted pilot, Cam, made sure we were comfortable in the Kodiak plane throughout our journey, and we were honored to get to know him throughout our two-week trip.

It is indescribable the distinctiveness of this remote, yet well-developed country in the southwestern corner of the continent. Namibia is a land of stark contrasts, where towering sand dunes meet the wild Atlantic Ocean, where traditional tribal customs blend with modern life, and remarkable animal species adapt to a harsh environment.

Our itinerary included an unforgettable stay at Shipwreck Lodge, perched on Namibia’s 310-mile-long Skeleton Coast. This revered and feared National Park is a raw, rugged, and remote slice of African wilderness — it earned its name from the countless shipwrecks that wash up on its shores.

Shipwreck Lodge, which honors the mariners who braved these perilous waters, is an oasis in what is the world’s oldest desert – The Namib. The lodge is uniquely designed to reflect the famous shipwrecks lining the nearby coast. Cabins, nestled between the dunes, with views of the Atlantic Coast, offer a warm and inviting environment that contrasts the harshness of the surrounding area.

Getting here:
We accessed the lodge via a flight to Möwe Bay, the nearest airstrip. Very surreal — only a simple hanger and a lone, red and white windsock indicates this is an airport – the runway is barely distinguishable from the desert sand. A 45-minute transfer via the lodge’s 4×4 vehicle included a stop at a seal colony and several wrecks perched on the beaches. There is no official “road” to the lodge, only a lightly marked, constantly shifting, sandy path along the dunes.

Accommodations:
The lodge’s rustic elegance and remote location blend easily to create an atmosphere of tranquility and wonder. Ten cozy, eco-friendly, solar powered, wooden cabins come equipped with a wood burning stove to keep warm on chilly nights. Outside the cabin door is a spacious deck with sturdy Adirondack chairs. In the center of the lodge stands the timber and glass lounge, bar, and restaurant. After day-long game drives, we would settle into cozy cushioned couches and chat with other visitors from around the world. A wraparound deck offered uninterrupted views out to the Atlantic Ocean – a great place to just sit and contemplate life!

Excursions:
Our first night we joined other lodge guests and drove down to the beach in a 4×4 for a traditional safari “Sundowner.” A delicious display of canapes and gin was set up on a petite table in the sand just steps from the water. As the sun set behind the dunes, we tried to absorb the vastness of this world around us – it was too big to grasp!

On our second day, our guide took us into the dunes just behind the lodge. After a quick lesson, we donned helmets, boarded quad bikes, and then stopped to do some “sandboarding,” taking turns going head or feet first over the edge and then gleefully being driven back up to the top for another run. Afterwards, we formed a neat line of quads and ventured up even higher into the dune-filled world – colossal mountains of sand as far as the eye could see.

On our third day we joined our local guide and explored the scenic Hoarusib River, an often dry, ephemeral river, rimmed by sheer cliffs and narrow canyons. Driving for several hours, we spotted plenty of unique desert dwelling creatures as we followed the riverbed through a constantly changing landscape. We hiked through the russet-hewed Clay Castles which had been carved out for centuries by the flowing water.

Scenic flights:
After our stay we returned to Möwe Bay where we boarded our plane and embarked on a scenic flight over the southern Skeleton Coast to our next stop, Sossusvlei. Our bird’s eye view afforded us a glimpse of the rugged coastline, shipwrecks, and a startling thousand-member flock of pink flamingoes below.

Namibia’s pristine wilderness is an escape from the fast-paced world we live in – it gives you a profound sense of tranquility. This country has made a strong commitment to sustainability in its approach to tourism by protecting its rich biodiversity, reminding us of the importance of safeguarding our precious environment. Lodges and safari operators are deeply committed to tourism that specifically benefits local communities and supports wildlife conservation. Your visit helps contribute to preservation efforts and safeguards these environments for future generations.

It’s never TOO early to plan your next adventure. 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.

When in Namibia, your eyes can barely absorb all the beauty around you! Check out some videos here below…