&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Elegant stone and glass villas set against the vastness of the desert
The spirit of &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Take a breather from your hectic schedule and reconnect with yourself and with nature at &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge.
Surrounded by the mountains and sand dunes of the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is an escape to the world as it should be. Sheer silence, total tranquillity and romantic luxury. From stargazing to intimate picnics in the desert, this is an extraordinary desert wilderness.
Nestled deep in the heart of Namibia’s ancient Namib Desert in Southern Africa, the lodge is a secluded and serene oasis that overlooks awe-inspiring dunes and stony outcrops. A world of vast spaces, endless horizons and rugged mountain heights, the utter tranquillity and extraordinary clarity of light make this area one of Africa’s most compelling landscapes.
In this spectacularly beautiful location, spacious and serene suites envelope guests in pure indulgence, complete with an outdoor shower and a dramatic skylight over the bed for late night star gazing.
If you’re up for something more active, quad biking adventures, hikes and walks will let you explore the surrounding scenery and satisfy your sense of adventure.
Why we love it
-
- Unforgettable dune dining, guided nature walks and hiking trails
- Scenic Nature drives in open 4 x 4 safari vehicles, 4-wheel all terrain motorbike excursions and San rock paintings
- Excursions to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon in closed air conditioned vehicles
- Stargazing at a sophisticated observatory, accompanied by a resident astronomer, early morning hot air ballooning and scenic flights
- Perfect for honeymooners, couples, photographers and families
Guest areas flow into vast desert views, as the stone and glass structure of the Lodge melts into wraparound verandas. Cool water gushes from an underground spring into the refreshing lodge pool, while an extensive walk-in wine cellar provides refreshment of a different sort.
Elements of bone, slate and stone create a dramatic, yet entirely natural, look, while rough timberwork, twiggy chandeliers and wooden sculptures call to mind the craggy mountains.
Mouth-watering dinners are served by lantern light on the open dining veranda or in a surprise location in the nearby dunes.
When night falls, our resident astronomer reveals the mysteries of the stars in our state of the art observatory.
DOWNLOAD LODGE BROCHURE
Ready to start planning your journey?
Rates & Offers
Suite Rate
Suite Rate
Cradled against the ancient mountains, &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is renowned for its luxurious accommodation overlooking the starkly beautiful Namib Desert. Designed to capture the splendour and solitude of the desert, just ten stone and glass suites spread out along the curve of the escarpment, allowing absolute privacy. Each air conditioned suite is furnished to complement the majestic hues of the desert and features a private veranda, split-level bedroom and living room with fireplace, ensuite glass-encased bathroom and outdoor shower. The suites are equipped with a star-viewing skylight, discrete music system and custom-stocked personal bar.
Ready to start planning your journey?
Namibia long stay offer Stay longer for Less
Namibia long stay offer Stay longer for Less
Take advantage of…
Savings up to 10% per person per night off our published rates with longer than 3 night stays at a combination of &Beyond’s Namibian lodges and camps.
Ready to start planning your journey?
Our favourite lodge experiences
Frequently asked questions
What is the &Beyond WILDChild Programme?
WILDChild Program With its warm heart, welcoming people and sunny skies, Africa is a dream destination for a family holiday with children of all ages. A place where time slows …
What is the &Beyond WILDChild Programme?
WILDChild Program
With its warm heart, welcoming people and sunny skies, Africa is a dream destination for a family holiday with children of all ages.
A place where time slows down, it offers the luxury of a leisurely pace, ideal to reconnect and renew relationships among families, as well as grow friendships between the children and land, animals and people of Africa.
&Beyond’s WILDChild programme, designed especially for children visiting our safari lodges and camps in Africa, is filled with fun, interactive activities that offer opportunities to learn and discover new experiences and cultures. Deeply rooted in the love for the African bush, it not only creates a series of unforgettable moments for the whole family but forges strong bonds between our young guests, our planet and its people.
WILDChild Adventures
“Get your children traveling early. Expose them to the people, the food, the real culture of your destination.” – Joss Kent, &Beyond CEO
Expeditions may involve activities such as tracking and fishing, making traditional bows and arrows, beading, crafting and painting, as well as fun in the lodge garden or kitchen and more. At each of our African lodges, as young, sleepy heads take shelter in the comfort of their beds after a day full of thrills, they will find an assignment for the following day’s expedition laid out on their pillow, ready to fill their dreams with anticipation. Each expedition is carefully selected according to the interests and ages of the children and will be carried out in the care of our friendly staff, from rangers and trackers to child minders and cooks.
The children’s activities available at each of &Beyond’s lodges attempt to tie in with that particular environment, as well as the local heritage of the region. For example, at &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge in Namibia youngsters may experience stargazing as well as Bushman games that teach them the culture of the region, including how to find food and water in the desert. Meanwhile, in Botswana’s Okavango Delta adventures may include fishing expeditions and making necklaces with the Delta’s beautiful water lilies.
WILDChild Memories
Each WILDChild adventure is made up of unforgettable moments to cherish forever and, to help keep memories of their safari fresh, each young traveller will receive a WILDChild backpack with a special scrapbook and other goodies at the &Beyond lodge where they begin their journey. Throughout the safari, the scrapbook is filled up with mementoes of special times in the bush, from notes and drawings to stickers.
At each subsequent lodge our young guests will receive a different educational or bush-oriented gift, as well as fresh expeditions to carry out, so that each stop adds to their collection and their experience continues to grow throughout their journey. Each &Beyond lodge has something different to offer, whether it is a solar torch, a magnifying glass or a compass. Specially sourced by &Beyond, all our gifts consists of quality products made of recycled or sustainable materials where possible and used to encourage interaction between the child and their ranger or guide, who helps them unravel the mysteries of the African bush and introduces them to local customs and traditions.
To add to each child’s experience, the Safari Shops at &Beyond’s participating lodges and camps also stock a range of WILDChild goodies, including scrapbook stickers and clothing. Through purchasing these mementoes, our young guests not only provide themselves with a tangible reminder of their African adventure but also contribute towards the Community Leaders Education Fund scholarship programme, which assists students from the communities bordering &Beyond’s conservation areas with funding for their tertiary education.
WILDChild in the Making
At the end of your extraordinary family adventure, along with treasured memories of time spent together, you will find your WILDChild has fallen irrevocably in love with the animals, people and landscapes of Africa, a true conservationist in the making.
What do I need to know about Namibia?
Travel Advice Namibia is a safe and stable country boasting modern infrastructure and facilities and one of the cleanest and neatest African capitals. Still, be careful, remain alert and keep …
What do I need to know about Namibia?
Travel Advice
Namibia is a safe and stable country boasting modern infrastructure and facilities and one of the cleanest and neatest African capitals. Still, be careful, remain alert and keep a close watch over your belongings.
Namibia is an excellent holiday destination due to the favourable currency, which means that most international travellers are able to get luxury accommodation and transportation at a fraction of the price in their own country.
Although most parts of Namibia are malaria-free, travellers heading north of Windhoek (and towards the Caprivi) need to consult their doctors about anti-malaria medication.
Currency
Banking hours at most commercial banks are Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 15h30 and on Saturday from 08h00 to 11h00
ATMs are found throughout Namibia’s major city centres and shopping complexes.
The currency is the Namibian Dollar, where NAD1 is made up of 100 cents. Please check with your hotel for daily exchange rates. Foreign currencies such as the USD are widely accepted.
Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express are accepted by most restaurants, shops and hotels. Proof of identity may be requested, so be sure to carry a passport or some form of photo identification at all times. Credit cards are not accepted at petrol stations.
Safety
It is advised you check with your tour operator or hotel concierge – they will know if there are any potentially unsafe areas along your travel route.
For self-drive guests in Namibia all vehicles on the road have to drive with their headlights on at all times of the day.
It is wise to avoid deserted areas, particularly at night, and if you are on a self-drive adventure then please ensure your car is locked at all times – park in well-lit, busy areas.
Dress-down (i.e. don’t wear excessive jewellery) when exploring Africa’s diverse cities. Concealed travel wallets are recommended.
Stopping for hitch hikers is not recommended.
Photography
Please be sensitive when photographing people. Namibians are renowned for being friendly; however it is courteous to ask permission before snapping away.
The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) is not allowed in any of the conservation areas we manage until such time as their impact on wildlife and anti-poaching initiatives can be assessed. This rule will apply throughout Africa, as our partners in various countries and regions have adopted a similar stance.
Passports & Visa Requirements
Guests visiting Namibia must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of travel and should have two blank pages available in their passport. Visitors who intend travelling to Namibia’s neighbouring countries and back are advised to apply for multiple entry visas.
What the Experts Say
- Bear in mind that Namibia is a country of high temperatures. In summer the mercury may reach 40°C/104°F and even winter temperatures are as high as 25°C/77°F
- It is always a good idea to have a record of your passport number, airline tickets and travellers cheques
- Don’t leave your baggage or luggage unattended
Journeys to inspire
What other people say about us
2015 – Elite Traveler by larien31st May 2017
2015 – Elite Traveler
&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge featured in Elite Traveler Magazine – Desert Escapes
2016 – The UK Independent by larien31st May 2017
2016 – The UK Independent
&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge featured in The UK Independent – Stargazing retreats
World Travel Awards
&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is Namibia’s Leading Safari Lodge at the World Travel Awards 2016
Sherman’s Travel
&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is feature in Shesvlei rman’s Travel’s Smart Luxury Awards 2011
International Traveller
&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is featured at #69 in International Traveller’s 100 Best Hotels and Resorts in the World 2013
Condé Nast Traveler
&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is featured at #21 in Top 30 (Africa & Middle East) category of the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2007
TripAdvisor
&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge receives the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013
Condé Nast Traveler
&Beyond Matetsi River Lodge is featured on the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2017
Stories from The Bateleur
Celebrating 25 years of luxury experiential travel
They say time flies when you’re having fun and that has certainly been the case for all of us here at &Beyond...
by Claire Trickett8th August 2016
Celebrating 25 years of luxury experiential travel They say time flies when you’re having fun and that has certainly been the case for all of us here at &Beyond...
They say time flies when you’re having fun and that has certainly been the case for all of us here at &Beyond. Hard to believe we’re already a quarter of a century old! As we celebrate #25YearsandBeyond, it’s a wonderful opportunity to look back and reflect on some of our proudest and most cherished moments, but most importantly it is a time for us to give our sincere thanks and gratitude to the countless loyal guests, dedicated travel/media partners and committed conservationists, without whom these 25 years would not have been possible. 2016 is a year of many &Beyond milestones:
25 years of delighting guests in order to make a meaningful difference to conservation in Africa.
20 years of empowering the youth through Africa Foundation’s Community Leaders Education Fund (CLEF) bursary programme.
10 years of luxury experiential travel in Asia and honeymoons in the Maldives.
1 year of creating tailormade luxury travel and family adventures in South America.
1 year on &Beyond Benguerra Island in Mozambique, the second island to join our portfolio.
The welcome addition of the exclusive &Beyond Vamizi Island…
The launch of our &Beyond Private Jet Expeditions.
And last, but certainly not least, the long-awaited return of our beloved &Beyond Matetsi Private Game Reserve…
That’s a lot of birthdays … and you know how much we LOVE a reason to celebrate! So that’s why we’ve decided to turn our bi-monthly BATELEUR magazine into a far more regular and interactive blog. This way we can share our heart-warming stories more often and engage with our readers on a more personal level. You can expect regular updates from our teams on the three extraordinary continents that we operate on. They will be inspiring stories from the field that truly encompass what &Beyond is all about: guest delight and natural luxury; destination inspiration and travel tips; family travel; wildlife and our world-class rangers, trackers, naturalists and divemasters; conservation and community initiatives; as well as a celebration of the food, cultures and many inspiring Humans of &Beyond. It’s time to reflect on #25YearsandBeyond; a quarter of a century of unforgettable stories, laughter, tears and pure camaraderie. We invite you along for a ride down memory lane. For the rest of the month, we’ll be sharing some of our favourite celebrations, memories and victories with you. What we’d really love though, is to hear from you! What are your favourite &Beyond memories? Whether you’ve been travelling with us for 25 years or 25 minutes, we’d love to hear your stories.
Safari by numbers: The beginner’s 101 guide
Welcome to Safari 101, the beginner’s guide to getting the most out of your luxury safari adventure…
by Claire Trickett24th August 2016
Safari by numbers: The beginner’s 101 guide Welcome to Safari 101, the beginner’s guide to getting the most out of your luxury safari adventure…
The Big Five? The Super Seven? What’s it all about? Welcome to Safari 101, the beginner’s guide to understanding the local lingo and getting the most out of your luxury safari adventure.
Give me five
Many moons ago, when hunting was once rife in the African bush veld, hunters coined the term “Big Five” to classify the five most dangerous animals to hunt on foot: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.
Thankfully the hunting heyday is over and nowadays protected conservation areas abound that are thriving with wildlife, just as nature intended. Fear has rightly been replaced with intrigue and the beloved Big Five is now a highly sought-after quintet of magnificent African icons that every wildlife enthusiast hopes to catch a glimpse of while on safari.
Good things come in small packages
The “Little Five” is merely a clever play on words, highlighting five pint-sized critters that bear the same namesakes as their mighty counterparts: the ant lion, leopard tortoise, elephant shrew, buffalo weaver and rhino beetle. This of course adds depth to the overall game drive experience, revealing both the big and small wonders of nature to curious minds.
Beauty is only skin deep
Perhaps a far cry from their majestic counterparts, the unfortunate “Ugly Five” definitely gets a bad rap. We don’t think any animals are ugly; each is loveable in its own way, yet the hyena, vulture, wildebeest, warthog and marabou stork remain the unlucky recipients of this far from endearing moniker.
This less than glamorous gang of underdogs is often depicted negatively in mainstream movies and cartoons, which doesn’t help with their increasing unpopularity. Alas, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and no safari would be complete without the Ugly Five. What would the Great Wildebeest Migration be with no wildebeest…?!
Images courtesy of &Beyond guides: Daryl Dell, Steve Walker and Dan Fenton.
7th Heaven
You’ll often hear safari fanatics talking about the “Super Seven”, which is an extension of the Big Five that includes both cheetah and the highly endangered African wild dog. If you manage to see the Super Seven, congratulations, you can consider yourself an accomplished safari expert.
Did you know that India has its own wildlife checklist too? Guests visiting the dense tropical forests and world-famous tiger reserves of India are all on the lookout for the Subcontinent’s “Big Seven”, which includes the tiger, leopard, Asiatic lion, Asian elephant, rhino, water buffalo and gaur. So if you have already witnessed Africa’s Super Seven, then it’s time to explore the magnificent jungles of India on a luxury tiger safari.
The holy grail
To graduate from expert to master, one must witness the near-impossible “Elusive Eleven”, which is no mean feat. Considered the holy grail of the bush, these 11 shy, mysterious and extremely difficult to track animals are on every safari addict’s bucket list: aardvark, aardwolf, African civet, African wild cat, bushpig, caracal, honey badger, pangolin, porcupine, side-striped jackal and serval.
If you have seen the Elusive Eleven in the wild, then you are in a very elite league of extremely fortunate safari goers that have major bragging rights.
Images courtesy of &Beyond Guides: Daryl Dell and Jason Glanville.
Marine safari
Once you have conquered the safari on land, it’s time to test your skills in the underwater world. The unofficial fourth “C” in our company ethos is Care of the Ocean and &Beyond now boasts three luxurious island properties in our portfolio where guests can take to the sea and learn all about its curious and colourful inhabitants.
The “Marine Five” are an eclectic bunch: the mighty whale; the feared shark; the intelligent dolphin; the playful seal; and the comical penguin.
Our Marine Five and Big Five Safari is an 11-day adventure through South Africa’s Big Five reserves and coastal areas. Enjoy exhilarating game drives, whale watching, shark cage diving, nature drives, cave explorations, beach trips, horse riding and wine tasting.
Adding a new 5 to the mix
Excluding Africa’s Super Seven and Elusive Eleven, there are four safari quintets (big, little, ugly and marine), which seems a bit of an oxymoron if you ask me. Surely there should be a fifth element to keep the fives well-rounded…?
Given the whole Khaki Fever phenomenon, I’m thinking there should be a Khaki Five? Or maybe even a Khaki Twelve, which would tie in perfectly with a ranger calendar with the proceeds going to conservation perhaps…? Just putting it out there.
Image courtesy of &Beyond guest: Mikelle Furman.
Safari goals
From the Big Five right down to the Little Five, we consider ourselves fortunate to be in their presence, to watch these animals undisturbed in their natural habitat, hopefully, for generations to come. Of course the safari extends far beyond the wildlife highlighted in this story. There are countless species revered for their elegance, speed, agility and peculiarity, and that’s the beauty of the experience. No two game drives are ever the same and you never know what to expect. Is there anything more beautiful than the graceful giraffe or more striking than the inimitable zebra? Share this on social media and tag us to let us know which animals are on YOUR wildlife bucket list?
25 Funniest wildlife photographs
Mother Nature has a wicked sense of humour and these 25 funniest wildlife photos are proof…
by Claire Trickett14th September 2016
25 Funniest wildlife photographs Mother Nature has a wicked sense of humour and these 25 funniest wildlife photos are proof…
Live. Love. Laugh. Life is better when you’re laughing. Fact. So this #WildlifeWednesday, we invite you to reconnect with your sense of humour.
Let’s face it, Mother Nature, in all her beauty and splendour, has a wicked sense of humour. Our extraordinary planet is home to the most curious of creatures, from bug-eyed bushbabies, dancing lemurs and long-necked giraffe-like antelopes, to scaly pangolins, duck-billed platypus, unicorn-like whales and seals with elephant trunks.
Ever wondered why dogs chase their tails? Why skunks emit such a pungent spray? Why flamingos eat upside-down? And do elephants really bereave their deceased? Do male penguins really scour the beaches looking for the perfect pebble to present to a female? What a weird and wonderful world we live in.
The often amusing antics of the animal kingdom certainly make us laugh. So, as we celebrate #25YearsandBeyond, we encourage you to have a laugh at the 25 funniest wildlife photos taken by our rangers and guests. May they put a smile on your face.
1. “C’mon, give us a kiss!” © Matt Yardley
2. “Even lion cubs are into photo-bombing these days.” © Paul Rubio
3. “When life (literally) bites you in the behind.” © Andrew Schoeman
4. “Must have been a good joke.” © Jason Glanville
5. “May I have this dance?” © Daryl Dell
6. “I’ve got your back.” © Jen Robertson
7. “Talk to the hand (foot).” © Harshvardhan Singh
8. “If Monday had a face.” © Timur Turker
9. Hang in there, the weekend’s coming.” © Tim Kiok
10. “When life turns you upside down, just adjust your view.” © Bruce Hedges
11. “You talkin’ to me?” © Scott Yammin
12. “Just lion around the airport lounge waiting for our flight.” © James Massek
13. “First one to blink loses.” © Alan Murray
14. “Brushing up on some bush skills.” © Simon Naylor
15. “Cat got your tail?” © Daryl Dell
16. “Let’s flip a coin. Heads, it’s mine. Tails, it’s mine.” © Matt Poole
17. “Strut your stuff on the cat walk.” © Matt Yardley
18. “But first, let me take a #selfie.” © Steve Walker
19. “Ugh mum, really?!” © Daryl Dell
20. “Be the master of your domain.” © Tim Kiok
21. When the paparazzi catches you unaware.” © Daryl Dell
22. “Tail-gate party.” © Daryl Dell
23. “Monday. Time to hit the ground running.” © James Massek
24. Landrover recovery.” © Glee Walker
25. “The cheekiest, chubbiest ‘Butterball’ of a cub.” © Jen Robertson
Never stop dreaming
It’s World Dream Day! Start dreaming with these 10 most romantic moments…
by Claire Trickett26th September 2016
Never stop dreaming It’s World Dream Day! Start dreaming with these 10 most romantic moments…
Why stop dreaming when you wake up? The best dreams happen when you’re awake… Dreams mean something different to everyone, so that’s why we personally tailormake each &Beyond adventure to exceed the wildest dreams of each and every guest. No dream is ever too big, too small, too daring or too outrageous. And the best part is, that by making people’s bucket list dreams come true, we are able to give back to the land, wildlife and people. That was our dream 25 years ago, and we are thrilled to still be living that very same dream today.
And so, in celebration of #WorldDreamDay today, we’d love to hear your wildest dreams. What’s at the top of your bucket list? What are the things that will reignite your soul and reconnect you with your sense of adventure? Those special moments that will inevitably become lifetime memories that will reconnect you, not only with yourself, but with your partner. We have a few ideas … here are our 10 most romantic moments. Here’s hoping they inspire you to start dreaming the (im)possible. As the late Walt Disney said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.”
1. Dune picnic-for-two
As you crest the top of a towering terracotta sand dune, a desert oasis awaits. Plump white cushions surround a small table-for-two, complete with well-deserved appetisers and sundowners to toast the most magnificent sunset imaginable. Relax as the sun slowly dips over the horizon and watch in awe as the shifting dunes forever change colour.
Where? Click here.
2. Night under the stars
Picture comfortable beds with fluffy duvets and warm blankets, draped with billowing mosquito nets; inviting chairs around a blazing campfire; and twinkling lanterns hanging from the trees … right in the middle of the bush! After a hearty meal and drinks around the fire, fall asleep under the starry sky and absorb the tranquillity, solitude and unequivocal sounds of Africa.
Where? Click here.
3. Rose petal bubblebath-for-two
Where? Click here.
4. ‘Out of Africa’ balloon safari
Where? Click here.
5. Marooned on a private island
Think Robinson Crusoe meets Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous. Escape like castaways to an exclusive barefoot beach paradise, where just 12 rustic beach bandas peer out from the forest out onto a perfectly soft, snow-white beach and crystal clear water that is every shade of blue. Enjoy forest dinners for two, sandcastle dinners and sunset cruises on a traditional dhow.
Where? Click here.
6. Sunset over the Taj Mahal
Indulge in private cocktails on a romantic terrace overlooking the iconic, and famously beautiful, Taj Mahal in the distance. As musicians quietly serenade you, sip on sundowners and watch as the sun sets over the intricate white marble of what is undisputedly the world’s most famous tribute to love. Truly bucket list material.
Where? Click here.
7. Private dinner on a palace terrace
Share an intimate, sumptuous and most regal al fresco dinner-for-two, ensconced in the marble minaret of an ancient palace. The ultimate in fairy-tale romance, a private butler will serve each lavish course of mouth-watering Indian fare as you quietly gaze at the moonlit lake and twinkling city lights that surround you.
Where? Click here.
© Taj Lake Palace
8. Tango lessons for two
Dust off your dancing shoes, take to the dancefloor and get your flirt on as you learn the sensual and steamy steps of the Argentinian tango. Milongas (dance halls or dance events) are ever popular and they’ll soon get your heart racing. Hold each other close, make serious eye contact, but most of all, just have a laugh!
Where? Click here.
9. One-of-a-kind stilted vineyard loft
Couples can cocoon themselves in a state-of-the-art, yet blissfully romantic (and totally isolated) stilted suite that sits right in the middle of a lush vineyard. With views of the majestic Andes Mountain range in the distance, the private terrace boasts an al fresco bathtub and there are skylights in the suite for night-time stargazing.
Where? Click here.
© Entre Cielos
10. Hot tub in the wilderness
Escape to the southernmost tip of the world, where a remote outdoor hot tub boasts the most jaw-dropping, panoramic view of the impossibly turquoise Lake Pehoé. Situated right on the edge of the lake, and completely out of sight from the resort itself, it’s the perfect spot for a sunset bottle of champagne and some evening stargazing.
Where? Click here.
© Explora Patagonia
Written in the stars
Delight in the enchanting luxury of exploring the infinite stars of Africa’s first Dark Sky Reserve…
by Claire Trickett18th October 2016
Written in the stars Delight in the enchanting luxury of exploring the infinite stars of Africa’s first Dark Sky Reserve…
When the noise, stress and constant demands of city life get too much, one of the simplest ways to relax and find inner peace is to gaze up at the infinite stretch of twinkling stars. Yet the ever increasing light pollution caused by these cities that never sleep makes the stars more and more difficult to see. And so, escaping the city lights and truly getting back to nature, switching off (both literally and figuratively) and absorbing and appreciating the natural world remains one of the most effective stress relievers.
&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge in Namibia is one such destination, where time stands still and not only does the untouched desert vista beg to be explored, so too does the inky black night sky permeated with its infinite glittering stars. This intimate lodge, with its ten stone and glass desert villas, is an invitation for guests to indulge in the luxury of exploring the captivatingly brilliant sea of shimmering stars in what was officially declared Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR) in 2013.
The NamibRand Nature Reserve also became the world’s first IDSR to be awarded Gold Tier status, declaring it an environment with exceptionally little to no impact from artificial light. With the nearest town situated 90 miles away, the reserve is not only free of light pollution, but also boasts one of the darkest skies ever measured.
Situated within this IDSR, &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge boasts a high-tech observatory that is equipped with a Meade LX200R 12-inch telescope (one of the largest in the southern hemisphere) using Autostar II technology. Under the guidance of a resident astronomer, guests can get a closer look at the planets and constellations of the enchanting Namibian sky.
Jerry Armstrong, an astronomer that has spent a lot of time at the lodge, is passionate about photographing the mysterious and magnificent night sky. From the luminous full moon and the spiralling rings of Saturn, to the exquisitely beautiful planetary nebulae, Jerry’s images bring the dark sky to life.
PLANETARY NEBULAE: these are shells of gas expelled from a dying star. The gas expands away from the star, which itself is a very hot white dwarf, more than 20 times hotter than the sun. The intense radiation causes the gaseous shell to glow in a variety of different colours (red is hydrogen, blue is oxygen, green is nitrogen and yellow is sulphur).
NGC 6520: this is a cluster of stars found in a dense region of the Milky Way within the constellation Sagittarius. A dark, cold molecular cloud of dust and gas, known as Barnard 86, sits several light years across from it, blocking the light from the more distant stars. It was once thought to be a hole in the Milky Way.
NGC 4755: this is a famous cluster of stars more commonly known as the Jewel Box, which lies within the Southern Cross.
NGC 5139: also known as Omega Centauri, this cluster is composed of millions of stars that lie in the constellation Centaurus. Almost impossible to comprehend, Centaurus is approximately 16 000 light years away, meaning that this image displays the stars as they were 16 000 years ago.
ETA CARINA NEBULA: located in the Carina constellation and only visible from the southern hemisphere, this is the brightest emission nebula and it can be seen easily with the naked eye. The bright orange star near the centre, which is dying, is Eta Carina itself. This star will eventually become a supernova and will become as bright as the full moon.
MESSIER 20: this is a cloud of gas and dust situated within the Sagittarius constellation. The reddish-coloured gas is hydrogen and the bluish cloud is mainly dust and ice. The dark lines are cold molecular dust clouds that have no neighbouring stars to illuminate them.
Consistently celebrated as one of the best places in the world for stargazing, &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge reveals the captivating mystery of the night sky and is an enchanting escape for celestial enthusiasts and dreamers alike.
Astro photography © Jerry Armstrong.
Seventh heaven
Did you know that there are seven official mealtimes for guests on an &Beyond safari?
by Claire Trickett21st October 2016
Seventh heaven Did you know that there are seven official mealtimes for guests on an &Beyond safari?
There are only a few rules when you’re on safari:
(1) don’t get out of the safari vehicle,
(2) don’t walk around the camp unattended at night,
(3) relax as much as humanly possible, and
(4) calories don’t count when you’re on holiday, so indulge at every opportunity (and boy, are there plenty of those).
Did you know that there are seven official mealtimes for guests on an &Beyond safari? That’s right! Welcome to the world of luxury safaris, where adventurous safari enthusiasts can indulge in the sheer luxury of irresistible, wholesome food (and LOTS of it!).
Don’t believe us? Here goes…
1. Freshly-baked biscuits and fruit (and much-needed coffee and espresso) are served just before sunrise to help wake everyone up.
2. Towards the middle of the morning game drive, as tummies start to rumble, the ranger will stop at a scenic location where guests can stretch their legs, recharge with some Amarula coffee and snack on wholesome muffins or heavenly crunchies (click here for our no-longer-top-secret crunchie recipe).
3. A plentiful breakfast buffet, complete with a hearty, made-to-order hot breakfast, awaits guests back at the lodge (or in the bush, if you’re lucky).
15 (more) funny wildlife photographs
The comedy of the animal kingdom at its best, here are 15 funny wildlife photos to make you smile…
by Claire Trickett11th January 2017
15 (more) funny wildlife photographs The comedy of the animal kingdom at its best, here are 15 funny wildlife photos to make you smile…
Your day will go the way the corners of your mouth turn. Think about it … it’s true, right? So smile, see the funny side of life and laugh out loud.
Humour abounds in the natural world, should you choose to see it. Professional photographers will be the first to admit it. Though they never know what’s coming next when they’re photographing wildlife, a photographer’s patience and painstakingly long hours spent in the field are so often rewarded with what can only be described as Mother Nature’s blooper reel. The comedy of the animal kingdom at its best.
Here’s a little hump day humour to start your #WildlifeWednesday on the right track. And if these 15 funnies make you smile, you’ll love the others. Click here for more.
