Sossusvlei
Travel Advice for Seniors: Sossevlei
The Sossevlei is a uniquely beautiful place. It is in the Namib desert along the Atlantic coast of Namibia. It is a stark departure from the lush safari grounds of northern Namibia and neighboring Botswana. The is some wildlife to see including ample Oryx or Gemsbok.
The biggest attraction is the desert itself. On the way in we stopped to visit the giant dunes and Dead Vlei. The giant dunes are nearly one thousand feet high and twenty miles long. Quite a sight!
Our accommodation was the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. Each room was a separate small building, and we had to walk a distance uphill to get to our room from the main lodge for meals. The rooms were very comfortable and cozy with expansive view of the desert. We did several game drives but they were more desert drives. Meals were all very good.
As a special treat for Mom,. I requested a breakfast on the dunes and the Lodge was more than happy to accommodate (tipping participants appropriately of course). We went for a ride in the dunes and ended up on top of one of the dunes where a table/chairs and buffet had been set out for us. It was a lovely and memorable experience.
No game drive can be complete without the requisite “Sundowners”, which is basically happy hour with a beautiful view! Your favorite beverage choice and snacks were always included.
The second day we went on a hot air balloon ride over the Namib Desert. This was the first hot air balloon ride that I had ever been on and was very hesitant about it. For Mom, it was something she always wanted to do, so can’t argue with that! We had to get up at o-dark-thirty to get out to the area where the balloons were just getting blown up. It was fascinating to watch and the bright fire inside the balloon made for beautiful photos. After the balloon was blown up and in place above the basket, the baskets were loaded with about 16 people, four per basket section all standing up. We were forewarned that we may have to make a “sports landing” which means the basket tips over and you drag along the desert horizontally for a bit! We did make a sports landing, but it wasn’t horrible and there are plenty of people to help you out.
I have to say the view from a hot air balloon is really something. There is also something supremely peaceful and serene about floating silently over the desert at sunrise. Stunning! The ride itself was only about a half hour or so, but it was then followed by a Champagne brunch on the desert which was very nice indeed! Overall, I liked the balloon ride and of course, Mom was thrilled.
We wrapped up our first safari experience in Botswana and Namibia here in the Namib Desert. It was a calm and relaxing visit and gave us a chance to reflect upon all that we had witnessed in our first visit to Africa. It was quite enough for us to both want to return at the earliest possible time!
Where we stayed: Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. All meals and safaris included. Nice accommodation.
How we got there: Bush flight from Chobe to Okavango Delta.This was part of a three-week private tour through Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia.
General Accessibility Information: Many hotels are accessible in larger cities. Call in advance to verify and make specialty arrangements.See our sections on specialty apps and accessible travel for more on accessibility assistance.
