Sossusvlei Desert Lodge - Overland Adventure (CPT to WVB) (Single)
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Port
Cape Town, South Africa
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$8999
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
3 Nights/ 4 Days
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Meals Included
Meals included
DAY 1: (L, D)
After disembarking your ship in Cape Town, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Windhoek, Namibia. Upon arrival, you will connect to a scenic charter flight to Sossusvlei, offering spectacular aerial views of Namibia's vast desert landscapes, mountains, and red sand dunes.
On arrival at the Sossusvlei airstrip, you will be transferred to the luxurious andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, located within the private NamibRand Nature Reserve. After checking into your suite, you will have time to relax and enjoy the stunning desert surroundings.
If time permits, guests may join a guided afternoon nature drive into the NamibRand Nature Reserve. Accompanied by an expert guide, explore this remarkable desert wilderness and look for wildlife such as oryx, springbok, zebra, and ostrich while learning about the unique ecosystem of one of Africa's largest private reserves.
In the evening, enjoy a gourmet dinner at the lodge before experiencing one of the world's finest stargazing destinations. Weather permitting, guests may visit the lodge's observatory and view the pristine southern night sky through powerful telescopes.
Hotel: andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
DAY 2 & 3: (B, L, D)
Rise before sunrise and travel into Namib-Naukluft National Park, home to some of the world's highest free-standing sand dunes. Entering the park early allows you to experience the dunes as they glow in the soft morning light, creating incredible scenery and photography opportunities. Along the way, your guide will explain how the Nam Desert was formed and how wildlife and plants have adapted to survive in this harsh environment.
After exploring the dune fields, enjoy a buffet brunch in the desert beneath the shade of a camel thorn tree before visiting Sesriem Canyon, a natural gorge carved by the Tsauchab River.
Return to andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge for lunch and time at leisure. Relax in your suite, admire the desert views, or participate in one of the lodge's optional activities, including guided nature drives, dune walks, e-bike excursions, or wildlife viewing within the NamibRand Nature Reserve.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at the lodge followed by optional stargazing at the observatory. The NamibRand Nature Reserve is one of the world's premier Dark Sky Reserves, offering exceptional views of the southern night sky. Guests may also choose to book a scenic helicopter flight (additional cost, weather permitting).
Hotel: andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
DAY 4: (B)
Enjoy one final morning in the Namib Desert with an included lodge activity and breakfast. Depending on the day's schedule, you may choose to join a guided nature drive, dune excursion, or simply take in the spectacular desert scenery one last time.
After breakfast, return to the lodge to gather your belongings, settle any personal expenses, and complete check-out formalities.
You will then transfer to the nearby airstrip and board your charter flight to Walvis Bay, enjoying a final aerial view of Namibia's dramatic desert landscapes.
Upon arrival in Walvis Bay, you will be met by a local English-speaking representative and transferred directly to the harbor to rejoin your ship.
Cancellation Policy:
90 Days prior to arrival in the excursion port. This excursion is non-refundable within 90 days of arrival into the excursion port. Any cancellations made after this deadline will be subject to full payment of the tour. This will include if a guest cancels their voyage within 90 days of arrival into the excursion port.
Important Participation Note:
This program involves strenuous activity and requires a high level of mobility. Guests must be able to embark and disembark motor coaches with little to no assistance. Guests using mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs must ensure these devices are collapsible and can be stored under buses without staff assistance. If you are unable to manage your mobility device independently, you must travel with a companion who can assist you. Motorized scooters of any kind are not permitted on this tour. Participation in this program requires physical capability to navigate uneven terrain, ramps, and steps, so please carefully consider your mobility needs.
Tour Notes:
The contents and order of activities in this program are subject to change by the lodge management without prior notice due to the prevailing weather conditions and wildlife movement on the reserve. Early morning game drives in open vehicles can be a little cool -- bring a windbreaker. During the day, temperatures can be extremely hot. The game drive vehicle may not be covered. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Ride will be bumpy. Guests with back or neck conditions are not allowed to participate. Not advisable for guests with mobility limitations. Waiver must be signed and medical conditions disclosed. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. Participants are not permitted to use cell phones during the game drives or to speak loudly or stand up in the game drive vehicle, as this will disturb the animals. Smoking is not permitted. An escort from the ship's staff may or may not also accompany the group. You must book this overland PRIOR to sailing. Tour operates subject to meeting a minimum number of participants. Airport assistance and transfers, transportation by air-conditioned coach, all entrance fees indicated in the itinerary, an English-speaking guide (unless otherwise noted), water on the vehicle, and meals (as indicated) are also included. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included. Bring your passport with you on tour. South Africa requires two blank passport pages per entry. Kruger is a malaria risk area; see your physician well in advance of travel for appropriate prophylaxis medication.
Luggage:
Maximum baggage allowance is one soft-sided bag up to 44 lbs per person. Hotels and Lodges are able to launder clothes, but this will be at an additional cost and is not included in the cost of this program.
Visas:
Kindly note that it is the responsibility of guests to ensure they possess the necessary visas for all countries that will be included in their Overland Adventure or Overnight trips, as well as for re-joining the ship at the designated location. Holland America will not assist guests with obtaining a visa. Guests are encouraged to seek assistance with visa requirements from their travel agent. Holland America does not provide visa procurement services and therefore, guests are advised to obtain the required visas independently before embarking on their journey. If you require further assistance, Holland America Line's preferred visa service is CIBTvisas. Residents of the USA and Canada phone: 866-935-8472; or email: hollandamerica@cibtvisas.com . CIBTvisas' phone numbers and email addresses for residents of Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website, in the Cruise Preparation area. Applications and additional information can be downloaded from the CIBTvisas website at https://CIBTvisas.com/hollandamerica . You must advise CIBTvisas of your Overland Adventures or Overnights, as the visa requirements for these vacation enhancements may vary from those required for your cruise.
Breathing devices:
There are stringent regulations regarding the transportation of breathing/respiratory devices for any purpose during tours or overland trips. Guests intending to bring such a device must notify the home office or shore excursion staff at least 30 days before the start of the tour. They are required to fill out the necessary FAA documentation, furnish a physician's authorized letter detailing the device's particular use, and provide information about the device. It is imperative to understand that each airline will conduct an inspection of the device before boarding to ensure compliance, which may result in delays at the airport.