Sossusvlei Dune 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
$7699.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
2 Nights/ 3 Days
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Meals Included
Meals included
Day 1 (D)
Leave the ship in Cape Town and transfer to Cape Town International Airport for a flight to Walvis Bay and a connecting charter flight to Sossusvlei.
Transfer by four-wheel drive open-air vehicle to the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, nestled deep in the heart of Namibia's ancient Namib Desert -- a secluded and serene oasis that overlooks awe-inspiring dunes and stony outcroppings. Your spacious and serene suite envelopes you in pure indulgence, with an outdoor shower and a dramatic skylight over the bed for late-night star gazing.
On arrival at the lodge, check in and, if time permits, embark on an afternoon nature drive. Enjoy a delicious African dinner served in the airy dining room.
Hotel: Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Days 2 (B/L/D)
Rise early for a magical safari excursion with your guide into Namib Naukluft National Park, entering at sunrise to capture the dunes while the light is soft and shadows accentuate their towering shapes and curves. This area boasts some of the tallest free-standing sand dunes in the world. Your local guide will give you an insight into the formation of the Namib Desert and its myriad of fascinating creatures and plants that have adapted to survive these harsh environs.
You will be treated to a hearty buffet brunch under the shade of a camel thorn tree.
You return to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge for a late lunch, pausing to view Sesriem Canyon along the way.
The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure, or you may like to join another guided excursion on the NamibRand Nature Reserve.
Dinner is served at the lodge.
Other optional excursions:
Twice-daily nature drives: Track down unique desert-adapted wildlife in an open vehicle, accompanied by an expert guide. Admire the fascinating and varied terrain, and learn more about the desert fauna and flora. You'll explore the mysterious fairy circles, where vegetation refuses to grow, and discover how the desert oryx can live without drinking water. Enjoy chance encounters with the likes of zebra, cheetah, kudu, baboon, steenbok and, with some luck, the elusive leopard.Track down unique desert-adapted wildlife in an open vehicle, accompanied by an expert guide. Admire the fascinating and varied terrain, and learn more about the desert fauna and flora. You'll explore the mysterious fairy circles, where vegetation refuses to grow, and discover how the desert oryx can live without drinking water. Enjoy chance encounters with the likes of zebra, cheetah, kudu, baboon, steenbok and, with some luck, the elusive leopard.
Dune walks: You are free to explore the areas surrounding the lodge on foot. Experience the tranquility of the desert and marvel at the exceptional plant life, such as the quiver tree with its attractive yellow flowers. Guided dune walks introduce you to life below the sands, where many small animals spend the day in their cooler burrows. Expeditions to the nearby San caves to view cave paintings can be arranged.You are free to explore the areas surrounding the lodge on foot. Experience the tranquility of the desert and marvel at the exceptional plant life, such as the quiver tree with its attractive yellow flowers. Guided dune walks introduce you to life below the sands, where many small animals spend the day in their cooler burrows. Expeditions to the nearby San caves to view cave paintings can be arranged.
Quad biking trails: Explore the desert on a quad bike, following pre-established trails. These exciting expeditions, led by an expert guide who ensures that the drives are sensitive to the delicate environment, add the thrill of adrenalin to your desert exploration.: Explore the desert on a quad bike, following pre-established trails. These exciting expeditions, led by an expert guide who ensures that the drives are sensitive to the delicate environment, add the thrill of adrenalin to your desert exploration.
Dune drives: Traverse the sandy dunes, where you might encounter an ostrich or the magnificent gemsbok. Take in the astounding scenery of the petrified dunes, stopping to admire the beautiful desert sunset.: Traverse the sandy dunes, where you might encounter an ostrich or the magnificent gemsbok. Take in the astounding scenery of the petrified dunes, stopping to admire the beautiful desert sunset.
Scenic drives: Check out the massive boulders of Bushman's Koppies, an ideal spot for exploration.Check out the massive boulders of Bushman's Koppies, an ideal spot for exploration.
Stargazing: Resident astronomers offer a fascinating presentation on the stars and constellations of the southern African sky at a specially designed observatory, complete with a powerful telescope.Each evening, resident astronomers offer a fascinating presentation on the stars and constellations of the southern African sky at a specially designed observatory, complete with a powerful telescope.
Hotel: Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Day 3 (B)
Embark on a morning game activity, followed by breakfast. Check out and settle any extras; then, transfer to the airstrip and board a light aircraft for a charter flight to Walvis Bay. Fly to Walvis Bay and transfer to the ship.
Cancellations:
Due to the popularity of this tour and strict booking conditions, this tour has a 90-day cancellation. Any cancellations made within 90 days of arrival into Cape Town will be charged the full amount of this tour. This will include if a guest cancels their voyage within 90 days of arrival into Cape Town, guests will be charged the full amount of the tour.
Notes:
Bring sturdy non-skid walking shoes. This tour is available only to guests whose cruise does not begin or end in Cape Town. 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. The cut-off date is 90 days before the ship's call at Cape Town with no cancelations permitted thereafter. Due to the popularity of this tour and strict booking conditions, cancellation fees start 90 days prior to the call at Cape Town. Accommodation is included (camp is subject to change). 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. Namibia requires two blank passport pages per entry. Maximum baggage allowance is one soft-sided bag up to 44 lbs per person.
Important information regarding visa requirements: It is solely each participant's responsibility to obtain any necessary visas, tourist cards and vaccinations, if required, to participate in Overland Adventures and/or Overnights and to keep apprised of any policy changes. Visas may be required for any/all countries your tour departs from and travels through and for the country where you will re-join the ship. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the cruise. Your travel agent can assist you with your visa needs. If you require further assistance, Holland America Line's preferred visa service is CIBTvisas. US and Canadian citizens can reach them by phone or email: US citizens: 866 788 1100 or email
customerservice@cibtvisa.com. Canadian citizens: 866 935 8472 or email customerservice@cibtvisas.ca. CIBTvisas phone numbers and email addresses for Dutch, German, Australian, United Kingdom, Belgian, Singapore, Spanish, Swiss and French citizens can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section of Holland America Line's 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.