Sossusvlei Desert Lodge - Overland Adventure (CPT to WVB) (Double)
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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
$7399
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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 (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 & 3 (B/L/D)
You will begin your day early with a guided excursion into Namib Naukluft National Park, entering at sunrise to experience the dunes in the soft morning light. This region is home to some of the world’s highest free standing sand dunes, and your guide will share insights into the formation of the Namib Desert and the remarkable plants and animals that thrive in this extreme environment. After exploring the dune fields, you will enjoy a full buffet brunch served beneath the shade of a camel thorn tree.
After brunch, you will return to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge for a late lunch, stopping at Sesriem Canyon along the way. The afternoon is yours to relax, or you may choose to join an additional guided activity on the Namib Rand Nature Reserve.
Other optional excursions:
A variety of optional experiences are available during your stay. Nature drives are offered twice daily and provide opportunities to observe desert-adapted wildlife and learn about the region’s unique ecology. Guests may also explore the surrounding area on foot, either independently or on a guided dune walk that highlights the desert’s plant life and the small creatures that live beneath the sand. Dune drives offer another way to experience the landscape, with the chance to encounter wildlife and enjoy the dramatic scenery of the petrified dunes. In the evenings, you may visit the observatory to view the southern African night sky through a powerful telescope. A 45-minute shared scenic helicopter flight is also available at an additional cost and is weather dependent.
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.
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.
Dinner will be served at the lodge, followed by optional stargazing with a presentation from the lodge’s resident astronomer.
Hotel: Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Day 4 (B)
Embark on a morning 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.
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.