SPECIAL SPOTS
To the Desert The Namib Desert is surely one of Namibia’s most unique features, and the most famous point of attraction is Sossusvlei. Yes, even the desert can have crowds, and heading into Sossusvlei can sometimes be quite a time-consuming exercise. It is very high on everyone's list, and deservedly so. Few things compare to the beauty and majesty of the towering ochre dunes and the contrast of the massive white clay pan that is Deadvlei. You may not be aware, however, that this is not where the Namib Sand Sea starts or ends, and neither is it the only place where you can enjoy the awe-inspiring and breath-taking aura of our special desert. There are in fact a number of private nature reserves that surround Namib-Naukluft National Park and are equally special. The biggest and best-established of these is NamibRand Nature Reserve. The reserve stretches across an area of more than 215 000 hectares and is a landscape-level conservation initiative that was started in 1984 by integrating former livestock farms to develop a sanctuary for nature, and the desert. Today, NamibRand is host to various upmarket lodges, like the Wolwedans Collection and andBeyond's Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, The Family Hideout, an old farmhouse turned into selfcatering accommodation, as well as adventure activities such as Tok Tokkie Trails guided walks and Namib Sky Balloon Safaris. It is also home to NaDEET, a non-profit environmental education centre.
Elsewhere, also not far from Sossusvlei, the N/a'an ku sĂŞ Foundation has established Kanaan Desert Retreat on a similar principle of turning farms into a nature reserve. A lodge, camping, wildlife orientated activities and voluntourism can be found there. Gondwana Namib Park is host to various lodges and campsites, as well as activities that include nature drives and ebike cycling routes. Another option is to see the orange desert hues form above in a hot-air balloon or on a scenic flight over the vast sandy peaks. Take it all in. Spot a gemsbok wandering over a dune, or a tiny critter scampering along. This is the oldest desert in the world, and the amount of life that prevails here will astound you... We don't refer to it as the Living Desert without good reason.
