Sossusvlei: Ancient Dunes & Big Sky

Picture courtesy: Ute von Ludwiger Sossusvlei, situated in the Namib Naukluft National Park in Namibia, is one of Namibia's premier vacation destinations boasting some of the highest dunes in the world. Sossusvlei, wild and romantic, with a natural beauty so overwhelming that it is an experience that cannot be forgotten. It is perhaps one of the most exciting photographic destinations in Africa. As Destination Specialists to Southern Africa, we offer a range of guided tours, day tours and adventure activities in Namibia. Why not combine your Namibian vacation, with a tropical beach getaway in Mozambique. We offer a myriad of other vacation options for you to choose from in South Africa, and into the neighboring countries of Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia, as well as Kenya, Tanzania, Mauritius and the Seychelles. HIGHLIGHTS: . Enjoy a visit to Sesriem Canyon. . View magnificent sand dunes at Sossusvlei, which are reputed to be the highest in the world! . Sossusvlei enjoys many different types of vegetation and geological features and is an exceptionally beautiful area to enjoy at leisure. . A vast, dried up clay pan called the 'Deadvlei', over which towers a vast sea of magnificent sand dunes provides exciting photographic opportunities. . See wild game and a variety of birds. . Surrounding Sossusvlei is the vast Namib Naukluft National Park - enjoy views of this, the 4th largest conservation area in the world and in most areas is almost totally untouched by man! Tour At a Glance Tour Style: Private Packaged Getaway Departures: Daily (Min. 2 Pax). Tour Start From : Windhoek (or Swakopmund) Tour Ends at: Windhoek (or Swakopmund) Visit : (Arrive) Windhoek (or Swakopmund) - Namib Desert - Windhoek (or Swakopmund) (Depart) Price Starting From : USD 858 Tour Package Includes : . Tours in an air-conditioned vehicles. . Professional English speaking Tour Guides. . Rooms with private facilities, on a twin share basis in 3* hotels . Meals included - * 2 Breakfasts * 1 Lunch *2 Dinners. . Non-alcoholic drinks on board the vehicle. . Hotel porterage. . Namibian Wildlife Resorts Conservation Levy included. Please Note: . In event one of the above listed hotels is not available we will substitute with similar hotel. Tour Package Does Not Includes: . Meals at hotels except those listed in above inclusions. . Expenses of personal nature such as tipping, porters, laundry, telephones, etc. . Flight charges if any.

Day 1: WINDHOEK (OR SWAKOPMUND) - NAMIB DESERT (D)
Depart early this afternoon, travelling via the scenic Spreetshoogte Pass, or Kuiseb Canyon, and Solitaire. Arrive at our comfortable lodge bordering the Namib Desert, and check in. In the Nama language, 'Namib' means 'vast', an apt word to describe the Namib Naukluft Park, which is the largest conservation area in Namibia and one of the largest in the world, at almost 50 000 kilometres. The parched Namib Desert has endless orange dunes blown into razor sharp ridges by the sand shifting wind.
Accommodation: Namib Naukluft Lodge or similar

Day 2: NAMIB DESERT (BLD)
Depart early this morning for Sossusvlei, which is the Namib Naukluft Park's most popular attraction. It consists of the 'vlei', an Afrikaans word, which translated means 'shallow depression that fills with water', is an almost circular cracked-earth pan, that shimmers white in the midday heat and by stark contrast, is hemmed in by the towering, ochre red and orange dunes of the Namib Desert that march resolutely off into the distance from the 'vlei' in every direction.

Sossusvlei provides outstanding opportunities for budding photographers, particularly early morning and late afternoon - the red of the dunes and the white of the vlei, and silhouettes of the petrified trees, is a surreal photographers dream canvas. Should you be feeling energetic, you may choose to climb to the top of the dunes. We highly recommend the view of the Namib Desert from this vantage point - you will not be disappointed.

The best time to view Sossusvlei is at sunrise, the colours are strong and constantly changing, and this is also the most opportune time for photography. The midday heat is intense and best spent in the shade, therefore our climb to the top of one of the dunes is always done early morning. The climb can be 'tough' when one is not used to the heat of the African sun, along with the ever shifting sand under foot, but is worth it for the magnificent views.

After the 'vlei', we visit rugged Sesriem Canyon, after which, we return to the lodge for lunch. Sesriem Canyon, has been carved over 2 million years, by the Tsauchab River during times of heavy rain. The canyon is approximately 100 kilometres in length, ultimately sloping towards the Sossusvlei salt pan, and only 2 metres wide, and 30 metres deep, in some places. The name Sesriem, is an Afrikaans word which means 'six belts'. Early settlers attached six belts made of animal hide together to lower buckets down into the canyon to retrieve water. An afternoon guided nature/sunset drive is available for your own account.
Accommodation: Namib Naukluft Lodgeor similar

Day 3: NAMIB DESERT - WINDHOEK (OR SWAKOPMUND) (B)
After breakfast, we return via Remhoogte Pass, or Kuiseb Canyon, to Windhoek or Swakopmund, arriving at midday. Passengers may be dropped off at any central hotel or guest house.

END OF OUR SERVICES Picture courtesy: Ute von Ludwiger

CATEGORY	PRICE*
Per person on Twin sharing basis:	USD 858.00 per person
Per person in Single room:	USD 929.00 per person

Tour Departures: Daily (Min. 2 Pax).
Validity: (Valid from 01 Feb. 2010 to 31 Oct 2010).
* Tour Price per person based on twin share.

02 Nights Hotels
Accommodation will be provided on room with breakfast basis. A hotel list is as follows:--

Place	Nights	Hotels 3* Standard
Namib desert	02 Nights	Namib Naukluft Lodge or similar

(In event one of the above listed hotels is not available we will substitute with similar hotel).

Tour Cancellation Policy:
You may cancel your booking at any time prior to commencement of the tour by notifying us in writing, which must be signed by the person that signed the Reservation Form. If you cancel on or before 45 days before the first day of the tour, we will retain your deposit to cover our costs. In addition, if the cancellation notification is received less than 45 days prior to the first day of the tour, additional cancellation charges shall be as follows:

Amount of Cancellation Charges: -
- 45-30 Days before the first day of the tour - 50%
- 29-15 Days before the first day of the tour 75%
- Less than 14 Days before arrival 100%*
(Cancellation conditions for Maldives may differ)

Changes By You:
If you request any changes to your travel arrangements once we have confirmed a booking, all out of pocket charges, including charges imposed by our suppliers, will be payable by you, plus an amendment fee of $50.00 per revision per booking. If after the commencement of your tour you request any changes to your travel arrangements, we will do our best to implement them, but we cannot guarantee that it will be possible. In the event of such change(s) being made, you will be liable for any cancellation charges that may be levied for the previously booked service and for any costs incurred by us and our suppliers in attempting to secure any revised arrangements. Any name changes must be provided to us in writing and are subject to any airline fees or penalties.

Passports and Visas:
All Passengers are responsible for securing proper documentation prior to joining the tour. Passports are required; in addition travelers are advised to check with local consulates for full details regarding Visa requirements. Please note securing a valid visa for entry is sole responsibility of the traveler.