Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: sossusvlei private desert reserve tour at Walvis Bay

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is situated in the NamibRand Nature Reserve offering views over the spectacular dunes at Sossusvlei, among the highest in the world. The night skies are heavenly, with the concession bordering the International Dark Sky Reserve of the NamibRand Nature Reserve. A canvas of beauty that invites reconnection with yourself and nature.

02MIDWVB-A Sossusvlei Private Desert Reserve

Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights

Departure: Walvis Bay - February 21st, 2022

Rejoin ship: Cape Town, February 23rd, 2022

Reserve by: at least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This Land Adventure is a small group luxury tour, providing bespoke cultural and sightseeing experiences. We limit the tour to a small group in order to ensure your experience is a high-quality one. Spots are available on a first come, first serve basis. If the program fills up, you'll be accommodated on a space-available basis. Advanced booking is required at least 90 days prior to sailing date via Silversea Reservations. We suggest booking early to secure your spot(s).

Please be advised that a minimum number of participants is required for this program to run as described. In rare cases when the minimum number of participants is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the program at an increased rate based on private arrangements or to cancel your specific departure for a refund. The self-cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, is 90 days or sooner to initial sailing date at the rate of 100% program fare per person. The payment for your Land Adventure is due in full on the same date as your final payment due for your cruise. Per Silversea's general payment terms, bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner.

All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable within 120 days of sailing, with the exception of cancellation by Silversea. Our family-friendly land programs require adult accompaniment of any guests under the age of 18. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Silversea and our local operators make every effort to ensure your land program runs as described. Our local operators reserve the right to modify tour sequence, sites visited and venues mentioned due to operational reasons.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Namibia as visa for US citizens is required. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising. Please make sure your passport is valid for 6 months.

VACCINATION:

Please check with your doctor for details regarding vaccination requirements for Namibia. Yellow Fever Vaccin is required.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is Namibian Dollars however South African Rand is widely accepted; local ATMs are available in some locations visited. (There is no shopping stop planned during the program.)

DAY ONE - Monday, February 21st, 2022- Walvis Bay/Sossusvlei

Upon disembarkation the Silver Whisper in Walvis Bay, you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to Walvis Bay Airport.

Fly Walvis Bay > Sossusvlei (private charter)

You will be met at the airstrip and transferred in 4-wheel drive open vehicles to the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge.

Nestled deep in the heart of Namibia's ancient Namib Desert in Southern Africa, the lodge is a secluded and serene oasis that overlooks awe-inspiring dunes and stony outcrops. A world of vast spaces, endless horizons and rugged mountain heights, the utter tranquility and extraordinary clarity of light make this area one of Africa's most compelling landscapes. In this spectacularly beautiful location, spacious and serene suites envelope guests in pure indulgence, complete with an outdoor shower and a dramatic skylight over the bed for late night star gazing.

Enjoy lunch, followed by check-in.

In the afternoon you will have the opportunity of embarking on a nature drive. Enjoy delectable African cuisine for dinner, which is served in the airy dining room.

Overnight at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge - Namib Desert.

DAY TWO - Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022 - Sossusvlei / Walvis Bay

Depart on the Sossusvlei Excursion - In the cool of this morning, you climb aboard the 4-wheel drive open vehicles to explore the Sossusvlei Desert Mountains. Take in the orange sand dune belts of the NamibRand Nature Reserve and attempt a climb to the top of the "big mamma" sand dune for an awe-inspiring panoramic view. Thereafter enjoy a brunch in the desert, followed by an intriguing visit to the "Dead Vlei".

The drive will take between 5 - 6 hours and refreshments are provided. Return to your lodge in time for a mid to late afternoon lunch.

Other optional excursions:

Twice-daily nature drives - track down unique desert-adapted wildlife in open vehicles, accompanied by an expert guide. Admire the fascinating and varied terrain, and learn more about the desert fauna and flora. Explore the mysterious fairy circles, where vegetation refuses to grow, and find out how the desert oryx can live without drinking water. Enjoy chance encounters with the likes of zebra, cheetah, kudu, baboon, steenbok and the elusive leopard too.

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 cooler burrows. Expeditions to the nearby San caves to view cave paintings can be arranged.

Quad biking trails - explore the desert on already established trails on a quad bike. These exciting expeditions, headed by an expert guide who ensures that the drives are sensitive to the delicate environment, add a thrill of adrenalin to desert exploration.

Dune Drives - explore the sandy dunes where chance encounters with an ostrich or the magnificent gemsbok can be experienced. Visit the magnificent scenery of the petrified dunes, stopping to admire the beautiful desert sunset.

Gaze at the stars - each evening resident astronomers give a fascinating presentation on the stars and constellations in the southern African sky at our specially designed observatory, complete with powerful telescope.

Overnight at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge - Namib Desert.

DAY THREE - Wednesday, February 23rd, 2022 - Sossusvlei / Windhoek / Cape Town

Depart for your morning activity, followed by breakfast. After breakfast, check-out & settle any extras prior to departure. Fly Sossusvlei> Windhoek (charter flight)

Upon arrival at Windhoek Airport, you will be met by a local representative who will meet and assist you on your check-in for your international flight to Cape Town.

Fly Windhoek > Cape Town

Upon arrival at Cape Town, you will be met by a local English-speaking representative who will accompany you for your transfer to the ship.

Please note: The contents and activities of this programme are subject to change due to flight schedules and at the discretion of the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge management. During the day, it can be very hot. We recommend wearing lightweight clothing, but bringing a windbreaker for the evening and early morning game drives. Sturdy, closed shoes are essential for walking in the desert. Since the safari vehicles are open, a sunhat, sun block and sunglasses are imperative. Remember also to bring your camera. Guests are advised to pack overnight essentials into a carry-on. One soft sided bag of 20kg is allowed. Space is limited on this overland adventure but a minimum is required to operate.

Programme Includes:

· Two-nights stay at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge - Namib Desert

· Charter Flight Walvis Bay/Sossusvlei/Cape Town

· Two breakfast, Two lunches, Two dinners

· All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers, rangers, trackers, lodge staff and tour guides, charges incurred by the airlines for excess or overweight luggage, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance and other personal items.