Nestled in the heart of Namibia’s Namib Desert, Sossusvlei is a land of stark beauty and timeless wonder. We have just returned from experiencing this extraordinary place firsthand, still with a bit of red sand in our shoes. We stayed at the luxurious Wilderness Destinations - Kulala Desert Lodge a private reserve just outside the main Sossusvlei park, that offers everything from e-biking across the vast desert to sleeping under a canopy of stars.
Our journey began at the Kulala Desert Lodge, a sanctuary of comfort amidst the rugged desert terrain. The lodge, renowned for its sustainable practices and breathtaking views, immediately felt like home. Our room was designed to blend seamlessly with the environment and looked across the rocky plains into the red dunes of the Namib.
Our first adventure took us on e-bikes across the expansive plains toward the rugged mountains. The thrill of navigating the desert on two wheels was exhilarating. With the choice to pedal, or use the motor at nearly 30km/h we zoomed along, the wind in our hair and the vastness of desert stretching out before us. We felt an incredible sense of freedom and connection to the landscape.
One of the highlights of our trip was climbing one of the tallest dunes in Southern Africa. The climb was challenging, but reaching the summit rewarded us with panoramic views that were nothing short of spectacular. The desert sands, painted in hues of red and orange by the sun, created a mesmerizing scene that will forever be etched in my memory. Our Orbit gear, especially the veldskoen, proved to be the perfect companions for this active escapade, offering unmatched comfort and style. My partner commented that this was the first pair he owned that didn’t need breaking in! Pure comfort from day 1.
Next, we explored the eerie and beautiful Deadvlei Pan. This white clay pan, surrounded by towering dunes and dotted with the skeletal remains of ancient camelthorn trees, is a photographer's dream. The stark contrast between the dark trees, white ground, and vibrant dunes created a surreal and hauntingly beautiful landscape. Our bright Yellow, orange and red Orbit bracelets standing out against the neutral tones of the desert.
Back at the lodge, we spent a night on our rooms very own rooftop sleep-out deck, gazing up at a sky filled with a million stars. Our cozy starbed, the clarity of the stars, and the extreme silence created an experience that was both peaceful and profound. It was a reminder of the vastness of the universe and our place within it.
The adventure culminated in a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Namib Desert. Floating silently above the dunes, we watched as the first light of day peaked over distant mountains. From this vantage point, we could truly appreciate the scale and beauty of Sossusvlei. The sight of oryx and ostriches moving gracefully across the sands added to the magic of the moment.
Throughout our stay, the desert revealed its many moods. As the sun moved across the sky, the colours and shadows shifted, transforming the landscape from hour to hour. Each view was a new discovery, a new opportunity to marvel at the natural artistry of Sossusvlei.
Our journey began at the Kulala Desert Lodge, a sanctuary of comfort amidst the rugged desert terrain. The lodge, renowned for its sustainable practices and breathtaking views, immediately felt like home. Our room was designed to blend seamlessly with the environment and looked across the rocky plains into the red dunes of the Namib.
Our first adventure took us on e-bikes across the expansive plains toward the rugged mountains. The thrill of navigating the desert on two wheels was exhilarating. With the choice to pedal, or use the motor at nearly 30km/h we zoomed along, the wind in our hair and the vastness of desert stretching out before us. We felt an incredible sense of freedom and connection to the landscape.
One of the highlights of our trip was climbing one of the tallest dunes in Southern Africa. The climb was challenging, but reaching the summit rewarded us with panoramic views that were nothing short of spectacular. The desert sands, painted in hues of red and orange by the sun, created a mesmerizing scene that will forever be etched in my memory. Our Orbit gear, especially the veldskoen, proved to be the perfect companions for this active escapade, offering unmatched comfort and style. My partner commented that this was the first pair he owned that didn’t need breaking in! Pure comfort from day 1.
Next, we explored the eerie and beautiful Deadvlei Pan. This white clay pan, surrounded by towering dunes and dotted with the skeletal remains of ancient camelthorn trees, is a photographer's dream. The stark contrast between the dark trees, white ground, and vibrant dunes created a surreal and hauntingly beautiful landscape. Our bright Yellow, orange and red Orbit bracelets standing out against the neutral tones of the desert.
Back at the lodge, we spent a night on our rooms very own rooftop sleep-out deck, gazing up at a sky filled with a million stars. Our cozy starbed, the clarity of the stars, and the extreme silence created an experience that was both peaceful and profound. It was a reminder of the vastness of the universe and our place within it.
The adventure culminated in a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Namib Desert. Floating silently above the dunes, we watched as the first light of day peaked over distant mountains. From this vantage point, we could truly appreciate the scale and beauty of Sossusvlei. The sight of oryx and ostriches moving gracefully across the sands added to the magic of the moment.
Throughout our stay, the desert revealed its many moods. As the sun moved across the sky, the colours and shadows shifted, transforming the landscape from hour to hour. Each view was a new discovery, a new opportunity to marvel at the natural artistry of Sossusvlei.
Orbit Moments
Our Orbit gear - the most comfortable veldskoen, along with gorgeous bracelets and rings - were with us every step of the way. They were not just accessories but essential companions that added to the joy and ease of our adventure. These Orbit moments, where style meets functionality, are what we hope to share with others. We want to inspire more people to embark on journeys like this, where every detail is considered and every moment is cherished.
Join Us on the Next Adventure
If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the wonders of Sossusvlei, now is the time. Let us help you plan your own adventure filled with unforgettable experiences and Orbit moments. From the thrill of e-biking across the desert to the serenity of sleeping under the stars, your adventure awaits.
