Renowned for its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, the unspoilt beauty of Namibia makes for the perfect honeymoon destination for couples seeking adventure and relaxation.
Sossusvlei is one of Namibia’s crown jewels, and it’s often described as ‘where the sand dunes meet the sky’. This arid salt and clay pan is surrounded by spectacular red dunes, resulting in jaw-dropping scenery that’s made its way onto the covers of renowned travel magazines.
In this blog post, we offer you inspiration for your Namibian honeymoon safari. We’ll have a closer look at Sossusvlei and its mighty dunes, majestic animals, and cultural heritage. We’ll also provide you with a few other suggestions for how to spend your time in this beautiful land.
A Closer Look at Sossusvlei
Located in western Namibia, within the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is an incredible attraction that is well worth adding to your bucket list. The Namib-Naukluft National Park is the largest conservation area in Africa and is home to hundreds of kilometres of unspoilt natural beauty.
Reaching nearly 400 metres, the dunes in this region are some of the highest in the entire world and are taller than most skyscrapers. The red dunes are contrasted against the white salt pans, which make for mesmerising photographs.
This truly magical place allows you to marvel at the miracle of nature alongside your travel companion, making it an ideal honeymoon safari destination. Couples from all over the world choose to experience the majesty of Sossusvlei with their newlyweds and make memories to last a lifetime.
Why Visit Sossusvlei?
With so many other amazing destinations to choose from in Africa, why are others taking the time to visit Sossusvlei? Here are just a few of the reasons why this special region of Namibia should be at the very top of your list.
Unique Landscapes
Sossusvlei’s iconic red dunes and white salt pans give it a unique look that’s incomparable to anywhere else in the world. While pictures of Sossusvlei can be amazing to look at, these photos don’t do the landscape justice. Sossusvlei really needs to be seen in person to be truly appreciated and understood.
A visit to Sossusvlei is a unique opportunity to witness unspoilt natural beauty at its finest and find a deep connection to the natural world.
Fascinating Plants
Don’t be misguided by the dry salt pans and sand dunes of Sossusvlei; the region is actually home to a wide variety of plant species, including Camel Thorn Trees, Nara Melons, and Welwitschia, among others.
Welwitschia is a particularly interesting species often referred to as a ‘living fossil,’ as these plants can live for thousands of years thanks to their ability to absorb moisture from the air.
The plants of Sossusvlei are specially adapted to living in these harsh conditions and add some life to the arid landscape.
Plenty Photographic Opportunities
Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional photographer, make sure you have an empty SD card and your camera battery is fully charged when visiting Sossusvlei. Nature photographs travel from far and wide to spend a day snapping the famous dunes of Sossusvlei.
Not into photography? Why not book a photoshoot for you and your partner to remember your special time in Namibia? The dramatic red dunes make the perfect backdrop for couples’ photos.
Luxury Accommodation
Despite Sossusvlei being located in the middle of a desert, you can still enjoy luxury accommodations and all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. There is no need to rough it when visiting this piece of paradise, as there are plenty of accommodation options available.
Abundant Wildlife
The fauna of Sossusvlei all have special characteristics that allow them to survive in the desert, where water is often hard to come by. Some of the creatures you can look forward to seeing include:
- Hyenas
- Bat-eared foxes
- Porcupines
- Aardwolf
- Beetles
- Spiders
- Geckos
- Ostriches
- Springbok
- Gemsbok
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled, as many of the animals in this region are experts at camouflage, hiding in plain site along the arid landscape.
Plenty of Things to Do
One of the most popular activities in Sossusvlei is dune climbing. You could climb ‘Big Daddy’ or ‘Dune 45’ depending on your level of fitness. While hiking on sand is a great workout for the calf muscles, the views are completely worth it.
Since you’re far away from civilisation, this is your perfect opportunity to go stargazing. The stars above the Namib Desert are undoubtedly some of the brightest that you’ll ever see, so be sure to spend some time in the great outdoors after dark.
You could also take a hot air balloon ride, go quad biking, or take the time to learn about the area’s rich cultural history. There is truly something for everyone.
Places to Visit in Namibia
From the colonial architecture of Swakopmund to the vast expanse of the Namib Desert and the iconic wildlife of Etosha National Park, Namibia offers unique and unforgettable experiences for all.
Here are a few other destinations you should consider visiting during your time in Namibia:
Kaokaland
As one of the least populated places in Namibia, Kaokaland is the ideal destination for those who just want to get away from it all. The rocky deserts of Kaokaland are also home to elusive desert elephants.
Skeleton Coast
Known for its epic waves and dramatic coastline, the Skeleton Coast is also a notorious ship cemetery. This fascinating stretch of coast is sure to blow you away with its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Swakopmund
Swakopmund is a laidback coastal town that gives a feel for what it may be like to live in Namibia. The locals are friendly and there is plenty to see and do, including historical sites and traditional German restaurants.
Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park is one of the most famous national parks in the world, known for its diverse wildlife. When visiting Etosha, you can also expect to enjoy amazing service and luxury accommodations.
Fish River Canyon
Did you know that the Fish River Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the world? This natural wonder can be found in southern Namibia, near the border of South Africa. This is a great hiking destination and many people choose to hike the entire canyon, which usually takes around 5 days.
Allow Tailormade Africa to Plan Your Custom Honeymoon Safari
Whether your goal is to connect with nature as much as possible or settle down and savour luxury activities like massages and helicopter rides, Tailormade Africa is here to ensure you have the best honeymoon possible!
With Tailormade Africa’s honeymoon itineraries setting the foundation of your holiday, we are best known for our custom safaris. We get to know more about your budget, previous travel experiences, and specific preferences before working on a customised holiday itinerary.
The Tailormade team’s expertise and local connections allow us to create personalised itineraries and provide exclusive access to hidden gems, ensuring that you and your newlywed have an unforgettable adventure in this captivating African nation.
Want to experience everything Namibia has to offer? We’d love to help you plan the honeymoon safari of a lifetime! Contact us and we can begin chatting about your dream honeymoon and what that looks like for you.
