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It is with utmost pride and gratitude that Sossusvlei Lodge announces their latest award, the Gold Award of Excellence in the category "Best Lodge" at the annual 2006 Gala Dinner of the Hospitality Association of Namibia. | |
This award is thanks to YOU; for your support and trust in us. We thank you all sincerely and look forward to the opportunity to continue to render excellent service to our customers, clients and guests.
With sincere appreciation... The TEAM at Sossusvlei Lodge
 Oceans Of Swaying Grass (Photo: Klaus Schubert) |
The Sossusvlei region remains a sight of unparalleled beauty, even more so after the rains. The desert plains have changed colour from rich green to pale oceans of swaying grass; silver in the rising sun
and golden at dawn.
The activities offered at the Adventure Centre; the Nature Drives, Sunset Drives, Quad Bike Excursions, Hot Air Ballooning and the Scenic Flights are all absolute highlights and should really be included in all accommodation packages. Contact Hendrik or Andrew at adventure@sossusvleilodge.com for reservations. Other news on the area; the road leading from Sesriem to the 2x4 parking at Sossusvlei is in bad shape at this stage, with the first 30-35km really being tricky! The road is under construction and is closed to traffic along most of this stretch. Several detours of varying quality have been formed on all sides, resulting in people approaching from any side at any speed! All persons travelling this road are advised to drive slowly and to be alert. The next stretch after this section has been repaired and is good to travel on. The gravel roads leading to Sossusvlei Lodge and the area are in good condition and are constantly under reconstruction. A rather strange sight is the two stretches of tarred road in the Kuiseb Canyon! If anything, it is a welcome change from all the dust while traveling along this route. Report : Ute de Jager |
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| Water In Sossusvlei (Photos: Ute de Jager) | |
 Grass Meets Mountains & Dunes (Photo: Klaus Schubert) |
 Water In The Vlei (Photo: Antje Hopkins) |
Water In SossusvleiThe First Time Since March 2001 Yes, this time the Vlei has water. Eventually, and after five years, water has reached Sossusvlei again. The Tsauchab River was at a record high yesterday with tons of water still to follow. The force made its way through the delta that had already formed between Dune 45 and the 2x4 Parking. Traveling to Sossusvlei by road is probably impossible for the next day or so. The Adventure Centre at Sossusvlei Lodge has an aircraft available for breathtaking
scenic flights. Day visitors by air please take note, the airfield at Sossusvlei Lodge is compacted and in a good condition. For airfield transfers and meal reservations please contact : At Sossusvlei Lodge the repair works to the paths are completed and other flood damage has been repaired. Business is back to normal and its "service with a smile", as usual. Report : Ute de Jager Aerial Photos : Anita Tschirpig |  Water In Sossusvlei - 26 February 2006 |
 Water And The Towering Namib Dunes |
 The 2x4 Parking Area Awash |
 A Moist Green Fringe To A Stark Red Dune |
 Sossusvlei Area With Dead Vlei In The Background |
 A Wet And Green Namib Desert |
 Dead Vlei With Sossusvlei In The Background |
 Water - Green Grass - And A Road |
 Sunset Over The Tsauchab Valley |
 What Wonders The Rain Can Do! Its Green At Sossusvlei Lodge Again... |
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| The Flood Plains Of The Tsauchab River Can Be Clearly Seen From These Aerial Photos As It Makes Its Way Towards Sossusvlei Lodge From The Surrounding Mountains | |
Sun, 5 February 2006 : Ms Anita Tschirpig, the Assistent General Manager of Sossusvlei Lodge, took an aerial flip down the course and flood plain of the Tsauchab River in the direction of the Vlei to inspect the river and ascertain how far the water had travelled in its journey to Sossusvlei. Flying in the Cessna 210 based at the Lodge, it was confirmed that the river was quite full but had not been able to reach the Vlei itself. Enjoy some of the pictures she took during her flight...
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Sun, 5 February 2006 : Rain once again fell in the catchment areas of the Tsauchab River and it once again started flowing strongly. Luckily, it kept within its banks and did not bring on any renewed flooding at the Lodge. Take a look at these beautiful pictures courtesy of the Assistent General Manager - one can hardly believe that a river runs through the middle of Sossusvlei Lodge!
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NOTHING Gets The "Team" Down At Sossusvlei LodgePost-Flooding Operations Are In Full Swing & Many Areas And Services Are Already Back To Normal... The wonderful "Team" at Sossusvlei Lodge rallied together once again after the recent flooding of the Tsauchab River. The heavy rains in the area, last seen in 1998, brought water, sand and mud flooding through the Lodge on 19-Jan-06. Hardly had the waters started to subside when the Lodge "Team" sprang into action and the long and tiring process of cleaning up, clearing away and fixing the damage commenced. Esprit de corps remains high amongst the staff and their pride in getting 'their Lodge' back into shape takes precedence. Well done to all at Sesriem - it won't be long before Sossusvlei Lodge is back at 110% functionality!! |
 Dennis Hard At Work Getting The Gardens Back Into Shape |
 "Oubaas" With His Never-Ending Energy Getting Things Fixed |
 Anita, The Assist-GM, Cleaning The 'Mud Bath' - aka The Pool |
 A Greatly Improved & Cleaner Pool Area After Much Work |
 Annemarie & Sydney Hard At Work Mopping Up The Rooms |
 Annemarie Getting The Last Of It Out Of The Door |
 Armand And Janey WithThe Portable "Cooldrink Trolley" Doing The Rounds For The Hard Working Staff |
 Opening and Cleaning Up The Course Of The Tsauchab River Through The Lodge |
Dear Colleagues in Tourism, Valued Customers and Friends
The news of the extraordinarily strong rainfall in the Sossusvlei area is widespread with much confusion as to the exact details and facts.
Dead Vlei and Sossusvlei itself have no water. Until midday on Thursday (19-Jan-06), the water had reached the 2x4 parking area via widespread branches of the actual Tsauchab River. A stream had formed in the road leading half way to the Dead Vlei parking area and it looks like one muddy ride! Water was not flowing strongly and more water was not in sight until the evening. New rainfall is expected during the night, with showers over Elim Dune and certain high-lying mountain areas having been experienced late in the afternoon.
 The Floodwaters Of The River Between The Accommodation |
 The Tsauchab River Creates Waves As It Swirls Around Room 110 |
 The Tsauchab River Bursts Its Banks & Overflows Its Usual Course |
 The River's Water Gathering Speed Across The Plains From The Mountains |
 Certain Units Of Staff Accommodation Gets Isolated By The Flood Waters |
 The Tsauchab River Rushes Past The Grill Area En-Route To The Sesriem Camp Site |
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| Waves In The Namib Desert... At The Height Of The Flooding | |
The gravel roads in the entire area are not in good condition right now and all travellers must be cautioned. Travelling in small sedan vehicles is not recommended while these conditions persist. Likewise, no night driving, as sharp edges and rivers in the usually dry drifts pose a definite danger. The tarred road to Sossusvlei has water and mud on it in places but is not less accessible than before.
Sossusvlei Lodge itself was less fortunate with the weather dealing it a thorough blow. Since the building of the Lodge, it has experienced two floods, but this third one was severe! Loads of sand and soil was washed away, leaving several patios covered in mud and various pathways non-existent. Fortunately, no apparent structural damage to the insides of the buildings or guest rooms was experienced. Water pipes that were ripped off by the extreme force of the water were fixed immediately and electrical contractors are on site to ensure that all possible damage to electrical cabling is rectified. The current tourism low season is a blessing is disguise and therefore the damage-stricken areas can be cordoned off until in good order again. The timeframe cannot be estimated at this stage, but we will certainly keep you updated on the progress.
The swimming pool resembles a mud bath and the entire pool area is not recognizable as such. The exact damage will need to be assessed once the sand and mud is cleared.
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The situation is under control with the high spirit of the "Team" at Sossusvlei Lodge. Everyone of them are doing exceptional work in getting everything back into shape. Business carries on as usual. The Bar and Restaurant areas are clear of any mud or damage and remain with service and food at its usual good standard.
There is absolutely no need to close the Lodge and all reservations will be honoured. New reservations will be accepted for the available rooms that are in good condition. On days with higher occupancy - and should more damage be assessed - we will make alternative accommodation arrangements. The neighbouring lodges have all shown much appreciated co-operation. Our Central Reservation Office will contact you should the need arise.
We thank you for your kind understanding.
Wet and muddy regards, but from the heart...
Report by Ute de Jager - Marketing Photos by Anita Tschirpig - Assistant GM
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Wet Start To 2006Not long after the wonderful bush dinner in front of Sossusvlei Lodge that saw in the New Year, the clouds that had been building and threatening for the previous week got down to their intended business. On 4 January, 10mm of rain fell in the immediate area of the Lodge, while other areas on the Private Reserve experienced up to 20mm. What a wonderful way to start the year! |
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 The Threatening Clouds On New Year's Eve |
 A Beautiful Cloudy Sunset |
