Desert rose
Words Emma Wright Photography Antonia Steyn/OneLeague
We declare Namibia beautiful. It is an unusual beauty, otherworldly almost and, because so much of this perception lies in what it affects internally, must be experienced to be known. There is peace, a shedding of the details that fill days elsewhere and a subsequent ability to be present. Nothing interferes with the sweep of grass to the base of the mountains and the constant transformation of the landscape played out like tides.
In such a vast, still and empty place, it is light that renders the changes, turning the landscape to purple, brown, blue and then blush, exposing the incredible detail in a dune and then leaving it alone in silhouette. Wolwedans Mountain View Suite at the Dunes Lodge, set in the wilderness of the Sossusvlei region of the NamibRand reserve, is an ideal place from which to experience this extraordinary spectacle. This private honeymoon house is set apart from the main camp, backed by terracotta dunes and overlooking a vast plain and mountains. The interior is in keeping with the updated colonial feel of the rest of the camp – an elegant mix of dark woods, worn books, leather couches and romantic white mosquito nets. There is a sublime yet simple veranda with a double daybed perfect for stargazing and a hammock strung up in the shade for afternoon naps or daydreaming. The semi-tent structure means that the canvas bedroom walls can be rolled up, creating a very romantic open-air sleeping platform for two. There is also a generous lounge with great big windows and beautiful views, not to mention the very indulgent services of a private chef, who makes cooking up feasts in the desert seem like the easiest thing in the world.
Mornings and evenings are magical times in Namibia so it is worth waking up while the sun is still hidden behind the mountain and the light is soft. The grass is a gentle shade of cream at this time, it’s quiet but for the expectant sounds of birdsong, and the slow ascent of the sun’s impact on the landscape – ending with a dramatic display of powerful rays shining over the mountaintops – is a sight to behold. Should you wish to leave the sanctuary of your lodge, there are daily drives around the reserve where you can see fauna uniquely adapted to the desert at play. Meerkats, side winder snakes, shovel-nosed lizards (that literally dive into the sand) and gemsbok are some of the highlights. There are many beautiful stop-off spots around the reserve if you choose to stay out for a lunchtime picnic. Noon to 5 pm is harsh and hot, and the lodge’s guest pool is a good antidote to this – the water temperature hovers at an icy 10 degrees. Alternating between a lounger in the hot sun and the cool water is profoundly relaxing, something of a sauna and ice experience in reverse, and a very good way to while away an afternoon.
As evening approaches, the friendly and passionate staff hang lanterns along the walkways signalling that it may be time to wander back for sunset drinks. The lodge is solar powered, so much of the light in the evenings is supplied by these lanterns. There is something very soothing about the absence of electricity and the gentle glow of lamplight which allows for a more immediate connection with the environment. Of course the stars shine brighter too and there can be little better than sitting side by side under the stars in the middle of the desert to end your day.
Romantic things to do
- Take a hot-air balloon ride over the desert in the early morning, ending off with a Champagne breakfast in the middle of nowhere.
- Take your duvet out on to the daybed and make a wish whenever you see a shooting star.
- Take a scenic flight over the Sossusvlei dunes (flights leave from Wolwedans).
- Have morning tea in bed and watch the desert wake up.
- Book an in-suite massage or choose to have one on your private deck.
- Have your chef lay a table for two under the stars for a special dinner.
- Adopt a fairy circle together. These bare circles dot the landscape and have yet to be explained. Funds raised through this programme go directly to the NamibRand Conservation Foundation.
- Have your guide take you to a beautiful spot nicknamed ‘sunset boulevard’ for sundowners.
- Laze in the hammock and read poetry to each other.
- Climb the dune behind your lodge to gaze at the breathtaking views.
Wedding Album was hosted by the Namibia Tourism Board. For assistance with your trip, contact the Namibia Tourism Board as follows:
Johannesburg +27 (0)11 702 9602
Cape Town +27 (0)21 422 3298
namibia@saol.com
www.namibiatourism.com.na
Stay
Wolwedans Dunes Lodge
+264 61 230 616
info@wolwedans.com.na
www.wolwedans-namibia.com
Small weddings can be held at Wolwedans.
Getting there
Wedding Album flew courtesy of Air Namibia.
Traditionally known as the land of contrasts, Namibia is easily
accessible with daily flights from South Africa into its major cities.
A costly visa is not necessary for travel into Namibia; a South African
passport will suffice. Another plus is that Namibia also accepts Rand
although its official currency is the Namibian Dollar, with one
Namibian Dollar equal to one Rand – a cost-effective international
holiday destination of choice.
Air Namibia flies twice daily from Cape Town and Johannesburg to
Windhoek for about R3 000, including taxes. NatureWings runs a
scheduled air taxi (based on fixed seat rates) from there to the
Sossusvlei area and Wolwedans (book direct or through a tour operator).
+27 (0)860 109 716 (South Africa)
+264 61 299 6111 (Namibia)
www.airnamibia.com.na
When to go
Although Namibia’s peak tourism season is its winter months of May to September, its climate provides the perfect getaway no matter what time of the year you are looking to explore its rugged, natural beauty. Winter is dry with chilly mornings and pleasant 23˚C days, with the added romance of a roaring fire at the main lodge. Summer is characterised by thunderstorms (making for a lush, green landscape), hot weather (up to 40˚C) and balmy evenings perfect for alfresco dining.
Where to go
If your perfect honeymoon consists of sand dunes and romantic dinners under a canopy of stars, then a visit to Sossusvlei is a must. For a seaside holiday with just the perfect amount of activities to ensure you are entertained but not overwhelmed by too many options, Swakopmund is the way to go. Namibia’s second largest town, Swakopmund provides honeymooners with an intimate and soulful town to enjoy and experience after a travel through the beautiful Namib Desert. For a real bush experience, Etosha has honeymooners spoilt for choice at its wide variety of luxury accommodation.
