Camp Sossus
Camp Sossus is an authentic tented camp located in the private 24,000 hectare Namib Tsaris Conservancy between Namibia’s Nubib and Zaris mountains. It is just a 30 minute drive from the Sossusvlei gate, the entrance to the Great Namib Sand Sea and magnificent dunes, which has World Heritage Site status. Namib Tsaris has gravel plains, mountainous areas, dry river valleys and a large plateau which towers above the desert below. Cleverly set in a natural amphitheatre, the camp is almost invisible from the distance and is open seasonally between April and November.
Accommodation & Facilities
The eight tents are protected from wind by natural stone walls and are shaded by roofs built from almost 400 recycled oil drums that give the appearance of pangolins. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with flush loo and safari-style bucket shower, solar lighting and a shaded day-bed. The two family units are created by pitching a dome tent on the designated area next to the main Meru tent. The dome tent can take two stretcher beds for children. An extra bedroll (mattress and sleeping bag on floor) can also be added to the parent’s tent for small kids. There is a central dining, lounge and fire place area. Camp Sossus is ideal for groups of four to 12 guests wishing for an exclusive use camp.
Eating & Sleeping
As the camp is exclusively set up for each family, they can dine whenever suits them. Children can eat earlier than the parents with advance notice and all arrangements can be tailored to the requirements of the family, with no concern about how it may impact other guests. The food is wholesome, simple and delicious and meals are prepared fresh at camp including child friendly meals such as roast chicken, veggies, potatoes and delicious desserts like banana boat, apple crumble etc. Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. There is no babysitting available so parents need to be responsible for children at all times.
Wildlife & Activities
Activities include guided visits to Sossusvlei, and exploring the private Namib Tsaris Conservancy on nature walks and drives, visiting desert pools, star gazing, sleeping out under the stars at the Star Beds, walking safaris, and mountain biking on the reserve. Camp Sossus also provides a convenient base from which to take hot air balloon flights as well as scenic helicopter and fixed wing flights over the local area. A photographers paradise, the region offers fantastic landscapes, night time photography and the iconic quiver trees among many fascinating features.
Specifically for children ….
Many of the guides are parents themselves and regularly host families on guided safaris throughout Namibia. Activities are planned according to the family’s needs and interests and there is plenty of getting out of the car and walking. Children of all ages are welcome on the walking safaris which are tailored to the ages and energy levels of the family. These might be short strolls around the camp for young children or over steep and rocky wildlife trails. The terrain is rough, remote and wild. The guide will assess the abilities of the children and will tailor any walking safaris according to the fitness and endurance – the staff have found that generally children tend to have better energy levels than their parents (!) whilst on an adventure trail. Adventurous-minded families will enjoy Stellar Escapes which involves sleeping under the open skies in the wilderness without the cover of a tent.
