Reviews: Hoodia Sossusvlei excursion

"Our guide was very informative on geography, geology, culture, flora and fauna.

We stopped to look at desert plants and insects, encountering a sidewinder snake.

We enjoyed the walk to Deadvlei and an excellent lunch under the trees.

On the return journey, we stopped at Sesriem canyon." Read more about this whole safari

"A fantastic day hosted expertly and very enthusiastically by Paulus. Paulus gave us a thorough explanation of the geology and geography of the Sossusvlei area and how it fitted into the Namibian landscape. We were shown a few of the tracks of local fauna as well as a closer look at a few of the creepy crawlies that call the dunes home.

The climb up Big Daddy wqs pretty tough but not unmanageable and definitely worth the effort. The views from the top and the much easier and fun descent down the dune to the stunning Dead Vlei made the hard work worthwhile. Paulus didn't join us in climbing up the dunes but said he would do so if he felt the guest might need some guidance or assistance.

Lunch was an excellent cold buffet of salads and various cold meat/fish options served on a table clothed table under the shade of a tree. A good selection of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks were available. We were particularly impressed with the pop up hand washing station that was provided including handwash, lotion and towel. The available toilets at lunch were "long drop" type, which whilst not overly dirty made the handwashing provision very welcome.

Sesriem Canyon was visited on the return trip to Hoodia and whilst a reasonably interesting addition, probably isn't necessary and we would have preferred the extra time relaxing back at the lodge instead." Read more about this whole safari

"Guide was great, very friendly and knowledgeable.

Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are amazing sights." Read more about this whole safari

"Probably one of the most amazing excursions we have ever been on!

The guide - the lunch - the service - the location - the knowledge and patience of the guide - everything was way beyond what we expected - loved this sooooo much" Read more about this whole safari

"This was a highlight and very memorable experience.

Not only because of the dunes themselves, but also due to the way the excursion was structured and primarily due to the excellent guiding by Petrus. We thoroughly enjoyed the day, learning a lot about the geography, animal and insect life, history of the dunes and canyon, etc.

The bush lunch was also beautifully done, including catering wonderfully for my dietary requirements.

Petrus was also (as all guides at all lodges were) very considerate of both of our physical limitations and ensured that we still would have a fabulous experience despite any restrictions these might cause." Read more about this whole safari

"It is a long day and physically demanding so be prepared but well worth it.

The guide was informative but the walk up the dune was done individually at one's own pace.

The lunch spot was excellent as was the lunch.

A 'must do' excursion." Read more about this whole safari

"Under the professional & expert direction of our guide Paulus, we enjoyed and learnt a lot about the desert ecosystem during the excursion to the Sossuvlei dunes & petrified forest and Sesriem Canyon.

Climbing "Big Daddy" for close to 2 hours the largest 500 m high dune, running down the dune in 15' and the civilized lunch (tablecloth, wine, etc.) in the outside will stay memorable." Read more about this whole safari

"Superb! Beyond belief!" Read more about this whole safari

"Brilliant guide who made the whole experience very memorable." Read more about this whole safari

"6 Hoodia guests including ourselves took the Sossusvlei excursion which was well worth it - the views of the dunes were great especially early in the day and we saw some wildlife - oryx, springbok, a sand snake, a dancing spider. The guide was great, supportive and happy to stop for photographs when requested throughout the day. He managed the day so we didn't see many other people or vehicles except when we got to 'Big Daddy', the biggest dune in the area, and even then, the majority of people were on their way back down.

It's important to note that climbing Big Daddy was harder than expected through the heat of the day. One of us didn't make it and had to turn back alone, then ran out of water before arriving at the car park where there was shade. Fortunately other visitors were generous and helped with water. The others who went on found it challenging and then once at the bottom again had another walk of around 2km through Deadvlei and over some smaller dunes back to the vehicle, however, our guide met them at Deadvlei with water.

Lunch was under a tree in a pleasant designated area but with no other vehicles around. Facilities for hand washing were set up by our guide and there were some toilets close by (basic but welcome). Following lunch we drove on to Sesriem Canyon which was ok but not too exciting after the dunes. It felt like a very long day and it was good to back to the lodge." Read more about this whole safari