The Sossusvlei Lodge, situated at the entrance gate to the renowned Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert, experienced the biggest flood since it was built in 1994. In 1997 and in 2002 the lodge experienced floods, but not as severe as this one.

Huge masses of water rolled towards the lodge in sessions of waves, resembling the movement of the ocean. The extreme force of the water moved tons of soil, causing deep holes and slopes where previously smooth red desert sands and dunes covered the ground. Several pathways at Sossusvlei Lodge are non-existent; the pool area was not recognizable as such. The recently renovated pool now is mud filled.

The patios of several rooms are mud filled, but no major damage inside the newly renovated guest rooms.

Quaint table & chair settings under ancient camelthorn trees were covered, leaving nothing visible but the top rounding of the wrought iron back rest.

The flooding started in the afternoon of 18 January and lasted until well into the night. The building structures of Sossusvlei Lodge remained unharmed. The sewerage system and electricity of certain rooms suffered severe damage. The exact extent is still to be assessed. The electrical contractor had commenced repairs on the morning of 19 January.

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 time frame can not be estimated at this stage.

Guests were at the lodge at the time, but no one was hurt or experienced any damage or losses to lives or personal belongings. All members of staff survived unhurt and are currently in high spirit and, as an excellent team, doing an extraordinary job to clean up to get the place back into shape.

The Restaurant and Bar areas are not affected and are clear of any mud or damage and remain with the service and food at its usual good standard.

The situation is under control and business carries on as usual. 

There is absolutely no need to close the lodge and all bookings will be honoured, with new reservations being accepted for the rooms available and in good condition.  On days with higher occupancy and should more damage be assessed, alternative accommodation establishments in the area will be utilized.  The neighbouring lodges have shown much appreciated co-operation. Customers and guests will be notified when the need arises in possibly having to shift them to less mud soiled surrounds.

Not the sudden downpour of 72mm caused the floods, but rather the mountains nearby who serve as the catchment area. Clearly visible from the air is the fact that every little indent in the surface transformed into a river. The last good rains in the very area were experienced some 3 years ago. The extreme hard and dry soil below the catchment areas was not able to absorb the much needed water, thus causing the currents.

Nature still is amazing though; less than a week after the first drops of rain fell, the grass is growing. The vast yellow and red plains of the Namib Desert we had all gotten so used to, now receive a green blanket of plants that had patiently waited in seed underground for years. The long dead grey remains of old grass, resembling fossils; even that produces new growth!

Enquiries can be directed to Mrs Ute deJager at the contact information detailed above.