Welcome to beautiful Namibia! Home to vibrant cities and rich cultural history. The Namib sand dunes, some of which are 300 metres high and span 32 kilometres (20 mi) long, are the second largest in the world. Explore the Kalahari Desert, a lively wilderness where you can often see antelopes and other animals in the dry valleys. Discover Sossusvlei, which during a good rainy season, the Tsauchab River flows into the pan and creates a haven for birds. Even during the dry season, Oryx, Springbok and Ostrich can be seen feeding off the sparse vegetation along the watercourse. Don’t miss the Sesriem Canyon, where centuries of erosion have incised a narrow gorge about 1 km in length. Wonder in Swakopmund at leisure, much loved by Namibians as a welcome respite from the inland heat. It is also popular amongst visitors for its old-world charm and relaxed atmosphere.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Kalahari Desert: The Kalahari Desert forms a great part of the eastern side of Namibia. Due to its sandy ground, it doesn’t allow sufficient water absorption into the soil and with the extremely high evaporation in this area, it is characterised as a Desert.
Namib Desert: Considered possibly the oldest desert in the world, the Namib was already arid at least 80 million years ago. In the south, it extends into South Africa across the Orange River, while in the north it crosses the Kunene into Angola.
Sossusvlei: is a beautiful dune wonderland, with towering dunes up to 300m high surrounding a huge, dried-up pan. Extending as far as the eye can see, their rich tints vary from pale apricot to vivid reds and oranges.
Sesriem Canyon: At the foot of the gorge, which plunges down for 30m to 40m, are deep pools of water which become replenished after good rains. Sesriem derives its name from the time when early pioneers tied six lengths of rawhide thongs together to draw water from these pools.
Swakopmund: Founded in 1892 during the period of German colonial rule, it served as the territory’s main harbour for many years. The distinct German colonial character has been well preserved and today many of the old buildings serve a useful purpose.
Día 1: WINDHOEK – KALAHARI DESERT – MARIENTAL (310km – 3hrs)
At the accommodation establishment in Windhoek at which you have spent the previous night, you will be met at 8:30 am by your personal English-speaking Guide for the following 6 days. He/she will welcome you and assist you with your luggage before you board the safari vehicle. You proceed with a short sight-seeing trip through the Capital. Windhoek is considerably enhanced by stately historic buildings built in the German architectural style of the turn of the century. One can visit the ‘Tintenpalast’ and the Christuskirche, plus all along Independence Avenue, you will see the old colonial houses next to the buildings of the modern, post-independence Namibia. Hereafter, you proceed with the initial leg of your journey into the first of the incredible deserts of Namibia. Driving Southwards via Rehoboth and Kalkrand, you enter the beautiful dune landscape of the Kalahari Desert. Following arrival, check-in and a while to relax, you partake in an included late afternoon Game Drive. Depart before sunset to view the panoramic view of the Kalahari Region while you enjoy a cold drink and watch the picturesque sun sinking in the west. Savour dinner at the lodge.
Overnight in Mariental.
Día 2: MARIENTAL – KALAHARI DESERT – MARIENTAL
Awaken very early and breathe in the fresh early morning air as you embark on a Sunrise Game Drive, to discover the secrets of the desert as the sun rises over the dunes and the animals, birds and insects slowly awaken. Breakfast is served on your return to the lodge, thereafter the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. For those who wish, another evening Sundowner Game Drive can be enjoyed (optional, not included). Your Guide will gladly assist you with all booking arrangements. Savour dinner at the lodge.
Overnight in Mariental.
Día 3: MARIENTAL – NAMIB NAUKLUFT PARK – SOSSUSVLEI (375km – 4.5hrs)
Breakfast precedes today‘s journey, onwards into the South and the vast and contrasting Namib Desert region. Travelling via Mariental, Maltahöhe and Sesriem, you reach your breath-taking destination in the Namib Naukluft Park region in the early afternoon. Evening sundowners, while you view the incredible Namibian desert sunset, will undoubtedly be memorable, as you marvel at the endless landscapes that stretch in front of you. Savour dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Sossusvlei.
Día 4: SOSSUSVLEI & SESRIEM CANYON
This morning you will rise very early for coffee/tea, before embarking on your pre-dawn journey into the sand sea of Sossusvlei. Today you have the opportunity to climb one of the highest sand dunes in the world. Return to the lodge in the early afternoon, where the remainder of the day can be spent at leisure. Savour dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Sossusvlei.
Día 5: SOSSUSVLEI – SWAKOPMUND (405km – 5hrs)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before continuing your journey through the Namib Naukluft Park, towards the west coast of Namibia. The drive takes you via Solitaire and Walvis Bay. Solitaire refers to a single solitaire diamond, the other being the solitude or loneliness of the area and the two meanings combined create the image of a distinctive, precious and solitary place. Walvis Bay is Namibia’s major harbour town; it is fast developing into a sought-after haven for spending a holiday at the coast. Arrive in the afternoon in Swakopmund after travelling along the road that passes directly between the towering sand dunes of the Namib, and the Benguela current that flows along the Namibian coastline. Check in to your hotel where you will be welcomed warmly and you can sink into cool comfort following a dusty day on sandy roads and rocky mountain passes. Hereafter you can enjoy an optional city tour (not included), or get to know this quaint and lovely town on foot at your leisure.
Overnight in Swakopmund.
Día 6: SWAKOPMUND
Enjoy a relaxing day at your leisure. In Swakopmund, there are many activities to choose from (optional, not included), such as a Catamaran cruise in the Walvis Bay lagoon with oysters and sparkling wine served underway, the famous ‘Living Desert tour’, or a Quad Bike excursion into the dunes. Alternately, visit the Crystal Gallery to see the largest crystals in the world, or join a guided Fatbike Tour through town or into the dunes. Dinner in the evening can be enjoyed at any one of Swakopmund’s renowned and very popular Restaurants (at own expense). As the last day of your safari day draws to a close, climb the sand dunes and watch the sunset over the ocean with a view that is often coloured in brilliant hues of red and orange, and seems to stretch all the way to eternity. In the evening after dinner, you bid your Tour Guide farewell (Excursion included, drinks for own account.)
Overnight in Swakopmund.
Día 7: SWAKOPMUND – DEPARTURE WINDHOEK (400km – 4hrs)
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel. Travellers flying out of Namibia on Day 7 board their early morning transfer to the airport, travelling through the towns of Usakos, Karibib, Okahandja and Windhoek en-route to the Hosea Kutako International Airport or your Windhoek accommodation.
Comfortable clothing is the most suitable for travelling to Namibia. Warm clothing for cool evenings is recommended, light-weight long-sleeved clothing during the hot days provides protection from the sun and insects. Closed Shoes should be worn in the desert at all times. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat are a must, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
