Arrival
Arrival
Day 1
Windhoek to Swakopmund
Windhoek to Swakopmund
You will be collected from your accommodation within the Windhoek city limits at 07.15 am, or the airport for a short pre-departure meeting.
We first drive north via Okahandja and are then heading west, Karabib and Usakos, to Walvis Bay. The edge of Africa and the Skeleton Coast. Walvis Bay lagoon is an internationally recognised Ramsar site, and is renowned for its birdlife. In particular we are here to see the flamingos which are usually abundant and found within easy photo distance from shore. Swakopmund is an interesting place to say the least. It is bounded to the north, the east and the south by the sand dunes of the Namib Desert and to the west by the Atlantic Ocean. Swakopmund's town centre is small and easily explored on foot but there are also many extra, optional activities available. Lunch and dinner tonight are for your own account.
Note: No Single supplement will be charged if you are willing to share a tent with another single traveller.
Driving time: ~4 1/2 hours.
- Main Destination:
- Swakopmund (City)
- Accommodation:
- Hotel Pension A la Mer
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Swakopmund to Sesriem
Swakopmund to Sesriem
Swakopmund offers many opportunities to keep us busy during our morning. Our guide will discuss all the options with you in advance and will be able to facilitate any bookings.
Departing Swakopmund we head east into the desert. We have two mountain passes to traverse, the mighty Kuiseb Pass and we follow the road from the top of the mountains, dropping steeply down into the canyon carved over eons by the Kuiseb River on its way to debouch into the ocean at the port town of Walvis Bay. We climb up from the banks of the river and over the pass, travelling through the mountain peaks and on to the second, smaller canyon of the Gaub River, a tributary of the Kuiseb. We emerge from the mountains onto a flat road and cross the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5 south degrees. There is a signpost at this auspicious spot and we stop along the road for photos. Onwards to Desert Camp, located very close to the National Park entrance, the gateway to the dunes at Sossusvlei.
Driving time: ~5 hours.
- Main Destination:
- Sesriem (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Desert Quiver Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei
You depart at dawn from the camp to arrive at the park gate for sunrise. You drive down an ancient riverbed surrounded by towering dunes to the 2x4 parking (around 55kms) and take a 4x4 shuttle into the Sossusvlei region. You explore this unique area on foot before heading into Dead Vlei with its large expanse of bleached, cracked clay and skeletal camel thorn trees, contrasting with a backdrop of huge dunes with their ever-changing colours. As you drive back to your accommodation, you will stop at the famous Dune 45 which you can climb if you wish, or just wander around the base. You return to Sesriem and visit the nearby Sesriem Canyon, one of the few permanent water sources. Arrive back at the camp in the late afternoon to watch the sunset over this spectacular desert. Dinner is prepared by your guide.
- Main Destination:
- Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes)
- Accommodation:
- Desert Quiver Camp
Wildlife in Namib-Naukluft NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Sesriem to Windhoek
Sesriem to Windhoek
We enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to Solitaire. Solitaire has a sanctuary for the cheetahs that cannot be released back into the wild due to various reasons. We enjoy a 1-hour drive in a 4x4 vehicle with an experienced guide for an educational tour where we can learn about, and photograph, these beautiful animals. We return to Windhoek via Bullsport and Rehoboth, arriving mid-afternoon, where we will be dropped off at our accommodation or the airport.
For those that choose to fly today, no flights departing prior to 18.00 in case there are unexpected delays returning from safari.
Driving time: ~4 1/2 hours.
- Main Destination:
- Windhoek (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
