


Namibia

Guided, Small Group

Mid Range
Our three-day, two-night accommodated safari adventure begins in the picturesque coastal town of Swakopmund. From there, we venture into the heart of the Namib Desert, the world's oldest desert and one of the most captivating places on Earth. We journey across vast gravel plains, traverse towering mountain passes, and cross the Tropic of Capricorn as we make our way to the mesmerizing dune fields. This adventure includes an early morning start to capture the soft, golden light of sunrise as we head towards the renowned Dead Vlei, where a haunting collection of skeletal trees awaits. Our journey continues to Sossusvlei, the ultimate destination and the ancient endpoint of a long-gone river. While traversing this sandy landscape, we keep an eye out for wildlife, with oryx and springbok frequently making appearances. For the keen observer, the dunes also conceal a fascinating array of desert-adapted creatures, including reptiles, beetles, insects, rodents, and birds. These remarkable creatures have evolved extraordinary adaptations to thrive in this waterless wonderland.
The Namib Desert is globally acknowledged as a biodiversity hotspot, particularly within a desert habitat. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the opportunity to ascend a towering 300-meter sand dune, such as Big Daddy, Big Mamma, or Dune 45, awaits. From these lofty peaks, you can revel in unparalleled panoramic views. During our journey, we also visit the Solitaire Cheetah Conservation Project before heading back towards Swakopmund, crossing rocky mountains, climbing the central plateau, and traversing the Khomas Hochland mountains en route to Windhoek. Discover the ancient beauty of the Namib Desert on this unforgettable journey.
As we journey farther south through Namibia, we cross The Tropic of Capricorn, a latitude about 23 degrees south of and parallel to the equator, at which point the sun sits directly overhead at midday.
Sossusvlei is a well-known destination located in the Namib Desert, which is often referred to as the world’s oldest desert. It is a unique and mesmerizing natural wonder situated in the southern part of Namibia. Sossusvlei is renowned for its towering red sand dunes, some of which are among the highest in the world, reaching heights of around 300 meters (1,000 feet).
The name “Sossusvlei” roughly translates to “dead-end marsh” in the local Nama language. It describes a salt and clay pan surrounded by these massive dunes. The contrasting colors and the stark, desolate landscape create a visually stunning and photogenic environment.
One of the most famous dunes in Sossusvlei is Dune 45, a popular spot to witness the sunrise over the desert. Another remarkable feature is Deadvlei, a surreal white clay pan with long-dead camel thorn trees, which have been preserved for centuries due to the dry desert climate.
Sossusvlei is a sought-after destination for travelers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers, offering breathtaking scenery and a sense of serenity and wonder in the heart of the Namib Desert. It is part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, one of the largest conservation areas in Africa, and is protected for its exceptional natural beauty and desert ecosystem.
Solitaire is a small and isolated settlement located in the Namib Desert of Namibia. It’s primarily known for its unique and somewhat quirky charm, making it a notable stopover for travelers exploring the region. Solitaire’s location is approximately halfway between the capital city of Windhoek and the iconic Sossusvlei dunes in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, making it a convenient rest stop for those on their way to or from these destinations.
Key features and attractions in Solitaire include:
Solitaire’s unique character and the warm hospitality of its residents make it a charming and memorable stopover for travelers exploring the captivating landscapes of the Namib Desert and the nearby Sossusvlei.
From ZAR 16,000 per person
You have the option for a relaxed start today as we depart Swakopmund in the late morning. Your guide will provide a pre-departure briefing to confirm the exact departure time. Alternatively, if you’re ready for an early start, Swakopmund offers a range of morning activities, including exploring the town on foot or participating in optional adventures like quad biking and sandboarding. Departing at 11:30 am, we venture east into the desert, crossing the Namib gravel plains, passing through two mountain passes: the Kuiseb Pass and the Gaub River Canyon. As we journey through this remarkable terrain, we’ll also cross the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5 degrees south, marked by a signpost for photo opportunities. Our destination for the day provides an opportunity for a short evening walk to witness the sun setting behind the Naukluft Mountains.
Accommodation: Twin share, en-suite bathroom
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Our aim for the morning is an early start, with a pre-dawn departure and a quick breakfast to reach the dunes as soon as the park gate opens at sunrise. The prime times for capturing the dunes in their most picturesque state are during sunrise and sunset when they appear to be aflame in shades of orange and red, set against deep shadows. Departing from Sesriem, we swiftly cover the 60 kilometers into the dunes, arriving at the 2×4 car park, where all two-wheel-drive vehicles must halt. From there, we continue into the ancient Tsauchab River-bed, the final 5 kilometers leading to Sossusvlei itself. The ephemeral Tsauchab River flows seasonally, and over time, the riverbed was filled with wind-blown sand, preventing floods from breaching the sand barriers. We visit Dead Vlei, an ancient pan enclosed by dunes, known for its striking assembly of dead camelthorn trees. Sossusvlei is nearly encircled by dunes, with only a narrow path preserved by the Tsauchab River. After exploring the area and climbing one of the world’s tallest dunes, we retrace our steps, stopping at the iconic Dune 45. On our way back to Sesriem, we visit the Sesriem Canyon, easily accessible for a walk into the riverbed. We return to our accommodations in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Twin share, en-suite bathroom
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Our last day is filled with excitement as we make our way back to Solitaire, where our guide will treat us to a sample of the renowned apple pie from this homestead. As we journey back to Windhoek, we’ll be treated to beautiful mountain scenery. Our route takes us over Namibia’s central plateau, passing through the small community at BűellsPort and the town of Rehoboth. We arrive in Windhoek mid-afternoon and will be dropped off at our chosen accommodation within the city limits.
Meals: Breakfast
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