Scheduled Tour from Windhoek

8 Day Namibia Deserts & Canyons Tour

On our Namibia Deserts & Canyons tour from the Kalahari to the Namib Desert, we take you on a fascinating tour of Namibia's most treasured landscapes and German-influenced heritage.

Visit the Kalahari desert, known by the Bushman simply as the "Soul of the World", marvel at endless canyons & vistas in the south of Namibia, visit old ghost towns in Luderitz, capture astounding landscapes in the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei & Dead Vlei and explore the German-influenced coastal town of Swakopmund to name a few. Each day on our Namibia Deserts & Canyons Tour is filled with exciting experiences to take any enthusiastic traveller's breath away!

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Enjoy a nature drive through the Kalahari Desert and learn how wildlife has adapted in this desert environment
  • Visit the unique quiver tree forest nestled among huge dolerite boulders
  • Gaze into the Fish River Canyon, second only to the Grand Canyon
  • Travel to the Succulent Karoo, the most specie diverse desert on Earth
  • Take a trip down to the Kolmanskop ghost town & other attractions in the area
  • Early morning excursion into Sossusvlei
  • View the most beautiful sunrise, painting the dunes with deep reds, apricot & purple
  • Oryx can be spotted wandering the reserve
  • Short drive & walking excursion into the Dead Vlei
  • Visit the gaping Sesriem Canyon
  • Visit the shallow lagoon near the Atlantic Ocean, a feeding ground for thousands of African Flamingos
  • Leisure time in Swakopmund to partake in some of the many activities on offer

TOUR DEPARTS WINDHOEK AT 09H00
RETURNS TO WINDHOEK MIDDAY

The vast size of Namibia is predominantly connected and accessible through gravel roads, which makes travelling a fascinating yet time-consuming aspect of your journey. The vehicles on this tour are specially designed and custom-built to mechanically suit these demanding road conditions, both in their configuration as well as their sturdy construction. This adds to the comfort while on safari. Vehicles are fitted with airflow-cooling systems, sliding windows and/or pop-up roofs and an audio/microphone system enhancing guests’ safari enjoyment.

See also our 13 Day Explore Namibia Tour

Summary

Meals Vary

8 Days
Minibus or Coach

Namibia

Day 1 - Kalahari Desert
Leaving Windhoek, we travel into the largest sand mass on Earth, the Kalahari Desert. The Kalahari is a vast semi-desert of wind-blown sand held by a sparse mantle of thorn scrub making it the most extensive continuous stretch of sand covering 9 African countries. Unlike other true deserts, the Kalahari does receive erratic rainfall. For many, therefore "thirstland” is a more fitting description. Lacking permanent surface water, the Kalahari is a challenging place to live except for those who have adapted to not only survive but flourish here.

The Bushmen refer to it as the "Soul of the World", an emotive description for this area! With its deep red dunes and endless grass plains interspersed with acacia and shrubs, it is still home to a surprisingly large amount of specially adapted wildlife. Enjoy the opportunity to experience the red dunes, wildlife and plants, in this desert environment on an optional nature drive (On the Superior version this nature drive is included).
Classic: Intu Afrika Collection
Superior: Intu Afrika Collection (light lunch, Dinner, incl. selected beverages, & Nature Drive in the Kalahari)

Day 2 - Fish River Canyon
We continue south through arid and extensive rocky plains. Visiting the unique Garas quiver tree forest where you are welcomed by quirky human-made sculptures of scrap metal which set a contrast to this serene, timeless space with Quiver trees and aloes nestled amongst huge dolerite boulders, stacked mysteriously, the area is also aptly referred to as “Giant’s Playground”. We continue to our lodge, situated in close vicinity to the Fish River Canyon. Here we can explore the area on foot or an optional guided nature drive in the later afternoon highlighting the Quiver trees, rugged landscape and impressive sweeping rock formations.
Classic: Canyon Village (Breakfast)
Superior: Canyon Lodge (Breakfast, light lunch, Dinner, incl. selected beverages)

Day 3 Luderitz
Our morning starts early on the edge of the Fish River Canyon where we gaze into this magnificent geological phenomenon. The Fish River Canyon is located in the northern part of the Nama Karoo and is the second largest canyon on earth, featuring a gigantic ravine that measures in total about 160 km long, up to 27 km wide and in places almost 550 meters deep. The Fish River is the longest interior river found in Namibia, but its current flow is just a drop compared with the immense volume of water that poured down its length in ages past. We continue our journey past the Naute dam, where we shortly stop at the Naute Kristall Cellar and Distillery, to taste some of their unique liquors (optional) or simply enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.

Proceeding onwards we head towards the coastal town of Lüderitz. On the way to Lüderitz, we stop at Garub, which is the viewing point for the Wild Horses of the Namib Desert. Arriving in Lüderitz we head towards the coastline and take a scenic route along the “Große Bucht”, enjoying the fresh sea breeze, while stopping for a quick picnic. Returning to Lüderitz we check into our guesthouse.
Classic: Obelix Guesthouse (Breakfast)
Superior: Lüderitz Nest Hotel (Breakfast, light lunch, Dinner, incl. selected beverages)

Day 4 Namib Desert
After an early breakfast, our morning starts with a visit to Kolmanskop ghost town. Kolmanskop is a deserted Diamond Mining Town in the Sperrgebiet National Park. Once an opulent and decadent town, a monument to the Diamond boom and built to last…until the diamonds ran out. Today Kolmanskop stands as a haunting monument to the thriving past, offering visitors unique photo motives into a bygone era.

We continue across vast open plains, stopping for an optional light lunch (included in the Superior tour) in the countryside town of Helmeringhausen before continuing further north along the Tiras Mountain range to our lodge in the Namib Desert. We are located close to Sesriem the gateway to Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei and Sesriem Canyon, with some of the highest dunes on Earth towering over the white desert plains. The afternoon can be spent relaxing at the sparkling pool, enjoying the vast open desert plains, or taking part in optional activities offered at the lodge.
Classic: The Elegant Desert Lodge (Breakfast)
Superior: Sossusvlei Lodge (Breakfast, light lunch, Dinner, incl. selected beverages)

Day 5 - Namib Desert
The morning demands an early start. Entering the Namib Naukluft National Park shortly after sunrise, the first rays of sunlight paint the mountains of sand into a variety of apricots, red and orange, contrasted against a crisp blue skyline, enrapturing our senses, and providing an opportunity to capture this impressive landscape on film. You will be captivated by the surreal Deadvlei surrounded by some of the highest dunes on earth and Sossusvlei, where the dry Tsauchab River ends abruptly amongst dunes. Take the opportunity to walk up one of these majestic dunes to admire the desert landscape beneath.

After this thrilling experience, we visit the Sesriem Canyon, a life-sustaining natural phenomenon in the heart of the Namib Desert before returning back to our lodge and cooling off along the swimming pool or with a refreshing drink at one of the quiet retreats located all around the lodge.
Classic: The Elegant Desert Lodge (Breakfast)
Superior: Sossusvlei Lodge (Breakfast, light lunch, Dinner, incl. selected beverages)

Day 6 - Swakopmund
After breakfast we continue our journey approaching the little settlement of Solitaire on the edge of the Namib Naukluft National Park, feeling like we have arrived in the middle of nowhere, before travelling via the desolate, rolling hills of the Kuiseb Valley towards the Atlantic Ocean. Reaching the coastal harbour town of Walvis Bay, we visit the shallow lagoon, one of the most important wetland areas on the African continent and a RAMSAR World Heritage Site. Over 80% of Africa’s lesser flamingos breed in this lagoon and present a breathtaking picture when they appear in groups.

Continuing along the scenic route between the dune belt and the Atlantic Ocean we reach Swakopmund, where the rest of the day is spent at leisure. With palm-lined streets and seaside promenades, Swakopmund is a popular holiday destination in Namibia. Its pleasant summer climate and long-stretched beaches attract anglers and surfers from all over Southern Africa. For the international guest, Swakopmund is a bohemian mix of German architecture and African rhythms, a laid-back attitude with adrenalin activities, misty mornings and desert heat. It is colourful, it is vibrant, but most of all, it is pure fun.
Classic: Hansa Hotel (Breakfast)
Superior: Strand Hotel (Breakfast, light lunch, Dinner, incl. selected beverages)

Day 7 - Swakopmund
Swakopmund is often fondly referred to as the "playground of Namibia", it has numerous activities ranging from, adventure to exploring the fascinating features of the Namib Desert and the animals and plants that occur and survive here. Embrace the relaxed pace of this idyllic coastal town while enjoying coffee and freshly baked pastries in one of the many café's. Alternatively explore the rugged, sweltering desert on a day tour, or view this awesome, environment from the air on a scenic flight. Find your inner child and push adrenaline to its limits with extreme adventures such as skydiving over the desert or quad-biking and sandboarding on the dunes. Take time to get the feel of this quaint town with its historic buildings, museums, shopping arcades and beach bar that has transformed into its own personality through the vibrant use of colour and the bohemian lifestyle.
Classic: Hansa Hotel (Breakfast)
Superior: Strand Hotel (Breakfast & Marine Cruise)

Day 8 - End of tour
After breakfast, we return to Windhoek to your hotel or to the international airport for your onward flight.
(Breakfast)

Namibia Deserts & Canyons Tour

Classic Version
  South African Rand
US$
(Subject to ROE)
EURO
(Subject to ROE)
01 Nov 2022 -
31 Oct 2023
R 33,000 pp sharing
R 35,900 pp single
US$ 1,740 pp sharing
US$ 1,890 pp single
€ 1,640 pp sharing
€ 1,785 pp sharing
01 Nov 2023 -
31 Oct 2024
R 35,750 pp sharing
R 38,790 pp single
US$ 1,885 pp sharing
US$ 2,045 pp single
€ 1,775 pp sharing
€ 1,930 pp sharing

Superior Version
  South African Rand US$
(Subject to ROE)
EURO
(Subject to ROE)
Nov 2022 -
31 Oct 2023
R 73,500 pp sharing
R 80,220 pp single
US$ 3,870 pp sharing
US$ 4,225 pp single
€ 3,655 pp sharing
€ 3,990 pp sharing
01 Nov 2023 -
31 Oct 2024
R 81,900 pp sharing
R 89,990 pp single
US$ 4,315 pp sharing
US$ 4,740 pp single
€ 4,070 pp sharing
€ 4,475 pp sharing

Book Now

Rates in South African Rand are fixed. Rates in US$ and Euro are subject to exchange rates.
Private Tours available on request
*This Tour is Bilingual (English & German)
Classic Tour Group Size:
Min 2 / Max 16
Superior Tour Group Size:
Min 2 / Max 6

Included:

  • Free pick up from Windhoek International Airport if arrival is before 09h00 (alternatively pick up is included from Windhoek City accommodation)
  • Transport by air-conditioned Minibus or Coach
  • Services of registered driver guide throughout the tour
  • Classic: 7 Breakfasts
  • Superior: 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 5 Dinners as well as selected drinks
  • Entrance Fees to Fish River Canyon; Namib Naukluft National Park
  • Classic: Information Pack and Plastic Water Bottle
  • Superior: Deluxe Travel Planner and Aluminium Water Bottle
  • Portages
  • Still Mineral Water on Bus
  • Activities as specified
  • Accommodation as specified
  • Tourism levy and government Taxes where applicable
  • 24hrs Medical Evacuation Insurance

Optional Extras
Activity Package (Classic version)

  • Namib Desert Nature Drive
  • Catamaran/marine cruise

Social Support
With both the Classic and Superior options you donate to the Bishop Kameeta (Orphan Kindergarten) and guests on the Superior tour receive a reusable STEEL WATER BOTTLE (Supporting Tosco – Tourism supporting Conservation)

Excluded

  • International / Domestic Flights & taxes
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned
  • Personal insurances
  • Tips
  • Personal items
  • Excursions / Activities not specified
  • Visas
  • Gratuities
Prices are subject to change due to airfare increases, currency exchange, fluctuations and any unforeseen circumstances, without prior notice.

 

Departure Dates
  2023 2024
January   7, 21
February   4, 18
March   3, 17, 31
April   14, 28
May   12, 26
June   9, 23
July   21, 28
August   4, 11, 18, 25
September   1, 8, 15, 22, 29
October   6, 13, 20
November
5, 12, 19,26  
December
3  
*English Only Departures

 

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