Namibia Desert Experience

7 Days

Namibia Desert Experience, the oldest true desert in the World. In a desert where in many years it hardly rains, discover the abundance of life in this vast land. The driest country in Southern Africa, Namibia has a huge area more than 825 600 sq km. It lies between the Namib desert and the Kalahari desert and that makes its annual rainfall quite insignificant.

The desert however is very attractive in different ways than one especially the everchanging landscape, something impressive about Namibia. In the Central Plateau area between the Skeleton Coast and the Kalahari desert, there is a broad expense of hyper-arid gravel plains and dunes. Colorful orange-red dunes in Sossusvlei are as high as 300 metres. The red color is due to oxidation of iron filings evidence of existence of iron ore. Fish river canyon which drops to a depth of 500 metres shows the crust structure of the earth below.

Namibia Desert experience

The Great Escarpment rises to altitude above 2 000 metres; temperature suddenly swells up and fogy and mist from the Atlantic waters disappears. Although the area is rocky with poorly developed soils it is way more productive. Moving further north to the Caprivi and Rundu, the bushveld appears with significantly high rainfall. The area is generally flat with sandy soil that does not retain water.

As for the climate; Namibia is arid descending from sub-humid through semi-arid as you move to the Kalahari. Its temperature rises to as much as 40 degrees mostly in the low lying areas like Ais-Ais.

What to do in Namibia

Etosha National Park – The abundance of wildlife in Namibia is somewhat unexpected for such a driest region, common and rarest species. Etosha elephants are among the biggest in Africa. The endangered black rhino, leopards and lions are in sufficiently good numbers in the thick vegetation region.

During the rain season, the Etosha Pan fills with water attracting a cloud of flamingos. There are over 340 species of birds and interesting ones like the ostrich, kori-bustered, secretary bird and vultures.

Orange River canoeing – The canoeing lap is 10 km downstream in the Orange river in the company of experienced River Guides.

Fish River Canyon – Its a gigantic ravine spanning 160 km and up to 27 km at its widest. This is the biggest canyon in Africa.

Dune 45 – The red dunes of Namibia are the main feature of the Namib Desert displaying the rust color of oxidation that takes place when fine particles of iron reacts with water. As the seasonal Benguela wind current changes direction the dust and fine sand keep building up the Dunes.

Overview

This Tour starts in Cape Town and ends in Swakopmund Namibia. The Paarl winelands are worth to travel through to have an insight in the wine industry in South Africa. You will have a kayaking/river canoe on the Orange river the longest river in South Africa also forms the border of the two countries. Further inside Namibia is the experience of the Namib Desert, the oldest true desert in the World.

Tour Highlights

  • Dune 45
  • The Fishriver Canyon
  • Orange river canoe
  • Walvis Bay

Itinerary

You will meet your Guides and truck at Holiday Inn Hotel in St Gorges street just behind Long street in Cape Town central business district. You then proceed to Paarl Wine region established in 1652. You enjoy the scenery of the Western Cape as you drive through the mountain range to Citrusdal

Enjoy the start of the desert already as you make your way to Springbok town in the Karoo desert. A short stop here in case you need to buy a few items as you will be in the desert for a couple of days without grocery shops. You camp on the banks of the Orange river. The campsite is Fiddlers Creek Campsites. There is good sighting for birds here including the fish eagle and grey heron

The morning starts with a River-canoe activity. It is a 10 km downstream lap which should not be so much of a challenge. Bear in mind also you are already in the desert and a bit of cooling in the river is still good enough. You cross the border at noon into Namibia. Your late afternoon activity will be a tour of the biggest canyon in Africa, the Fish River Canyon. There is a 2 km walk along the edges of the canyon to the main-view point. It’s a wonderful sight to have sunset on the Canyon here.

Day 4 :
The Desert

It’s going to be a long exciting drive today as the land forms here is such beautiful but then again its a different type of desert. You will have stops along the way for lunch and other land marks. There is an opportunity to see wildlife as well. You drive through the little town of Bethane with the oldest church in Namibia. You will probably arrive at Sossusvlei lodge/campsite just before sunset. Enjoy refreshing up with a cold drink in the restaurant as dinner is being prepared.

Day 5 :
The Dunes

Hiking up the Dune 45 is one of the activity today just in time for sunrise. Before mid day you get a transfer to the Deadvlei. The Namibia Dunes are one of the most impressive dunes due to their reddish color. The Deadvlei has acacia trees still standing more than 700 years old

Day 6 :
Walvis Bay

The lagoon in Walvis Bay is popular for birds like the flamingos, Damara terns and pelicans. The port has a natural harbor owing to the deep sea just close to the coast that makes Walvis Bay one of the few places where whales can swim as close to land.

Day 7 :
Swakopmund

Today it’s an open day for relaxing after some time in the Desert and also time to experience Swakopmund. The Swakopmund museum, the lighthouse, the marine museum and the Railway Station are part of the colonial era that are worth to visit. You have a choice of optional activities that you can book for the day. Check out our Activity page for our recommendations.

Cost

The Trip Cost Includes

  • Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle) Transportation to and from!! Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in lodges and campsites with family environment Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip Tents and equipment for camping

The Trip Cost Excludes

  • International Airfare Visa Charges Your travel and medical insurance Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, telephone, laundry, titbits etc Food and accommodations not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter. International vaccinations and inoculations Personal Items Optional Activities unless specified

Frequently asked Questions

How fit do I need to be to do this tour?

You don’t need to. Anyone can go on this tour and all age groups are welcome. However you just need to be able to walk on rocky surface for just about 2 km. For the river canoeing you just need basic swimming skills.

What is the climate?

The altitude of Namibia ranges from 0m to 2 500 metres. In summer it tends to be hot and humid with max temperatures in the range of 30-35 degrees Celsius. In the desert it can go up to 40 degrees Celsius. Summer season is from |September to January. However in winter it can be cold at night but still warm during the day. Winter is usually from February to August

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

On most of the campsites there is electricity for charging as well as hot showers. The campers will have a shared ablution with other like campers from other groups. At Hobas Campsite, electricity goes off at 10 p.m and will be switched on the following morning at 05h00.

Are there ATMs on the way?

Yes there are ATMs and shopping malls along the way. In most places though card payments for services and purchase of goods is available. You may need to carry a bit of cash for tips and other small items that you could buy from the locals.

What about internet access?

Once in a while we get connection usually when we get to campsites. Most of the way during our travels there won’t be connection all the way. However you can buy a local sim card and register it with the local providers to stay connected most of the time.

Do we have a Guide on Tour?

Yes all our Tours are designed to have a Guide/driver as well as a chef. The Guides are fluent English speakers however we have other Tours that can have a translator for German, French or Dutch.

How much do guides and porters cost?

All Guides have a base salary for there services and usually are freelance. You would therefore assist by giving them tips for a minimum of $5 a day. Portege at the airport ranges from $10 to $20 while tips on lodges would be around $10.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Namibia Desert Experience
14% Off
From €1,400 €1,200
/ Adult
  • 1-12 people
  • Camping and lodges
  • Cape Town
  • Moderate
  • all year
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Diners from our Team
  • English Guides and/or translation in German, French and Dutch
  • Lodge in Cape Town and Swakopmund otherwise camping. There is an option for lodges at all campsites if you would upgrade

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