Deserts of Namibia, Private Tour (On Request)

Arrival at the Windhoek International Airport. Here you will be met by your personal Guide for the following 7 days, he/she will welcome you and assist you with your luggage before you proceed to Windhoek. Arrive and check in at your Windhoek accommodation, just on the outskirts of this fascinating city. Thereafter sightseeing 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 buildings, which lend a singular charm to the city, including the historic seat of government also known as the Tintenpalast, which means palace of ink in German. Right next to the Tintenpalast, the Christuskirche with its graceful sphere provides the city with a striking landmark. The white-walled Alte Feste, which was once a fort and is now a museum, reflects the history of the country. Windhoek lies 1650m above sea level. The population of Windhoek consists of approx. 450 000 people, which makes it the largest city in the country. The largest part of Windhoek’s population stays in Katutura, the Bantu- speaking suburb of the city. Katutura is an Oshiwambo word meaning: “the place where we do not want to stay”. All along Independence Avenue (the former “Kaiserstrasse” - German for “emperor’s street”), one can see old, colonial houses next to the buildings of the modern, post-independence Namibia.

Overnight in Windhoek.

After a leisurely breakfast, you proceed with the first leg of your journey to the deserts of Namibia. Driving towards the South via Rehoboth and Kalkrand, you travel into the beautiful red dunes landscape of the Kalahari Desert in the region of Mariental. Following your arrival, you can partake in an optional (not included) Sundowner Game Drive before dinner.

Overnight in the Kalahari Desert.

Breakfast precedes today‘s journey, onwards in the South into the vast and contrasting Namib Desert region. Travelling via Mariental, Maltahöhe and Sesriem, you reach your 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.

Overnight in the Namib Desert.

This morning you will rise very early for coffee/tea, before embarking on your dawn journey into the sand sea of Sossusvlei. Today you have the opportunity to climb one of the highest sand dunes in the world. Sossusvlei is a beautiful dune wonderland, with towering dunes up to 300m high surrounding a huge, dried-up pan. Dunes extend as far as the eye can see and their rich tints vary from pale apricot to vivid reds and oranges. During a good rainy season, the Tsauchab River flows into the pan and creates a heaven for water birds. Even during the dry season, Oryx, Springbok and Ostrich can be seen feeding off the sparse vegetation along the watercourse. At the entrance to Sossusvlei lies the Sesriem Canyon, where centuries of erosion have incised a narrow gorge about 1 km in length. 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. Return to the lodge in the early afternoon, where the remainder of the day can be spent at leisure.

Overnight in the Namib Desert.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before continuing your journey through the Namib Naukluft Park, towards the west coast of Namibia. The drive takes us via Solitaire and Walvis Bay. Solitaire is given its name from two meanings: one is the reference to a single solitaire diamond, the other being the solitude or loneliness of the area. The two meanings combined to create the definition of a distinctive, precious and solitary place. The small settlement found in the middle of the Namib Desert features a gas station, post office, general dealer and a restaurant/bar which is widely known for its delicious apple pie. It is the perfect stop-over to break the journey between the Sesriem and Sossusvlei area, and Swakopmund or Windhoek. Walvis Bay is Namibia’s major harbour town; it is fast developing into a sought-after haven for spending a holiday at the coast. Attractions include the lagoon with its prolific birdlife, where altogether some 80 000 wading birds including flamingos and rare white pelicans can be seen. A former enclave belonging to South Africa, Walvis Bay and the offshore islands were incorporated into the Republic of Namibia on March 1, 1994. The town has a well-developed and efficient port, while its fishing harbour is the hub of Namibia’s fast-growing fishing industry. Arrive in the afternoon in Swakopmund, 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. Hereafter you can enjoy an optional city tour, or get to know this quaint and lovely town on foot at your leisure (own expense). 

Overnight in Swakopmund.

Enjoy a relaxing day at your leisure. In Swakopmund, there are many activities to choose from, such as a boat 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. Dinner in the evening can be enjoyed at any one of Swakopmund’s renowned and very popular Restaurants (mentioned activities and dinner at own expense). Swakopmund is 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. 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. The Woermann House (1905) now houses an art gallery and the Woermann Tower was used in earlier times to watch ships entering the harbour. Other old interesting buildings include „Die Alte Kaserne“, the „Hohenzollern Haus” and the Railway Station Building.

Overnight in Swakopmund.

After breakfast you depart for Windhoek, travelling through the towns of Usakos, Karibib, Okahandja and Windhoek en-route to the Hosea Kutako International Airport. Directly north of Windhoek lies Okahandja, a town of great significance to the Herero because it was the seat of Chief Samuel Maharero. Every year in August thousands of Herero’s gather here for a pilgrimage to pay homage at the graves of their great chiefs. Okahandja is an important centre for woodcarvers from the north and the Wood Carvers Market is a popular stop for tourists. Arrive at the airport, check in and bid your Guide farewell, before you depart on your scheduled flight.