Departing on Thursdays from Windhoek, this 4 day & three night accommodated safari is the perfect way to experience Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast and the stunning sand dunes of the Namib Desert. The Ramsar Site at Walvis Bay and the big dunes. Big Daddy, Big Mamma and the iconic Dune 7.
Relaxation or thrills and spills in in Swakopmund, the choice is yours, then heading for adventure on a magical trip to one of the most beautiful places on Planet Earth, the centre of the Namib - the oldest desert in the world. From the coast we cross the vast gravel plains that stretch inland for over 100km. We traverse high mountain passes and cross The Tropic of Capricorn on our way down to the dune fields.
A pre-dawn start to catch the soft light of sunrise as we head for Dead Vlei with its stark collection of skeleton trees and on to Sossusvlei, waters end for an ancient river. We watch out for wildlife, oryx and springbok are often seen in this sandy land but if we look and have sharp eyes, the dunes are also home to a full menagerie of reptiles, beetles, insects, rodents and birds. All these creatures are uniquely desert adapted survive in this waterless wonderland using super-power evolutionary adaptations. The Namib Desert is internationally recognised as a top biodiversity hot spot in a desert habitat. Climbing a towering sand dune, 300 m from top-to-toe, is an experience unique to Namibia, Big Daddy, Big Mamma and Dune 45 are all waiting to be conquered if you are feeling intrepid and want to experience the view from such a lofty perch. We visit the Solitaire cheetah conservation project, then homeward bound up-and-over rocky mountains as we climb our way up the central plateau and across the Khomas Hochland mountains to Windhoek.
WildlifeNature and bush walks
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
5-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Windhoek, Swakopmund, Namib Dese
Windhoek, Swakopmund, Namib Desert, Sossusvlei, Solitaire, Walvis Bay, Sesriem
Welcome to beautiful Namibia! Home to vibrant cities and rich cultural history. The Namib sand dunes, some of which are 300 metres high and span 32 kilometres (20 mi) long, are the second largest in the world. Explore the Kalahari Desert, a lively wilderness where you can often see antelopes and other animals in the dry valleys. Discover Sossusvlei, which during a good rainy season, the Tsauchab River flows into the pan and creates a haven for birds. Even during the dry season, Oryx, Springbok and Ostrich can be seen feeding off the sparse vegetation along the watercourse. Don’t miss the Sesriem Canyon, where centuries of erosion have incised a narrow gorge about 1 km in length. Wonder in Swakopmund at leisure, 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.
Wildlife safaris and game drives
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english, german
Destinations
Windhoek, Mariental, Sossusvlei
Windhoek, Mariental, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund
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Highlights -
Stunning landscapes, especially around the Namib desert/Sossusvlei, Brandberg area and Walvis Bay/Swakopmund.
Wildlife viewing was excellent - plenty of time to view and observe and search both mammals and birds throughout the trip. You will get some amazing photos and memories!
A knowledgeable guide who sorted everything that needed doing and had a great understanding of the wildlife/country.
A couple of the lodges were above expectations (NB the app stated that there might be changes and there were).
Things that surprised me:
One of the lodges was disappointing but we were only there for one night (Brandberg White Lady Lodge - no proper AC and nowhere to charge anything plus very basic room and the food was also below par).
There wasn't much time to decompress and just enjoy the areas without being on the move - ideally this should be a 14 or 15 day trip with Toshari or Makuti and Swapokmund stays being extended by a further day.
Water is not provided at many of the lodges or at the inclusive meals so you end up buying plastic bottles of water (more costly than a beer!) that you then can't keep chilled as the rooms often did not have a fridge.
One of the recommended excursions in Walvis Bay was a waste of time and very expensive. The Shifting Sands excursion to Sandwich Harbour was vastly more costly (x3) than the Desert Discovery trip (both 3 hours) and yet covered much the same but at a much lower standard. The Desert Discovery Trip had much better guides, much more to see and a far superior dune driving experience. The Sandwich Harbour trip just gave the "dunes meeting the sea" and a fraction of the elements covered in the other trip but for the time/cost and drive it would have been better to have stayed in Walvis Bay and appreciate all the birdlife and coast there. Avoid that if offered.
What I needed on the trip:
The following items were really useful:
A sarong - to sit on a very hot seat or use as a sunshield in various locations; a water bottle flask that kept my water chilled all day;
A broad brimmed hat - in summer a baseball cap did not cut it at Sossusvlei;
Binoculars - even a basic pair;
A power bank for your phone as some days you are on the road for 12 hours and with all the photos you'll need an extra power source.;
A usb adaptor for your phone charger as a few lodges had these in the socket spaces;
Washing powder as you may end up hand washing a lot;
A basic set of general medications..... you never know!
Additionally I would recommend going at least one day earlier so you have time to take in a township and Windhoek tour. The on-cost of the hotel was minimal (arranged directly) but it meant we had no stress of being late and we had a chance to acclimatise, plus had a good look around prior to meeting the rest of the group and the guide. The Mercure has full access to the sister Movenpick which has a great pool area, other restaurants and spa/gym for use by all residents.
If you fly through Germany and direct on to Windhoek, you travel overnight and arrive morning time giving you a whole afternoon plus a whole day before you meet the group at 6pm. Plus your return flight is early evening so you get the departure day too if you extend your room at the Mercure. Well worth it!
Overall a truly great and varied trip even if you have done safaris before.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Windhoek, Otjiwarongo, Sesriem
Windhoek, Otjiwarongo, Sesriem, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Uis, Etosha National Park
11% OFF TODAY
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Welcome to beautiful Namibia! Drive through its mesmerizing landscapes and explore this country at your own pace. Visit the German-style buildings in Windhoek, 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. Pass by Rehoboth like many towns in Namibia, was once a missionary station. Explore Sossusvlei, a dune wonderland, with towering dunes up to 300m high surrounding a huge, dried-up pan. Discover Swakopmund, 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. Discover Waterberg, home to many game species, over 200 bird species, and vegetation which changes dramatically from acacia savannah at the foot of the plateau to lush-green sub-tropical dry woodland with tall trees and grassy plains at the top.
This trip was incredible! The activities available ranged from climbing red sand dunes and star gazing in the desert, to getting up close to giraffes, zebras, and lions on safari and kayaking with seals jumping up onto the boat. Our guide Often did an amazing job of showing us the highlights of Namibia. Long stretches on the road but the view of the beautiful and changing landscape along the way made it all so worth it! Would highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to explore the path less travelled and immerse themselves into Namibian culture.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Windhoek, Etosha National Park
Windhoek, Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund
10% OFF TODAY
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Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau, Windhoek, Dekar, Maun, Okavango Delta, Gweta, Kasane, Cederberg, Orange River, Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Spitzkoppe
22% OFF TODAY
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Wild landscapes, intrepid activities and all the laughs - what an epic trip! Taffy was an incredible guide - communicative, knowledgeable on local culture, and the best laugh! We felt safe in his presence, he's an amazing cook, and he's a credit to G Adventures!
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Guest House, Resort
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Windhoek, Etosha Nati
Cape Town, Windhoek, Etosha National Park, Lambert’s Bay, Orange River, Fish River Canyon, Sesriem, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund
27% OFF TODAY
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The 11-day Namibia to Cape Town Camping tour invites families to experience the breathtaking beauty of southern Africa. Beginning in Windhoek and ending in Cape Town, this guided small group trip includes stops at Cederberg, Spitzkoppe, Sesriem, and eight other destinations in Namibia. With all accommodation, transport, and meals included, families can fully appreciate each destination without logistical worries. The unique highlight of this tour package is its seamless transition from the stark deserts of Namibia to the vibrant coast of Cape Town, offering a diverse range of activities and landscapes in one memorable trip.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Tent
Age Range
18-75 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Swakopmund, Etosha National Park
Swakopmund, Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei, Cederberg, Cape Town, Spitzkoppe, Sossus, Sesriem, Fish River Canyon, Orange River, Windhoek
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Guest House, Resort
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Etosh
Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Etosha National Park, Windhoek, Dekar, Maun, Okavango Delta, Nata, Kasane, Lambert’s Bay, Orange River, Fish River Canyon, Sesriem, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund
27% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Wonderful staff , always accommodating and very articulated and knowledgeable.
Wildlife safaris and game drives
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Tent, Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Kgala
Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Fish River Canyon, Augrabies Falls National Park, Namaqualand, Chobe River, Caprivi Strip, Okavango Delta, Rundu, Etosha National Park, Spitzkoppe, Swakopmund, Sossusvlei
It really was a once in a lifetime trip! We experienced so many things and did so many activities that it felt much longer than just three weeks - but in the best way possible!
Wildlife
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Guest House, Hostel, Hotel
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Livin
Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Etosha National Park, Spitzkoppe, Swakopmund, Sesriem, Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon, Orange River, Cederberg, Kasane, Gweta, Maun, Ghanzi, Windhoek, Waterberg Plateau
22% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Great trip with very good leaders in Weston, Gift and Dean. Well organised and informative. It can be hard work breaking camp most mornings, often quite early starts, and then setting up each evening, often at sunset. Client participation essential to make it all work. Food simple yet sustaining with good variety. Surprised the vehicle was not airconditioned as at times very hot.
Wildlife safaris and game drives
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
I really enjoyed the locations. Especially the Roman ruins and the villages we stayed in. It was a really great cultural experience.
Road tripWildlife
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Tent, Sleeper Bus, Bungalow
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Nairobi, Cape Town, Spitzkoppe
Nairobi, Cape Town, Spitzkoppe, Etosha National Park, Grootfontein, Bagani, Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, Masvingo, Harare, Lusaka, Petauke, Orange River, South Luangwa National Park, Lake Malawi, Chitimba, Iringa, Mikumi National Park, Dar Es Salaam, Stone Town, Fish River Canyon, Bagamoyo, Usambara Mountains, Arusha, Karatu, Serengeti National Park, Mto Wa Mbu, Sesriem, Lake Nakuru National Park, Eldoret, Kampala, Kalinzu Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kisoro, Gorilla Trek, Mbarara, Jinja, Sossusvlei, Kericho, Masai Mara National Reserve, Swakopmund
Julie IvesTravel Expert in Botswana & Namibia
Stephanie LouwTravel Expert in Namibia & South Africa
