Canyons and Deserts
Southern Namibia – 4 deserts / 9 day tour Windhoek to Windhoek
Discover Namibia’s four deserts in the south of the country. The undulating and vegetated dunes of the Kalahari Desert; the rocky plains and majestic Fish River Canyon of the succulent Karoo; the majestic star dunes and surreal vlei’s of the Namib Desert. Interspersed with game drives and fun, this tour provides unequalled landscapes.
Day 1 Saturday : 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 largest continuous stretch of sand covering 9 African countries. Unlike other true deserts, the Kalahari does receive erratic rainfall. For many therefor “thirstland” is a 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 sand dunes and endless grass plains interspersed with acacia’s and shrubs, it is still home to a surprising large amount of specially adapted wildlife. Enjoy the opportunity to experience the dunes and the wildlife and plants, in this desert environment.
Day 2 Sunday : Fish River Canyon
we travel south through expansive rocky plains, visiting the unique Quiver Tree forest. Nestled amongst huge dolerite boulders, stacked in such a mysterious way that it seems giants played here. The area is 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 on a guided nature drive in the late afternoon.
Day 3 Monday : Luderitz
Our morning starts on the edge of the Fish River Canyon, where we gaze 550 meters into this magnificent geological phenomenon, the second largest of its kind on earth. 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 towards Lüderitz. On the way to Lüderitz we stop at Garub were we might encounter the Wild Horses of the Namib Desert
Day 4 Tuesday : Luderitz
Our morning starts with a visit to Kolmanskop ghost town. Kolmanskop is a deserted Diamond Mining Town in the Sperrgebiet National Park. Once a cosmopolitan centre, a town built to last…until the diamonds ran out. Today Kolmanskop stands as a haunting monument to the thriving past. Returning to Lüderitz we visit Diaz Point and explore the coastal town of Lüderitz.
Day 5 Wednesday Namib Desert
After an early breakfast we travel north along the Tiras Mountain range to our lodge in the Namib Desert. Here we are located at the gateway to Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei and Sesriem Canyon, with some of the highest sand dunes on Earth towering over the white desert plains. The afternoon can be spent relaxing at the pool, enjoying the vast open desert plains, or taking part in optional activities offered at the lodge.
Day 6 Thursday Namib Desert
The morning demands an early start. The first rays of sunrise paint the mountains of sand into a variety of apricot, red and orange, contrasted against a crisp blue skyline, enrapturing our senses, and providing an opportunity to capture this awesome landscape on film. You will be mesmerized by the surreal Deadvlei, surrounded by the highest dunes and Sossusvlei, where the mostly dry Tsauchab River ends abruptly amongst majestic dunes. Take the opportunity to walk up one of these dunes to admire the desert landscape beneath. Thereafter we visit the Sesriem Canyon, a life sustaining natural phenomenon in the heart of the Namib Desert
Day 7 Friday Swakopmund
After breakfast we travel via the desolate, rolling hills of the Kuiseb Moon Valley towards the Atlantic Ocean. In 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 the African flamingos feed in this lagoon and present a breathtaking picture when they appear in groups. Having arrived in Swakopmund, the rest of the day is spent at leisure. With palm-lined streets and seaside promenades, Swakopmund is a very 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 time, a laid back attitude with adrenalin activities, misty mornings and desert heat. It is colorful, it is vibrant, but most of all, it is fun.
Day 8 Saturday 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 whilst 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 sand boarding 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 by the vibrant use of color and the bohemian lifestyle.
Day 9 Sunday end of tour
after breakfast we travel back to Windhoek to our hotel or to the international
airport for your return flight.