OVERVIEW
Small group tour the best of Namibia
Sky blue against warm red desert sands, let yourself be inspired by the stark beauty and resilient animals of the Namib Desert. See iconic views like Dune 45 and Deadvlei and take walks and safaris in a unique landscape.
Namibia's Wilderness: Adventure Between Desert and Stars
Venture deep into Namibia's astounding wilderness, where deserts dominate the horizon and striking wildlife survives under extreme conditions, in a tour that summarizes the best the country has to offer. Started in the Cedar Mountains, we travel through rugged mountain regions soaked in earthy beauty. A visit to a local "Padstal" and a traditional dinner under the stars set the tone for an immersive experience. You cross the plains of Namaqualand, which awakens to a sea of flowers between July and September, despite its dry climate. The path leads to the banks of the Gariep (Orange) River, providing for tranquil downtime. If you'd like to make the most of the day, the river can be paddled the next morning by canoe. Otherwise, we turn to the Fish River Canyon, which cuts deep into the earth and offers panoramic views as well as a strong sense of scale. Our view will be dreamy under the Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground, which stand as fascinating cultural places made of stone and branches for the San people. As the Namib Desert rises around you, gigantic dunes dominate the skyline. Climb Dune 45 for a wonderful outlook, then head to the skeleton trees of Deadvlei and scan the cracks and eroded stones of the Sesriem Canyon in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The Atlantic Sea brings relaxation in Swakopmund, a coastal town with wind-swept beaches, colonial charm, and adrenaline-fueled options. Here, sandboarding, sea safaris, or a stroll along palm-lined streets provide a contrast to the previous views. To the north, the Brandberg Mountains rise with a unique kind of beauty. A hike to the White Lady rock painting, created thousands of years ago, connects you with the deep ancestral roots of the region. The tour culminates in Etosha National Park, where salt pans stretch to the horizon and wildlife congregates at oasis-like waterholes. Watch as elephants, lions, and antelopes roam freely across this arid landscape, offering a variety of extraordinary encounters with Africa's most famous creatures. Ending in Windhoek, the rhythm of the city gently replaces the silence of the sand. You leave with a memory shaped by Namibia's burning, otherworldly beauty. Its red dunes, open skies, and the enduring presence of nature in its purest form will never be forgotten.
Daily program: Experience safari and the highlights of southwest Africa
Day 1 – South Africa – Cederberg Region
When we leave Cape Town, we make one last stop to take a look at Table Mountain from the other side of Table Bay. No road trip is complete without a stop at a traditional “padstal,” these small farm stands line the back roads of South Africa and offer a variety of homemade treats and baked goods. The Cedarberg region not only offers spectacular mountains and orange farms but is also home to the rooibos bush. Native to the slopes of the Cedarberg, this herbal drink has gained an international reputation as a healthy and refreshing alternative to regular tea. A dinner at our overnight stop provides us with the opportunity to get to know each other while enjoying some South African hospitality.
Day 2 – Namaqualand – Gariep (Orange) River
Namaqualand presents us with our first experience of the desert landscapes that will accompany us in the coming days. We continue our journey north, and after a short stop for supplies in Springbok, we travel to our camp by the banks of the Orange River. If you are lucky enough to travel in the spring months (July to September), you may encounter the wildflowers that have made this region famous. Regardless of the season, the strange desert landscapes, however, provide a unique backdrop for the journey of this day.
Day 3 – Fish River Canyon
While the Orange River was named after the Dutch royal family, it has more recently been referred to by its original name, Gariep, which simply means "river" in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. The best way to experience the river is to get on the water, and this morning we have the opportunity to take part in an optional canoe trip on the river. Around noon (after lunch), we will leave the Orange River and head inland to the Fish River Canyon, the longest river in Namibia and the largest canyon in Africa. We will drive to the edge of the Fish River Canyon and have the chance to stretch our legs with a gentle walk along the canyon's rim. After that, we will turn west and drive to Keetmanshoop, where we will spend the night.
Day 4 – Quiver Tree Forest, Giants Playground, Namib-Naukluft National Park
Our morning is spent strolling through the Quivertree forest and the playground of the giants – named after the way the massive dolerite rocks are stacked on top of each other – creating rock formations and a series of mazes. Every overland journey has some long travel days, and today is one of those days as we push deeper into the Namib Desert. Our destination is the dune fields that cover the western areas of the desert. Long dusty roads and sparsely populated farmlands give us a glimpse into the vastness of rural Namibia. From the grasslands in the east to the red dunes in the west, the slowly changing landscape represents the many faces of this desert land. We will spend the next two nights on the threshold of the dune fields and fall asleep to the unique calls of the shy barking gecko.
Day 5 – Sossusvlei Dunes – Namib-Naukluft National Park
Today we will get up early for our trip to Namib-Naukluft National Park. We will enter the park shortly after sunrise and drive to the famous Dune 45. A steep climb on Dune 45 offers us the perfect vantage point to admire the changing colors of the desert. Once we are satisfied, we will descend from this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before taking a 4x4 transfer to Sossusvlei, where we will spend time on foot visiting the pans in Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Our desert exploration ends with a visit to Sesriem Canyon. Tonight we will empty the red sand from our shoes and spend the night under the magnificent stars of the desert, knowing that we have spent a whole day enjoying the wonders of this harsh land.
Day 6 – Swakopmund
On our last day in the desert, we have the privilege of joining a local expert for an insightful desert excursion (this activity may take place the previous afternoon). As we reluctantly bid farewell to the Namib, we make a stop to celebrate our crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn. After enjoying the wonders of the Namib Desert, we turn west and head into the sunset toward our next destination, the bustling coastal town of Swakopmund, where adventure and a welcome note of civilization await us. Upon our arrival in Swakopmund, we are given the opportunity to book any number of exciting adventures. Tonight, we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7 – Swakopmund
While for many it is the adrenaline-filled adventures that capture their attention, Swakopmund offers all that and more. Take the opportunity today to explore the city at your own pace, as there are a variety of attractions for every taste. One should not miss the selection of famous cafés and bakeries that offer a delicious selection of Germany-inspired treats. Swakopmund provides all the amenities of a small town and is the perfect starting point for a journey through the northern parts of the country.
Day 8 – Swakopmund to Brandberg
Our exploration of the desert continues with a journey north, where we set off for Brandberg to take a nature walk with your guide and see the rock paintings of the San. Brandberg (Burning Mountains) is considered the highest in Namibia and is home to the famous White Lady, one of more than 45,000 rock paintings in the region. This morning we will make the ±2-hour round trip to visit the painting that is said to be about 2,000 years old. (Please note that this activity will take place either this evening or tomorrow morning. The hike leads over rough terrain along the gorge of the normally dry Tsisab River)
Day 9 – Brandberg to Etosha National Park
With wide salt pans, savanna, and forest, Etosha is one of the best wildlife parks in Africa. Covering 18,000 square kilometers, it is one of the largest parks in southern Africa. Etosha means "great white area," referring to the large dry pan in the center of the park.
Day 10 – Etosha National Park
Our second day in Etosha allows a full day to continue our exploration of the park. No day on safari is ever the same, and the excitement before a special sighting is the motivation that keeps our eyes wide open. We explore the edges of the Etosha Pan in search of the diverse wildlife that inhabits the park.
Day 11 – Windhoek
This morning is yours to relax at the camp. You will be welcomed at the camp by a representative (between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm), who will take you to Windhoek. The shuttle service is expected to take between 4 – 5 hours. The shuttle service is offered exclusively for guests, and the number of travelers depends on the number of booked guests. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your ride to the capital of Namibia, Windhoek. Your tour ends with your arrival in the city in the late afternoon.
PRICE
from€3099.00 / person✓ Trip includes
✕ Trip does not include
- Meals according to the itinerary – 10 breakfasts 0 lunches 8 dinners – prepared and served in the truck
- Provided vehicles: Premium minibus 4x4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation
- Qualified staff
- Filtered water
