Our tour starts at Chameleon Backpackers where we meet for a pre-departure briefing. Anyone not staying at Chameleon Backpackers must be prepared for a 07h15 pickup. Departure from Windhoek is at 08h00 and we drive via Okahandja and Usakos to the lagoon at Walvis Bay where we will have a light lunch. Here we will see many species of wetland birds, including the Greater and Lesser flamingo. Arriving in Swakopmund mid afternoon we will have time to explore this quaint seaside town on foot and our guide will be happy to recommend a good restaurant for our evening meal (own expense). We will also meet up with the guests coming from Etosha who will join us on our adventure to Sossusvlei. Overnight accommodation is on a twin share basis with en-suite facilities. (L) (Distance: approx. 350km)
Today we leave Swakopmund at 11h30 so we have the time to join an optional activity. For the adrenaline junkies this could be flying down a sand dune head first at 60km/h on a sandboard, exploring the dune field on a quad biking tour or discover the “old city” of Swakopmund on a fat bike (e-bike option available). Whatever we choose, we depart Swakopmund no later than 11h30 and drive through the Namib Desert via the Kuiseb Pass, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn, stopping briefly in Solitaire arriving at our camp late afternoon. We have a chance to relax and enjoy the views before taking a short walk for sunset looking over the Naukluft mountain range. Overnight is in twin rooms with en-suite bathroom facilities. There is a pool and bar available, and dinner is prepared by our guide. (B/L/D) (Distance: approx. 350km)
We depart at dawn from camp to arrive at the park gate for sunrise. We drive down an ancient river bed surrounded by towering dunes to the 2x4 parking (around 55kms) and take a 4x4 shuttle into the Sossusvlei region. We explore this unique area on foot before heading into Dead Vlei with its large expanse of bleached cracked clay and skeletal camel thorn trees, contrasting with a backdrop of huge dunes with their ever-changing colours. As we drive back to our accommodation we will stop at the famous Dune 45 and climb this dune if we wish or just wander around the base. We return to Sesriem and visit the nearby Sesriem Canyon, one of the few permanent water sources before arriving back at our lodge late afternoon to watch the sunset over this spectacular desert. Overnight is in twin share rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Dinner prepared by our guide. (B/L/D) (Distance: approx. 150km)
Early morning breakfast before heading to Solitaire where we jump onto an open vehicle and visit the local conservation project. Here they have a number of cheetah that are unable to be released for different reasons. This 1hour activity allows us the chance to learn all about cheetah, the work done by local conservations projects, and get some incredible photos of the world’s fastest land mammal. We return to Windhoek via Bullsport and Rehoboth. We arrive mid-afternoon and will be dropped at Chameleon Backpackers or accommodation of your choice within Windhoek city limits. (B)(Distance: approx. 400km)
For those that choose to fly today, NO FLIGHTS DEPARTING PRIOR TO 18H00 in case there are unexpected delays returning from safari.
