Classic Namibia Tour-01

Welcome to Namibia!

Upon arrival at the Windhoek International Airport, you will be welcomed by your English speaking Tour Guide. Here you will receive your travel documents prior to departing to the Otjimbondona for your first night in Namibia.

Reconfirm activities upon check-in at Otjimbondona.

During the morning after an early breakfast you will depart with your tour guide for a visit to Sossusvlei & Sesriem Canyon en-route to Kwessi Dune Lodge.  Entrance fees included.

Tour guide will confirm the exact time the evening before.

Namib-Naukluft Park

During the morning after an early breakfast you will depart with your tour guide for a visit to Sossusvlei & Sesriem Canyon en-route to Kwessi Dune Lodge.  Entrance fees included.

Tour guide will confirm the exact time the evening before.

The Sossusvlei area is considered the heart of the Namib Naukluft Park, and area nearly 2 ½ times bigger than the Etosha National Park. Established in 1979 the park with its 50,000 km² is the country's largest natural park. The park lies between the Koichab Pan in the south (the area just north of the B4 between Lüderitz - Keetmanshoop) and the Swakoptal to the north. Scenic highlights are without doubt the Sesriem and Sossusvlei. Particularly the interior of the country, is subject to extreme temperature fluctuations, ranging between minus degrees at night and of over 30 degrees (in the winter dry season) and records of over 42 degrees in summer. The annual precipitation ranges between 10 and 90 mm, and often only manifests in form of mist. Proper rain is sporadic and very rare. Three rivers lead from the mountain cluster into the west of the Namib: the northern Tsondab, which flows into the Tsondab Vlei, the Tsams, which ends in the Tsams-Vlei, and the southern Tsauchab, which flows into Sossusvlei.

Sesriem Canyon

When rain falls in the Naukluft Mountains, the Tsauchab, normally a dry river bed, develops into a fast-running river within a matter of hours.  It has, over the past two million years carved out Sesriem Canyon, a kilometer long and up to 30-meter deep canyon in sedimentary rock.  The name Sesriem is Afrikaans and means "six belts", since the early settlers had to attach together six belts in order to reach buckets down into the canyon to scoop up water.

Sossusvlei

Since 21 June 2013, the Sossusvlei is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The orange colour of the sand is caused by iron oxide. With up to 380 meters difference in altitude, the dunes are among the highest in the world. Due to good rains in the area sometimes, the Tsauchab River can carry water in a short time to the end of the Vlei and creates a several meters deep lake. In the Nama language “Sossus” translates to “blind river” and even in the dry season several Oryx, Springboks and Ostriches are spotted in the area. Especially in the morning and late afternoon sun the colour and the shadows of the dunes create a fascinating spectacle. From an aerial perspective more vleis can be seen, separated by vast dunes.

Sossusvlei – Important Information

Sossusvlei is a huge clay pan surrounded by massive dunes in the heart of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Some dunes surrounding the Vlei reach heights of more than 250 metres.

Visitor tip:

• We recommend an early morning visit to avoid the heat, and also to witness the play of light of the rising sun upon the dunes.
• Upon request, the surrounding lodges will pack a picnic breakfast or lunch.
• Visitors should remember to wear sun-block and stay hydrated.
• There is a nominal entrance fee to be paid at the Sesriem Gate
• The excursion can take up to 5 hours
• The last 5 km to the Sossusvlei is only accessible by 4 wheel drive. Visitors can park their vehicle at the parking bay and take a transfer for a nominal fee.

Elim Dune

This picturesque large dune is only 5 km from the entrance at Sesriem and is a popular place for sunset trips.

Sossuspoort Viewpoint

From here you can see the wide valley of the Tsauchab River and enjoy a beautiful view of the dunes and mountains.

Dune 45

This 170 meter high, beautifully shaped dune is a mere 45 kilometres from the entrance to the area. Hence the name and so one of the most photographed dunes in the area.

Dead Vlei

This clay area adorned with its bizarre and arid trees is said to be the remains of the Tsauchab River, which is assumed to have flowed all the way into the Atlantic ocean a mere 50 kilometres away. The highest of the surrounding dunes has been nicknamed “Big Daddy” and is estimated to be 300 meters high.

The Naukluft Mountains

With the mountains highest elevations reaching 1949 m above sea level, this is not something to be missed. The mountain range lies in the triangle formed by the C14 Road (Maltahöhe - Solitaire), the C36 Road (Solitaire - Sossusvlei) and the D854. Compared to the surrounding area, the area receives relatively good rain in form of thunderstorms from December to April and can lead to extreme temperature drops to below 0 degrees.

Hiking in the Naukluft Mountains

Kindly note the following:

· Take plenty of water and provisions.

· Head cover and sun cream as protection from the intense sun.

· Good footwear is mandatory. The paths are rocky and partly very steep.

· Take a jacket and a flashlight in case of emergencies.

· Be sure to schedule enough time. The park closes at a specific time for visitors.

Waterkloof Hiking Trail

This 17 km long circular route lasts about six hours. Managed by the Ministry of Environment the trail follows counter clockwise upstream and then reaches its highest point at circa 1910 meters. The way down follows through the Naukluft gorge back to the state owned camping site.

Olive Trail

This hiking trail also starts near the state owned campsite and is about 10 kilometres long. After a steep ascent, where you will find some wild olive trees, one reaches the plateau and can enjoy a wonderful view. The descent through a valley and rocky fields leads to a waterfall that needs to be crossed with the help of a chain anchoring.

Early Hot Air Ballooning departs before sunrise & return approximately between 11H00/12h00.  Exact times will only be advised the evening before as it is weather dependent. 

During the afternoon you can join the lodge for their activities.

NamibRand Nature Reserve

With almost 200,000 hectares, the Namib Rand is probably the largest private nature reserve in southern Africa and an increasingly popular travel destination. To the west, the reserve shares a common border with neighboring Namib-Naukluft Park and Sossusvlei; to the east, the imposing Numbibberge form a natural hurdle. The indescribable charm of the Namib Rand comes from the meeting of the most diverse desert landscapes in a homogeneous area. Large sand and gravel areas are lined with impressive mountain ranges, red grassy dunes, foothills of the nearby Sossusvlei stretch like a belt across the reserve. The biodiversity of fauna and flora is amazingly diverse. Gemsbok, springbok, ostrich, zebra, hartebeest and bat-eared foxes can be found as well as the smaller desert dwellers: tenebroid beetles, geckos, mice and snakes to name a few. Namib Rand is financed by exclusive and environmentally friendly tourism for real lovers of nature. Various tour companies operate various activities on the reserve (such as safari camps, lodges, hot air balloon rides and walking safaris) and give a percentage of the sales to the reserve. With your visit you make a contribution to the preservation of this magnificent wilderness.

Together with your tour guide you will drive through the Namib Naukluft Park, where the mysterious and endemic “Welwitschia mirabilis” can be found. You also get to see the impressive canyons of the Moonlandscape while continuing to Goanikontes Oasis Restaurant for Lunch. The entrance fee is included.

During the morning at 08H30 you will be collected by Charly's Desert Tours for your morning Kayaking at Walvis Bay Longbeach.

During the afternoon your tour guide will be available for your discretion, either taking you for a walking tour of the beautiful Swakopmund Town or for some shopping.

Visit to Brandberg White Lady, Jochman & White Giraffe Cave (including entrance fee) with own tour guide in tour vehicle followed by a refreshing lunch at the Brandberg White Lady Lodge.  Entrance fees are included.

Today you will join Camp Kipwe for their activities.  During the morning at ±06H30 you will depart for 4-6 hours Elephant/Nature Drive.

During the afternoon at ±15H00 you will participate in the ±2 h Twyfelfontein, Burnt Mountain & Organ Pipes Excursion.

Day ItineraryToday after check-out you will continue your journey towards the Etosha National Park

While taking part in a game drive with your tour guide today, you enjoy the wonderful opportunity to explore the Etosha National Park, with its abundance of wildlife. The entrance fee is included. The game drive will be done in the tour vehicle

Today you will be taking part in a game full drive with your tour guide today, you enjoy the wonderful opportunity to explore the Etosha National Park, with its abundance of wildlife. The entrance fee is included. The game drive will be done in the tour vehicle

Today you will be travelling to your final destination.  After breakfast you will continue your journey back towards Windhoek where you will spend you last 3 nights relaxing at the Omaanda and enjoy the activities with the lodge.

Enquire on activities upon check-in at Omaanda. 

Today you will be travelling to your final destination.  After breakfast you will continue your journey back towards Windhoek where you will spend you last 3 nights relaxing at the Omaanda and enjoy the activities with the lodge

Today your journey through Namibia ends with us. We hope you had an excellent time and unforgettable experience.  Your tour guide will transfer you to the Hosea Kutako International Airport.

Please keep in mind that you need to check onto your international flight two hours before departure.

We wish you a safe and pleasant flight!