Spreading across Botswana, South Africa and Namibia, the Kalahari meaning 'the great thirst' is an exceptionally beautiful living desert. The landscape is characterised by a large semi-arid sandy savannah draped over a gently rolling inland sea of sand covering most of Botswana and large parts of Namibia and South Africa. It is also the last bastion of the indigenous San people with the modern world having enveloped all the other areas they once roamed. The Namibian portion is made up of red sands covered in thin, wispy, mostly golden grass and dotted with acacia trees and wide-ranging wildlife including gemsbok, impala, jackals and cheetah.
The best time to visit Sossusvlei is in the early morning. The park gates open at dawn and the golden light just after sunrise is perfect. Take along enough drinking water, sunscreen and a hat.
Situated in the largest conservation area in Africa (the Namib-Naukluft National Park), Sossusvlei is possibly Namibia’s most spectacular and best-known attraction. Characterized by the large red dunes that surround it, Sossusvlei is a large, white, salt and clay pan and is a great destination all year round. The dunes in this area are some of the highest in the world and provide photographic enthusiasts with wonderful images in the beautiful morning and evening light. Sossusvlei literally translates to “dead-end marsh”, as it is the place where the dunes come together preventing the Tsauchab River to flow any further, some 60km east of the Atlantic Ocean. However, due to the dry conditions in the Namib Desert the River seldom flows this far and the pan remains bone-dry most years.
Close to Sossusvlei, Deadvlei is a clay pan characterized by dark, dead camel thorn trees contrasted against the white pan floor. The pan was formed when the Tsauchab River flooded, and the abundance of water allowed camel thorn trees to grow. However, the climate changed, and the sand dunes encroached on the pan, blocking the river from reaching the area. The trees are estimated to be approximately 900 years old, however they have not decomposed due to the dry climate. Deadvlei is at least 1km walk from the parking lot so be sure to take drinking water with you.
Sesriem Canyon is located approximately 4.5km from the entrance gate of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The Tsauchab River has shaped the Canyon over millions of years and it is one of the few places in the area that holds water all year round. The early Afrikaans explorers in the region named the canyon after the fact that they had to use six (“ses”) leather straps (“riem”) tied together to create a rope long enough to lower buckets into the canyon below, in order to fetch water.
Do not forget to carry enough water and protect yourself from the extreme sunlight.
Respect the delicate ecosystem of this region and be sure to stick to the path marked with stakes.
Since the dune area of Sossusvlei is only open during the day - from sunrise to sunset - you have to inquire about the exact opening hours.
The park entry fee can be paid at the NWR reception or at the 2x4 car park.
o Adults: N$ 280.00 per day
o Children under 16: N$ 180.00 per day
o Children under 8: free of charge
o Vehicles with fewer than 10 seats: N$ 60.00 per vehicle per day
A new, professionally guided hop-on / hop-off excursion service will operate daily from 07:00 to 17:00 from the 2x4 Parking area to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.
• N$ 260 per adult
• N$ 130 per child under 12
Additional Visitor Services:
- A Ticket Sales Counter at the MEFT Gate Entrance
- A Refreshment Lounge at the 2x4 Parking Area
Set between the rolling dunes of the Namib Desert and the icy Atlantic coastline, Swakopmund is a relaxed seaside town in western Namibia known for its German colonial architecture, cool coastal climate, and adventurous spirit. Palm-lined streets, historic buildings, and ocean fog create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the country. Travellers visit for desert activities such as quad biking, sandboarding, and scenic flights over vast dunes and shipwreck-strewn shores. Cafés, bakeries, and small museums add to the town's laid-back charm, though the Atlantic waters are brisk rather than tropical. With its striking desert-meets-ocean setting and mix of adventure and history, Swakopmund is one of Namibia's most distinctive destinations.
Set in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, Twyfelfontein is a spectacularly scenic area, featuring one of the largest and most important concentrations of rock art in Africa. The name ‘Twyfelfontein’ translates to ‘Fountain of Doubt’, which refers to the perennial spring situated in the impressive Huab Valley flanked by the slopes of a sandstone table mountain. It was this spring that attracted Stone Age hunters over six thousand years ago, and it was during this time that the extensive group of rock engravings and paintings were produced. Visitors can look forward to basing themselves at some wonderfully shady campsites along the Aba-Huab riverbed, while exploring over thirty different sacred ritual sites of the traditional hunter-gatherer communities.
Resting majestically in the heart of Namibia's Damaraland region, The Grootberg Plateau showcases stunning natural landscapes characterised by deep canyons, dramatic rock formations, and expansive vistas. The renowned Grootberg Pass winds through mountains, offering spellbinding views. On the drive, one may come across the Himba people, known for centuries-old livestock farming practices. Encounters along the Grootberg Pass may include purchasing handmade jewellery while supporting the community with donations. Despite its rugged terrain, Grootberg hosts diverse wildlife, including black rhinos, giraffes, and desert elephants, adapted to harsh desert conditions. Additional activities include walking trails, birdwatching, and Damara Cultural Tours. End the day with a 4x4 drive atop the flat plains of the Grootberg Plateau that leads to a jaw-dropping viewpoint and watch the sunset.
Set just outside the south-western border of Etosha National Park, Etosha Heights Private Reserve offers enthralling landscapes, a huge variety of flora and fauna, and a wide range of thrilling activities. Vast savannah, rivers, forests, Mopani woodland, salt pans and dolomite hills spread themselves over the 60,000-hectare area. Numerous safaris and game drives offer the chance to see kudu, lion and the elusive mountain zebra (in the hills) and sable, black-faced impala, giraffe, aardvark, elephant and many more (around the waterholes). Visitors can also take night drives and bush picnics. A double-storey photography hide allows close-up encounters with an incredible diversity of gorgeous birdlife and animal life. Fantastic luxury facilities are provided by the accommodation options.
Ongava Game Reserve shares its southern boundary with Etosha National Park and is widely regarded as one of Namibia’s premier private wildlife reserves. Spanning approximately 30,000 hectares, it is internationally recognised for its conservation efforts, ecological research and immersive safari experiences. The landscape is defined by open savannah plains, scattered salt pans and a rich diversity of wildlife. Its location allows easy access into Etosha through Andersson’s Gate, making it an ideal base for combined safari experiences. Ongava is also known for its luxury lodges, thoughtfully designed using natural materials to blend into the surrounding environment. A highlight of the reserve is its healthy population of black and white rhino, offering guests exceptional viewing opportunities. Activities include guided game drives, night safaris, birdwatching and walking safaris, creating an intimate and rewarding encounter with Namibia’s wilderness.
