5 Day Guided Tour of Namibia Sossusvlei to Swakopmund

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Windhoek - Namib Desert
2 stops
1
The Spreetshoogte Pass traverses the Great Escarpment, connecting the Namib Desert to the Khomas Highland. The pass is 50.4 kilometres long, connecting Solitaire to Nauchas and offers stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. Originally constructed during World War II by farmer Nicolaas Spreeth, the pass was built to facilitate access to his farm, Ubib, located at the base of the escarpment. One of Namibia’s most spectacular views is from the top of the Spreetshoogte Pass, where the land drops off by roughly 2000 metres, creating a natural vantage point overlooking the vast, semi-desert plains and the arid mountains beyond.
Admission ticket free
2
Solitaire
Situated in the Khomas region of Central Namibia, the desert town of Solitaire serves as an oasis in the Namib Desert. The town provides an important stop on the way to the ancient dunes of Sossusvlei, allowing travellers to stock up on essentials as they make their way further into the wilderness. Solitaire also has a small bar and is renowned for its famous apple pie - said to be the best in the country. Enjoy a scenic sundowner with views of the spectacular Namib desert, hike and bike through the unspoilt natural surroundings, or visit the wonderful local Cheetah Sanctuary.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Sossusvlei excursion
4 stops
3
Stretching almost 50000 square kilometres across the red-orange sands of the Namib Desert over the Naukluft Mountains to the east, the Namib-Naukluft National Park is Africa’s biggest wildlife reserve and the fourth largest in the world. Despite the unforgiving conditions, it is inhabited by a plethora of desert-adapted animals, including reptiles, buck, hyenas, jackals, insects and a variety of bird species. One of the main attractions of the park are the ancient dunes of Sossusvlei, home to some of the tallest dunes in the world rising over 300 metres from the desert floor. This magnificent landscape features rolling dunes, rugged moonscapes, lagoons, wetlands and mudflats. Visitors can look forward to a number of impressive sights including: the picture-perfect Dune 45, standing 170 metres high; the Welwitschia Plains, otherworldly lunar terrain dotted with the endemic plants; and the Dead Vlei, a photographer's dream.
Admission ticket free
4
Big Daddy Dune
Big Daddy is the tallest dune in the Sossusvlei area. This magnificent dune is situated between Sossusvlei and Deadvlei and at 325 meters it dwarfs the other dunes. Should you want the ultimate bragging rights, take a lot of water and trek to the top of Big Daddy where you can look down onto Deadvlei. At 325 meters, Big Daddy may be the highest dune in the Sossusvlei area, however it is not the highest in the Namib Desert. This honour is given to Dune 7, which has been measured at 388m. Dune 7 earned its name by being the 7th dune along the Tsauchab River.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
5
Deadvlei
This ancient clay pan was once an oasis, studded with acacias and fed by a river that suddenly changed course, leaving the earth to dry up along with the trees it previously supported. So dry were the climatic conditions that the trees never decomposed – instead they were entirely leached of moisture so that today, 900 years later, they remain as desiccated, blackened sentinels dotting the pan’s cracked surface. Surrounded by the red-pink dunes of the Namibia Desert, they create a surreal spectacle that is a photographer's dream.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
6
Sesriem Canyon
Sesriem Canyon is a captivating natural wonder located in the heart of the Namib Desert in Namibia. Carved over millions of years by the Tsauchab River, this narrow gorge is a testament to the power of erosion. The name Sesriem comes from the Afrikaans and Dutch words for six leather straps, which early pioneers used tied together to draw water from the deep pools within the canyon. Sesriem Canyon is not only a geological marvel but also a haven for unique desert flora and fauna, making it a popular stop for tourists exploring the surreal landscapes of the Namib Desert.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Namib desert - Swakopmund
2 stops
7
Tropic of Capricorn Sign
Located just South of Walvis Bay in Solitaire, is the approximate latitude of the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5 degrees South. The Tropic of Capricorn is one of the 5 major circles of latitude and the southernmost point of latitude from where the sun can be seen directly overhead. This point of latitude runs through many other countries such as Brazil, Mozambique and Australia to name a few.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
8
Kuiseb Pass
Kuiseb Pass takes you through the Kuiseb Canyon, the watercourse of which only flows occasionally but often enough to halt the advance of the red sands of the Namib.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Walvis Bay
1 stop
9
Several operators run boat cruises from Walvis Bay – some geared towards fishing or sightseeing and others towards dolphin and whale watching, but all offer the chance to experience the region’s natural beauty and phenomenal marine and bird life.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Swakopmund - Windhoek
1 stop
10
Okahandja Mbangura Woodcarvers Craft Market
This craft market is Okahandja’s best known tourist attraction. Woodcarvers from all over, and as far as the Kavango Region of north-eastern Namibia, who practice their ancient skills come here to sell their goods. Since wood is not resistant to the wear and tear of time, wood sculptures survive less well than other forms of art and are therefore an important hidden element in the art history of many cultures. The wood-and-thatch market is situated next to the main road at the town’s entrance and exit. Choose from a wide variety of hand-carved wooden artifacts such as animals, bowls or jewelry boxes.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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