From Swakopmund: Sossusvlei and Moon Valley Budget Combo Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Swakopmund to Moon Valley to Sossusvlei Lodge
2 stops
1
Goanikontes
Moonvalley near Goanikontes is a surreal desert landscape carved by the Swakop River, with eroded hills and valleys that resemble the surface of the moon. Scattered across the arid terrain are ancient Welwitschia plants—living fossils with twisted, leathery leaves that thrive in the harsh Namib. At the heart of the valley lies Goanikontes Oasis, a lush retreat with shaded campsites, a historic farmstead, and a natural pool. Nearby, you’ll find musical rocks that ring with bell-like tones when tapped, adding a whimsical touch to this stark, otherworldly environment.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
2
Tropic of Capricorn Sign
The Tropic of Capricorn Sign is a popular roadside landmark in the Namib Desert, marking the latitude 23.5° south—where the sun can shine directly overhead at noon. Located along the scenic C14 route between Solitaire and Walvis Bay, this iconic white sign is one of Namibia’s most photographed spots. Visitors often stop to snap photos, leave stickers, or simply marvel at crossing one of Earth’s five major circles of latitude. It’s a quirky, educational pit stop surrounded by vast desert landscapes and endless skies.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Sossusvlei Lodge to Sossusvlei to Sesriem to Swakopmund
4 stops
3
Dune 45
Dune 45 is an iconic 85-meter-high star dune in Sossusvlei, Namibia, named for its location 45 km from Sesriem Gate. Composed of 5-million-year-old red sand shaped by multidirectional winds, it’s one of the most photographed dunes in the world. Its accessibility and striking form make it a favorite for sunrise climbs, offering panoramic views of the surrounding dune valley and a surreal moonscape below
5 minutes • Admission ticket included
4
Big Daddy Dune
Big Daddy is the tallest dune in the Sossusvlei area of Namibia, rising to about 325 meters. This towering red sand dune offers one of the most dramatic climbs in the Namib Desert, with panoramic views over Deadvlei—a clay pan dotted with ancient, fossilized trees. Formed by shifting winds and millions of years of desert evolution, Big Daddy’s steep slopes and star-shaped ridges make it a favorite for adventurous hikers and photographers seeking surreal desert vistas
2 hours • Admission ticket included
5
Deadvlei
Step into a surreal desert dream at Deadvlei—where time stands still and nature paints in extremes. This ancient clay pan, framed by towering red dunes, is scattered with 600-year-old blackened trees frozen in place. The contrast is jaw-dropping: white earth, burnt trees, blazing orange sand, and cobalt skies. It’s like walking through a forgotten planet or a living art installation. Sunrise here is pure magic—shadows stretch, colors ignite, and silence reigns. Deadvlei isn’t just a place; it’s a moment you’ll feel in your bones.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
6
Sesriem is the gateway to Sossusvlei in Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft National Park. It’s known for Sesriem Canyon—a narrow, 30-meter-deep gorge carved by the Tsauchab River, where water pools after rains. The name “Sesriem” comes from early settlers (Our family's great grandfather Hugo Truter) who used six rawhide thongs (“ses rieme” in Afrikaans) to draw water from the canyon. The area offers basic services, campsites, and lodges, and is a launch point for hot air balloon safaris over the dunes. It’s a striking blend of desert adventure and geological history
30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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