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Namibia Desert & Dune
Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
- Visit the endless skies, barren deserts, rugged mountains and spectacular wildlife
- Enjoy nature drives and walking safaris in this vast landscape
- See the ostrich, springbok, oryx, spotted and brown hyena, and bat-eared fox
- Enjoy the Walvis Bay Harbour, old boat wrecks, and spot pelicans, dolphins and seals, and even whales and turtles in season
Short Description
Namibia is a land of stunning landscapes, endless skies, barren deserts, rugged mountains and spectacular wildlife. This Namibia safari explores some of the most remote areas of this fascinating land —areas rarely explored by others, making this a true journey of discovery. From the dunes of Sossusvlei to the dramatic coastline of the Skeleton Coast, littered with historic remnants of shipwrecks, and rugged Palmwag, home to the last free-roaming black rhino, this Namibia safari offers a range of experiences. This safari includes a dolphin cruise with private beach lunch, tracking rhino and climbing the Namib’s great dunes.
A highlight is meeting the native people of Namibia, many of whom work in the camps, while others you will have a chance to meet along the road, such as local fishermen and vendors. The scenic flight between Sossusvlei and Swakopmund and the flight out of Doro Nawas are by light aircraft, affording sensational views of the Namib Desert, the starkly scenic North West region and the dramatic, desolate coastline.
This Namibia safari is led by highly skilled and qualified guides with an incredible passion for the natural regions in which they work and a vast knowledge of the natural world, history and culture of Namibia. Sharing the adventure and guiding you on this journey of discovery is both a profession and a personal hobby. Many of our guides are also skilled photographers and can assist you in taking away amazing wildlife photographs. Your guide will host you for the duration of safari, providing you with a consistent, detailed interpretation that is shaped to your specific interests.
Destinations
South AfricaActivities & Interests
Bird watching Game drive Hiking Nature Safari Short Cruise Trekking Wildlife viewingItinerary
Days 1 & 2
En Route / Windhoek
Arrive at Windhoek International Airport, where you are met and transferred to the Olive Grove Guesthouse.
Days 3 & 4
Kulala Wilderness Reserve
Explore the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, taking in the famed dunes of Sossusvlei. Sossusvlei is situated within the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world, characterized by huge dunes and flat valley floors. Enjoy nature drives and walking safaris in this vast landscape, home to desert-adapted wildlife such as ostrich, springbok, oryx, spotted and brown hyena, and bat-eared fox. One of Namibia’s many fascinating bird species, the dune lark, has its entire global distribution limited to the area. Spend two nights at Kulala Desert Lodge. (B, L, D Daily)
Day 5
Swakopmund
Transfer to the charming town of Swakopmund. Spend the next two nights at Namibia’s oldest hotel, the Hansa. (B,L,D)
Day 6
Swakopmund: Marine & Desert Adventure
Enjoy an early morning cruise, exploring Walvis Bay Harbour, old boat wrecks, and opportunities to spot pelicans, dolphins and seals, and even whales and turtles in season. Your captain drops you off a deserted beach at Pelican Point, where you start a guided excursion to the Kuiseb River Delta. While exploring these saltpans and wetlands just north of the Sandwich Harbour Lagoon watch for flamingos. If vehicles cannot make it there due to tides, there is time to walk the two-three miles. Alternatively, see the Lagoon area from one of the many beautiful lookout spots. En route, savor a light meal with snacks and salads, as well as oysters – some of the best in the world – and sparkling wine. Cross giant dunes en route to Walvis Bay.(B, L)
Day 7
Skeleton Coast National Park
The Wind more than 200 miles up the legendary Skeleton Coast, named for the numerous ships the treacherous shores have claimed over the years. Along the way, see the fascinating lichen plans at Wlotskasbaken, remains of the Zelia shipwreck near Henties Bay and the SW Seal shipwreck near Ugabmund. Also, take in the ghostly remains of mining operations near Toscanini. Terrace Bay, a fantastic point from which to explore the Uniab River Delta, and you may stroll along the beach to view this dramatic coastline. Overnight at Terrace Bay Lodge. (B,L,D)
Days 8 & 9
Palmwag Concession: Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Continue through Skeleton Coast National Park to the Möwe Bay Museum before admiring the remains of the Suiderkus shipwreck. Other area attractions are the Klein Oase and Auses Springs hidden in the dunes, an intriguing “roaring” dune, and spectacular desert scenery. A land of rugged scenery, this remote part of Namibia is inhabited by plant and animal life that has adapted superbly to the harsh environment of mountains, vast plains, dunes and dry riverbeds. Enjoy two days of game drives and nature walks, observing desert-adapted elephant, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, oryx, giraffe and springbok. Along the coast, wildlife sightings might include the elusive brown hyena and black-backed jackal. Birdlife is equally exciting including endemics like bokmakierie. Spend two nights at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, set in the starkly beautiful Palmwag Concession on the border of the legendary Skeleton Coast National Park. The concession is a joint venture with the neighboring community-based conservancies of Anabeb, Torra and Sesfontein. (B, L, D Daily)
Days 10 & 11
Palmwag Concession: Desert Rhino Camp
This region is known for its wealth of arid-adapted wildlife, including Africa’s largest free-roaming black rhino population. Each day, knowledgeable guides lead guided nature walks as well as rhino tracking excursions by vehicle and on foot with members of the Save the Rhino Trust. During our wildlife viewing safaris, also watch for elephant, Hartmann's mountain zebra, giraffe, gemsbok, springbok, kudu and predators such as lion, cheetah, spotted hyena and leopard. Most of Namibia’s endemic birdlife can also be found here, including bokmakierie and Ruppell’s korhaan. Spend two nights at Desert Rhino Camp. (B, L, D Daily)
Day 12
Doro Nawas / Windhoek / En Route
Bid farewell to our adventure as we transfer to the Doro Nawas Airstrip. Return to Windhoek in time for the international connecting flights home. Please Note: An additional overnight may be required depending on the international air schedule. (B)
Day 13
Arrive Home
Availability
6 International Expeditions Travel Reviews & Ratings
Namibia Desert & Dune
Company Reviews
IE puts on a show on the Amazon
It was tremendous:
1. The diversity of wildlife is extreme and up close and personal.
2. The vastness of it all approaches infinity.
3. The staff and guides were top drawer professionals.
The IE mother ship (Zafiro) is in great condition and very comfortable, clean and welcoming. The staff is friendly, helpful, supportive, knowledgeable. The naturalists/guides are the best. Experts in the wildlife and flora and good-natured and personable.
Yes, it is hot and humid, but very bearable. Yes, there are mosquitoes at night, but again very manageable. (We've all experienced much much worse in the US.)
In the wet season (50 feet higher water than in dry season) you don't get to walk as much as you do in dry season because terra firma is so much further into the rain forest than you can reach in a boat. But we did get to visit villages and walk in the rain forest.
We swam. We went out every morning and afternoon in the skiffs to explore smaller rivers and lakes. Sloths, monkeys, iguana, boa, anaconda, caiman, tarantula, piranha, frogs, toads, and more bird types than you can count.
Wow - What a Show!
Amazon River Cruise
Staff and guides are very friendly and accommodating. If you have food allergies and any sort of problem they take the time to ensure you have a great trip and will help you any way that they can. The river cruise itself was very comfortable clean sheets, beds are nice and rooms are pretty spacious overall for a river cruise.
We always had daily activities to participate in or could choose to stay behind. But I wouldn't recommend that as you get to see so much just within the first couple of days that you're in Pacaya-Samiria Reserve!
The wildlife was incredible and included sightings of monkeys, birds, snakes, a sloth, spiders and beautiful frogs that you get to see during the night boat tour. I loved going into a local village and learning about cultural traditions that have been passed on from generation to generation. We even participated in a spiritual ritual that's supposed to cleanse your body; a very interesting experience! I'd recommend bringing and using insect repellent daily especially during summer peak season, it is the Amazon after all. If you love wildlife and are looking for a great authentic but comfortable experience in nature, I highly recommend this trip.
Outstanding!
Have done three trips with IE
This company is good for trips on the Amazon river
Amazing glimpse into real Cuban life
The hotels were old with ornate lobbies but rooms were not so nice. Food was decent and not as bad as people make it out to be.
All in all, I am thrilled to have traveled there before it opens up to everyone else.
Details
Trip ID#:
NamDesDunIntExp
What's excluded
- International air to/from Windhoek, Namibia
- Visas (free for U.S. citizens)
- All relevant entry & departure government taxes & unexpected increases thereto
- All personal purchases, including curios, drinks not specified above, telephone calls, compulsory comprehensive travel insurance, gratuities, etc.
- Any pre- and/or -post tour arrangements
- Optional extra activities/services, not included in the detailed itinerary
- Laundry and all drinks while at Hansa Hotel & Terrace Bay Lodge
- Any new Government taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control
- Gratuities to guides & camp staff
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