8 day Southern Namibia Canyons & Deserts Tour visiting the Kalahari Desert, Fish River Canyon, Lüderitz, Namib Desert, and Sossusvlei plus Swakopmund. This tour departs Windhoek on selected Tuesdays and finishes a week later in Windhoek.
Discover the beauty of Southern Namibia‘s four deserts in the south of the country. From the undulating and vegetated dunes of the Kalahari Desert. To the rocky plains and majestic Fish River Canyon of the succulent Nama Karoo. Visit Garub; which is the viewing point for the Wild Horses of the Namib Desert, en-route to the coastal town of Lüderitz. Then go to the deserted ghost town of Kolmanskop. Onward to the majestic star dunes and surreal vleis of the Namib Desert and quaint town of Swakopmund. This 8 day tour is interspersed with game drives and fun and provides the most incredible landscapes.
The tour is available at 2 different costs – Superior & Classic. The Classic Package is on a Bed & Breakfast basis and therefore more affordable. While the Superior Tour includes breakfast, and dinner and has more inclusions. Please note the dinners are not included in Swakopmund. This is because there are so many lovely restaurants to choose from here.
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Canyons & Deserts Tour Summary
Day | Place |
1 | Kalahari Desert |
2 | Fish River Canyon |
3 | Lüderitz |
4 | Namib Desert via Kolmanskop |
5 | Namib Naukluft National Park (Sossusvlei) |
6 and 7 | Swakopmund |
8 | Return to Windhoek |
Southern Namibia Canyons and Deserts Tour Full Itinerary
Day 1, Kalahari Desert
Leaving Windhoek, we travel into the enormous sand mass on Earth, the Kalahari Desert. The Kalahari is a vast semi-desert of wind blown sand; held by a sparse mantle of thorn scrub. Making it the most extensive continuous stretch of sand covering 9 African countries. Unlike other true deserts, the Kalahari does receive erratic rainfall. For many, therefore; “thirstland” is a more fitting description. Lacking permanent surface water, the Kalahari is a challenging place to live; except for those who have adapted to not only survive; but flourish here. The Bushmen refer to it as the “Soul of the World”, an emotive description for this area! With its deep red dunes and endless grass plains interspersed with acacia and shrubs; it is still home to a surprisingly large amount of specially adapted wildlife.
Enjoy the opportunity to experience the red dunes, wildlife, and plants, in this desert environment; on an optional nature drive. On the Superior Tour, this nature drive is included.
Classic: Intu Afrika Collection.
Superior: Intu Afrika Collection – dinner & a nature drive in the Kalahari.
Day 2, Fish River Canyon
We continue south through arid and extensive rocky plains. Visiting the unique Garas quiver tree forest with its quirky human made sculptures of scrap metal. Which set a contrast to this serene, timeless space with Quiver trees and aloes. Nestled amongst huge dolerite boulders, stacked mysteriously. Also aptly referred to as “Giant’s Playground”.
We continue to our lodge, situated in close vicinity to the Fish River Canyon. Here we can explore the area on foot or an optional guided nature drive in the later afternoon; highlighting the Quiver trees, rugged landscape, and impressive sweeping rock formations.
Classic: Canyon Village on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Superior: Canyon Lodge – Breakfast, and dinner.
Day 3, Lüderitz
Our morning starts on the edge of the Fish River Canyon where we gaze into this magnificent geological phenomenon. The Fish River Canyon is located in the northern part of the Nama Karoo. It is the second-largest canyon on earth featuring a gigantic ravine. That measures in total about 160 km long, up to 27 km wide; in places almost 550 meters deep! The Fish River is the longest interior river in Namibia but its current flow is just a drop; compared with the immense volume of water that poured down its length in ages past.
We continue our journey past the Naute Dam, where we stop at the Naute Kristall Cellar and Distillery. To optionally taste some of the unique liquors or simply enjoy a delicious cup of coffee. Proceeding onward we head towards the coastal town of Lüderitz.
On the way to Lüderitz, we stop at Garub, a viewing point for the Wild Horses of the Namib Desert.
Arriving in Lüderitz we head towards the coastline and take a scenic route along the “Große Bucht”. Enjoying the fresh see breeze, while stopping for a quick picnic. Returning to Lüderitz we check into our hotel.
Classic: Lüderitz Nest Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Superior: Lüderitz Nest Hotel in a Deluxe Room – Breakfast, and dinner.
Day 4, Namib Desert
After an early breakfast, our morning starts with a visit to Kolmanskop ghost town. Kolmanskop is a deserted Diamond Mining Town in the Sperrgebiet National Park. Once an opulent and decadent town. A monument to the diamond boom. It was built to last but the diamonds ran out. Today, Kolmanskop stands as a haunting monument to the thriving past. Offering visitor’s unique photo opportunities of a bygone era.
We continue across vast open plains; stopping for an optional light lunch (included in the Superior tour) in the countryside town of Helmeringhausen. Continuing further north along with the Tiras Mountain range to our lodge in the Namib Desert. We are staying close to Sesriem. The gateway to Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei, and Sesriem Canyon. With some of the highest dunes on Earth towering over the white desert plains. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the sparkling pool, enjoying the vast open desert plains. Or taking part in optional activities offered at the lodge.
Classic: The Elegant Desert Lodge on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Superior: Sossusvlei Lodge – Breakfast, and dinner.
Day 5, Namib Desert
The following morning we enter the Namib Naukluft National Park shortly after sunrise. The first rays of sunlight paint the mountains of sand into a variety of apricot, red, and orange. This is contrasted against a crisp blue skyline. Enrapturing your senses and providing an opportunity to photograph this impressive landscape. You will be captivated by the surreal Deadvlei. Surrounded by some of the highest dunes on earth and Sossusvlei. Where the dry Tsauchab River ends abruptly amongst dunes. Take the opportunity to walk up one of these majestic dunes to admire the desert landscape beneath.
After this thrilling experience we visit the Sesriem Canyon. A life sustaining natural phenomenon in the heart of the Namib Desert before returning to our lodge. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Cooling off at the swimming pool or with a refreshing drink at one of the quiet retreats all around the lodge.
Classic: The Elegant Desert Lodge on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Superior: Sossusvlei Lodge – Breakfast, and dinner.
Day 6, Swakopmund
After breakfast we continue our journey approaching the little settlement of Solitaire. It is on the edge of the Namib Naukluft National Park. Where you feel like you have arrived in the middle of nowhere. Before traveling via the desolate, rolling hills of the Kuiseb Valley towards the Atlantic Ocean. Reaching the coastal harbor town of Walvis Bay, we visit the shallow lagoon. One of the most important wetland areas on the African continent, and a RAMSAR World Heritage Site. Over 80% of Africa’s lesser flamingos breed in this lagoon and present a breathtaking picture when they appear in groups.
Continuing along the scenic route between the dune belt and the Atlantic Ocean we reach Swakopmund. The rest of the day is spent at leisure. With palm lined streets and seaside promenades, Swakopmund is a popular holiday destination in Namibia. Its pleasant summer climate and long stretched beaches attract anglers and surfers from all over Southern Africa. For the international guest, Swakopmund is a bohemian mix of German architecture and African rhythms. A laid back attitude with adrenaline activities, misty mornings, and desert heat. It is colorful, it is vibrant, but most of all, it is pure fun.
Classic: Hansa Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Superior: Swakopmund Luxury Suites – Breakfast.
Day 7, Swakopmund
Swakopmund is fondly called the “playground of Namibia” because it has numerous activities. Ranging from adventure to exploring the fascinating features of the Namib Desert, and the animals and plants that occur and survive here. Embrace the relaxed pace of this idyllic coastal town. While enjoying coffee and freshly baked pastries in one of the many cafés.
Alternatively explore the rugged, sweltering desert on a day tour. Or view this awesome, environment from the air on a scenic flight. Find your inner child and push adrenaline to its limits with extreme adventures. Such as skydiving over the desert or quad biking and sand boarding on the dunes. Take time to get the feel of this quaint town. With its historic buildings, museums, and shopping arcades. There is also a fabulous beach bar in Swakopmund that has transformed into its own personality by the vibrant use of color and the bohemian lifestyle.
Classic: Hansa Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Superior: Swakopmund Luxury Suites – Breakfast and Marine Cruise.
Day 8, Return to Windhoek
After breakfast, a transfer takes us back to Windhoek to our hotel or the international airport for your return flight.
Breakfast
8 day Namibia Canyons & Deserts Tour Package Rates
Rates are in Namibian Dollars (N$) which is equivalent to the South African Rand:
Canyons & Deserts Tour Package Rates |
Classic Tour | Superior Tour | ||
Per Person Sharing | Single Room | Per Person Sharing | Single Room | |
1st November 2025 until 31st October 2026 | N$ 38 520 | N$ 41 500 | N$ 68 250 | N$75 750 |
1st April – 31st May 2026 | N$ 42 100 | N$ 45 950 | N$ 74 650 | N$ 83 175 |
1st – 30th June 2026 | N$ 38 520 | N$ 41 500 | N$ 68 250 | N$75 750 |
1st July – 31st October 2026 | N$ 42 100 | N$ 45 950 | N$ 74 650 | N$ 83 175 |
Canyons & Deserts Tour Departure Dates and Details
The Canyons & Deserts Tour departs on some Tuesdays on a scheduled basis (with other people). However; this tour can depart on any date on request on a private basis. The tour is available with an English or with a English and German speaking guide.
Please note there is no pre or post day in Windhoek which is advisable; due to the scheduled times of these tours.
Arrival flights on the day of tour departure to be no later than 9 am from Windhoek
Last Day of the tour, it’s advisable to book a flight departing Windhoek International at 7 pm or later.
Min / Max people on the Classic / Affordable tour: 2 / 20
Min / Max people on the Superior / Upmarket tour: 2 / 6
Canyons & Deserts Tour Departure days |
Bilingual Tours
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2025 | November | 4, 11, 18, 25 |
December | 2, 16, 30 | |
2026 | January | 6, 20 |
February | 3, 17 | |
March | 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 | |
April | 7, 14, 21, 28 | |
May | 5, 12, 19, 26 | |
June | 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | |
July | 7, 14, 21, 28 | |
August | 4, 11, 18, 25 | |
September | 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | |
October | 6, 13, 20, 27 |
Canyons & Deserts Tour Package Rates Include
Transport and meals as mentioned:
Classic: 7x Breakfasts
Superior: 7x Breakfasts; 5x Dinners
Entrance Fees: Garas Quivertree; Fish River Canyon; Kolmanskop; Namib Naukluft National Park
Portages.
Still Mineral Water on vehicle.
Accommodation and Activities as specified.
Tourism levy & Government Taxes where applicable.
24hrs Medical Evacuation Insurance.
Classic Option: Information Pack and plastic water bottle.
Superior Option: Deluxe Travel Planner and aluminum water bottle.
Social Support: With this tour you donate to the Bishop Kameeta (Kindergarden). Guests on the Superior tour receive a reusable STEEL WATER BOTTLE (Supporting “TOSCO” – Tourism supporting Conservation).
Canyons & Deserts Tour Package Rates Excludes
Travel insurance, flights, airport transfers, gratuities, visa fees, optional activities, and personal expenses.
The above accommodation is subject to availability but we will offer you a similar alternative if it is not available.