Canyons & Deserts Tour (8 days)

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 – lunch, and dinner (Also incl. selected beverages) & a Nature Drive in the Kalahari

Day 2, Sunday: 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, lunch, and dinner (Also incl. selected beverages)

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 shortly 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 onwards 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 recommend stopping at Diaz Café; for an optional fresh and delicious seafood snack before heading out along the “Große Bucht” towards Diaz Point. Your hosts for the evening will have you enjoying a typical Namibian homestay feeling and atmosphere.

Classic: Obelix Guesthouse on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Superior: Lüderitz Nest Hotel in a Superior Room – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (Also incl. selected beverages)

Day 4, Lüderitz

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 and built to last; until the diamonds ran out. Today Kolmanskop stands as a haunting monument to the thriving past, offering visitors unique photo motives into a bygone era.

We continue across vast open plains; stopping for an optional light lunch; which is included in the Superior tour; in the countryside town of Helmeringhausen; before 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: Lüderitz Nest Hotel in a Superior Room – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (Also incl. selected beverages)

Day 5, Southern Namib Desert

The morning demands an early start. Entering 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; contrasted against a crisp blue skyline, enrapturing our senses, and providing an opportunity to capture this impressive landscape on film. 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 back to our lodge and cooling off along the swimming pool; or with a refreshing drink at one of the quiet retreats located all around the lodge.

Classic: The Elegant Desert Lodge on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Superior: Sossusvlei Lodge – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (Also incl. selected beverages)

Day 6, Thursday: Southern Namib Desert

After breakfast we continue our journey approaching the little settlement of Solitaire; 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 breath-taking picture when they appear in groups.

Continuing along the scenic route between the dune belt and the Atlantic Ocean we reach Swakopmund. 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 adrenalin 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: Sossusvlei Lodge – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (Also incl. selected beverages)

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 sandboarding 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.

Classic: Hansa Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Superior: Strand Hotel – Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8, Return to Windhoek

After breakfast, a transfer takes us back to Windhoek to our hotel or the international airport for our return flight.
Breakfast