Canyons & Deserts Tour (8 days)

Map of Canyons and Deserts Tour

8-day Southern Namibia Canyons & Deserts Tour visiting the Kalahari Desert, Fish River Canyon, Lüderitz, Namib Desert, and Sossusvlei plus Swakopmund.

Discover the beauty of Namibia and some of its 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 and then go to the deserted ghost town of Kolmanskop. Onwards 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 is on a full board basis that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has more inclusions. Please note dinner is not included in Swakopmund.

Skip to Canyons & Deserts Tour Rates or Departure dates with Special Offer Tour Rates on selected departures

Canyons & Deserts Tour Summary

DayPlace
1Kalahari Desert
2Fish River Canyon
3Lüderitz
4Namib Desert via Kolmanskop
5Namib Naukluft National Park (Sossusvlei)
6 and 7Swakopmund
8Return to Windhoek

8-day Southern Namibia Canyons & Deserts Tour Package

Southern Namibia Canyons and Deserts Tour Daily 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 – lunch, and dinner (Also incl. selected beverages) & 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, lunch, and dinner (Also incl. selected beverages)

Namibia Tour
Fish River Canyon

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 on wards 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 4-5, 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 and built to last. Until 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. Before continuing further north along with the Tiras Mountain range to our lodge in the Namib Desert. The afternoon can be spent relaxing at the sparkling pool, enjoying the vast open desert plains. Or taking part in optional activities offered at the lodge.

The following morning we enter the Namib Naukluft National Park shortly after sunrise. You will be captivated by the surreal Deadvlei surrounded by some of the highest dunes on earth and Sossusvlei. Afterwards, you are rewarded with an unforgettable desert breakfast amidst the ancient camelthorn trees and endless dunes as a backdrop. After this thrilling experience, we visit the Sesriem Canyon. A natural phenomenon in the heart of the Namib Desert before returning to our lodge. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

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

Sossusvlei and the Dead Vlei
Sossusvlei and the Dead Vlei

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. 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: Strand Hotel – Breakfast and Lunch

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 ‘German’ 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 your return flight.
Breakfast

8-day Canyons & Deserts Tour Package Rates

Rates are in Namibian Dollars (N$) which is equivalent to the South African Rand:

Classic Canyons & Deserts Tour Package Rates from 1st November 2023 – 31st October 2024

Bed & Breakfast

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Per Person SharingN$ 34 700N$ 37 400
Single SupplementN$ 3 040

Superior Canyons & Deserts Tour Package Rates from 1st November 2023 – 31st October 2024

Full Board (drinks with Lunch and Dinner – as specified)

Per Person SharingN$ 79 400
Single SupplementN$ 7 900

Canyons & Deserts Tour Package Rates Include

Transport and meals as mentioned above
Entrance Fees: Fish River Canyon and 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

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.

Canyons & Deserts Tour Departure Dates and Details

The Canyons & Deserts Tour departs on some Sundays 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 / 16
Min / Max people on the Superior / Upmarket tour: 2 / 6

Canyons & Deserts Tour Departure days

Bilingual Tours

English Tours

SundaysSundays
2023November5, 19, 2612
December3
2024January7, 21
February4, 18
March173, 31
April14, 28
May1226
June923
July7, 21, 28
August11, 18, 254
September8, 15, 221, 29
October6, 2013

The tour dates in red are at discounted prices as follows:
Classic Tour on a bed & breakfast basis: N$ 32 150 per person sharing
Classic Tour on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis: N$ 34 825 per person sharing
Both classic tours have a N$ 2 275 single supplement
Superior Tour: N$ 71 500 per person sharing and N$ 6 750 single supplement.

The tour dates in pink are dates when no single supplement is required.

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