Tour date: 19 – 31 Augustus 2026

Tour price:

• Price from N$ 96 500
• Single supplement N$ 15 000

Are you fascinated by Deserts and its living organisms the come and explore an unforgettable adventure through one of the world’s oldest and most stunning deserts. Explore the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei, where the landscapes appear surreal and climb some dunes for breath taking views. Learn more about the Desert with the research institute in the heart of the Namib Desert. Discover the unique wildlife and plants adapted to the harsh desert environment. Experience the tranquility of vast open spaces and witness the incredible play of light and shadow at sunrise and sunset. Secrets of the Desert Tour promise an awe-inspiring, otherworldly experience

Day 1

Upon your arrival at the International Airport, your guide will be there to greet you and take you on a roughly 40-minute drive to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. Once you reach your pre-booked accommodation, if time permits, you can go on a city tour or get any last-minute items for your upcoming journey. In the evening, your guide will take you to a recommended restaurant and brief everyone on how the tour will run.

Windhoek, the Capital of Namibia, is a vibrant city nestled in the country’s central highlands. Known for its blend of modern architecture and colonial-era structures, it serves as the political, economic and cultural heart of Namibia. The city is characterized by wide boulevards, green spaces and a rich history that includes German and African influences. Landmarks like the Christ Church and the Independence Memorial Museum showcase its heritage. Windhoek is also a gateway for travelers exploring Namibia’s natural beauty, including the Namib Desert and Etosha National Park, making it a key destination for tourists. 

The Weinburg Hotel you will find in the upmarket suburb of Klein Windhoek. The property is located on a hillside, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The Weinberg (German: vineyard) offers 29 standard double/twin rooms; 12 comfort rooms incl. 5 twin/double rooms, 7 family rooms (2 adults and 2 children under 12 years) and 4 meeting rooms (16-120 pax). The hotel's common area includes several restaurants with different culinary styles, a breakfast room, a spacious lounge, an outdoor deck with a bar, a gym and a spa.

Day 2

After breakfast, you'll depart towards the Namib Desert, heading in a southwesterly direction. As you travel, you'll notice the landscape changing from mountainous terrain to more bushveld areas. We'll reach a small town where you can take a break and enjoy some refreshments. At this point, you'll experience the Namibian Vibration Therapy as we continue gravel roads. The landscape will keep evolving, offering interesting views along the way.

We'll reach the edge of the Namib Desert at the Spreetshoogte Pass, where you can gaze into the vast expanse. Descending the escarpment, we'll arrive at a small settlement called Solitaire, where you can take another break and possibly have lunch, depending on the time. From Solitaire, it will be another hour's drive to our destination, Dead Valley Lodge, with the beautiful red dunes starting to appear on your right showing the beginning of the sand sea.

Depending on when we arrive at Dead Valley Lodge, your guide can take you on an amazing sunset drive where you can enjoy ice-cold drinks on the dunes.

Due to its location in one of Africa's largest national parks, Dead Valley Lodge offers an extra hour of advantage to witness the stunning sunrise and the vibrant colors of the dunes. The lodge features 20 climate-controlled luxury tents and serves first-class Namibian cuisine, ensuring you won't go to bed hungry. Spending a night in the desert will leave you in awe of the starlit sky.

Travel Time: 4-5 Hours

Day 3

Today, we will start with an early morning wake-up. We'll skip breakfast to head deeper into the park to witness the sunrise and watch as the breathtaking landscapes around us come alive with color. We'll be surrounded by some of the world’s largest dunes as we make our way to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei areas. After exploring and getting plenty of sand in our shoes, we can enjoy a lovely brunch under the evergreen Camelthorn trees.

On our way back, we'll visit Sesriem Canyon, an Afrikaans word meaning "six ropes." The canyon is roughly 30 meters deep, and if we're lucky, we might find water inside. At the canyon, you can reflect on the geological history of Namibia's wet and dry periods. We'll return to the lodge around lunchtime, with the rest of the afternoon at our leisure until dinner, when the next day's activities will be discussed.

Sossusvlei is a prime example of Namibia's untouched beauty, and a popular tourist destination located within a National Park spanning over 50,000 square kilometers. Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are situated in the Namib Desert, which is the oldest desert in the world. The Namib Desert boasts a Sand Sea of nearly 800,000 hectares, best appreciated from above. The towering red dunes, mostly star-shaped but sometimes linear, are a stunning feature of this landscape. The name "Sossusvlei" comes from the Nama word meaning "a cup" or "a saucer." Both Sossusvlei and Deadvlei have large, stark white pans. Deadvlei is known for its eerie, ghostly trees that are must-see. Visiting Namibia without seeing these dead trees means you haven’t truly experienced the country.

Travel Time: 4-6 Hours

Day 4 

After a leisurely breakfast, we will depart from Dead Valley Lodge and head towards the Gobabeb Research and Training Institute in the heart of the Namib Desert.

On our way, we will pass through Solitaire once again, where you can try the famous apple pie. From Solitaire, we will head northwest towards the coast. Along the way, we will cross the Tropic of Capricorn and later enter the Gaub and Kuiseb Passes, where you can observe the geological history of wet and dry periods. We will arrive at Gobabeb around lunchtime.

After lunch, we will explore the research institute and enjoy another lovely sunset drive with ice-cold drinks. Once we finished dinner, one of the researchers will take us on a night walk, and if we're lucky, we might spot scorpions, geckos, and the Dancing White Lady Spider.

The Gobabeb Research and Training Institute encompasses three distinct ecosystems of the Namib, represented in its logo: the Sand Sea to the south, the Gravel Plains to the north, and the riparian woodlands of the ephemeral Kuiseb River. These three ecosystems support a rich diversity of arid-adapted organisms. The Namib biota includes several taxa that are native to and restricted to specific areas.

Situated at the intersection of fog and rain precipitation, the institute offers unique opportunities for desert research. It is also embedded in the cultural landscape of the (Topnaar) Nama pastoralists, who have inhabited the Kuiseb River basin for centuries. 

Gobabeb offers 2-star accommodation, catering to everyone's needs. It is a must-visit for those interested in learning more about the desert.

Travel Time: 3-4 Hours

Day 5 

Today, we will have an early start as we head to Walvis Bay, the main harbor town of Namibia. There, you'll embark on a catamaran excursion to search for whales, Cape fur seals, two species of dolphins, and pelicans. From the research station, we'll follow the dry Kuiseb River, one of Namibia's lifelines, being home to Ostriches, Springboks, Oryx and many more small creatures, leading to Walvis Bay. The Kuiseb River also serves as the northern boundary of the Namib Desert's sand sea.

The catamaran trip lasts roughly three hours and is scheduled for the morning when the wind is calmer. After the excursion, we'll pass by the lagoon to spot two of the world's six species of flamingos. We will then leave Walvis Bay and travel 30 kilometers to Swakopmund, where we will stay for two nights. The road from Walvis Bay to Swakopmund runs between the ocean and a small dune belt.

In the afternoon, you'll have leisure time to explore the rich German history and influence from the colonial era or participate in optional activities suggested by your guide. With many interesting restaurants around Swakopmund, your guide will book a place of your choice at your own expense.

Walvis Bay is the largest coastal town and the third largest town in Namibia. It has changed ownership multiple times before being ceded to Namibia by South Africa in 1994. Walvis Bay boasts the largest natural harbour on the Namibian coast and has seen significant growth in the past ten years.

Swakopmund is a beach resort known for its German colonial architecture. Founded in 1892 by Captain Curt von François as the main harbour of German Southwest Africa, Swakopmund was established to accommodate increased traffic between Germany and its colony, as Walvis Bay was already under British control. German influences remain evident in Swakopmund, with German street names, a German daily newspaper, and some residents speaking the German language.

Travel Time: 6-7 Hours

Day 6 

Don't be surprised if you wake up to mist in the early morning. Namibia’s coast is known for experiencing four seasons in one day. After breakfast, you'll depart on the Living Desert Tour, which lasts about four hours. During this tour, you'll learn about the desert and its fascinating small creatures. If you're lucky, you might encounter a snake or two, chameleons, geckos, and interesting insects and plants. 

After exploring the little creatures on the Living Desert Tour, you'll be taken back to your hotel where you can enjoy the afternoon at your leisure or opt for another optional activity. With so many interesting restaurants around Swakopmund, your guide will book a place of your choice at your own expense. 

Travel Time: 4-5 Hours

Day 7

As you wake up to the smell of the ocean and possibly some morning mist, enjoy a relaxing breakfast as your departure is scheduled for around 11:00. Today, you'll be picked up by a charter company for the first leg of your journey, which will take you on a scenic flight along the Skeleton Coast, known for being the world’s largest ship cemetery. The rough seas and misty weather of the past often caused ships to become stranded.

Your guide will leave early in the morning to travel by road to meet you at Mowe Bay, where the small 5-seater aircraft will drop you off. After ensuring no one is hungry, we'll depart from Mowe Bay and drive over dunes along the coast towards the Hoarusib River. Along the way, we may spot some bird species and, if we're lucky, the elusive desert-adapted lions. We'll then head east, following the dry river (Lifeline) for roughly 30-40 kilo meters until we reach our accommodation, built on the riverbank 40 meters above the riverbed. If fortune smiles upon us, we may encounter desert-adapted elephants, lions, and other wildlife. We'll arrive at the camp around sunset.

Leylands Camp, owned by the Schoeman Brothers, offers an exclusive experience where we can stay without any other guests around. The camp features 7 luxury tents overlooking the river valley. It is designed to be easily moved, leaving minimal traces of human presence. In the evenings, we'll enjoy the soft glow of paraffin lamps and a cozy fire to end the day. Upon request, the staff will provide hot water for your bucket shower.

Skeleton Coast is one of the most remote and desolate regions in the world. Characterized by vast sand dunes, rocky shores and dense fog, it earned its eerie name due to numerous shipwrecks along its treacherous coastline. The harsh environment has made it challenging for both humans and wildlife, yet it is home to unique species like deserted adapted elephants and other animals. The coastline offers a stark contrast between the desert and the Atlantic Ocean, creating hauntingly beautiful landscapes that remain largely untouched by human development, preserving its natural raw allure. 

Travel Time: 5-7Hours

 Day 8

Waking up to a view of the dry riverbed, we will enjoy breakfast before setting out to search for more desert adapted elephants. These big grey giants have evolved to survive these harsh conditions with limited water sources. They possess unique traits, such as slightly larger feet for traversing sand and the ability to travel long distances in search of water. 

We will visit the Clay Castles which are natural formations made of hardened clay and silt. They have been eroded in these harsh environment conditions left like silent sentinels and one can get a glimps into the geological history of the area. Afterward, we'll return to camp for lunch.

In the afternoon, we'll visit a Himba village to experience their way of life and culture. They are an indigenous ethnic group primarily living in the arid region of Northern Namibia. Known for their distinctive appearance, Himba women apply a mixture of ochre and animal fat to their skin and hair, giving them a reddish hue. The Himba maintain a semi nomadic lifestyle, raising cattle and are known for their strong cultural traditions, including intricate beadwork, music and dances. They value communal living, with large extended families often residing in traditional huts made of wood, mud and thatch. Despite modernization, Himba people continue to preserve their unique customs and way of life. 

Day 9

After a leisurely breakfast, we will head southeast towards Palmwag Lodge, located in the Damaraland Palmwag Concession. Leaving Leylands behind, we'll travel for a long time on winding Jeep tracks at a slow pace, still mesmerized by the unforgiving landscape around us. At Sesfontein, an Afrikaans word meaning "six fountains," we'll join normal gravel roads for another hour to reach Palmwag Lodge.

At Palmwag Lodge, we'll have a late lunch. Those who wish can return to the concession to search for more desert-adapted animals, while those who prefer to relax are welcome to do so.

The Palmwag Concession is a protected area spanning 550,000 hectares in northwestern Namibia. This region is special in many ways and is also used as a tourism concession. The Palmwag area is scattered with evidence of volcanic activity from 125 million years ago, when Africa and South America were still part of the supercontinent of Gondwana. The rocks found in the area are known as basalt rocks.

Travel Time: 6 hours

Day 10

Palmwag Concession is renowned for its black rhinos. You'll start your day with a hot cup of coffee, then leave early in a lodge vehicle to search for the rhinos. Once the black rhinos are found, you'll disembark the vehicle and the guide will explain the next steps, allowing you to approach the rhinos on foot from a safe distance.

After spending valuable time with the rhinos, you'll continue driving to find a great spot for a lovely brunch. Following brunch, you'll return to the lodge, where the rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Travel Time: 4-5 Hours

 Day 11

After breakfast, we will head towards Etosha National Park, a renowned park known for its animals gathering at waterholes. Palmwag is approximately 2.5 hours away from the park. We'll stop at a small settlement to stretch our legs and get refreshments. Upon entering the park, we must stay on designated roads, but there are plenty of waterholes to visit, and we'll find animals along the way. It can take up to 6 hours to explore the park and look for wildlife. We'll also enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park. Animals we might encounter include elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, springbok, and many more and not to mention a variety of bird life, like the Secretary Bird, Bateleur Eagle, Crimson Breasted Shrike and more. Depending on the sightings, we might spend more time in the park or arrive at Etosha Safari Camp a bit earlier.

Etosha National Park, situated in northern Namibia, is one of Africa's most significant game reserves and the best-known national park in Namibia. Covering nearly 22,912 square kilo meters, the park is fully fenced to protect its wildlife. The park centers around the Etosha Pan, a vast salt expanse with scattered salt springs that animals use as salt licks. It boasts one of the largest populations of big-game species in the world.

 Travel Time: 6-8 Hours

Day 12

After breakfast, we'll head south, unfortunately making our way back towards Windhoek, the capital, but we'll have one last stop at Mount Etjo. From Etosha, we'll travel on paved roads through the bushveld. All areas are fenced for cattle farmers and Game Breeders. We'll stop in the small town of Outjo, which boasts an inviting and charming bakery, perfect for a taste test. From Outjo, we'll travel for about 90 minutes before reaching Mount Etjo, with the final stretch on gravel roads.

At Mount Etjo, we'll have the opportunity to see more wild animals, including four of the Big Five: elephants, lions, rhinos, and leopards. An optional game drive/sunset will be on offer, and you will return to the lodge for a great dinner.

Mount Etjo is one of Namibia's oldest and most esteemed lodges. It accommodates all types of travelers, from campers to luxury seekers, and provides facilities for disabled guests. The lodge offers a wide range of activities, including bird watching, game drives, and rhino tracking, among others.

Travel Time: 3-4 Hours

Day 13

Sadly, today marks the day your guide will escort you to the airport in time for your flight home or to embark on another journey that awaits you.