Trip Info
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Minivan, 4x4 Modified Safari Vehicle
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3* to 4* Hotels, Lodges, Guesthouses
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Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast
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Scheduled Accommodated Tour
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English, German, French, Spanish
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Easy to Moderate
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Min: 2 and Max: 8
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All year round
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Windhoek City
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Windhoek City
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12
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75
Overview
Join this amazing journey to experience the beautiful Southern Namibia, visiting the Kalahari Desert, Quiver Tree Forest a spectacular collection of quiver trees, the incredible Fish River Canyon (the largest Canyon in Africa (second largest in the world after the Grand Canyon) and spend some time in Kolmanskop. Finishing this tour with 2 nights in the Magical Namib Desert. The view on top of the mountainous dune named ‘Big Daddy’ in Sossusvlei will take your breath away. This trip departs from Windhoek every Friday morning.
Trip Highlights
- Experience endless expanses, contrasting landscapes in all shapes and colours.
- Discover the Quiver Tree Forest comprising of about 250 specimens of Aloe dichotoma,
- Explore the spectacular Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa.
- Lost in time, unveil ancient wonders of Lüderitz town, it has a fine collection of graceful buildings dating back to the German era.
- Expolre Kolmanskop, a desert ghost town about 20 km out of Lüderitz, built in the 1920's during the diamond rush.
- See the majestic Sossusvlei, Namibia’s most spectacular and best-known attraction with large red dunes reaching almost 400 meters.
Itinerary
This morning, A Tour Guide from Nali Safaris will collect you from your various accommodation establishments or from the Windhoek International Airport (assuming you land before 08h00). You then depart Windhoek in your safari vehicle with your private guide and head to the majestic beauty of Southern Namibia, The Kalahari Desert. Experience its diverse and stark landscape, rich in plant, animal and bird life. There are over thirty different species of game to be found on this semi-desert savannah.
The Kalahari Desert: In Namibia it forms part of the 2.5 million square meter large Kalahari Basin, one of the largest coherent sand expanses worldwide. The central parts of the Kalahari Basin consists of the Kalahari Savanna also known as the Kalahari Desert. In contrast to the high sand dunes in Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert, the look of the Kalahari is characterized by little grass clumps and red dunes. They are not very high but long and have a sharp crest. Spot African wildlife like Black-maned Kalahari Lion, Oryx, Giraffe, Warthog or little Meerkat (Suricate) on game-drives or just enjoy the silence around you.
This area in Namibia is inhabited by the San people (Namibian bushmen), who used to be hunter-gatherers. They are now surviving by game hunting and collecting edible plants, like berries or desert melons.
Overnight: Lapa Lange Game Lodge or similar
After breakfast, drive through the Kalahari region and visit the Quiver Tree Forest near Keetmanshoop. The forest was declared a national monument of Namibia and comprises of about 250 specimens of Aloe dichotoma, which the San people used to make quivers. A short stop will be made in Keetmanshoop, with lunch en route. We cotinue with our drive to reach our place of overnight. After check-in we relax for a while then we drive drive to the canyons’ main view poin for sunset viewing.
Overnight: Canyon Roadhouse or similar
This morning we travel to the spectacular Fish River Canyon for sunrise viewing. The Fish River Canyon is the largest Canyon in Africa and second largest in the world after the Grand Canyon in USA . It features a gigantic ravine, in total about 160km long, up to 27km wide and in some places 550m deep. After breakfast we depart to the charming coastal town of Lüderitz.
The drive today takes you southwest to Lüderitz area, it has a fine collection of graceful buildings dating back to the German era. Set against the background of black rock and the sparkling blue waters of the bay, this architectural heritage gives Lüderitz its special charm. Our journey continues to Lüderitz and we make a stop in the little town of Aus for lunch in a restaurant. Arrive in Lüderitz town and after check-in the hotel you either relax at the hotel or you take a stroll to experience this remarkable town.
Overnight: Lüderitz Nest Hotel or similar
Today you rise early before sunrise to join an optional extra excursion, a trip on the Zeepard which is a catamaran. We take a cruise around Lüderitz bay and if weather permits, to Halifax Island to see the Jackass Penguins and flamingos. If the weather conditions are suitable, we may also see some heavy side dolphins, which are endemic to this part of the Atlantic Ocean.
Straight after the boat trip we will drive out to Kolmanskop, a desert ghost town about 20 km out of Lüderitz. It was built in the 1920’s during the diamond rush and was abandoned when bigger and better diamonds were found further along the coast. The area is still abandoned and the desert has encroached over the entire town, giving an eerie feeling and real meaning to the word “ghost”.
During the middle of the day there is time to explore Lüderitz Town with its traditional German architecture. Later we will take a drive out to Diaz Point to see the bird life, hopefully a few seals, and the stone cross replica, originally erected by the Portuguese mariner Bartholomew Diaz.
Overnight: Lüderitz Nest Hotel or similar
After breakfast we depart Lüderitz town to Sesriem Area. Along the route you will experience ever-changing vistas of the desert landscapes driving along the most beautiful district road of Namibia, the D707 (road conditions permitting). Visit Duwiseb Castle, a grand medieval fortress, built in the hills of the semi-arid Southern Namib region. Learn more about the Castle’s fascinating history, before continuing to your lodge, arriving in the early afternoon.
Overnight: Elegant Desert Lodge or similar
This morning you will need to rise early for a magical excursion with your guide in the Namib Naukluft National Park, normally setting off before sunrise to capture the dunes whilst the light is soft and shadows accentuate the towering shapes and curves. This area boasts some of the highest free-standing sand dunes in the world and your guide will give you an insight on the formation of the Namib Desert and its myriad of fascinating creatures and plants that have adapted to survive these harsh environs. Once you have explored Sossusvlei, Deadvlei and surrounding dune fields to your heart’s content you then return to a nearby restaurant at Sesriem gate for lunch, with the option to visit Sesriem Canyon after lunch.
Sossusvlei: This most frequently visited section of the massive 50,000 km² Namib Naukluft National Park has become known as Sossusvlei, famous for its towering apricot coloured sand dunes which can be reached by following the Tsauchab River valley. Sossusvlei itself is actually a clay pan set amidst these star shaped dunes which stand up to 300 meters above the surrounding plains, ranking them among the tallest dunes on earth. The deathly white clay pan contrasts against the orange sands and forms the endpoint of the ephemeral Tsauchab River, within the interior of the Great Sand Sea.
The river course rises south of the Naukluft Mountains in the Great Escarpment. It penetrates the sand sea for some 55 km before it finally peters out at Sossusvlei, about the same distance from the Atlantic Ocean. Until the encroaching dunes blocked its course around 60,000 years ago, the Tsauchab River once reached the sea; as ephemeral rivers still do in the northern half of the Namib.
Sand-locked pans to the west show where the river previously flowed to before dunes shifted its endpoint to where it currently gathers at Sossusvlei. Roughly once a decade rainfall over the catchment area is sufficient to bring the river down in flood and fill the pan. On such occasions the mirror images of dunes and camel thorn trees around the pan are reflected in the water. Sossusvlei is the biggest of four pans in the vicinity. Another, famous for its gnarled and ghostly camel thorn trees, is Deadvlei which can be reached on foot over 1 km of sand. Deadvlei’s striking camel thorn trees, dead for want of water, still stand erect as they once grew. They survived until about 900 years ago when the sand sea finally blocked the river from occasionally flooding the pan.
Sesriem Canyon: Sesriem Canyon has evolved through centuries of erosion by the Tsauchab River which has incised a narrow gorge about 1.5 km long and 30 meters deep into the surrounding conglomerates, exposing the varying layers of sedimentation deposited over millions of years. The shaded cool depths of the canyon allow pools of water to gather during the rainy season and remain for much of the year round. These pools were a vital source of water for early settlers who drew water for their livestock by knotting six (ses) lengths of rawhide thongs (riems) together, hence the canyon and surrounding area became known as Sesriem.
Overnight: Elegant Desert Lodge or similar
NOTE: Option to include a sunrise balloon flight before you depart for Windhoek (optional extra at additional cost). Please note that if making use of this offer, it will need to be booked exclusively with Nali Safaris in order to fit in with other timings for this day.
After breakfast or after the hot air balloon excursion, we depart for the city Windhoek via the Remhoogte Pass – although this pass is not as steep as the Spreetshoogte, it offers beautiful scenery, weather condition permits. Expect to arrive in the city at around 13:30, although please note that times may vary.
END OF SAFARI
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TRIP DATES | AVAILABILITY | PRICE | SPACE LEFT | |
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November 10, 2024 - November 16, 2024 | Guaranteed | $1,170 |
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December 8, 2024 - December 14, 2024 | Guaranteed | $1,170 |
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January 19, 2025 - January 25, 2025 | Guaranteed | $1,170 |
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November 10, 2025 - November 16, 2025 | Guaranteed | $1,170 |
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Cost
Includes
- Accommodations and meals as stated in the itinerary.
- Transportation in air-conditioned safari vehicle.
- Meal basis as per booked option and as prescribed in the itinerary.
- Services of a registered and experienced English-speaking safari guide.
- Entrance fees and excursions as described in the itinerary.
- Bottled still water on board the safari vehicle.
- Airport transfers to Windhoek International Airport if departing on the last day of the tour.
Excludes
- International flights to Namibia and airport taxes.
- Pre and post safari accommodation in Windhoek (to be done on request).
- Any entrance fees and excursions not included in the itinerary.
- All beverages with the exception of mineral water on board the safari vehicle.
- Laundry (laundry service available at lodges at extra cost).
- Gratuities and Items of personal nature (telephone expenses, curios, medicines etc).
- ENTRY VISA FEES, BANK CHARGES (as per bank percentage commission for VISA/MASTER and commission for AMEX).
Price Details
Price (NAD/N$ – Namibia Dollar Currency) per group size
No of People |
Amount per person |
Single Supplement |
2 |
N$33,900 |
N$5,500 |
4 |
N$26,550 |
N$5,500 |
6 |
N$22,220 |
N$5,500 |
8 |
N$20,150 |
N$5,500 |
Please convert to your currency by clicking this link: https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=20&From=NAD&To=USD
Please note:
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- Please note that all prices indicated are based on a per person sharing rates per night.
- Single (Sup) Supplement is an additional rate charged for one person to stay in a room or tour package meant for two people.
- If you have made up your decision for the tour of your choice and number of travelers, make your booking and payment here.
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FAQs
Namibia is found in the South West of Africa. Angola borders it to the north, Zambia to the northeast, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south. The Atlantic Ocean borders Namibia on the western side.
Namibia has a subtropical climate, characterized by hot and dry weather with little rain along the coast. Periods of winter drought alternate with summer rainfall between October and March with the interior having higher rainfall.
Namibia is a year round destination but Peak season is from July to November. Bear in mind that if you are planning to visit in December/January it gets very hot!
No you do not necessarily need a 4×4 to tour in Namibia. It however depends on which areas in Namibia you would like to see. Areas such as the Kunene Region it is advisable to hire a car with high ground clearance and 4×4. The National parks in the Zambezi (Caprivi) you will require a 4×4. It will also depend on if you are planning on traveling to Namibia during the rainy season. Remember that 80% of roads in Namibia are gravel and if you are traveling in a normal sedan car you will be required to travel slowly to ensure your safety.
The official currency of Namibia is the Namibian Dollar (N$), divided into 100 cents. The Namibian Dollar and South African Rand are the only currencies accepted in Namibia. Traveler’s cheques in Rands are accepted. Foreign currency can be converted into Namibian Dollars or South African Rands at commercial and bureau de change.
Major credit cards are widely accepted, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club. Cards can also be used to withdraw cash from ATM’s. Filling stations do not accept credit cards.
It is customary to give 10% of the bill in restaurants if service received is of a good standard. Porters should receive about N$5.00 – N$10.00, a petrol station attendant about N$10.00 and if you are on a guided safari tour, the minimum tip for your tour guide is N$100.00 per person per day, it’s not compulsory but it’s a token of appreciation for service rendered daily.
Namibia is a peaceful country overall…it is considered to be one of the most stable and safe countries on the African continent. However like any country tourists can be targeted. Pickpockets can be a problem and don’t make yourself a target i.e. have your camera hanging around your neck – rather place your goods in a secure bag or back pack. Be alert and use some common sense and you should be fine. If you want to visit a township, do so in a group and with someone who is familiar with the area. Driving under the influence of alcohol is also a problem, so when driving and walking over the weekends, be alert.
Yes, Namibia is a safe country and often regarded as a great place not only for first time travelers to Africa but also for families. Most of the accommodation establishments cater for families and a lot of the activities on offer cater for families and children. The infrastructure is good, water is generally safe to drink and there is plenty to keep everyone of all ages occupied.
Mobile phones are common in Namibia and use the same frequency as Europe and the rest of Africa. One is able to purchase a starter kit from the local Cell phone service provider. These are widely available at international airports, cities and towns. You would then need to purchase air time as and when you need it.
Most of the accommodation establishments now offer free WI-FI for their guests. There are also internet cafes in Windhoek, Swakopmund and other towns.
The voltage in Namibia is 220-230 V (identical to South Africa). Most supermarkets sell adapters. Many farmers generate their own electricity with a diesel generator, which is only run during the day.
Yes most definitely. The largest and only international airport is Hosea Kutako International Airport located about 45km east of Windhoek, the capital of Namibia There are smaller airports located all over the country.
Namibia does have a few strange items on the menu as with many countries in the world. Don’t worry too much though, those are not the only options available. Namibia offers a great selection of steaks and game dishes and hamburgers are widely available. A wide variety of seafood is also available as Namibia borders the Atlantic Ocean which is rich in sea life. If you are vegetarian you will be pleased to know that more and more of the local restaurants and accommodation establishments cater for vegetarians.
Highways exist from Windhoek to all major towns. Asphalt roads extend to most of the borders (except Mata Mata, Klein Manasse, Velloorsdrift and Tsumkwe). Main roads are in good condition and are maintained to all weather standards. At least 80% of the roads in Namibia are gravel roads and are generally very well maintained. Please always remember to stay within the speed limit on gravel roads.
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