Splendid Deserts of Namibia

Arrive at the International Airport of Windhoek, where your guide will be waiting for you.

Depart Windhoek early morning and continue via the towns of Rehoboth, Uhlenhorst, Stampriet and Aranos to Kalahari Game Lodge.

It is a long day’s drive, but all worth it.

Kalahari Game Lodge lies in the heart of the Kalahari Desert adjacent to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The Kalahari Game Lodge is a genuine desert biome providing a habitat to 55 mammal-, 58 reptile and amphibia-, 105 bird- and 185 plant species. The Lodge lies amid red sand dunes where a true African spirit coupled with unashamed luxury and style is reflected.

Enjoy the unique dune topography and the diverse bird and animal life of this area on a late afternoon nature drive.

Overnight at the Kalahari Game Lodge (or similar) (on Full Board basis)

Today we are out to track the lions on the 23 000 hectare lion camp which forms part of the 43 000 hectare reserve of Kalahari Game Lodge. There are eighteen lions in the lion camp of the Kalahari Game Lodge.

The lions are tracked by the radio signal from the collar-transmitter. Every stalk is crowned with success and visitors can watch these impressive animals in the wild.

Overnight on Full Board basis

The route today takes us further into the Kalahari and into the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park situated on the western boundary of the Republic of South Africa bordering Namibia.

After the completion of the usual border crossing formalities at Mata Mata, continue to one of the Wilderness Camps in the southern area of the Park.

Late afternoon game viewing drive in the nearby vicinity with good opportunity to experience the abundance of game inclusive of predators in this endless infinity of acacia and grass overgrown red sand dunes.

The next two days are filled with early morning game viewing drives into the park in search of the Kalahari predators and plains game.

Numerous herds of springbuck, gemsbok, eland as well as the blue wildebeest roam the plains of this unique park and imposing camel thorn trees provide the necessary shade and vantage points for lion, leopard and many raptors. Excellent photographic- and game viewing in the central parts of the park during the various game viewing drives.

​​​​​​​Overnight camping in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park surrounds (on Full Board basis)

Leave the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park via Mata Mata in a full day’s journey through the desert-dominated landscapes to a picturesque Quiver Tree Forest.

This prehistoric tree reaches skyward with graphically forked branches, their trunks peel and form intricate patterns as the tree matures, and these are rewarding subjects to photograph.

Giant’s Playground is an impressive jumble of massive boulders; a virtual maze where time can be spent wandering through the extensive rocky labyrinth.

Overnight at the Mesosaurus Fossil Camp (or similar) (on Full Board basis)

Today‘s journey leads you through the town of Keetmannshoop to the spectacular northern fringes of the Fish River Canyon.

Experience this unique landmark of Namibia with breathtaking views from various vantage points. Here the impressive surrounding rock formation provides many interesting hours for enthusiastic nature lovers.

Overnight at the Canyon Lodge (or similar) (on Full Board basis)

The Fish River Canyon features a gigantic ravine, in total about 100 miles (160 km) long, up to 27 km wide and in places almost 550 meters deep. It is the longest interior river in Namibia and you have the chance to see it today!

The river cuts deep into the plateau which is today dry, stony and sparsely covered with hardy drought-resistant plants.  It flows intermittently, usually flooding in late summer; the rest of the year it becomes a chain of long narrow pools. The hot springs resort of Ai-Ais is situated at the lower end of the Fish River Canyon.

Overnight on Full Board basis

Enjoy the beauty and rapid change in scenery and landscapes of Namibia’s Deep South on the journey to the Orange River, which forms the boundary between the Republic of South Africa and Namibia. The route follows the winding course of the Orange River with its stark contrast rich landscapes between sky, water and sand to the village of Aussenkehr on the banks of the river. Enjoy an unforgettable sundowner during a trip on the floating raft of this special retreat.

Overnight at Norotshama River Resort (or similar) (on Breakfast basis)

A sea of bright flowers in the vast plains of the southern Namib after the soft winter rains is a unique attraction in the Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park in the vicinity of Aus.

Experience the most bio-diverse desert of the world inclusive of the wild horses of the Namib during one of the scenic drives into this nature park.

Overnight at Klein-Aus Vista Eagles Nest (or similar) (on Full Board basis)

A day excursion to the coastal town of Luderitz with visit to the famous Kolmanskop ghost town is planned for today.

Kolmanskop came into existence in 1908, when Lüderitz was plunged into a diamond fever. People rushed into the Namib Desert hoping to make an easy fortune and within two years, a town, complete with a casino, school, hospital and exclusive residential buildings, had been established in the barren sandy desert. The diamond-bearing gravel was screened and washed in huge recovery plants. Over 1 000 kg of diamonds were extracted before World War I, the amount of gemstones however greatly diminishing thereafter. Considerably larger diamonds were found to the south near Oranjemund, causing the residence of Kolmanskop to move away.  Now Kolmanskop is nothing more than a ghost town, left at the mercy of raging winds and devouring sand dunes.

The town of Lüderitz stands in isolation on a great frontier between the desert and ocean. Beyond the structures huddled together beside the bay and a lighthouse on the peninsula, the surroundings are much as Bartolomeu Dias found them in 1487, when his flotilla of three small ships first sailed into the uncharted anchorage. The townlands form an enclave in the Sperrgebiet, 26 000 km² of coastal desert rich in diamonds. The greater part of the Sperrgebiet lies to the south. Northward the dune fields of the Great Sand Sea sprawl overland to the horizon and far beyond. In streets almost devoid of trees, the townscape today still reflects the colonial past, a remnant of Germany in Africa: edifices with domes, towers and turrets, steep roofs with oriel windows, embellished gables, bay windows on ground level and, for shelter from the wind, Wintergärten or sunrooms in homes. Uniquely in Africa, the predominant architectural style of public, business and residential buildings, especially in Ring, Bismarck, Berg and Bahnhof streets, is straight out of late 19th century Germany.

Overnight on Full Board basis

Half way between Aus and Sesriem, amidst the scenic Tiras Mountains on the edge of the Namib Desert lies the Koiimasis Ranch. Koiimasis means “meeting place“ and originates from the San people, who made a living on the deserts edge in former times. The scenery varies from red sand dunes to quiver tree forests between red granite boulders.

Overnight at Koiimasis Fest Inn Fels Farm Lodge (or similar) (on Full Board basis)

Today we travel through some of Namibia’s most spectacular sceneries along the western escarpment of the Rooisand ridge. Vast expanses of yellow savannah are dotted with shrubs and solitary camelthorn trees. Distant mountain ranges take on different nuances of purple and blue as the day progresses.

Overnight at Hoodia Desert Lodge (or similar) (on Full Board basis)

Very early departure today into the Namib Naukluft Park to witness one of Namibia’s most scenic attractions – the Sossusvlei and the highest dunes of the world. Visit the nearby Deadvlei, a dried out natural water pan with its dead acacia tree trunks rising to the blue sky.

The Sesriem Canyon is another attraction worthwhile seeing en route back to the lodge. A relaxing sundowner on top of the nearby ridge ends off an unforgettable day in the desert.

Overnight on Full Board basis

The return journey to Windhoek via the scenic Remhoogte pass and the spectacular Naukluft mountain range with lunch stop at the Oanob Resort and dam near Rehoboth ends this adventure packed tour.

Your guide drops you off at the International Airport of Namibia.

We wish you a safe journey home.

• Travelling costs as per itinerary; game drives, activities, entrance- and park fees;
• Accommodation in double rooms;
• Meals as per itinerary;
• Experienced guiding in English or German;
• VAT and bed levy.

• Expenses of a personal nature, i.e. laundry, telephone, gratuities, souvenirs, etc.;
• Personal-, medical- and evacuation insurances;
• Additional activities;
• Alcoholic beverages and drinks.

• Minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 participants are required for this tour;
• It is compulsory for all guests to have comprehensive cancellation-, default-, baggage-, emergency evacuation- and medical insurance for the duration of the trip;
• The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary;
• Services and accommodations are subject to availability at the time of booking;
• All relevant booking conditions of Namibia Tracks & Trails and/or any other booked services will apply to your travel arrangements;
• The relevant cancellation policy applies should you fail to join or start your safari/journey for any reason, including airline delays or missed connection.   Please ensure you have adequate travel insurance for this purpose.   You become liable for cancellation penalties immediately on confirmation of booking services;
• Passports must be valid (usually for at least 6 months after date of travel) and still have at least 3 blank visa (not endorsement) pages;
• All visa requirements must be fulfilled and these are your responsibility.