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NAMIBIA
The haunting landscapes of the Skeleton Coast and the giant dunes of the Sossusvlei, the animal wonderland of Etosha and the awe-inspiring Fish River Canyon are some of the memories a visitor to Namibia will treasure for life. Sometimes called Africa's Gem, Namibia boasts prolific wildlife, yet the abiding impression will be the vast landscapes of deserts and plains stretching seemingly into infinity.
Namibia means 'open plains' in the ancient Hottentot language and is defined by endless sunshine, scenic beauty and unusual and contrasting topography.
Sandwiched between two deserts - the Namib Desert, said to be the oldest in the world, on its western coastline and the Kalahari Desert in the eastern interior, Namibia features the EtoshaNational Park in the north, and the majestic Fish River Canyon in the south.
Pre-historic rock art, the ancient fossil plant, Welwitschia mirabilis and fossilized dinosaur footprints are preserved in the ancient, rocky mountain ranges.The world’s highest dunes are found in haunting scenery inspiring somber reflection.
Regions in brief:
Etosha National Park
Swakopmund
Namib-Naukluft National Park
Sossusvlei & Sesriem
A sample of our Namibia Experiences:
13 Day Great Namibian Luxury Journey
9 Day Damaraland – Free & Wild | Guided Camping Wild Safari
12 Day Namibia Classic Mobile Tented Safari
12 Day Deserts of Southern Namibia Lodge Safari
12 Day Kaokoland Discoverer | Guided Camping Wild Safari
12 Day Namibia Dune Express - the Shongololo Train Experience
13 Day Namibia-Pure! Camping or Lodge Safari (semi-participation)
14 Day Ultimate Wildlife Camping & Accommodated Safari (semi-participation)
14 Day Southern Cross EXPLORER Lodge or Camping - Cape Town to Windhoek
21 Day Southern Cross GRAND EXPLORER - Cape Town to Victoria Falls
15 Day Northern Desert & Delta from Zambia to Namibia
21 Day Grand Desert & Delta Lodge Safari in Botswana, Namibia & Zambia
About Camping Wild Safaris
Enquire about more Safari options here
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Travel Log: Namibia by Desert Express
Republic of Namibia
- Area: 824,292 km²
- Capital: Windhoek
- Currency: Namibian Dollar
- Climate: The climate is typical of a desert land, with hot days and cool nights. The main rainfall period is between mid-January and April.
- Population: 2.2 million, about 90% Christian
- Language: English is the official language. Afrikaans, German, Bantu and Khoisan.
- Time: GMT +1 / DST +2
Namibia covers over 820 000 square km (the size of France & Britain combined) of contrasting scenery. Many of the features of this country are of particular scientific interest and attract scientists from all over the world.
Namibia is the first country in the world to include protection of the environment and sustainable utilization of wildlife in its constitution. About 15,5% of the country has been set-aside as national parks. In these areas, rare and endangered species of animals, birds and plant life are preserved and protected. They serve as a living reminder to us all, and to the generations of the future, of how it once was in Africa.
Namibia offers the photographer - amateur or professional - light and scenery like nowhere else in the world. Namibia has rich ethnic diversity, perhaps most visible in the dramatic dress styles of groups such as the Herero and the Himba. This is also one of the last refuges of the San (Bushmen) who still practice their hunter/gatherer way of life in remote areas.
The magnificent and varied National Parks and game reserves, including the famed Etosha, are rich with wildlife and birdlife. While travelling in Etosha or the northern reaches of Damaraland one may see the magnificent desert elephants and lions which are specially adapted to this often harsh environment.
Etosha National Park
Consisting of over 22 000 square km of saline desert, savannah and woodlands, the Etosha National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and one of the major sanctuaries for wildlife. Its definitive feature is the Etosha Pan, a vast shallow depression of about 5 000 square km. This great, white expanse locals call
’great place of dry water‘, often shimmers with mirages and herds of game can be seen within this eerie setting.
There are 144 mammal species in the park, including elephant, giraffe, blue wildebeest and black rhino, predators such as lion, cheetah, leopard, wildcat, hyena and jackal. The black rhino population of 300 is one of the few growing populations in the world and the local elephant are reputed to be the largest in Africa -the tallest standing at 4m at the shoulder. Their tusks however are relatively small due to genetic defects and mineral deficiencies in their diet. The majestic eland, the tiny, shy Damara dik-dik(45cm high) and the striking gemsbok, with its dramatic black and white markings are common. Bird life is prolific and some 340 species have been identified, including Namibia's national bird, the vividly coloured crimson-breasted shrike. During the more rainy seasons Etosha is also one of the most important breeding grounds for flamingos. Etosha is also known for its expert game management and attentive protection of the unspoiled environment. Top
Swakopmund
A true oasis and respite from the solemn desert and its monotonous heat. A seaside holiday resort full of old-world charm and modern amenities, from the quaint German colonial influences to funky Internet café’s. The tranquil setting includes promenades, palm trees and beautifully tended public gardens, the Swakopmund museum (covering natural history, mineralogy, botany, historical and ethnological aspects), the National Marine & Research Center, an aquarium, a public library, an Olympic sized, heated indoor swimming pool and a grassed golf course in a desert setting. This ‘middle of the desert’ feel is one of its attractions – one can enjoy the wild expanse of the adjacent desert and sea and yet be within easy reach of the creature comforts of Swakopmund's hotels, restaurants, bars and much-needed laundries! There is plenty to see and do and activities include quad-biking, sand boarding, rock & surf fishing and skydiving. There is also a tannery, manufacturing well-known kudu leather shoes, and a brewery producing fine beers in the German tradition. Top
Namib-Naukluft National Park
 The Namib-Naukluft National Park is an incredibly unusual and diverse ‘super-conservation’ area. There is nothing quite like it. It’s probably the most unusual in the world– an ancient land with an ageless spirit. It covers almost 50 000 square km and is ranked as the 4th largest in the world (the largest nature conservation area in Namibia) with landscapes including an impressive mountain massif, desert plains, high sand dunes, deep gorges and an estuarine lagoon. In truly African light show there is often clear and sometimes sudden shift in the mood of the moment, as light, textures and shadows give desert landscapes entirely new characters. Survivors in this harsh landscape include the Oryx, springbok and zebra as well as the Welwitschia mirabilis, an odd-looking desert shrub. One large, protected specimen is estimated at 1500 years old. Top
Sossusvlei
The visual spectacular in the Sossusvlei area is unsurpassed. Amongst the continuous towering dunes as far as the eye can see is arguably the highlight of the Namib Desert, the Sossusvlei, an enormous clay-pan, enclosed by dunes. After a heavy rainfall, rare in this area, the vlei fills with water and, as the clay layers are virtually impermeable to water, a turquoise lake remains for quite some time.
The dunes and their rich tints vary from pale apricot to vivid reds and oranges, and contrast vividly with the dazzling white surfaces of the white claypans, or lakes, below. During the rainy season one of the larger of these pans creates a haven for water birds, often including flamingos. Even during the dry season, Oryx, springbok and ostriches can be seen feeding off the sparse vegetation along the water courses. The dunes of the Namib Desert developed over a period of many millions of years and are shaped by strong-multi-directional winds. It is thought that the vast quantities of sand were carried into the Atlantic Ocean by the Orange River. The surf pushed the sand back onto land and coastal dunes formed. Dunes have subsequently shifted inland and northwards. Wind continuously re-stacks the sand of the huge shifting dunes of the Namib Desert. It tirelessly forces the grains of sand on the flat windward slope upwards to the crest of the dune. Here they fall down in the wind shade. The leeward slope, therefore, is always considerably steeper than the windward side. Top
Sesriem
Erosion over many centuries has incised a narrow gorge through which the Tsauchab River disappears dramatically down a steep gorge in the plain. This gorge, Sesriem Canyon, is approx 1 km long with pools along the way and a 30-40 m pool at its end. These pools of water on a gravel bed in an otherwise arid region attract many birds and animals. Top
Great Namibian Journey (WS03)
13 Day all-encompassing Luxury Safari from US$7980
This quintessential journey takes in Namibia's attractions as a whole: stunning landscapes, endless skies, barren deserts, rugged mountains and spectacular wildlife. 
Explore the dunes of Sossusvlei and the awesome space of the Namib Desert. Encounter the stark beauty of the Skeleton Coast, marine life around Swakopmund and the game-filled savannahs of Etosha.
Such experiences are enhanced by a range of luxurious camps and lodges, such as the Skeleton Coast Research Camp comprising of Meru-style tents nestled between granite rocks. Surrounded by pure wilderness, this camp is truly remote and the perfect setting for a serviced style of camping. The camp is outfitted with necessary comforts and equipment, essential elements to the old and relaxed manner of early explorers.
Highlights:
- The very different areas of Sossusvlei, Etosha and Damaraland are explored in depth.
- Unique activities include meeting local Damara and Himba people, rhino tracking, a dolphin cruise with private beach lunch at Walvis Bay, a scenic Skeleton Coast flight, hiking and cycling in Damaraland, stargazing at Sossusvlei
- Skeleton Coast Research Camp, set in the heart of Skeleton Coast National Park, provides excellent access to the starkly beautiful, seemingly barren Atlantic coastline.
Brief Itinerary
Days 1 & 2 Drive to Kulala Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei
Days 3 & 4 Drive to Hansa Hotel, Swakopmund
Day 5 Drive to Damaraland Camp, Damaraland
Days 6 & 7 Drive to Desert Rhino Camp, Damaraland
Days 8 & 9 Drive to Ongava Tented Camp, Etosha region
Days 10, 11 & 12 Fly to Skeleton Coast Research Camp
Day 13 Fly to Windhoek
Detailed itinerary on request
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Namibia Classic!
5 nights hotel / lodge accommodation (KS01)
Namibia is the first country in the world to include the protection of the environment and sustainable utilization of wildlife in its constitution, where rare and endangered species of animals, birds and plant life are preserved and protected. They serve as a living reminder to us all, and to the generations of the future, of how it once was in Africa. This safari is a great way to discover this unique country.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Windhoek
On arrival at the Windhoek airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Windhoek, with its lingering heritage of German architecture, activities and atmosphere, is a city that can be visited throughout the year. This day is spent at your own leisure. Accommodation at Villa Verdi or similar.
 Day 2 - Okonjima – Africat Foundation
The Africat foundation is a non-profit organization committed to the long-term conservation and preservation of Namibia's large carnivores, especially cheetahs and leopards. An afternoon activity is included. Okonjima, Main Camp or similar (All meals)
Day 3 & 4 - Etosha National Park
We travel through the truly unique landscape of the Park which is the one of the most important and best reserves and game sanctuaries the world. Our exclusive camp is set up on a private concession from where we can enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives. Luxury Mobile Safari (All meals)
Day 5 - Etosha National Park
Tonight is spent at one of the Park's rest camps, in the comfort of en-suite bungalows. The floodlit waterhole at the camp offers an amazing spectacle with an array of animals visiting throughout the night. En-suite bungalows (All meals)
Day 6 & 7 - Damaraland - Twyfelfontein Area- Himba Village
En route to our Damaraland camp we visit a Himba village. The Himbas are a semi-nomadic tribe, who live in scattered settlements throughout the region. The following morning we visit the Twyfelfontein area – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 2000 rock carvings. During the afternoon we enjoy a riverside drive hoping to encounter the unique desert adapted elephants. Luxury Mobile Safari (All meals)
Day 8 & 9 - Swakopmund
Swakopmund, with its quaint Bavarian style architecture, is the principal coastal resort of Namibia. Time is spent at leisure. A morning Marine Boat Cruise is included, where a variety of bird species can be seen. There is also the chance to see two of the dolphin species and the leatherback turtles that inhabit this area of the Namibian coast. Eberwein Hotel (Or similar accommodation) (Breakfast only)
Day 10 & 11 - Namib Desert / Sossusvlei
We drive via Kuiseb River en route to our camp on the edge of the Namib Desert. The following morning is an early departure for Sossusvlei. The morning is spent walking amongst the dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. En-route back to camp we enjoy a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon. Luxury Mobile Safari (All meals)
Day 12: Windhoek
Driving past the mountains of the Namib Naukluft Park we make our way back to Windhoek where we arrive around midday. Road transfer to Windhoek Airport for your onward flight. Breakfast.
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TOUR COST: from US$ 3930 per person sharing twin
Single Supplement: US$590
Group Size: minimum 2 - maximum 8 guests
Type of Safari: Non-participation luxury mobile safari
Accommodation: 6 nights in a mobile tented camp with camp beds and private facilities, all meals, mineral water & table wine with dinner when in camp; 3 nights hotel accommodation in Windhoek & Swakopmund with breakfast; 2 nights lodge in Etosha and Okonjima with all meals.
Includes
Transportation, sightseeing, activities and game drives as per itinerary. Return airport transfers in Windhoek.
Excludes
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary, optional excursions, passport and travel visa fees, medical or Travel insurance, items of a personal nature, such as beverages, laundry, telephone calls, gratuities, etc.
ABOUT LUXURY MOBILE SAFARIS:
An intimate and personal safari experience with exclusive campsites. A safari crew traveling in separate vehicles erect the comfortable campsite while a professional guide travels with the clients. An experienced chef prepares excellent bush cuisine enjoyed under the stars.
Tents & Equipment:
- Pre-erected mobile-tented camp with luxury 'Out of Africa' spacious walk in safari tents.
- En-suite bathroom with warm shower, toiletries, towels, hand basin and flush toilet.
- 2 comfortable beds with thick mattresses, linen, duvets, pillows and blankets.
- Safari folding chair.
- A large marquee tent (5m x 5m) is used for shade.
Vehicles:
- Mercedes Sprinter Bus with reclining chairs, air conditioning and sliding windows.
- Fridges and battery charging facilities on all vehicles.
Staff:
- Guide, chef and 2-4 camp staff. Top
THE DESERTS OF SOUTHERN NAMIBIA (NTT 01)
12 Day Guided Lodge Safari from $3,670 per person
This guided safari takes you through the spectacular sandscapes of the Kalahari Desert to the majestic Fish River Canyon, to the Namib Desert and Sossusvlei, the highest dunes in the world!
 Itinerary:
Day 1: You will be met at Windhoek airport, transferred to your accommodation. Afternoon city tour. Overnight stay at Elegant Guesthouse. Breakfast.
Day 2: Travel via Rehoboth, centre of the ‘Baster’ community into the red dunes of the Kalahari Desert. Late afternoon game and overnight at the Bagatelle Kalahari Game Lodge. Dinner & breakfast.
Day 3: A full day’s journey takes you south through the desert-dominated landscapes to a picturesque Quiver Tree Forest. This prehistoric tree is a rewarding subject to photograph. Giant’s Playground is an impressive jumble of massive boulders – an extensive rocky labyrinth. Proceed via Keetmanshoop and the Naute Dam to the Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world. Overnight at the Canyon Lodge. Dinner & breakfast.
Day 4: View the spectacular northern fringes of the Fish River Canyon from various vantage points. The impressive rock formation provides much interest for enthusiastic nature lovers. Overnight at the Canyon Lodge. Dinner & breakfast.
Day 5: Travel via the small historic village of Aus and through the vast barren expanse of the Namib Desert to Lüderitz, renowned for its old-world charm and distinctly German colonial architecture. Overnight at The Nest Hotel. Dinner & breakfast.
Day 6: Visit Kolmanskop, a ghost town that was abandoned over 40 years ago with fascinating insight into the area's great diamond boom. Continue via Helmeringhausen to Farm Namtib and experience the daily life of a farmer in the south. Overnight stay at Farm Namtib. Dinner & breakfast.
Day 7: Travel through some of Namibia’s most spectacular sceneries. Vast expanses of yellow savannah are dotted with bushes and solitary camelthorn trees. Our destination is Sossusvlei and Sesriem. Overnight at Sossusvlei Lodge. Dinner &breakfast.
Day 8: Visit Sossusvlei - a clay pan surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world - and the Sesriem Canyon. Overnight at Sossusvlei Lodge. Dinner &breakfast.
 Day 9: The route takes us north via the Kuiseb Canyon to Swakopmund . Highlights en route include a drive to the “Moon Landscape” and the ancient desert plant, “Welwitschia mirabilis”. Overnight at the Hansa Hotel. Breakfast.
Day 10: Morning dolphin cruise on the Walvis Bay Lagoon. The afternoon is at leisure in Swakopmund a quaint desert town with its old-world charm and relaxed atmosphere. Overnight at the Hansa Hotel. Breakfast.
Day 11: Return journey via Usakos, Karibib and Okahandja to Windhoek. Okahandja is an important centre for woodcarvers from the north. They practice their ancient skills at the Woodcarvers Market next to the main road. This is a good place to pick a last souvenir. Overnight stay at Elegant Guesthouse. Breakfast.
Day 12: Check-out and transfer to the airport in time for your outbound flight. Bid farewell to Namibia!
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Namibia - Pure!
13 day Small Group Camping & Lodge Safari semi-participation (JS01)
Ideal for Campers and Non-Campers travelling together!
 Highlights:
Windhoek, Game Drives in Etosha National Park, Himba Cultural Experience in the Kaokoveld, Opuwo, Palmwag & Desert Elephants, Brandberg & Bushman Paintings, Petrified Forest at Twyfelfontein, Seal Colony at Cape Cross, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Namib Desert with Dunes of Sossusvlei and Sesriem.
Choose either Camping or Accommodated Safari
This is a combined tour for travellers who have chosen the camping option and the accommodated safari. You will still be travelling and enjoying meals together as a group.
Tour price - Lodge: from US$2,690 per person sharing
+ local payment ZAR1500
Single supplement US$265
Tour price - *Camping: from US$2,050 per person sharing a tent
+ local payment ZAR1500
Single tent US$105
Group Size: maximum 10 people
Camping: We make use of designated campsites either within a National Park, on the banks of a river, or other places of interest. All campsites have shared ablution facilities with showers, flushing toilets and running water (unless otherwise specified in the detailed itinerary). We try to avoid crowded campsites and take you to secluded spots, often supported by the local community.
We supply spacious 3-person dome tents, allowing two per tent. All tents are fitted with Mosquito-screened windows and doors. In addition, we provide 5cm thick sleeping mattresses.
On the accommodated lodge safari we stay in mid-range typical African style accommodation, consisting of a mix of Lodges, Chalets and Tented Camps. Most of them have a private bathroom with a shower and toilet, others have shared ablutions available. Some properties are equipped with swimming pools and/or bar areas.
Included: Use of full camping equipment (except sleeping bags), breakfast daily, all meals on days 2 - 8, 10 & 11, lunch on days 9 & 12, coffee/tea with the meals, transport on the tour, most activities, game drives whilst in Etosha Park.
About semi-participation Safaris: This safari offers additional comfort of bedded accommodation. The accommodations used are simple, clean, 2-3 star typical African standard, with a mix of shared and private bathrooms. Operating with a maximum of 10 passengers and a driverguide/cook, we want you to be part of the experience and therefore ask that you participate in the tour. This means, that you will be responsible for performing and helping with certain tasks, such as setting up the overnight camps (tents, chairs, tables), assisting with meals, cleaning dishes afterwards, and tidying up the campsite. The guide will do the cooking and take over all other organisational duties.
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CAMPING WILD SAFARIS:
NAMIBIA - it is off the beaten track and many areas visited are without infrastructure. Our experienced Namibian guides and well-equipped four wheel drive vehicles and equipment promise an unforgettable adventure into sometimes desolate and inhospitable terrain. Discover the most remote area with one of our exciting camping safaris.
We support ecological tourism, fully aware how tourism affects wildlife and cultural diversity of indigenous people. Our guides are dedicated conservationists with a sound knowledge of the fauna, flora and cultures of the region. They love their country, have been raised in it and know what is has to offer. They speak three languages and are able to communicate with the ethnic groups of Namibia.
All our safaris are offered on a non participation basis with the entire camping equipment supplied, such as
- Comfortable dome tents: 2.4 m x 2.4 m x 1.8 m.
- Sleeping rolls, which consist of comfortable canvas zip up cover with comfortable mattress, proper duvets, cushion, towels and linen.
- Camping fold up beds.
- Electric tent lantern and bedside table.
- Fold up canvas washing stand.
- Solar bucket showers (1x for every 4 guests).
- Bush toilets (1x for every 4 guests).
Three wholesome meals are served at table. Breakfast is “full English” style. Lunch consists of cold meats, salads, pickled cucumbers, olives, asparagus, fresh vegetables and fruit. Dinner is a three course meal and served with wine and beer. Sundowner drinks, suc as gin tonic or even a Scotch are included.
Transport is by custom built non airconditioned Land Rovers - window seat guaranteed. Vehicles are equipped with huge sliding windows and photo roof hatchesas well as a fridge to keep the drinks cold.
The joy of camping in Namibia is being able to get off the beaten track to experience the beautiful wilderness and nature! Top
KAOKOLAND DISCOVERED (NTT 02)
12 day Mobile Guided Safari (non-participation camping) from $3095 per person
This guided safari offers you a perfect opportunity to experience Namibia’s untouched and wild North West. Encounter Namibia’s Desert Elephants and get acquainted with the nomadic Ovahimba families ancient customs and traditional way of life.
Camp wild at the shore of the mighty Kunene River, admire its spectacular Epupa Waterfalls and the beauty of the Hartmann Valley - totally isolated and far from the normal tourist routes. The tour ends with a relaxing stay at Palmwag Lodge before returning to
Swakopmund via Twyfelfontein and its famous rock engravings. Top
DAMARALAND – FREE & WILD (NTT 03)
9 Day Mobile Guided Safari (non-participation camping) from $2980 per person
 Experience the very best of Namibia’s peoples and wildlife - living in the unspoiled natureand spectacular sceneries of Damaraland.
Highlights include the Cape Fur Seal Colony at Cape Cross , the Messum crater, Ugab and Huab River areas, the game rich private concession Palmwag – home to a huge variety of game, including the black rhino and desert elephant -, the spectacular Hoarusib River valley at Purros and camping wild under a starry sky!
Meet the Damara, Herero and Himba families and visit a local school. Track Desert Elephant in the ancient Hoarusib River bed and discover a geological paradise with many rock formations and interesting desert flora. The journey ends with an exciting outing to the private concession area of Etendeka before returning to Swakopmund via the Skeleton Coast. Top
Namibia by Desert Express by Mike Preston
 My trip to Namibia had been programmed around a journey on the Desert Express, a luxury train running between Swakopmund on the Atlantic coast, and the capital, Windhoek, 1700 metres above sea level, with a couple of days at each end.
We arrived in Swakopmund, a charming small town oozing with the character bestowed upon it by its unique location between desert and sea, and its German and African heritage. After exploring the area for a few days we headed for the old Swakopmund Railway station, where we boarded the train and were shown to our compartments by the friendly and attentive train crew. Ingeniously designed for optimal use of the limited space, the compartment was fitted with a shower and toilet, a small sofa and a comfortable single seater which converted into bunks. The train has 24 compartments in four named coaches (Oryx, Kokerboom, Springbok, Meerkat), each decorated in the pastel colours of the desert.  Promptly at 14h00 the train moved off with a gentle clink of glasses as we gathered in the Spitzkoppe bar for the first of many drinks. Tertius, the train manager, assembled the train crew (except for the driver, whom we were assured was at his post) for introductions. The dedication and enthusiasm of this team of young people for their country and their work was apparent from the beginning, and it was perhaps this more than any other single feature of the journey which made it so unique. As we sat enjoying their commentary and hospitality, the train moved at its sedate pace through the surprisingly varied and interesting desert landscape.
As night fell a four course dinner was served in the plush Welwitschia restaurant car. Namibian cooking draws heavily upon local ingredients, and game, fish, and steak were all offered along witha selection of excellent South African wines. After dinner, Tertius invited us into the refreshing clear desert air to enjoy an experience that most people never have - seeing the constellations sparkling through unpolluted air with no ambient light to detract from their clarity. After a full cooked breakfast, we made our last stop at Okapuka game ranch. We transferred from the train in open vehicles and drove through that unique African early morning cool. From the safety of a substantial hide, we saw untamed lions feeding and marvelled at the raw strength and beauty of the king of the jungle. From there we went to the boma and sat enjoying coffee whilst a tame ostrich kept us under observation through its beady eyes. All too soon it was time to board the train for the last short stretch to Windhoek's historic station where we arrived at 10h00 and said our farewells to the train crew. Top |
