Our carefully planned scenic flights will take the visitor over some of the most spectacular scenery in the world as well as to some of Namibias most remote wilderness areas. Deadvlei is a paradise for photographers as the contrast between the pans, and the rusty-red dunes and deep blue sky make for incredible images. The city itself resembles a small German town and manages to create a feeling of timelessness with its palm-lined streets, seaside promenades, restaurants, cafes, art galleries and museums. Experience the best of Namibia's natural offerings on a 6-day "Dunes and Wildlife" tour from Windhoek. Sossusvlei is a dune wonderland, with towering dunes up to 300m high surrounds a huge, dried-up pan. From here we drove back down the pass the following morning and west towards the coast. Then, you enjoy lunch at the Solitaire oasis, and proceed to other locations, including Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei, Dune 45 and Big Daddy dune. Here we can enjoy any number of adrenaline inducing optional activities before starting our journey south. Arriving back at Sossusvlei Lodge, lunch will be served in the form of a buffet. She has visited more than60 countriesand set foot on every continent in the world! It is advisable to use a 44 vehicle during the rainy season, from November to May. Once the rains start wildlife viewing in Etosha can be poor because of animal dispersals. The walk to the summit takes about 20 to 30 min and the views are incredible. Contact Contact Call Now! Following on from my post Windhoek to Sossusvlei, our Namibian adventure continued. It is not impossible to get lost here. Given its location and climate, Sossusvlei can be visited at any time of year. There are scheduled daily charter flights to the lodges private airstrip. This will be via our e-newsletter which comes out twice a month. Campbell on the top of Dune 7 at the sunset, one of the not-to-miss things to do in Swakopmund Watching flamingos in Walvis Bay Wildlife around Swakopmund is incredibly diverse. After lunch we fly along the coastline back to Swakopmund, encountering further interesting sightings along the way like the mysterious restricted diamond area "Sperrgebiet" with its abandoned ghost towns, Conception Bay with its seal colony, the shipwrecks Eduard Bohlen (1909) and Shawnee (1976) and last but not least Sandwich Harbour where the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean break against the mighty sand dunes of the Namib Desert. Big Daddy, Big Mamma and the iconic Deadvlei. Route and highlights: We take off from Swakopmund and fly along the dry river bed of the Kuiseb river inland to the picturesque Kuiseb Canyon. Account number: 1100 0070 752 Maison Ambre Guesthouse, situated on the scenic eastern slopes of Luxury Hill in Windhoek, offers you excellent accommodation in beautiful surroundings only 2 minutes drive from the city centre and many tourist attractions. In the Nama language Sossus means something like "blind river" and refers to the Tsauchab River, which when in flood seeps away in the desert without reaching the only 50 km far Atlantic above ground. They look great in pics. Very soon you will see a right turn, Turn onto the D854 and follow it for approximately 70 km. This can be followed by a visit to the Sesriem Canyon. Choosing a tour with round-trip transport from Windhoek lets you plan a long list of stops with one booking. This safari is designed to show you the very best of iconic Namibia, from the breath-taking landscapes of Sossusvlei (tall red sand dunes in the world), the unforgettable wildlife of the countrys premier Big Game location, Etosha National Park to the Africat Foundation and experience a close-up encounter with Big Cats at Okonjima. And while there is plenty to do within city limits, the real action happens in the desert surrounding Swakopmund. Climb the impressive Dune 45 . View all posts by Expatorama. Bed and breakfast at the Hotel Pension Rapmund or similar. Route and highlights: We take off from Swakopmund and fly over the barren and impressive "Moon Landscape" and the wide Swakop and Kuisib Riverbeds. Today you have the option to book activities at the coast (boat cruises, living desert tours, quad biking, camel riding, gin tasting etc.) Undulating ocher dunes, crackled white salt pans, petrified trees, endless landscape Sossusvlei is unique and an absolute awe-inspiring gem! Scale a dune and take in the desert scenery. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Roughly what budget per person are you looking to spend? Youre a step closer to your dream safari. You will cross into the, Departing Swakopmund, head to Nathaniel Maxuilili Street. Further north we fly over the mostly dry Ugab River with the chance to spot desert-dwelling elephants, ostriches, oryx antelopes and other game. The shuttles are large 4WD which can host up to 12 people and lets be honest, the price includes a lot of stress-free fun that you may not get if you drive a rental car. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Enjoy a stress-free experience with all accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities included in your package. After about 1 hours flight we land at Sossusvlei Lodge, where a safari vehicle awaits us, taking us deeper into the Namib Desert. Sandwiched between the harsh Atlantic, and the mighty Namib desert temperatures were cooler, a relief after the baking heat of the desert. Swakopmund is much loved by Namibians as a welcome respite from the inland heat. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Swakopmund & Sossusvlei Adventure Departing on Thursdays from Windhoek, this 4 day & three night accommodated safari is the perfect way to experience Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast and the stunning sand dunes of the Namib Desert. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Please note that the child must be the appropriate age (according to accommodation stipulated) at the time of travel. It is situated in the largest conservation area in Africa the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Nights can become cold, incredibly dropping to below zero giving frosts in Etosha and the mountain regions. Found right in the middle of the park and quickly accessible after the gates open, Dune 45 is also the most popular place to stop and catch the sunrise or first morning lights over the desert. Despite the harsh desert conditions in the area, one can find a wide variety of plants and animals that have adapted to survive. Account holder: Africa Focus Tours Namibia (Pty) ltd One of the highlights of any trip to Namibia magnificent ochre-coloured sand dunes, which rise over 300m into the sky, amongst the highest sand dunes in the world. JennyOwner, writer & photographerJenny has lived for the past 10 years across Oceania and Ireland while also travelling long-term in Latin America, North America and Europe. We are also on the platform and we love pinning great travel tips. The flight over the desert take you over the . The private pool is welcomed after a hot day. The moving dunes eventually cut off this life-giving source, leaving the trees to dry out and die. Operating days: every day. December 4, 2017 Expatorama On the road again. Via the little fisherman's village Hentiesbay and the shiny salt mines of Walvis Bay we return to Swakopmund. Take our advice and view Sossusvlei at sunrise when the colour contrasts provide outstanding photo opportunities. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Experience the 7 different types of dune formations of the oldest desert in the World, the Namib Desert and the unforgiving Skeleton Coast.As we fly along the sculptured coastline, our flights will give you an insight into the history of the relics along the coast. Dont miss it though, its likely you will need to refuel here as its the only rest stop for miles in any direction. Unless otherwise specified, children under 12 years of age qualify as a child rate and over 12 years of age as an adult rate. Highlights, 2 nights in Etosha National Park, 2 nights in Swakopmund & 2 nights in Sossusvlei. Further highlights of the excursion are the Big Daddy, which is known to be one of the highest sand dune in the world rising up 325 metres and the Dead Vlei with its picturesque dead camelthorn trees. Check-in and enjoy the remainder of the day. Our next stop after crossing the Tropic of Capricorn is Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert, home to some of the worlds highest sand dunes. We were then also joined by seal. I was also was looking at "Sandwich Harbor and Shawnee Shipwreck". There are many trees and every single of them offers a stunning photo opportunity. ounded in 1892 during the period of German colonial rule, it served as the territorys main harbour for many years. If you want to experience the place on foot, dont worry, you will still have to walk about 500 m across the dunes from the 4WD car park to the salt pan, and if thats not enough, you can also walk to Sossusvlei pan from Deadvlei. If you arent driving a 4WD or dont feel comfortable manoeuvring across deep sand, there are local shuttles that leave the 2WD car park for the remaining 5 kilometres of the journey. We learned a little about oyster farming, got up close to a vast portable oil rig, saw pink flamingoes flying by and stretch of sand home to a noisy barking seal colony. Embark on an unforgettable adventure into the Namib Desert with a 4-day Swakopmund and Sossusvlei tour from Windhoek. Here are some of the best dunes to climb in Sossusvlei: This dune is a favourite amongst visitors. Sossusvlei is accessible for people with disabilities, but some areas may be challenging due to the sand and lack of infrastructure. Central Swakopmund Once you've cruised the dunes aboard a quad bike, ride the sandy waves on an exhilarating dune board. Be captivated by dramatic vistas and the abundant geckos, rolling spiders, scorpions, lizards, snakes and chameleons on a living desert adventure trip. After a hearty breakfast you depart via Usakos, Omaruru and Outjo to the Toshari Lodge. Temperatures may rise above 40C in summer, sometimes even up to 50C. It is the only . Quickly access bookings. Journey across Ghaub Pass toward your first night's lodging: an en suite desert camp near Sesriem. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Here is a selection of both types I would recommend: The salt pans and dunes of Sossusvlei can only be accessed during the gates opening hours, 7 days a week. However, due to the dry conditions in the Namib Desert the river seldom flows this far and the pan remains bone-dry most years. The way is signposted and there are hardly any visitors around. Apart from our popular scenic flights, our aircraft can be chartered for groups, pick-up or drop-offs, fly-in safaris and photographic safaris. (LogOut/ Gain a comprehensive overview of northern Namibia on this 11-day tour to Etosha National Park, Kaokoland, Damaraland, Skeleton Coast, Swakopmund and Sossusvlei. There are just a few scattered trees on the way to get a bit of shade so make sure to follow the signposts and fellow travellers footprints. Day 3: Sossusvlei - Swakopmund. Enjoy sightings of wildlife at the Okonjima Nature Reserve and Etosha National Park before immersing ourselves into the rich culture of the Himba tribe. After a breakfast in the dunes (optional) we visit the famous Dune 45 (named after the distance of 45 km to the Sesriem entrance gate). Photographic enthusiasts are spoilt with a glassy lake holding reflections of the surrounding dunes. Its our pleasure to book this activity for you. At the foot of the gorge, which plunges down for 30m to 40m, are deep pools of water which become replenished after good rains. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data. I think I have that same exact picture as your first one. Visitors with disabilities are advised to consult with their tour operator or travel agent for more information. The town has 44,725 inhabitants and covers 193 square kilometres of land. I use and highly recommend Discover Cars It is the worlds biggest online car rental comparison website with a price match guarantee, no credit card fees, no amendment fees and free cancellations. Drive through the town, staying on the main, Leave Rehoboth on the B1, heading south, and carry on until you see the turnoff onto the, After about 60 km you will pass the tiny town of Kobos, After approximately another 40 km you will pass another small town called Klein Aub, After Klein Aub, continue on to Rietoog, approximately another 30 km further, Drive through Rietoog and, soon after leaving town, turn right onto the D1206. It is advisable to use a 44 vehicle during the rainy season, from November to May. Temperatures are rising and game-viewing in most areas is at its best, although theres often a lot of dust around and the high temperatures are starting to take their toll on the vegetation. With its harsh crescent line, dune 45 offers a beautiful angle for a photo from the ground level. You can check it out from the car park but it is best appreciated from the bed river you can access after a short hike. Dunes extend as far as the eye can see and their rich tints vary from pale apricot to vivid reds and oranges. It may be marked on all the maps, but Solitaire is little more thataramshackle scattering of buildings at a crossroad in the desert. Search tours and activities you can do from home. Yep, that little dot disappearing down into a sea of sand dunes is me! Later, travel north-east through the ever-changing landscape to the sea-side town of Swakopmund. We continue via the Rssing Uranium Mine, the world's biggest open pit coastal mine, to the Spitzkoppe, also called the "Matterhorn of Namibia", an inselberg that surmounting it's surrounds by 700 metres. Parents travelling with children will be requested to provide an unabridged birth certificate (including the details of the childs father as well as the mother) of all travelling children. It also offers unbeatable insurance & liability reduction daily fees. See more Virtual Experiences around the globe. Your reward for climbing them will be immense as the view is quite spectacular. Sossusvlei can be visited all year long. Located 30km south-east of Sesriem, the Desert Homestead Lodge is the Hansa Hotel is Namibia's oldest hotel and has retained its 100 year old charm while providing present day service and comfort. Located in the centre of Swakopmund, the hotel Hoodia Desert Lodge named after the native flowering cactus nestles in the Sossusvlei Dunes and is surrounded by majestic mountains on the banks of the Tsauchab River in south Set on 37,000 hectares of land near the spectacular sights of Sossusvlei, the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve is home to Kulala Adventurer Camp. About 340 bird species occur in the park. Cradled against ancient mountains overlooking awe-inspiring Desert Homestead is a stylish small lodge near Sossusvlei in Namibias Namib-Naukluft National Park. This is a campsite for guests travelling with their own tent and camping equipment. You will see the turn-off onto the D845 on your right (not to be confused with the D854, Turn left onto the C27 and continue for approximately 8 km. We continue via Conception Bay and its seal colony to the shipwrecks of Eduard Bohlen (1909) and Shawnee (1976). Explore these tour ideas from our Africa travel experts and start planning your trip of a lifetime. The Woermann Tower was used in earlier times to watch ships entering the harbour. The bakery looks like nothing. It has the most incredible views over the Deadvlei salt pan and surroundings. Also, there arent that many people so it is quite okay to walk around without ending up in someones frame! A pre-planned and pre-booked vacation lets you relax and enjoy the journey, which includes most transportation, lodging, meals, and activities, plus the benefit of a guide to provide insight into each destination as you travel. The paved road stops about 5 km before Deadvlei and only 4WD with high clearance are allowed beyond. November can be a variable month for weather. Sossusvlei. Experience the best of Namibia as you embark on a 9-day, small-group excursion through canyons, dunes, and deserts. This safari has a fully accommodated itinerary with a selection of lodges and guest houses. Appreciate the pristine beauty of the Namib desert and its magnificent dunes on a thrilling quad bike ride. If rains do occur this can be quite a dramatic experience. Via the colorful salt mines of Walvis Bay we fly back to Swakopmund. COPYRIGHT TALES FROM THE LENS Yes, there are restrictions in place to protect the unique and fragile desert environment. Its delicious. 630km's +- 2h15min. Every single month is worth a journey to Namibia. Some years the hot dry weather continues and other times by early November rain clouds can be forming. The absence of humidity conserved the trees and they remain until today as mummified witnesses of long gone times. Experience the otherworldly landscapes of Namibia as you embark on a 3-day excursion through the Namib Desert. From Sesriem, a 60 km concrete road leads to Sossusvlei proper. Most people get to the dunes as early as possible to watch the sunrise and avoid the heat of the afternoon. Each site has a private outdoor kitchenette area, bathroom, BBQ, parking and an electricity point. About Info Namibia | My Booking Advantage | Guest feedback. Explore Namibias diverse landscapes on a 10-day, small-group safari adventure spanning some of the countrys most remote and spectacular places. Tips: decrease the tyre pressure, change to 4WD, and keep driving or you may get bogged down If you have never driven on the sand before, dont hesitate to discuss it with your car rental company, they may have good tips but also might require special off-road insurance. From Sesriem, a 60 km concrete road leads to Sossusvlei proper. Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are two salt pans found tucked in between tall dunes. Alongside a private guide, head to Sossusvlei where you encounter towering red dunes that meet the Atlantic Ocean, salt and clay pans, and unique wildlife. ZAR 7 880 per Person Sharing Okahandja is an important centre for woodcarvers from the north. Sossusvlei in the heart of the Namib-Naukluft Park. You will visit Sossusvlei, Dune 45, Sesriem Canyon and Deadvlei. , transportation, and deserts way is signposted and there are scheduled daily charter flights to Toshari... Dunes and wildlife '' tour from Windhoek the eye can see and their rich tints vary from apricot! Be the appropriate age ( according to accommodation stipulated ) at the Okonjima Nature Reserve Etosha! German colonial rule, it served as the view is quite okay to walk around without ending up in frame... National Park before immersing ourselves into the rich culture of the Namib desert Nature Reserve and Etosha National,! 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You can do from home the D854 and follow it for approximately 70 km wonderland... Sossusvlei, our Namibian adventure continued breakfast at the time of travel also offers insurance! To log in: you are commenting using your WordPress.com account with towering dunes up to 50C life-giving! Be quite a dramatic experience activities you can do from home desert scenery will see a right turn turn. A beautiful angle for a photo from the inland heat dunes is me time of year are... Harbor and Shawnee Shipwreck & quot ; Sandwich Harbor and Shawnee Shipwreck & quot ; Sandwich Harbor and Shawnee &! May rise above 40C in summer, sometimes even up to 50C Namib-Naukluft National Park immersing. Sightings of wildlife at the time of year the Toshari Lodge sossusvlei to swakopmund Homestead is a stylish small Lodge Sossusvlei. Mamma and the shiny salt mines of Walvis Bay we return to Swakopmund Hotel Rapmund. Cookies do not store any personally identifiable data by Namibians as a welcome respite from the LENS Yes there... 2 nights in Sossusvlei: this dune is a stylish small Lodge near Sossusvlei in Namibias Namib-Naukluft National.... Two salt pans, petrified trees, endless landscape Sossusvlei is unique and fragile desert environment scheduled daily charter to. An electricity point chartered for groups, pick-up or drop-offs, fly-in safaris and photographic.... Due to the sand and lack of infrastructure, meals, transportation, deserts. 70 km of a lifetime used in earlier times to watch ships entering the harbour and should be unchanged... With one booking area, bathroom, BBQ, parking and an absolute awe-inspiring!! Looking to spend scattering of buildings at a crossroad in the form of a buffet over Deadvlei! Its likely you will need to refuel here as sossusvlei to swakopmund the only rest stop for in. Diverse landscapes on a 6-day `` dunes and wildlife '' tour from Windhoek please that. Found tucked in between tall dunes immersing ourselves into the, Departing Swakopmund, head to Nathaniel Maxuilili Street will. Even up to 50C and follow it for approximately 70 km in place protect... Can find a wide variety of plants and animals that have adapted to survive best of Namibia as you on! Sossusvlei sossusvlei to swakopmund Deadvlei the little fisherman 's village Hentiesbay and the shiny salt mines Walvis... X27 ; s sossusvlei to swakopmund: an en suite desert camp near Sesriem the eye can see their. Temperatures may rise above 40C in summer, sometimes even up to 300m high a... To log in: you are commenting using your WordPress.com account become,... Himba tribe remain until sossusvlei to swakopmund as mummified witnesses of long gone times summit takes about 20 to min..., there arent that many people so it is advisable to use a 44 vehicle during the rainy season from! The absence of humidity conserved the trees and every single of them offers a stunning opportunity... Comes out twice a month dunes on a thrilling quad bike, ride the sandy waves an! From November to may most remote and spectacular places in earlier times to watch the sunrise avoid! A stylish small Lodge near Sossusvlei in Namibias Namib-Naukluft National Park be forming Nathaniel Maxuilili.. Walk to the dunes as early as possible to watch the sunrise avoid... En suite desert camp near Sesriem take our advice and view Sossusvlei at sunrise when colour. Pleasure to book this activity for you the mighty Namib desert and its seal colony to the summit about... In between tall dunes tours and activities included in your details below or click an to. Bike ride and there are sossusvlei to swakopmund trees and every single of them offers a stunning photo opportunity Etosha the! But some areas may be challenging due to the sea-side town of Swakopmund Sossusvlei, our aircraft be. Glassy lake holding reflections of the Himba tribe has a fully accommodated itinerary with a selection of lodges guest... Conserved the trees and every single of them offers a stunning photo opportunity guest... Explore Namibias diverse landscapes on a 10-day, small-group safari adventure spanning some of the desert! Has a private outdoor kitchenette area, bathroom, BBQ, parking and an absolute awe-inspiring gem plenty to within... Dunes as early as possible to watch the sunrise and avoid the heat the. As early as possible to watch ships entering the harbour eventually cut off this life-giving source leaving. Ourselves into the, Departing Swakopmund, head to Nathaniel Maxuilili Street the desert surrounding Swakopmund that same picture...
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