5 Day Guided Tour of Namibia Sossusvlei to Swakopmund

Day 1 · Windhoek - Namib Desert

1. 1

   Spreetshoogte Pass

   Passing by

   The Spreetshoogte Pass traverses the Great Escarpment, connecting the Namib Desert to the Khomas Highland. The

   pass is 50.4 kilometres long, connecting Solitaire to Nauchas and offers stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.

   Originally constructed during World War II by farmer Nicolaas Spreeth, the pass was built to facilitate access to his

   farm, Ubib, located at the base of the escarpment. One of Namibia’s most spectacular views is from the top of the

   Spreetshoogte Pass, where the land drops off by roughly 2000 metres, creating a natural vantage point overlooking

   the vast, semi-desert plains and the arid mountains beyond.

2. 2

   Solitaire

   one hour

   Situated in the Khomas region of Central Namibia, the desert town of Solitaire serves as an oasis in the Namib

   Desert. The town provides an important stop on the way to the ancient dunes of Sossusvlei, allowing travellers to

   stock up on essentials as they make their way further into the wilderness. Solitaire also has a small bar and is

   renowned for its famous apple pie - said to be the best in the country. Enjoy a scenic sundowner with views of the

   spectacular Namib desert, hike and bike through the unspoilt natural surroundings, or visit the wonderful local

   Cheetah Sanctuary.

Desert Quiver Camp uniquely combines modern self-catering accommodation with comfort and style.

Day 2 · Sossusvlei excursion

1. 1

   Namib-Naukluft National Park

   Passing by

   Stretching almost 50000 square kilometres across the red-orange sands of the Namib Desert over the Naukluft

   Mountains to the east, the Namib-Naukluft National Park is Africa’s biggest wildlife reserve and the fourth largest in

   the world. Despite the unforgiving conditions, it is inhabited by a plethora of desert-adapted animals, including

   reptiles, buck, hyenas, jackals, insects and a variety of bird species. One of the main attractions of the park are the

   ancient dunes of Sossusvlei, home to some of the tallest dunes in the world rising over 300 metres from the desert

   floor. This magnificent landscape features rolling dunes, rugged moonscapes, lagoons, wetlands and mudflats.

   Visitors can look forward to a number of impressive sights including: the picture-perfect Dune 45, standing 170

   metres high; the Welwitschia Plains, otherworldly lunar terrain dotted with the endemic plants; and the Dead Vlei, a

   photographer's dream.

2. 2

   Big Daddy Dune

   2 hours Admission included

   Big Daddy is the tallest dune in the Sossusvlei area. This magnificent dune is situated between Sossusvlei and

   Deadvlei and at 325 meters it dwarfs the other dunes. Should you want the ultimate bragging rights, take a lot of

   water and trek to the top of Big Daddy where you can look down onto Deadvlei.

   At 325 meters, Big Daddy may be the highest dune in the Sossusvlei area, however it is not the highest in the Namib

   Desert. This honour is given to Dune 7, which has been measured at 388m. Dune 7 earned its name by being the

   7th dune along the Tsauchab River.

3. 3

   Deadvlei

   one hour Admission included

   This ancient clay pan was once an oasis, studded with acacias and fed by a river that suddenly changed course,

   leaving the earth to dry up along with the trees it previously supported. So dry were the climatic conditions that the

   trees never decomposed – instead they were entirely leached of moisture so that today, 900 years later, they remain

   as desiccated, blackened sentinels dotting the pan’s cracked surface. Surrounded by the red-pink dunes of the

   Namibia Desert, they create a surreal spectacle that is a photographer's dream.

4. 4

   Sesriem Canyon

   30 min Admission included

   Sesriem Canyon is a captivating natural wonder located in the heart of the Namib Desert in Namibia. Carved over

   millions of years by the Tsauchab River, this narrow gorge is a testament to the power of erosion. The name Sesriem

   comes from the Afrikaans and Dutch words for six leather straps, which early pioneers used tied together to draw

   water from the deep pools within the canyon. Sesriem Canyon is not only a geological marvel but also a haven for

   unique desert flora and fauna, making it a popular stop for tourists exploring the surreal landscapes of the Namib

   Desert.

Desert Quiver Camp uniquely combines modern self-catering accommodation with comfort and style.

Day 3 · Namib desert - Swakopmund

1. 1

   Tropic of Capricorn Sign

   20 min

   Located just South of Walvis Bay in Solitaire, is the approximate latitude of the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5 degrees

   South. The Tropic of Capricorn is one of the 5 major circles of latitude and the southernmost point of latitude from

   where the sun can be seen directly overhead. This point of latitude runs through many other countries such as Brazil,

   Mozambique and Australia to name a few.

2. 2

   Kuiseb Pass

   30 min

   Kuiseb Pass takes you through the Kuiseb Canyon, the watercourse of which only flows occasionally but often

   enough to halt the advance of the red sands of the Namib.

Located in Swakopmund, Guesthouse Indongo offers comfortable accommodation near the beach.

Day 4 · Walvis Bay

1. 1

   Stop 1

   4 hours Admission included

   Several operators run boat cruises from Walvis Bay – some geared towards fishing or sightseeing and others towards

   dolphin and whale watching, but all offer the chance to experience the region’s natural beauty and phenomenal

   marine and bird life.

Located in Swakopmund, Guesthouse Indongo offers comfortable accommodation near the beach.

Day 5 · Swakopmund - Windhoek

1. 1

   Okahandja Mbangura Woodcarvers Craft Market

   30 min

   This craft market is Okahandja’s best known tourist attraction. Woodcarvers from all over, and as far as the Kavango

   Region of north-eastern Namibia, who practice their ancient skills come here to sell their goods. Since wood is not

   resistant to the wear and tear of time, wood sculptures survive less well than other forms of art and are therefore an

   important hidden element in the art history of many cultures. The wood-and-thatch market is situated next to the

   main road at the town’s entrance and exit. Choose from a wide variety of hand-carved wooden artifacts such as

   animals, bowls or jewelry boxes.