Tour Plan

• Day 1 - 2

  Destination: Sesriem

  As there is no accommodation at Sossusvlei, visitors to this desert wilderness are likely to end up staying at Sesriem, 65 kilometres away, where camps and lodges serve as a base from which to explore the dunes. Sesriem Canyon, a deep chasm carved through the rocks by water, is a striking natural feature of the area that is best explored on foot. Stony walls rise up sharply on both sides of the canyon, while birds roost in its crags and lizards dart along the ledges. The canyon’s name was coined when early settlers used it as a water source, using six lengths of leather (‘ses riem – six thongs) tied together to lower buckets into the water at the base of canyon.

  
• Day 1 - 2

  Accommodation: Desert Camp

  Day Notes

  Collect your vehicle and meet with a tour consultant who will hand over your welcome pack and here you will have a chance to ask any last-minute questions.  Depart and drive south via Rehoboth to the amazing Namib Naukluft Park, the Sossusvlei dunes recently became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Namibia’s only second listed site. This afternoon you may choose to drive to nearby Elim’s Dune for sunset or visit nearby Sesriem Canyon.  Listen to the call of the barking geckos as the sun drops behind the dunes and the colours on the opposite Tsaris Mountains change to purple. Approx 40mins from airport to city; 5hours from the city   to the lodge Accommodated option Overnight: Desert Camp- B&B Camping option Overnight: Sesriem Campsite - no meals included 

  
• Day 2 - 3

  Experiences: DESERT CAMP • SESRIEM

  Dead Vlei

  ACTIVITY • RECOMMENDED

  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.

  Big Daddy 250m

  ACTIVITY • RECOMMENDED

  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.

  Dune 45

  ACTIVITY • RECOMMENDED

  Named for its location 45 kilometres past the town of Sesriem, Dune 45 is renowned for its elegant shape, which – along with its position close to the road – have earned it the distinction of ‘most photographed dune in the world’. If you’re not keen for the strenuous hike to the top of Big Daddy, Dune 45 is a more forgiving alternative, standing at only 80 metres and featuring a much gentler gradient.

  Sesriem Canyon

  ACTIVITY • RECOMMENDED

  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.

  Elim Dune

  ACTIVITY • RECOMMENDED

  Elim Dune is located just outside Sesriem, Namibia. It is the nearest dune to Sesriem and the first in a series of gigantic dunes. Atop Elim Dune, the colours at sunset are vivid and constantly changing, providing a strong contrast between the surrounding blue Naukluft Mountains on the east and the red dunes to the west. The dune is a hundred meters in height, and visitors can climb it from a parking spot beside it in more or less an hour.

  Day Notes

  The following day, recommend a pre-dawn departure from the lodge to drive into Sossusvlei area to explore this ancient desert. If you are lucky and Namibia received good rains you may find water in Sossusvlei and witness a lake and oasis in the desert, the flowering cover the area like a yellow carpet and grasses appear as if from nowhere to provide a much needed source of food to the animals in the area. Climb a dune adjacent to Sossusvlei and from here continue to Dead Vlei. In the heart of this vlei stands a collection of skeletal camel thorn trees, a past reminder of days gone by when water flooded the region, set on the white pan with the backdrop of orange sand dunes and blue sky this is a stunning destination. Please note the last 5kms section is 4x4 only and we recommend you walk or take the shuttle service. Alternatively, if you prefer, join an optional activity offered by the lodge to explore the region with a guide. Accommodated option Overnight: Desert Camp- B&B Camping option Overnight: Sesriem Campsite - no meals included 

  Day 3

  Day Notes

  After breakfast we begin your journey back to Windhoek following a different route, ascending the massive Gamsberg Pass in the Khomas Hochland Mountain Range on your way back to Windhoek in time to drop off your rental vehicle and to continue with your onward travel arrangements (No flights before 14h00; we recommend you overnight in Windhoek if flights are any earlier). Approx 5hours from gate to Windhoek, you will also need to allow time to drop off vehicle End of all services

  Expert Tips

  As with all car hire companies if you have an accident and they prove you were negligent– for example - speeding then the zero excess becomes void and you are liable. You will complete the contract and discuss any extras with the car rental company upon collection of the vehicle – please check the vehicle carefully as you are responsible for it thereafter. If you have any problems with the car whilst you are on the road please contact them directly. With all car rentals you will need to provide your passport, driving licence (written in English or an international licence), as well as supply credit card for refundable deposit. A GPS is often available by the car rental companies (at clients own expense), however, we do find that due to our road network system (and small population), it is not normally required, we realize this is a personal preference and are happy to pre-book for you. Please do not drive around/after sunset Please note that this quote is based on the availability of both accommodation/ vehicle and on the understanding that no bookings have been made. Should we need to use alternative options the price and itinerary is subject to change