Overview:
This three-day Sossusvlei Namibia Safari offers a brief yet remarkable adventure in the Namib Desert at an exceptional value.
Camp for two nights in Sesriem Camp in the historic Namib Desert. This economical Namibia Camping Safari features the surreal Deadvlei and Sossusvlei, sunrise at Dune 45 and Big Daddy Dune, sunset from Elim Dune, Sesriem Canyon, the Tropic of Capricorn, Kuiseb Canyon, and Walvis Bay Lagoon.
The Namibia Budget Safari to Sossusvlei commences from Windhoek every Wednesday morning and concludes in Swakopmund on Friday afternoons.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Windhoek to Sesriem Camp, Namib Desert, Namibia
The brief Sossusvlei Namibia Safari commences from Windhoek early on Wednesday mornings. Your driver will pick you up from your pre-tour lodging at 07:00.
Following a brief introductory tour, we depart from Windhoek and proceed southwest into the Namib Desert, heading towards Sesriem. Our journey ascends across the middle plains of Namibia, traversing through difficult mountainous terrain. We stop for supplies in the town of Rehoboth and traverse the community of BűellsPort. Subsequently, we proceed into the Namib Desert, obtaining our initial views of this primordial desert terrain.
We arrive at our Sesriem campsite around midday. We established our campsite beneath a large, ancient camelthorn tree in the arid desert. Upon establishing our campsite, we indulge in a late picnic lunch while appreciating the towering red dunes in the distance.
Subsequently, in the late afternoon, you may choose to visit Elim Dune. A little drive leads us to Elim Dune, where we admire the captivating desert landscape illuminated by the sunset’s glory. Following our stunning desert sunset at Elim Dune, you may either undertake the brief walk back to camp or board the safari vehicle.
Upon returning to our Sesriem camp, we unwind by the campfire and partake in a substantial dinner served by the team. Conclude your inaugural exhilarating day on safari in Namibia by retreating to your comfortable tent and slumbering beneath the starry desert sky.
Distance of travel: 320 kilometers
Accommodation: Sesriem Camp – twin-share tents with shared ablution facilities in the campsite.
Repasts: Luncheon, Supper
Day 2: Sesriem and Sossusvlei, Namib Desert – Namibia
On the second day of our Namibia Camping Safari, we commence our activities at dawn. We rise before dawn and proceed to the majestic dunes of the planet’s most ancient desert. Departing in darkness, we proceed to Dune 45. Dune 45, an iconic sight in Namibia, derives its name from its location 45 miles from Sesriem.
We ascend Dune 45 at dawn, observing the transformation of the desert hues in the morning light. The optimal periods for photographing the Namib Desert are sunrise and sunset, as the colors are more vibrant in the golden light, creating a stark contrast with the deep shadows produced by the low sun.
From the summit of Dune 45, we observe the sunrise illuminating the undulating dune fields beneath. Pause to absorb the radiant red-orange tones of the tranquil sand dunes and document the peaceful landscape with your camera.
After admiring the vistas from the summit of Dune 45, we enjoyed a delectable breakfast at the truck before resuming our Namib Desert expedition. Our subsequent destination is Sossusvlei. We go several kilometers to the 2×4 parking area, where we switch to a 4×4 vehicle for the remaining 5 km trek to the vlei. The 4×4 shuttle transports us through the sandy Tsauchab Riverbed to Sossusvlei. The arid riverbed was created by the Tsauchab River, which previously traversed the desert and emptied into the Atlantic Ocean during periods of flooding. The seasonal river occasionally floods, approximately once a decade, but no longer connects to the Atlantic. The ancient dune fields, which commenced formation approximately 5 million years ago, currently obstruct the river’s flow, even during periods of significant rainfall in the Naukluft Mountains that cause flooding. During these infrequent instances, Sossusvlei transforms into a shallow lake for a duration of many months.
The shuttle transports us to the strange Sossusvlei region of Namib-Naukluft National Park, where we stroll across the arid plains. We additionally explore the adjacent Deadvlei clay pit and traverse the fissured white terrain. Stroll among the twisted, ancient trees, some of which have existed for almost a millennium. Expect to capture breathtaking images of the austere desert basins encircled by vibrant orange dunes against expansive blue skies.
Following our exploration of Namibia’s renowned desert terrain on foot, we proceed to one of the tallest sand dunes globally. You have the opportunity to ascend this imposing dune, known as Big Daddy. Standing at almost 300 meters, the vistas are stunning and merit the exertion. Departing the Sossusvlei region, we return to Sesriem and our campsite for lunch and a respite. Revitalize and immerse yourself in the swimming pool before to our afternoon desert excursion. Subsequently, we proceed to the adjacent Sesriem Canyon to traverse this profound gorge on foot. The Sesriem Canyon was formed through erosion by the Tsauchab River approximately two million years ago. We descend to the cold floor of the rocky canyon to observe the remarkable rock formations closely.
Subsequently, we return to our camp in Sesriem, where we dine by the campfire and prepare for a tranquil night beneath the stars.
Distance of travel: 120 kilometers
Accommodation: Sesriem Camp – twin-share tents with communal ablution facilities in the campsite.
Repasts: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Sesriem Camp to Swakopmund, Namibia
The third day of our Sossusvlei Namibia Safari commences with an early breakfast at the camp. Subsequently, we prepare for departure and proceed westward into the Namib Desert. Initially, we traverse huge gravel plains where the horizon appears infinite. We traverse desolate landscapes interspersed with substantial inselberg hills. Upon arriving to the little hamlet of Solitaire, we pause to extend our limbs and investigate the surroundings. Sample the renowned apple pie and capture images of the picturesque vintage automobile remnants scattered about the estate.
Subsequently, we proceed to the Tropic of Capricorn, pausing to capture photographs of the crossing at 23.5 degrees south of the Equator. The landmark crossing is complete, and we go into the Kuiseb Mountains, where two mountain passes are anticipated. Initially, we navigate the Gaub River canyon, followed by the more expansive Kuiseb Canyon. The Kuiseb Pass traverses steep mountain summits and descends into the profound valleys sculpted by the Kuiseb River and its tributaries across remarkable scenery. We go from Kuiseb Canyon to the Atlantic coastline, arriving at the ocean at Walvis Bay. We will visit the Walvis Bay lagoon and pause for lunch at this avian sanctuary.
Subsequent to lunch, we proceed to Swakopmund, the premier coastal vacation destination in Namibia. Upon arriving in coastal Swakopmund, you will be escorted to your post-tour accommodation, where you will bid farewell to your guides and fellow passengers. While our Namibia Camping Safari concludes upon reaching Swakopmund, we advise that you allocate at least one night to relish the town following your tour. Swakopmund offers a variety of exceptional dining establishments and lodging choices, in addition to numerous adventure activities.
Distance of travel: 350 kilometers
Repasts: Breakfast and LunchSafari Notes for Sossusvlei, Namibia
The Sossusvlei Namibia Safari commences in Windhoek every Wednesday and concludes in Swakopmund on Friday afternoons.
We recommend arriving in Windhoek the day prior to the safari’s departure and spending a minimum of one night in Swakopmund following the conclusion of the safari.
To get economical lodging in Windhoek and Swakopmund (before to and following this safari), please request us to include it in your Sossusvlei Namibia Safari reservation.
Our travel specialists and your guides are pleased to suggest lodging, activities, and dining options in Swakopmund. Optional activities in Swakopmund comprise spectacular flights over the Namib Desert, skydiving, or quad biking over the sand dunes.
This is a fully participatory Namibia Camping Safari, wherein each participant is accountable for erecting and dismantling their own tent, as well as cleaning their own dishes.
Individual tourists will be paired with another traveler of the same gender on a twin-share arrangement.
Request our ideas and assistance with arranging activities and economical lodging in Swakopmund, or the shuttle service back to Windhoek.
This Budget Camping Safari is executed in a Toyota Quantum Minibus equipped with air conditioning and towing a trailer for all camping gear and luggage storage.