The Red Sand of Namibia

Safari vehicle in the Etosha National Park
Safari vehicle in the Etosha National Park
The Fish River Canyon in Namibia
The Fish River Canyon in Namibia
Cheetah in Namibia
Cheetah in Namibia
Red sand dunes in the Namib desert
Red sand dunes in the Namib desert

The animal-rich Etosha National Park, the oldest desert in the world, the impressive Fish River Canyon

-self drive tour to the biggest highlights of Namibia -

 

 

This tour takes you into the beautiful world of Namibia! Experience the highlights of the country - in the midst of breathtaking landscapes unforgettable impressions and experiences await you. The endless deserts of Namibia are among the most rewarding destinations in Southern Africa. The colours of the Kalahari, the massive crashes of the second largest canyon in the world, the still very rare visited Fish River Canyon, rugged terrain, spectacular mountains and the mighty red sand dunes of the Namib Desert are a fantastic backdrop for this adventure trip. The feeling of unlimited freedom, the friendliness of the people as well as the clearly recognisable influence of the German colonial era will remain unforgettable. We book your'e accommodations in advance, so you do not have to worry about anything and you will not lose precious travel time. You will receive your personal travel guide with all documents: exact directions, sights, excursion tips, restaurant recommendations, 24-hour accessible emergency telephone number on site. It could not be more convenient.


Tour Highlights

Map of The red sand of Namibia
Map of The red sand of Namibia

 

  • The animal kingdom of the world famous Etosha National Park
  • In the footsteps of the San Bushmen
  • The red dunes of the Namib Desert
  • The second largest canyon in the world - the Fish River Canyon
  • The coastal town of Swakopmund
  • The infinite expanses of the Kalahari
  • … and much more!!!

 

 

Tour Description

Day 1 : Departure for Namibia

Today your journey begins with the long-haul flight to Windhoek, Namibia

 

Day 2:Welcome to Windhoek and the Waterberg Massif

This morning you arrive in Windhoek, Namibia. Once you have landed, you can make your way to collect your rental car. Your tour starts with a trip in the Northern direction for about four hours to the famous Waterberg Plateau, an impressive massif that rises about 200 meters from the plain. In the afternoon, you can take a short walk to the plateau. A magnificent view awaits you from the top! The walk will take you approximately 2 and a half hours. This walk can be shortened if preferred. Tonight you to stay in small bungalows at the foot of the massif. What a way to spend your first day in Africa! 355 km

 

Day 3: The Etosha National Park

In the morning, after breakfast, head Northwest to the world famous Etosha National Park. On your way there, you can stop in the old mining town of Tsumeb to visit the museum. Here you will learn more about impressive mining history of the city, the life of the indigenous people and the German colonial history of Namibia. After another stop at the beautiful Otjikoto Lake, you will arrive at the entrance of the world famous Etosha National Park during the late afternoon. Tonight you check into a beautiful lodge situated in the park. Tonight you are surrounded by nature and the sounds of Africa. 470 km / B

 

Day 4: The Etosha Pan

Today is dedicated to the famous Etosha National Park. The park is 22,275 km² big and is situated in the Northern part of Namibia. It is one of the country’s most important National Park’s. It is located on the northwest edge of the Kalahari Basin and covers almost the entire 5,000 km ² Etosha pan. The name "Etosha" comes from the Oshivambo and means "big white place". The Etosha National Park is home to a huge variety of animals: except for crocodiles, hippos, waterbuck and buffalo. After an extensive safari ride in your vehicle, you’re lodge for the night welcomes you with a big pool to cool down in. Tonight you can let your mind wonder whilst watching the illuminated waterhole.  135 km / B

 

Day 5: Twyfelfontein

After breakfast, leave your lodge and head Southwest. Leave the park via the southern Andersson Gate and drive past the village of Outjo towards the famous World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein. In this area thousands of rock paintings are collected in a small space - as rock paintings, but especially as rock engravings - which come from Middle and Neolithic cultures and are among the oldest representations in Africa. On a possible, exciting guided tour, you will learn more about the life and art of the Bushmen. Afterwards, you drive through the Damaraland, known for its wild-living desert elephants. Tonight you will be staying in a cozy guest house. 484 km /B

 

Day 6:Over the Skeleton Coast to Swakopmund

In the morning, you will set off and head West to the rugged Atlantic coast. A visit to the Cape cross will take you to the landing place of the first European, the Portuguese Diego Cao, who was the first to land in this part of Africa in 1486. On the flat and inhospitable coastline, you can also visit a famous seal colony. Between 80,000 and 100,000 miniature fur seals, also known as eared seals, cavort on the rocks at the Cape Cross - which is not only an extraordinary sight for the visitor, but you will also experience an intense smell and noise! In the afternoon the trail leads you to Swakopmund, located on the cold Atlantic Ocean. With its  44,000 residents, the city is quite small, however the city still offers interesting pedestrian passages and shops; On the pier, which opens into the Atlantic, you will find rest and relaxation. In a central and traditional guest house you are accommodated for tonight. 221 km / B

 

Day 7: Through the rubble desert of the Namib Naukluft desert

In the morning you drive in an Easterly direction through the rubble desert of the Namib. After two exciting passes, the Gaub and the Kuiseb Pass, today you will come across the southern tropic of Capricorn. In the afternoon you will finally reach your current accommodation. You will be staying in a cozy lodge for the next two nights in Solitaire, near the entrance to Namib Naukluft Park. 267 km / B

 

Day 8: The Red Dunes of the Namib desert

Today you have to get up very early, because you can then experience how the sun throws a fantastic shadow play on the dunes of the Namib. The extent of the Namib is about 2,000 km and it extends up to 160 km from the coast into the country. The Namib is the oldest desert in the world at about 80 million years old and one of the planet's most inhospitable places. At extreme temperatures, decades of drought and frequent sandstorms, plants and animals are exposed to extreme living conditions. At sunrise, you can also visit the 140 m high famous dune 45. Once you reach the dirt road, a ride in a four-wheel drive vehicle awaits you. After the adventures drive you can take a short hike to the Dead Vlei, where fantastic photos can be taken. You walk pass mighty sand dunes and visit the actual Sossusvlei. In the afternoon you can visit the Tsauchab River for a short walk down to the beautiful Sesriem Canyon. 288 km /B

 

Day 9: En Route to Aus

After breakfast, you drive South over the Tsarishoogte Pass. After a lunch break in the small village of Helmeringhausen you will reach the village Aus in the afternoon. West of Aus the Namib begins and here you can usually see a herd of wild horses. It is believed that these horses were left behind by the German army. A covered observation post has been set up at the Garub water station. With a little luck, you can observe the extraordinary animals, which have adapted to the extreme conditions of life in the desert. Remember you sunscreen! In the late afternoon you will arrive in the small village of Aus where you will spend the night at a wonderful lodge with fantastic views. 389 km / B

 

Day 10: The second largest Canyon in the world

Today you continue South to the famous Fish River Canyon. The Fish River Canyon at Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, just over the border with South Africa, is the largest canyon in Africa with a length of about 160 km, a width of up to 27 km and a depth of up to 550 m. It is the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon. On a 4-kilometer walk along the edge of the canyon in the afternoon, you will see one of Namibia's most impressive landscape forms, bathed in warm afternoon light, creating a fantastic play of colours and shapes on the cliffs. For the next two nights you will be staying in a beautiful lodge at the Fish River Canyon. 285 km / B

 

Day 11: The hot springs of Ai-Ais

Today you can take a trip to the hot springs of Ai-Ais at the southern end of the Fish River Canyon. Here the 85 km long Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail ends. You will get to see these magnificent rocks on a short walk. The mighty cliff faces provide excellent photo opportunities and with a bit of luck, you can see hyrax, Springbok, ibex, Kudus or even Zebras. After the walk, you can take a refreshing swim in the Ais-Ais springs before returning to your lodge in the afternoon. 154 km / B

 

Day 12: The giant Kalahari

In the morning you can expect a drive to the famous quiver tree forest just outside of Keetmanshoop. The quiver tree forest is one of the biggest tourist attractions in southern Namibia: in 1995, the area was declared a national monument. There are about 250 5 m high quiver trees that are about 200-300 years old, which usually stand alone - and thus create beautiful backdrops for photos. After a northeasterly drive you finally reach the Kalahari in the late afternoon, an incredibly impressive, approximately 1.2 million km ² large sandy desert of fine powdery, red sand. You get to stay in a fantastic lodge here. Ancient red sand dunes and unique vegetation with old camel thorn trees and occasional tufts of grass and, of course, native animals characterise the approximately 10,000-acre lodge's wildlife sanctuary in the southwestern region of the Kalahari. 443 km / B

 

Day 13: Back in Windhoek

After a good breakfast, you drive back to the state capital of Namibia. Although Windhoek is comparatively small with just 320,000 inhabitants, there will still be a big change of scenery today. In the afternoon, you will move into your stylish hotel. Afterwards, a short Guided City Tour of Windhoek awaits you. 244 km / B

 

Day 14: Say Goodbye to Namibia

This morning after breakfast we pack our bags and say goodbye to Namibia. You drive to the Hosea Kutako International Airport, where you drop off your rental car and proceed with your journey back home. 40 km / B

 

Day 15: Welcome Home

 

Arrive in home country

Prices and Dates

Prices and Dates on request.
Tour Code: Sea Coral

 

 

* The offer is valid for a group size of 2 participants (single travellers on request).

* The travel price excludes general increases in transport costs and currency fluctuations.

* Prices are subject to the availability of selected accommodations.

* We reserve the right to change the travel program at short notice.

 

 

Included:

 

- Rental car (RAV 4 or similar) from a reputable provider, full insurance coverage (the terms and conditions of the car rental apply), including all drivers kilometres and taxes

- 12 nights in selected, 3-4 star rates accommodations

- Meals as advertised excl. Drink (B=Breakfast, D= Dinner, SC= Self-catering)

- Activities (except optional program items)

- Detailed, English- speaking, personal travel guide with exact directions, distances, road map, excursion tips and restaurant recommendations.

- African Kombi Tours emergency telephone number- available on site 24hrs

- Detailed travel documents

- EUR 5 per person to support the pre-school kindergarten Penguin Kids in Betty’s Bay in South Africa

 

 

Excluded:

 

- Long distance flights to and from Namibia

- Rental car security deposit (to be paid on site via credit card deduction), fuel costs, tolls, border crossing fees, if necessary administrative fee for additional services on site, accidents or unforeseen events, additional driver’s fee and navigation device

- Drinks, tips and personal expenses

- Parking fees, nature conservation fees, admissions to museums, optional activities, gratuities and expenses of a personal nature

 

- Travel insurance