5 Day Namib Desert, Sossusvlei, and Coast Tour in Namibia

Overview

This carefully crafted five-day tour is designed for travelers seeking to experience the very best of Namibia's iconic landscapes - from the dramatic red dunes of the Namib Desert to the refreshing Atlantic Coast. Perfect for those who want to combine the wonders of the desert with the pleasures of the seaside, this tour offers an unforgettable journey through Namibia's top destinations.

The adventure will begin in the Namib Desert, the oldest desert on the planet, renowned for its towering red dunes and breathtaking vistas. Highlights include Sossusvlei, Dune 45, the striking Deadvlei, and the impressive Sesriem Canyon. Each destination promises awe-inspiring scenery and fantastic photo opportunities.

You will then continue to Swakopmund, Namibia's premier coastal town. There, palm-lined streets, seaside promenades, and a pleasant summer climate create the perfect sand-and-sea escape. Swakopmund is famous for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and a wide array of activities to suit every traveler.

This small group tour starts every Monday and ensures an intimate, personalized experience with a minimum of two and a maximum of six participants.

One of the destinations to be visited on this holiday is the Namib Desert, the oldest desert on the planet, with its huge red dunes. The place is really worth every effort made to visit. It offers one of the highest dunes on earth with breathtaking views from the top. You will see Sossusvlei, Dune 45, Sesriem Canyon, and Deadvlei.

Swakopmund, on the other side, is Namibia’s prime tourist destination with its authentic palm-lined streets, seaside walkways, and a lovely summer climate. It is perfectly a sand and sea destination, not forgetting the perfect, decent beaches that it offers.

Vehicle allocation

• 2 pax - Travel in a 4x4 Toyota Hilux Double Cab or Toyota Fortuner, both with window seats and air conditioning
• 3 to six pax - Travel in a custom-built nine-seater 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and air conditioning

Transfers

• Pick up at Windhoek City - Drop off at Namib Desert Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia
• Pick up at Namib Desert Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia - Drop off at Atlantic Garden Boutique Hotel
• Pick up at Atlantic Garden Boutique Hotel - Drop Off at Windhoek City

Guides

Blue Crane Safaris' guides are the most important part of their team, as they accompany guests most of the time while on safari. All of their guides are local Namibians and have all the necessary skills and training. While travelling with Blue Crane Safaris, you will enjoy a fun, educational, explorative, insightful, and life-enriching experience for both yourselves and the local people whom you will meet on your journey through Namibia.

Itinerary

Day 1: Solitaire

Collection time will be between 08:00 and 08:30 from any location in Windhoek. Departing the city, you will journey through the scenic landscapes surrounding Windhoek, crossing both the Eros Mountains and the Khomas Hochland Range. As you descend from the central plateau, the scenery will transform into the vast, grassy savannahs of the Namib Desert.

En route, you will pause at the quaint settlement of Solitaire, the perfect spot to stretch your legs, refuel, and perhaps enjoy some afternoon tea and the famous apple pie.

Blue Crane Safaris aims to arrive at the comfortable lodge in the Sossusvlei area by early afternoon. Later, you’ll join a shared afternoon sundowner drive with the lodge, the perfect opportunity to soak in the stunning desert vistas as the sun sets over the dunes.

Included:

• Lunch and dinner
• Afternoon sundowner drive (shared)

Day 2: Solitaire

You will make an early start to capture the soft light of sunrise over the desert. Departing your lodge before dawn, you will head to the Sesriem entrance gate, ready to enter the park as soon as it opens at sunrise. In the cool morning air, you will journey through the Namib Desert, keeping an eye out for wildlife such as gemsbok, springbok, and ostrich.

The first stop is the iconic Dune 45, a beautiful star dune rising over 170 meters. Adventurous guests can climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the desert landscape.

You will then continue to the heart of Sossusvlei, a spectacular region of towering red dunes and stark white pans set against a deep blue sky. There, you will visit the famous Deadvlei, a striking clay pan dotted with ancient, skeletal camelthorn trees - an unforgettable sight and a photographer’s dream.

After a morning immersed in these stunning landscapes, you will enjoy lunch at Sossusvlei Lodge. In the afternoon, as the heat subsides, you will take a short excursion to Sesriem Canyon, a natural gorge carved by centuries of water flow, before returning to the lodge for a well-earned rest.

Activities and services

• Morning: Dune 45, Deadvlei, Sossusvlei
• Afternoon: Sesriem Canyon

Included:

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Park fees
• Excursions with your guide (Deadvlei, Dune 45, Sesriem Canyon hike, and Sossusvlei)

Day 3: Swakopmund

Namibia is truly a land of contrasts, and this day’s journey will showcase its dramatic diversity. You will then depart from the desert, heading towards the Atlantic Coast. The route will take you across the Tropic of Capricorn and through the scenic Gaub and Kuiseb passes. As you ascend from the dry riverbed at the base of Kuiseb Canyon, a breathtaking desert panorama will unfold before you.

Make a stop in Walvis Bay to visit the lagoon, a haven for flamingos and other birdlife, and take time to see the impressive salt works. Afterwards, you will continue north to Swakopmund, a charming coastal town with a rich German colonial heritage. There, you’ll find beautiful historic architecture, inviting cafés, and the opportunity to sample delicious German cakes and pastries.

Dinner on this night is included and will be enjoyed at a local restaurant, offering a taste of Swakopmund’s unique culinary scene. Overnight stay will be at a comfortable hotel in Swakopmund.

Activities and services

• Morning: Tropic of Capricorn
• Lunch: Walvis Bay Lagoon

Included:

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Tropic of Capricorn
• Walvis Bay Lagoon

Day 4: Swakopmund

On this morning, you will travel north to visit the vast seal colony at Cape Cross. There, you’ll have the unique opportunity to get up close to thousands of wild Cape fur seals and observe them in their natural environment - a truly memorable wildlife experience.

After returning to Swakopmund, you will be free to explore this charming seaside town at your leisure. Swakopmund is renowned for its German colonial architecture, palm-lined avenues, excellent restaurants, vibrant shops, and beautiful beaches. The town also boasts a fascinating museum and an aquarium for those interested in local history and marine life.

For the more adventurous, a wide range of optional activities can be arranged (at your own expense and subject to availability). These include:

• Boat tours with oysters and champagne
• Scenic flights or micro-light flights over the desert
• Fishing trips (from the beach or by boat)
• Quad-biking in the dunes
• Sandboarding
• Skydiving

Your guide will be on hand to discuss all available options and assist with pre-bookings as needed. Please note that all extra activities in Swakopmund are subject to availability and are undertaken at the client’s own risk and expense.

%Activities and services

• Morning: Cape Cross Seal Colony

Included:

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Entrance fees
• Seal colony excursion with your guide

Day 5: End of itinerary

On this day, you will begin your journey back to Windhoek, traveling through the fascinating landscapes of Central Namibia. Along the way, you’ll pass by the region’s notable marble and uranium mines, offering a glimpse into some of the country’s key industries.

Before reaching Windhoek, you will stop at Okahandja, the administrative center of the Herero people and home to Namibia’s largest craft market. There, you’ll have the opportunity to browse a wide selection of locally made crafts and souvenirs - perfect for finding a special memento of your Namibian adventure.

Blue Crane Safaris aims to arrive in Windhoek just after lunch, where you will be dropped off at your chosen accommodation. This will mark the end of your unforgettable journey through Namibia’s diverse landscapes.

Included:

• Breakfast and lunch