Day 1: Thursday – Windhoek – Hotel A La Mer, Swakopmund – 420 km

Experience the best of Namibia’s breath-taking coastal landscape with our budget friendly Safaris. We’ll pick you up from your Windhoek accommodation at 07:15 and take you on an adventure of a lifetime. Our journey starts with a short pre-departure meeting at our Head Office, where we’ll discuss the exciting itinerary ahead. We first drive North via the small town of Okahandja, but soon we are heading west, past the tiny centres of Karabib and Usakos, to the port town of Walvis Bay. The very edge of Africa and the desolate Skeleton Coast. Walvis Bay lagoon is an internationally recognised Ramsar site, (Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat) and is justly renowned for its incredible birdlife, Flamingo, pelican, African Oyster catcher and turnstone to name but a few of the more than 50 bird species who live here. This along with other aqua fauna, including bottlenose and Heaviside dolphins, humpbacked and southern right whales, ocean sunfish and Cape fur seals all add up to make Walvis Bay lagoon an absolute wetland wonderland. One of our objectives is to spot the flamingos, which are typically plentiful and can be easily photographed from the shore. There are two types of flamingos commonly found here: lesser and greater. Namibia’s Atlantic coast provides an abundance of both phytoplankton and zooplankton, which attract the birds. Flamingos survive on a diet of micro-organisms like plankton, and they filter feed by rinsing seawater through their beaks to extract nutrients. The birds feed with their heads fully inverted and walk in circles, stirring up sand and mud to release nutrients. The pink colour of flamingos comes from certain types of reddish-pink micro-organisms that they consume. Although, flamingos do not breed in Walvis Bay due to unsuitable tidal conditions, they migrate to other mineral pans, like the Etosha Pan and the Makgadikgadi Pan in Botswana, where they build nests out of sand and mud. These pans are usually dry, but can flood during periods of sufficient rain. The reason for their knowledge of suitable rain is not yet fully understood, but they migrate in large flocks that are visible as a pink streak on the horizon

We complete the final stretch of our journey into the quirky town of Swakopmund and we check-in in to our accommodation at the centrally located Hotel A La Mer. Swakopmund is a very interesting place to say the least, founded by Captain Kurt von François of the imperial colonial army of the German empire in 1892. (He also founded Windhoek in 1890). It is bounded to the north, the east and the south by the mighty sand dunes of the desolate Namib Desert and to the west by the roaring Atlantic Ocean. There are still many examples of colonial German architecture to be seen and the German language is still widely used.

Swakopmund offers many opportunities to keep us busy during our visit. The town centre is small and easily explored on foot but there are also many extra, optional activities available. Scenic flights over the desert are very popular and for the more adventurous perhaps try sky diving or quad biking over and in the Namib dunes. Our guide will discuss all the options with you in advance and will be able to facilitate any bookings that we would like to make.

Dinner tonight is on your own account, Swakopmund boasts some truly excellent restaurants and again our guide will be able to help you with recommendations and bookings.

Accommodation: Twin share rooms, en-suite bathroom

Meals: Lunch

 

Day 2: Friday – Swakopmund – Sesriem – 350 km

We take advantage of our time at the coast and only leave Swakopmund at 11;30, allowing us ample time to explore the town. If you have chosen not to have a lie in and instead to explore this little town of Swakopmund. The town centre is easily explored on foot at your leisure. If getting your heart racing and adrenaline pumping appeals to you, there are many optional activities to choose from, such as sky diving, quad biking or sand boarding – if careering down a dune face-first at 60km per hour tickles your fancy. Our guide will discuss all the options with you in advance and will be able to facilitate any bookings that we would like to make. As we depart the little town of Swakopmund, heading eastwards into the desert. We first cross the rocky gravel plain, large areas of seemingly barren, desolate terrain broken up by huge mountain inselbergs. We traverse two mountain passes this afternoon. First we cross the mighty Kuiseb pass, from the top of mountains, descending abruptly down into the canyon, carved over eons by the Kuiseb River on its way to debauch into the ocean at the famous port of Walvis Bay.

We ascend up from the banks of the river and over the pass, travelling through a mirage of different landscapes and onto the second, lesser canyon of Gaub river, a tributary of the Kuiseb. As we emerge from the mountains and onto a flat gravel road and almost immediately we cross the Tropic of Capricorn, at 23.5 degrees south. There is a famous signpost at this auspicious spot and we will have a stop here for some photos. From here, we continue on through the desert landscape to the tiny town of Solitaire, where we can stretch our legs and sample the apple pie that has made this homestead famous. Onwards again, to our destination for today – the gateway to the dunes and Sossusvlei at Sesriem.

We make our campsite in anticipation of our day tomorrow, in the shadow of the towering red dunes of the world’s oldest desert.

Accommodation: Twin share tents, shared ablution at campsite.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 3: Saturday – Sesriem – Sossusvlei – Sesriem – 120 km

The Namib Desert is rich in iron oxide which gives the sand its red colour. Therefore, sunrise in the dunes is the name of the game this morning and that means a pre-dawn start to the day and a very early light breakfast. The best time of day to take photos of the dunes is around sunrise and sunset. Due to the warm low-light at these times of day, one can truly see the towering sand dunes illuminated in a glowing orange, apricot red on one side and draped in a dramatic shadow on the other. The depth of field is truly spectacular at this time of day, the dunes showcasing their raw beauty in all its glory. As we travel along the road, keep an eye out for the famous fairy circles, that seems to cover the grassy sides of the smaller dunes, still a mystery as to why or how these form.

From Sesriem, we cover 60km into the dunes quickly and arrive at the 2×4 car park, where all 2 wheel drive vehicles have to stop. From here, we enter the age old Tsauchab River-bed for the last 5km stretch to Sossusvlei itself. The Tsauchab River is ephemeral, it only flows seasonally, when there is enough rain, and for the most part the riverbed is dry. Eons ago, during these rare floods, the Tsauchab sometimes received enough water to flow all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. However, as the millennia passed and the dune fields began to form (around five million years ago), wind -blown sand invaded the riverbeds. The rivers became more and more constricted by sand until eventually, the occasional floods could not break through the sand barriers that had been erected by the wind. The valley we drove along this morning to get here is kept free of sand by the Tsauchab but Sossusvlei is now permanently waters end.

Sossusvlei does still occasionally flood (perchance once in a decade). After good rains in the Naukluft Mountains, where the river rises Sossusvlei can become inundated and the lake that this creates can last for many months, but no longer can the river find its original path to the Atlantic.

There is a 4×4 shuttle service that will transport us through the sandy terrain of the riverbed. We will visit Dead Vlei, an ancient pan completely surrounded by dunes that is strikingly populated with dead, skeletal camelthorn trees. These trees have been a feature on this landscape for over 1000 years. Sossusvlei is almost surrounded by dunes, just one narrow path kept open by the Tsauchab River.

We have time to explore the area on foot and to climb one of the highest dunes in the world, some towering 300 m above us, the views are breath-taking and justly famous. We drive back the way we came (there is only one road). Stopping at the iconic Dune 45 (so named as it is 45 km from Sesriem). There is time to climb Dune 45, if you still have energy or perhaps just a sit in the shade at the base of the dune will suffice.

Driving back to Sesriem, we take a short excursion to see the Sesriem Canyon. Only four km from Sesriem, this canyon has been carved out of the landscape by the Tsauchab River. Around two million years ago, there was an ice age in Europe, this caused glaciers to form and resulted in a worldwide drop in sea level.

The knock-on effect of this at Sesriem Canyon was that it increased the length and water flow of the Tsauchab River. This greater force of water allowed the Tsauchab to begin cutting through the terrain, resulting in the canyon we can see today. We can easily walk into the riverbed, it is usually much cooler in the canyon and we can follow the river for some way along its journey to Sossusvlei.

In the late afternoon, there is one further option with which to close our time in the world’s oldest desert. A short drive will take us to Elim Dune, for the best golden light before sunset. From here, if you would like to, it is a relatively short walk back, through the desert, to our camp.

 

Day 4: Sunday – Sesriem – Klein Aus Vista – 350 km

Today, we will embark on a picturesque drive that will take us through a diverse array of landscapes including dynamic desert vistas, majestic mountains and expansive grasslands. Our journey into the south persists, and we are heading towards the petite Aus settlement, nestled in the Aus Mountains overlooking the vast plains of the Namib Desert. Aus was formally the site of a prisoner of war camp set up by the South African army to house German prisoners during the second world war. Our destination for today is Klein Aus Vista, located just outside the petite town of Aus and just inside the private Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park. We aim to arrive in the early afternoon and set up camp, giving us time to stretch our legs and to explore the un-guided hiking trails on the property. The landscape is wide open vistas and we are hoping for a spectacular sunset.

Accommodation: Twin share tents, shared ablution at campsite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 5: Monday – Klein Aus Vista – Luderitz – Klein Aus Vista – 250 km

With an early start to the day, but with some added luxury of a sealed tar road today. We travel through the dancing grasslands and wide open desert scenery on an easy drive towards the ocean. Desert adapted horses run wild in this area and we need to keep a good look out for these amazing creatures. Horses are not a part of the true desert ecosystem and their origins here remain open to speculation. Perhaps, they are descended from the German cavalry lines during the First World War. It is also documented that Hans Heinrich von Wolf, owner and resident of Castle Duwisib in 1909 was a keen horse breeder.

Maybe the origins of the horses today come from his blood stock escaping their stables at Duwisib. Whatever their true history, it is a privilege to see these animals in their wild habitat.

We are en-route to the eerie ghost town of Kolmanskop, located approx. 15km from the little port town of Luderitz. For centuries, early seafarers have shared tales and legends of undiscovered treasures to be found on one far flung coast or another. More often than not, these stories and legends turned out to be just tales but not in the case of the far South-West of Namibia, it happened to be true. When diamonds were first discovered here, you could literally walk along the beach and fill your pockets with these precious stones. The first diamond mine was called Kolmanskop. Founded in 1908, it was built in the architectural style of a German village and was supplied with the most modern amenities of the age. There was a hospital that boasted the first X-Ray machine in the southern hemisphere, a power station, school, and ballroom and ice factory. The decline of Kolmanskop started around 1920 when the diamonds began to run out. Then in 1928, the richest diamond deposits that the world had, at the time, ever known were discovered 270 km away to the south at the Orange River. Kolmanskop became deserted and so started the slow reclamation of the town by the desert. Still a striking sight to see today, we will stop at Kolmanskop for a guided tour of the town and for the opportunity to photograph this unique and interesting site.

Once we leave Kolmanskop, we swiftly travel the remaining kilometers to the coastal town of Luderitz. This town is renowned for its distinctive and vibrant colonial-style architecture. Our journey takes us through the Luderitz peninsula, allowing us to relish the picturesque views en route to the historical landmark at Diaz Point. Similar to Cape Cross, the Portuguese were the first Europeans to set foot on this land, with navigator Bartolomeu Diaz arriving here in 1487 and commissioning the construction of a stone cross. The region was christened Angra das Voltas or ‘Bay of Tacks’, alluding to the numerous times Diaz had to tack his ship against the strong southern winds. Luderitz remains one of the windiest places on the planet, proving that some things have remained constant over the centuries.

We head back to our accommodation at Klein Aus Vista, taking a second opportunity to see the desert horses and arriving in time for a sundowner at Klein Aus Vista.

Accommodation: Twin share tents, shared ablution at campsite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 6: Tuesday – Klein Aus Vista – Quiver Tree – 550 km

Today, we have a lengthy drive ahead, but we will take advantage of the well-paved road for the first half of the morning. Our route will lead us eastwards, followed by a southern turn to complete our journey through the southern region of Namibia. Our first significant stop of the day will be at the awe-inspiring Fish River Canyon, situated within the /Ai /Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park. After passing through the Hobas gate, we will reach the primary viewing point overlooking the Fish River Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the world, trailing only behind the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The panoramic vistas of this colossal natural sculpture are truly captivating from our high viewpoint on the plateau, with the prominent “Hell’s Bend” formation in clear sight, showcasing a massive meander along the Fish River’s course. The Fish River Canyon spans approximately 160 kilometers in length, 27 kilometers at its widest point, and plunges to a depth of 550 meters in certain areas. The canyon’s history dates back to about 1.8 billion years ago and the formation of the canyon can be attributed to an array of geological forces. The canyon’s creation was the result of seismic activity, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, glacial movement and continuous erosion of every kind, including the deepening of the canyon’s walls by the Fish River, which we can catch glimpses of far below us in the shimmering sunlight. The canyon’s rugged and contorted rock formations are a stunning display of natural beauty, leaving us in awe of its sheer size and splendour.

Leaving the stunning Fish River Canyon behind us, as we head north towards Keetmanshoop, which is a major hub for trade and politics in the southern region of Namibia. After a brief stopover in Keetmanshoop, we proceed towards our campsite at the Quiver Tree Forest. These trees have a significant place in Namibia’s heritage as they were used by the San tribes for constructing quivers to hold their poisoned arrows. Although the Quiver Tree appears tree-like, it is actually a type of aloe plant known as Aloidendron Dichotomum and can live up to 300 years, with some of the oldest specimens in the forest estimated to be around 200 years old. However, dating these trees is challenging, as there are no visible bark rings to count due to their fibrous center. Despite this, the forest of around 250 quiver plants/trees/aloes is a peculiar and remarkable sight with their unique and fascinating shapes.

This is the last night of our safari and time to reflect on our amazing adventure as we sit around our camp-fire one last time.

Accommodation: Twin share tents, shared ablution at campsite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 7: Wednesday Quiver Tree Forrest – Windhoek 500 km 

 Today, our journey takes us towards the north and we are fortunate enough to have a smooth ride on the main tar road for the journey today. We won’t have to deal with the bumpy gravel roads, and the famous “African Massage”, as we make our way back to Windhoek.

Namibia is so rich in interesting things that it is impossible drive for any great distance without passing places of interest and there are several worth mentioning along the way today.

After about 80 km from Keetmanshoop, in the distant view and off to the west we can see a tall mountain peak. This is Brukkaros, another volcano but quite an unusual one. Brukkaros was formed around 180 million years ago when molten magma from deep below the surface was pushed upwards until it intruded into the overlaying, relatively soft, sedimentary formations that made up the surface. Molten magma intrusions are common in world-wide geology, but what makes Brukkaros unusual is that in this case the upward moving magma hit an underground lake leading to a huge explosion powered by super-heated steam.What was left formed hollow cave, that was once the magma chamber, but with an overhead ‘caldera’ forming a partial roof. 80 million years later the weight of the caldera was too much and collapsed into the magma cave. Brukkaros is 1,590 m tall at its highest point, the collapsed caldera measures about 4 km in diameter. The mountain itself is 650m higher than anything else in the area and the crater floor is 350 m below the rim.

Steam formed volcanoes are very rare, and although Brukkaros is too far away to be included on this itinerary it is an interesting landmark to look out for on our drive today.

About 150 km into our long road today we will pass a signpost to a place called Gibeon. Again, like Brukkaros, Gibeon is too far away to be included in this itinerary,  but there is an interesting story that is worth telling. Near here, in ancient prehistoric times, the area around what is now Gibeon was subjected to a Meteor strike of very significant proportions. The meteor, when intact, was thought to measure 4 x 4 x 3 meters and we know that it was made of solid metal. As it entered the earth’s atmosphere the metal began to melt and in due course the meteor fragmented in a huge explosion scattering chunks of molten metal across the countryside. Meteor’s from this event have been found as far away as Brukkaros Volcano to the south and as far away again towards the north, but the greatest concentration of meteor material has been found in and around Gibeon. If you have time in Windhoek after our safari it is worth going to Post Street Mall in the city centre where you will find a public display of Gibeon Meteorites

Still heading ever north our journey today takes us through the small centers of Mariental and Rehoboth and we will stop along the road today for a light lunch. We aim to be back in Windhoek in the late afternoon.

There will be a shuttle service to take you to your accommodation within the Windhoek City limits.

We recommend that departure flights are not scheduled for today.

 

Accommodation: None

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

 

 

 

 

Why choose Rush Adventures

We have included all the necessary activities to make your excursion to the Kruger National Park absolutely meaningful and full of wildlife adventure fun. From staying in a bush camp chalet (Rondavel) to camping including all the conservation fees, transfers, excursions and meals. Items excluded are general known items not relevant to the actual tour and those where you have a personal choice to try an extra activity and lunch which gives you the opportunity to try different things.

Included:

• Transport in a custom-built safari vehicle with pop up roof (no air-conditioning)
• Services of a professional English speaking guide & camp assistant
• 5 nights camping + 1 nights’ accommodation in twin share rooms with en-suite bathrooms
• Camping equipment (excluding sleeping bag which can be hired)
• Meals as above (B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner)
• Tap water
• National Park entry fees
• Visit to Walvis Bay lagoon
• Guided excursion to Sossusvlei including 4×4 shuttle
• Guided tour at Kolmanskop
• Visit to Diaz Point
• Visit to Fish River Canyon view point
• Visit to Quiver Tree Forest & Giants Playground
• Pick up and drop off within Windhoek city limits

 Excluded:

• All drinks
• Snacks between meals
• Tips

  *Single travelers will be matched with another traveler of the same sex

 

 

 

 

Tour Price:

7 Day – Taste of Namibia

Style: Accommodated

Departures: Weekly Departures – Monday, subject to availability

Duration:

7 Days and 6 nights – Starts and Ends in Windhoek

R23 100.00 per person Sharing.

R20 100.00 Children between the ages of 5 – 11yr

(No children under of 5 are allowed on the Safari)

Single supplement only applicable to single travellers that request their own room. For any client that is willing to share, this will apply to days 2 -7 only, and a reduced single supplement of R1200 will be charged for day 1.

 

How to Book:

Four easy ways to reserve your safari:

Email your request on sales@rushadventures.com.

Send us a WhatsApp on +27 60 906 8267

Chat online in the bottom right hand corner.

Payments can be made online by credit card.

 

 

Tour Information:

Rush Adventures and its partnered service providers offer cost effective small group style tours and transfers for independent solo travelers ranging from 2-12 persons per vehicle. Let us know if you would prefer a private tour at additional rates tailored to your specific requirements.

Collection / Drop off

You will be collected from Hosea Kutako International airport or any accommodation in the Windhoek district and transferred through to the lavish Hilton Hotel situated in the heart of Windhoek.

Drop off at Chameleon Backpackers or the accommodation of your choice within Windhoek city limits.

For those that choose to fly today, we will transfer you to Windhoek’s international airport. NO FLIGHTS DEPARTING PRIOR TO 18H00 should be booked in case there are unexpected delays returning from safari.

Please note:

If you plan to fly out of OR Tambo International Airport on the last day of the safari tour, we strongly suggest staying over in Johannesburg in the event of unforeseen delays or reserve a domestic flight that departs no earlier than 19h30 and an international flight that departs no earlier than 21h00.

*Arrival times are not guaranteed and subject to change at any time due to traffic or unforeseen delays on the road.

What to bring:

Please try to keep your luggage to a minimum, also bearing in mind that most airlines impose a 20kg limit. Bring a soft backpack or rucksack along with a smaller day bag with a mixture of lightweight and warm clothing for the evenings and early morning game drives.

Bedding is provided. Therefore, you will not need a sleeping bag or extra pillow.

As in travelling anywhere in the world, we recommended you pack a small torch or headlamp, mosquito spray and a wallet or pouch with all your personal papers and cash that can be easily hidden on you in person or in your carry on day bag. Try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables just for peace of mind.

A torch or head lamp will always come in handy.

Mosquito repellent is always great to have, especially in the summer months.

Sunscreen and a hat, a camera would be handy to capture those special moments.

Comfortable walking shoes for walking and swim wear for swimming.

Bring a phone charger and get hold of a South African two prong plug adaptor for your charger.

Email: Sales@rushadventures.com

Call: 011 963 3049 / 060 906 8267