Windhoek to Namib Desert – Namibia
Budget Namibia Desert Lodge Safari starts in Windhoek, where your guide collects you from your pre-tour accommodation at 8:00 am. We depart from Windhoek travelling through the scenic mountain region of Khomas Hochland, known as Namibia's Garden Route, on our way to the Namib Naukluft Park. The drive over the Khomas Hochland, one of the highest points in Namibia, offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. Descending the steep slopes of the Gamsberg, the third highest mountain in Namibia, we head towards the small village of Solitaire. Reaching Solitaire, on the outskirts of the Namib‐Naukluft National Park, we stop and have lunch. Then we proceed to our guest farm, looking out for game species, such as springbok, ostrich and oryx en route. The next two nights are spent on a guest farm located on the edge of the Namib‐Naukluft Park, about midway between Solitaire and Sesriem. The Namib-Naukluft Reserve covers about 50 000 km² making it Namibia's biggest game reserve and one of the largest wilderness parks in Africa. The guest farm offers sweeping views of the rugged surroundings, ideal for relaxing with sundowners at sunset. Standard Guest House or similar (Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner).
Sossusvlei & Sesriem Canyon
Starts with a pre-dawn departure to the entrance gates of Sossusvlei, famous for its towering sand dunes. Entering the Sossusvlei area we encounter the scenic landscapes of its tall desert dunes, considered the highest in the world. We stop along the way to take photographs of the scenic sunrise over the red-orange dunes. Next, we climb up the sand dunes for superb views up and down the Tsauchab River Canyon, which forms a valley between the tall sand dunes. Breakfast and coffee, prepared by your guide, await you at the bottom of the dune in this beautiful Namib Desert setting. A short drive after breakfast brings us to the starting point for our two-hour walk to the striking Hiddenvlei, located in the Sossusvlei Dunes area. The dramatic salt pan of Hiddenvlei is less-visited than the famous Sossusvlei and Deadvlei pans, offering a window into the silence and solitude of the Namib. Then we head to Sesriem Canyon, pausing for lunch in Sesriem. We then visit Sesriem Canyon, a gorge about a kilometre long and around 30 metres deep. Formed by the Tsauchab River about 2 million years ago this deep canyon reveals distinct sedimentary layers and features several shallow pools. After our visit to the unique Sesriem Canyon, we head back to our guest farm on the edge of the vast Namib‐Naukluft National Park. Standard Guest House, or similar accommodation (Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner)
Swakopmund via Walvis Bay
Travel through the stark scenery of the ancient Namib Desert on day three of this Namibia Desert Budget Lodge Safari. We travel via the Kuiseb Canyon, where two German geologists and their dog lived for over two years during World War II. We then make our way to Walvis Bay, a scenic drive to the coast of Namibia, that takes about 5 hours. Here we visit the Walvis Bay Lagoon, one of the most important wetlands on the west coast of Southern Africa. The lagoon is famous for its large population of flamingos, as well as attracting a rich variety of other bird species. The next two nights are spent in the coastal resort town of Swakopmund. Lunch and dinner can be enjoyed at one of Swakopmund's variety of local restaurants or coffee shops (own account). Standard Guest House or similar accommodation (Meals Included: Breakfast).
Swakopmund
Explore the popular seaside destination of Swakopmund at your leisure or to take part in the various optional activities available in and around Swakopmund. Adventure activities include sand boarding, desert flights, skydiving, quad biking, dolphin cruises and more. Swakopmund, where European and African influences meet, is located on the Atlantic coast and surrounded by the deserts of the Namib-Naukluft Park. If you prefer sightseeing to adventure activities you can go shopping or visit the crystal gallery, museums or the aquarium in Swakopmund. Enjoy lunch and dinner at a local restaurant or coffee house in Swakopmund (own account) on day four. Standard Guest House or Hotel (Meals Included: Breakfast).
Swakopmund to Windhoek
After a relaxing start on day five of our Namibia Desert & Coastal journey we leave Swakopmund behind and make our way back to Windhoek, stopping for some craft shopping in the town of Okahandja. We arrive in Windhoek in the afternoon bringing the Namibia Desert Budget Lodge Safari to an end. Meals Included: Breakfast.
