8 Day Canyons and Deserts Group Tour (classic)
Countries: Namibia
Destinations: Kalahari , Fish River Canyon , Namib Desert , Swakopmund
Group Size: 16
Duration (days): 8
Number of Adults: 16
Number of Children: 0
Discover Namibia’s four deserts in the south of the country. The undulating and vegetated dunes of the Kalahari Desert; the rocky plains and majestic Fish River Canyon of the succulent Nama Karoo; the majestic star dunes and surreal vlei’s of the Namib Desert. Interspersed with game drives and fun, this tour provides unequalled landscapes.
Itinerary Outline
| Day | Location | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kalahari | Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge |
| 2 | Fish River Canyon | Canyon Village |
| 3 | Namib Desert | Luderitz Nest Hotel |
| 4 | Namib Desert | The Elegant Desert Lodge |
| 5 | Namib Desert | The Elegant Desert Lodge |
| 6 | Swakopmund | Hansa Hotel |
| 7 | Swakopmund | Hansa Hotel |
| 8 | Day of Departure |
Day 1 : Kalahari
Leaving Windhoek, we travel into the largest sand mass on Earth, the Kalahari Desert. The Kalahari is a vast semi-desert of wind-blown sand held by a sparse mantle of thorn scrub making it the most extensive continuous stretch of sand covering 9 African countries. Unlike other true deserts, the Kalahari does receive erratic rainfall. For many therefor "thirstland” is a more fitting description. Lacking permanent surface water, the Kalahari is a challenging place to live except for those who have adapted to not only survive but flourish here. The Bushmen refer to it as the "Soul of the World", an emotive description for this area! With its deep red dunes and endless grass plains interspersed with acacia’s and shrubs, it is still home to a surprisingly large amount of specially adapted wildlife. Enjoy the opportunity to experience the red dunes, wildlife and plants, in this desert environment on an optional nature drive.
Intu Afrika Collection
Namibia
Out-of-this-world landscapes and panoramas make Namibia a photographer's dream destination. While not as much of a wildlife destination as other countries, Namibia makes up for this with phenomenal scenery, cultures and activities.
Namibia is a desolate and largely uninhabitable country, well-known mainly for its deserts and coastline. However, there is far more to the destination.
Namibia is home to some fascinating people, and in the right season, can provide you with some of the best game viewing on the continent.
When travelling Namibia, the distances are vast, and often you will go without seeing another vehicle, or person, for hours.
Around every bend of the road awaits another breathtaking landscape, with wide open spaces and incredible colours giving you photo opportunities at all times of day.
Below are a few of the popular areas frequented by travellers to Namibia, and they are places which will remain in your memories forever:
Kalahari
The Kalahari Desert in Namibia is often overshadowed by the more popular Namib Desert. However, a holiday in the Kalahari offers a completely unique experience. Travelers who venture into the Kalahari will discover stunning landscapes with red sand dunes that can turn green during the summer, fascinating plant life, diverse wildlife, and a glimpse into the lives of the San/Bushmen.
The iconic red sand dunes are a hallmark of the Kalahari Desert in Namibia. Another notable feature from Namibia’s Kalahari is the Kalahari salt, available in exclusive food stores. Both the salt and the red sand dunes are special due to their mineral content, particularly iron oxide in the sand, which causes the sand to rust and creates the striking red dunes visible in the southern Kalahari.
Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge
“Here at Camelthorn Kalahari lodge, I became one with nature.”
The Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge is aptly named as it finds itself between two sand dunes in an area peppered with Camelthorn trees which are endemic to this region.
The 12 rondavel-style thatched huts are sparsely set against a backdrop of red dune sands, yellow grasses, piercing blue skies and the greens and browns of the wide-spread Camelthorn and Acacia trees.
The 12 rooms are smaller than those at Zebra lodge but are styled the same way with crisp white linen on comfortable beds. The San-inspired décor compliments this stylish yet rustic style. The en-suite bathrooms are fitted with a large shower, air conditioning and a tea and coffee station. This lodge is designed to cater for the more young at heart and the rooms are therefore at an adequate distance from one another. Each rondavel has a small stone patio from which the captivating scenes of the Kalahari Desert can be taken in.
An inviting, sparkling blue pool which attracts the odd Oryx despite there being a waterhole in close proximity is the first sight to catch your eye as you enter the main area of the lodge. The lounge has comfortable leather seating and is next to the bar that leads to a boma area where large fires are lit and barbecues can be enjoyed at night. An upstairs restaurant overlooking the majestic sights serves an alternative area where sumptuous meals are served. The kitchen is also replenished with organically grown vegetables from the neighbouring farm, Twilight and guests truly enjoy the finest and freshest culinary delights that the Kalahari has to offer.
Guests of the Intu Afrika Game Reserve are encouraged to spend more than one night at the lodge because of the variety of activities with which guests can occupy and enthral themselves with. Guests can explore the neighbouring lodges and choose to have dinner at one of the other lodges or to spoil themselves with the ever popular dune dinner.
All the activities on offer at the Game Reserve can be enjoyed at any of the lodges and the friendly staff efficiently facilitate the client’s desires. So whether it’s a game sunset game drive on an open-air 4×4 vehicle or on a quad bike, or a walk with the Bushman (San) or simply a massage, simply ask, it shall be done.
Day 2 : Fish River Canyon
We continue south through arid and extensive rocky plains. Visiting the unique Garas quiver tree forest where you are welcomed by quirky human-made sculptures of scrap metal which set a contrast to this serene, timeless space with Quiver trees and aloes nestled amongst huge dolerite boulders, stacked mysteriously, the area is also aptly referred to as “Giant’s Playground”. We continue to our lodge, situated in close vicinity to the Fish River Canyon. Here we can explore the area on foot or an optional guided nature drive in the later afternoon highlighting the Quiver trees, rugged landscape and impressive sweeping rock formations.
Canyon Village - Breakfast
Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon - 161 km long, 27 km wide and up to 550m deep - is the second largest canyon worldwide after the Grand Canyon in the USA . The Canyon forms part of the state-run Ais-Ais Richtersveld Transfontier Park.
The Fish River Hiking Trail can be conducted during the months April – September and can be completed within 4 to 5 days, depending on fitness. It covers a length of 85 km and the descent into the Canyon is only allowed for hikers doing the trail. Day-visitors are not allowed to climb into the Canyon.
The Fish River has its source in the eastern parts of the Naukluft Mountains. After about 200 km the river flows into the Hardap Dam.
After being retained by the Hardap Dam, the Fish River does not carry water continuously, but during the rainy season the river might turn into a torrent. During the dry season sporadic pools supply water to many animals.
The Fish River Canyon commences at Seeheim and ends at Ai Ais and the river then flows into the Orange River, the border to South Africa.
Canyon Village
The 42 rooms of Canyon Village lie at the foot of a sweeping rock face in Gondwana Canyon Park, in the middle of a vast rocky landscape.
Although the lodge is modern, a traditional feel comes from a series of beautifully painted murals that depict various scenes from the history and culture of the Bondelswart Nama, the earlier inhabitants of this area.
Well-appointed cottages in the Cape Dutch style afford views of the vast canyon scenery. The thatched main building is built right into the massive granite boulders and houses a restaurant and cosy bar.
Relish the peace and quiet and enjoy the views at the pool with a view.
Canyon Village has 2 sister lodges, the nearby Canyon Lodge and the eccentric Canyon Roadhouse.
Day 3 : Namib Desert
Our morning starts on the edge of the Fish River Canyon where we gaze into this magnificent geological phenomenon. The Fish River Canyon is located in the northern part of the Nama Karoo and is the second largest canyon on earth, featuring a gigantic ravine that measures in total about 160 km long, up to 27 km wide and in places almost 550 meters deep. The Fish River is the longest interior river found in Namibia, but its current flow is just a drop compared with the immense volume of water that poured down its length in ages past. We continue our journey past the Naute dam, where we shortly stop at the Naute Kristall Cellar and Distillery, to taste some of their unique liquors (optional) or simply enjoy a delicious cup of coffee. Proceeding onwards we head towards the coastal town of Lüderitz. On the way to Lüderitz, we stop at Garub, which is the viewing point for the Wild Horses of the Namib Desert. Arriving in Lüderitz we head towards the coastline and take a scenic route along the “Große Bucht”, enjoying the fresh see breeze, while stopping for a quick picnic. Returning to Lüderitz we check into our hotel.
Nest Hotel- Breakfast
Namib Desert
One of the driest places on earth, with some of the world's highest sand dunes, the Namib Desert experience is one which will remain in your memories forever. With the night skies being overwhelmingly pierced with stars, and the sunrises and sunsets casting the most gorgeous colours over the dunes, the Namib will enchant you in many ways.
Stretching about 1 200 kilometres along the west coast of Southern Africa, but only averaging about 70 kilometres in width, the Namib creates the most desolate of coastlines. It is unbelievable that anything can survive in these harsh sands, however, many fascinating creatures and plants eke out an existence from the little resources available.
Amazing too is that San Bushmen have tackled this environment for hundreds of years, and succeeded!
Luderitz Nest Hotel
The award-winning Lüderitz Nest Hotel (est. 1998) is one of Namibia’s favourite hotels and is located directly on the rocks and sea with its own private tidal beach and walk-on jetty – unique in Namibia!
Our competitive rates include a scrumptious full English breakfast in the acclaimed PENGUIN RESTAURANT. We offer complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel for our residents and patrons.
All rooms, suites and public areas are fully renovated and offer direct sea views.
Day 4 : Namib Desert
After an early breakfast, our morning starts with a visit to Kolmanskop ghost town. Kolmanskop is a deserted Diamond Mining Town in the Sperrgebiet National Park. Once an opulent and decadent town, a monument to the Diamond boom and built to last…until the diamonds ran out. Today Kolmanskop stands as a haunting monument to the thriving past, offering visitor’s unique photo motives into a bygone era. We continue across vast open plains, stopping for an optional light lunch in the countryside town of Helmeringhausen before continuing further north along with the Tiras Mountain range to our lodge in the Namib Desert. We are located close to Sesriem the gateway to Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei and Sesriem Canyon, with some of the highest dunes on Earth towering over the white desert plains. The afternoon can be spent relaxing at the sparkling pool, enjoying the vast open desert plains, or taking part in optional activities offered at the lodge.
The Elegant Desert Lodge - Breakfast
The Elegant Desert Lodge
Our friendly and helpful staff eagerly await to welcome you at The Elegant Desert Lodge.
Situated on the border of the World heritage site of the Namib Desert and only 38km from the gate to Sesriem and Sossusvlei, we offer accommodation in 27 elegantly appointed, air-conditioned rooms. All en-suite, the tasteful and comfortable rooms invite you to recline in the soulful yet liberating atmosphere of the world’s oldest desert.
Our beautiful and tranquil garden - a small oasis in the desert - offers various places to sit and read or just relax. Alternatively, you can enjoy the vistas of the desert plains from the veranda of your own room.
Wake to the multi-coloured light of the splendid desert sunrise. Indulge in the extensive and wholesome breakfast buffet or take the option of a picnic breakfast pack if you need an early start to undertake an adventurous trip to the world famous Sossusvlei. Alternatively simply enjoy the calm serenity at the lodge.
We suggest that you treat yourself to a laidback lunch with a bottle of fine South African wine from our extensive range, handpicked by the owners. In the afternoon you can unwind in our contemporary lounge, breath in the serenity of the lush garden or sunbathe at the sparkling pool. Take a drink at our pool bar and recline to marvel at the sun-drenched desert plains. You might also opt for the scenic drive with spectacular views overlooking the vast gravel plains contrasted with the Tsaris and Naukluft mountain massifs of the Namib Desert.
Namibia is about magnificent sunsets, while sipping on your beverage of choice, before heading off to unwind around the blazing campfire in our African firepit. You might even be fortunate enough to encounter some of the wildlife coming to quench their thirst at the waterhole a few meters away.
For dinner, we have a 4 course set menu, varying daily, that will tickle the taste buds with our Namibian delights. Dinner is served either in the restaurant, or outside under the stars in our garden, depending on the weather.
Day 5 : Namib Desert
The morning demands an early start. Entering the Namib Naukluft National Park shortly after sunrise, the first rays of sunlight paint the mountains of sand into a variety of apricot, red and orange, contrasted against a crisp blue skyline, enrapturing our senses, and providing an opportunity to capture this impressive landscape on film. You will be captivated by the surreal Deadvlei surrounded by some of the highest dunes on earth and Sossusvlei, where the dry Tsauchab River ends abruptly amongst dunes. Take the opportunity to walk up one of these majestic dunes to admire the desert landscape beneath. After this thrilling experience we visit the Sesriem Canyon, a life-sustaining natural phenomenon in the heart of the Namib Desert before returning back to our lodge and cooling off along the swimming pool or with a refreshing drink at one of the quiet retreats located all around the lodge.
The Elegant Desert Lodge –Breakfast
Day 6 : Swakopmund
After breakfast we continue our journey approaching the little settlement of Solitaire on the edge of the Namib Naukluft National Park, feeling like you have arrived in the middle of nowhere, before travelling via the desolate, rolling hills of the Kuiseb Valley towards the Atlantic Ocean. Reaching the coastal harbour town of Walvis Bay, we visit the shallow lagoon, one of the most important wetland areas on the African continent and a RAMSAR World Heritage Site. Over 80% of Africa’s lesser flamingos breed in this lagoon and present a breath-taking picture when they appear in groups. Continuing along the scenic route between the dune belt and the Atlantic Ocean we reach Swakopmund, where the rest of the day is spent at leisure. With palm-lined streets and seaside promenades, Swakopmund is a popular holiday destination in Namibia. Its pleasant summer climate and long stretched beaches attract anglers and surfers from all over Southern Africa.
For the international guest, Swakopmund is a bohemian mix of German architecture and African rhythms, a laid-back attitude with adrenalin activities, misty mornings and desert heat. It is colourful, it is vibrant, but most of all, it is pure fun.
Hansa Hotel - Breakfast
Swakopmund
A delightful and historic old German town, Swakopmund is the recreation capital of Namibia, and offers an enormous number of ways to enjoy the surrounding Namib Desert, as well as the Atlantic Ocean.
Founded as a harbour for the Germans during their colonial ownership of South West Africa, Swakopmund is closely connected with marine activities and wildlife. Some fantastic seafood can be enjoyed in one of the many restaurants.
Hansa Hotel
What you’d never expect in the world’s oldest desert, Namibia’ finest and oldest hotel.
Nestling in the very center of the charming little town of Swakopmund, wrapped in the shape of a timelessly classical building dating from 1905, an integral part of Swakopmund’s architectural heritage, offers you a feeling of being enveloped in a luxurious and sophisticated hospitality with a satisfying blend of both classic atmosphere and truly elegant interior, matched with friendly and personalized service.
Day 7 : Swakopmund
Swakopmund is often fondly referred to as the "playground of Namibia", it has numerous activities ranging from, adventure to exploring the fascinating features of the Namib Desert and the animals and plants that occur and survive here. Embrace the relaxed pace of this idyllic coastal town while enjoying coffee and freshly baked pastries in one of the many café's. Alternatively explore the rugged, sweltering desert on a day tour, or view this awesome, environment from the air on a scenic flight. Find your inner child and push adrenaline to its limits with extreme adventures such as skydiving over the desert or quad biking and sand boarding on the dunes. Take time to get the feel of this quaint town with its historic buildings, museums, shopping arcades and beach bar that has transformed into its own personality by the vibrant use of colour and the bohemian lifestyle.
Hansa Hotel - Breakfast
Day 8 - Day of Departure
After breakfast a transfer takes us back to Windhoek to our hotel or the international airport for our return flight.
Breakfast