Scheduled tours in Namibia

SOSSUSVLEI TOUR
Silver Class Tour
SOL

Star-shaped Apricot-coloured sand dunes, some of the highest in the world!

1. To / from Windhoek
2.To / from Swakopmund 
3. Windhoek to Swakopmund or visa versa 

Upon departing town of choice guests will experience the ever-changing landscapes as we continue past the Naukluft massif and into the pro-Namib.
An early start is imperative, as this is not only the coolest part of the day but the best for photography.  Our journey takes us to the famous Sossusvlei, a clay pan surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world.  Observe the fauna and flora that inhabits this region.  Time will be taken to explore the impressive sandstone gorges of the Sesriem Canyon.  To draw water from the pools, early travellers had to tie a bucket to six (ses) ox thongs (rieme) lashed together, hence the name, Sesriem.    Return to the Lodge for lunch.  During the afternoon join a guided nature / sunset drive to the Marble Mountains or relax at the Lodge.

Namib Naukluft Lodge / Namib Desert Lodge
Distance from Windhoek: app. 280km
Distance from Swakopmund:        app. 280km

After a leisurely breakfast we return to Windhoek at approximately 12h30,  where your tour ends with a transfer to your Hotel.
Distance to Windhoek:                 app. 280km
Distance to Swakopmund:           app. 280km

TOUR SUMMARY

Alternative accommodation may be used.

Summer time departs Windhoek:  14h00
Wintertime departs Windhoek:      13h00

Private Group departures:  any departure on request / 6 pax and more required.

NAMIBIA HIGHLIGHTS
Silver Class Tour
NH

The dune landscape of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert combined with the rich coastal diversity of the Skeleton Coast, scenic Damaraland, and the wildlife of Etosha National Park. 

Guests experience the ever-changing landscapes, as the terrain becomes more arid as we continue into the pro-Namib. Our journey takes us to the famous Sossusvlei, a clay pan surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world.  Explore the impressive conglomerate gorges of the Sesriem Canyon, with its rock pools fed by the Tsauchab, the same river that feeds Sossusvlei during the rainy season.

Desert Homestead: app. 380km

Our destination today is the coastal town of Swakopmund.  The route passes through the Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons and what we call the “gramadoelas” (Bad Lands). Visit the vast gravel plains of the Namib and Namibia’s most celebrated plant, the Welwitschia Mirabilis, as well as the Moon valley, offering an unusual view overlooking the landscape formed by the valleys of the Swakop River. Day at leisure to explore the town of Swakopmund.  Swakopmund has a multitude have guided and adventure activities on offer.

Strand Hotel: app. 470km

Departing Swakopmund we travel west past the Spitzkoppe and the Erongo Mountains and through Omaruru where we journey northwards through Otjiwarongo and Outjo towards Etosha National Park.
The next two nights are spent at a tented camp on a private reserve bordering the park. During our stay we will enjoy a full day’s game drive into the park in an open topped game viewing vehicle as well as a drive within the private reserve.

Eagle Tented Lodge & Spa: app 510km 

We return south through Outjo and Otjiwarongo to the town of Okahandja. The Kavango woodcarvers ply their trade at a large open-air craft market on the outskirts of town, one of the best places to purchase woodcarvings.
We continue south to a game ranch situated at the foot of the Eros Mountains.

Okapuka Lodge: app. 400km

Our tour ends today after breakfast when we make the short journey into Windhoek.

Distance: app. 30km
TOUR SUMMARY

Alternative accommodation may be used.

Private Group departures:  any departure on request / 6 pax and more required.

DESERT SYMPHONY
Silver Class Tour
DS

One becomes captivated by the stark beauty of Namibia’s four-desert systems, visit the Kalahari, Fish River Canyon, Orange River and Sossusvlei. This tour showcases the diversification of desert landscapes and the life found there.

 Outbound Flights from Windhoek to be arranged after 19h00

Travel south through the rugged mountain ranges surrounding the capital to the vegetated red parallel dunes of the Kalahari Desert.  These dunes differ from the Namib as they are partly covered with grasses and accentuated by old camel thorn trees and shepherds bush.  Since rain is soaked up rapidly, surface water is a rarity. Nevertheless, game manages to survive by means of special adaptations.  In the afternoon you will be able to take part in a sundowner drive and in the mornings a farm drive where you can see large numbers of gemsbok, springbok and ostrich (optional).

Kalahari Anib Lodge: app. 290km

Travelling through the Kalahari we proceed to the Fish River Canyon area and the Gondwana Canon Park, which borders on the eastern fringe of the National Park. This “nama karoo desert” has dramatic geological formations, which takes on stupendous proportions in the Fish River canyon, the second largest canyon on earth. The vegetation is characterized by dwarf shrubs and scattered grasslands. The slopes of the plateau mountains and vast plains are home to Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, Springbok, Gemsbok, Kudu and Ostrich.  The Lodge has a Self Sufficiency Centre and grows most of its own vegetable produce and operates its own dairy and butchery, all the more remarkable when one takes into account the area.  Optional activities - sunset drive, nature walks, horse riding.

Canyon Lodge/Village: app. 480km

After a leisurely breakfast we travel down to the Gariep/Orange River.  The Orange River, which forms Namibia's southern border to South Africa, originates in the Drakensberg mountains and covers a distance of 1800 kilometres through South Africa, where it is nowadays called the Gariep river. The river connects with the Atlantic Ocean at Oranjemund. On its long journey, the Orange offers a variety of vistas: the stretch from the border town of Noordoewer and the rivermouth is very scenic, in places the river is seamed by rugged mountain chains and in other parts, by dune fields.

The Oranje is a quiet and peaceful river, the valley hardly touched by tourism. The riverbed is sandy and the water clear and clean. It was the Orange River that was responsible for the diamond deposits along the Namibian coast. Over millions of years it transported diamonds from the volcanic pipes in Kimberley in South Africa to the sea. From there, the currents took them northward and the surf deposited them into the dune fields of the Namib.   Canoe trips are on offer for those that wish to explore this tranquil area.

Camp Provenance: app. 280km

Today we travel west following the Orange River where we pass through the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Trans-frontier Park, which comprises the Ai-Ais hot springs Game Park and Hunsberg conservation area in the west.  Cradled by the 100km long loop of the river downstream of Noordoewer, the remainder of the park is made up of the Richtersveld National Park in South Africa, an area that provides protection to South Africa’s only mountain desert.
Turning north we travel through the mining town of Rosh Pinah to Aus where we overnight. This Succulent Karoo area is mainly a winter-rainfall area. Bizarre looking shrubs store moisture in their leaves and stems to tide them over the dry summer months. The succulent Karoo is the most plant diverse desert in the world and has been listed as one of the worlds 25 global diversity hotspots.
A Full day in the area, guests have the opportunity to take a day trip to the coastal town of Luderitz or participate in a nature drive to visit the Wild Horses of the Namib.

Klein Aus Vista: app. 325km

Our journey takes us north-west to the region of the Namib Naukluft Park.  In their own words ‘ to the left it is dune to dune behind dune and next to dune – an endless sea of reddish sand stretching all the way to the distant horizon’.  These great mountains of sand are a monument to the extreme forces of nature. Fog supplies the life giving moisture for the survival of plants and animals. The “petrified dunes” (sandstone cliffs) at the dry riverbed of the Dieprivier are a special attraction as they are remnants of the dunes of the ancient Namib, fossilized dunes with the younger Namib sands overlaying them.  Time will be spent exploring Gondwana Namib Park and neighboring Namib Naukluft Park with a visit to the awe-inspiring dunes at Sossusvlei, said to be the highest in the world.

Namib Desert Lodge: app. 410km

Our journey today takes us back to the capital, Windhoek where the tour ends.
Distance: app. 270kmTraveling Time: about 4 hours

TOUR SUMMARY

Alternative accommodation may be used.

Private Group departures:  any departure on request / 6 pax and more required.

BEYOND BORDERS NORTHBOUND
Silver Class Tour
BB NB

Our journey takes us from Cape Town through the Western Cape to the border with Namibia.  Entering Namibia one becomes captivated by the stark desert beauty as we travel along the Orange River to Aus then through the pro-Namib to view the magnificent dunes at Sossusvlei with our tour ending in Windhoek.

Depart Cape Town and travel north on the scenic coastal route. Passing the historic, beehive shaped lime kilns, continue to Yzerfontein. View the distant Dassen Island, which is the largest of 34 submarine mountains whose summits protrude the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. Continue through the West Coast National Park to the town of Langebaan. This wetland is biologically the richest stretch of water in South Africa. Drive around Saldanha Bay, which is the world’s finest natural harbour to the port town of Saldanha where a superb seafood lunch can be enjoyed (not included). Travel via Vredenburg to the small town of Velddrif. After crossing the Berg River, visit the tiny fishing village of Laaiplek where we experience local culture typical of West Coast residents. Drive through the beautiful stretches of fynbos in the Sandveld and continue to the town of Citrusdal for dinner and overnight at a lodge located at the ‘Gateway to the Cederberg’.

Cederberg Lodge / similar : app 450km

After breakfast, we leave the fertile Citrusdal Valley for a chance to explore the Cederberg, informally referred to as the ‘rock garden of the Gods’. Admire fascinating and bizarre rock formations, which have been artfully fashioned by erosion over the years. After driving through the Niewoudts Pass, arrive at one of the region’s many caves at Stadsaal, which showcases mysterious San (Bushman) art. Travel to the town of Clanwilliam passing the Clanwilliam Dam reputed to support more indigenous fish species than any other south of the Zambezi River. After lunch in Clanwilliam (not included) visit the ‘velskoen’ shoe factory and ‘Die Kunshuis’ art gallery before becoming acquainted with the area’s famous Rooibos tea plantations. The area produces over 3 000 tons of tea per year which is exported by popular demand all over the World. Drive to Vredendal via the small town of Klawer where a visit to the local wine estate and can be enjoyed. Arrive in the late afternoon at a luxury lodge located on a working wine farm and enjoy warm personalized hospitality.

Melkbooms Drift Lodge / similar: app. 300km

After a delicious farm breakfast, overlooking the river and vineyards enjoy a fascinating vineyard tour and wine tasting. With fertile soil, an abundant water supply and the cool Atlantic air, Vredendal is fast becoming recognized for its exceptional wines, which are proving to be winners in both local and overseas markets. The 160 farm members in the area produce over 60 000 tons of grapes per annum, rendering it South Africa’s largest. Travel to Vanrhynsdorp where we have an opportunity to visit the town’s succulent nursery, reputed to be the world’s largest. Our journey continues through the towns of Bitterfontein and Garies, both of which are famous for their unique geology. Bitterfontein produces and exports the world’s only supply of green granite and Garies produces Kaolin, which is an essential element used in the production of paper, fine porcelain and various other applications. Travel through the town of Springbok to the Orange River where we cross into Namibia. The Orange River originates in the Drakensberg mountains and covers a distance of 1800 kilometres through South Africa, where it is nowadays called the Gariep river. The river connects with the Atlantic Ocean at Oranjemund. On its long journey, the Orange offers a variety of vistas: the stretch from the border town of Noordoewer and the rivermouth is very scenic, in places the river is seamed by rugged mountain chains and in other parts, by dune fields.

The Oranje is a quiet and peaceful river, the valley hardly touched by tourism. The riverbed is sandy and the water clear and clean. It was the Orange River that was responsible for the diamond deposits along the Namibian coast. Over millions of years it transported diamonds from the volcanic pipes in Kimberley in South Africa to the sea. From there, the currents took them northward and the surf deposited them into the dune fields of the Namib.   Canoe trips on offer for those that wish to explore this tranquil area.

Camp Provenance: app. 700km

Today we travel west following the Orange River. Whilst travelling east along the Orange River we pass through the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Trans-frontier Park, which comprises the Ai-Ais hot springs Game Park and Hunsberg conservation area in the west. Cradled by the 100km long loop of the river downstream of Noordoewer, the remainder of the park is made up of the Richtersveld National Park in South Africa, an area that provides protection to South Africa’s only mountain desert. The concept of Trans-frontier conservation areas (also referred to as Peace Parks) is rapidly gaining momentum in SADC countries.  These are trans-frontier wildlife sanctuaries that embrace cross-border conservation areas and game parks.
Turning north we travel through the mining town of Rosh Pinah to Aus where we overnight.
A Full day in the area, guests have the opportunity to take a day trip to the coastal town of Luderitz or participate in a nature drive to visit the Wild Horses of the Namib.

Klein Aus Vista: app. 460km 

Our journey takes us north-west, via Helmeringhausen to the region of the Namib Naukluft Park.  In their own words ‘ to the left it is dune to dune behind dune and next to dune – an endless sea of reddish sand stretching all the way to the distant horizon’.  These great mountains of sand are a monument to the extreme forces of nature.  The sandstone cliffs at the dry riverbed of the Dieprivier are a special attraction as they are remnants of the dunes of the ancient Namib, fossilized dunes with the younger Namib sands overlaying them.  Time will be spent exploring Gondwana Namib Park and neighboring Namib Naukluft Park with a visit to Sossusvlei. 

Namib Desert Lodge: app. 430km

Our journey today takes us back to the capital, Windhoek where the tour ends.

Distance 280 km
TOUR SUMMARY

Alternative accommodation may be used.

TOUR CLASSIFICATIONS

Scheduled Fly-In Safaris - Gold Class

• Minimum of 1 passenger and maximum of 8

• Maximum 5 passengers per aircraft

• Aircraft used:  Cessna 210 single engine, chieftain or caravan

• Accommodation in 4-star properties

Scheduled Fly-In Safaris – Platinum Class

• Minimum of 2 passengers and maximum of 4

• Aircraft used:  Cessna 210 single engine

• Superior accommodation and service is offered

Skeleton Coast Fly-In Safari - Premium Exclusive Class

• Minimum of 2 passengers and maximum of 8

• Aircraft used:  Cessna 210 single engine

• Guests are accommodated in exclusive, privately owned, fully equipped tented camps

DATES AND RATES: ON REQUEST

Reservations & information:

Elena Travel Services & Car Hire CC
P.O. Box 3127 Windhoek, Namibia
Fax:  +264 61 244558
E-mail: info@namibweb.com

To book:

1) you can e-mail us requesting information and/or rates

Reservations are only accepted in writing: by fax or via e-mail.
Final availability confirmation: in writing: by fax or via e-mail.

See also: Terms & conditions, Payment options and Cancellation policy

Related links:

• Sense of Africa scheduled tours - 2
• Sense of Africa scheduled tour - 3
• Sense of Africa Sossusvlei tour
• Sense of Africa Epacha Game Lodge Fly-In Safari
• Sense of Africa Caprivi Experience tour
• Springbok Atlas scheduled tours
• SWA Safaris scheduled tours
• Etosha National Park
• Reservations of resorts in National parks

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