Day 1: Arrive NamibRand Reserve
Arrive at the NamibRand Reserve by lunchtime for the start of your desert hike. (We can arrange for a private vehicle hire for you – the drive from Windhoek takes 6 hours; from Sesriem, approx. 2 hours. It is also possible to fly from £190 per person).
On arrival at the reserve you will meet with your guide before departing on a scenic drive to the start point of the trail. Here, you will be given a rucksack with some snacks (you may prefer to bring your own); all you need to do is add your binoculars, camera and any other essentials, and then you're set to go! The rest of your luggage will be transferred by vehicle.
From the starting point, it’s a short walk of 2 hours through the sand dunes to your first night’s camp. The dunes you encounter will be small vegetated dunes, rather than the huge sand towers encountered at Sossusvlei. Less dramatic, perhaps, but much easier to walk across! On arriving at camp, enjoy a sundowner, and marvel at the changing sky as the sun descends and the stars come out. You sleep tonight in the open on a roll-up bed.
Day 2: Desert Hiking in the NamibRand Reserve
Wake early before sunrise to tea, coffee and a light breakfast, before setting off in the cool of the morning. You will be given a picnic lunch to pack before you depart, which you’ll be able to enjoy at leisure later, stopping under shady trees to avoid the heat of the day.
During the course of today's walk your guide will be able to explain to you many of the fascinating aspects of the Namib, such as how the desert flora survives in this harsh environment by tapping underground water sources, and how insect life, which is prolific, has adapted to the harsh environment.
Birding is very good and you may be lucky enough to spot one of the Namib's endemics, such as the Dune Lark. Larger animals you may encounter include Oryx, Ostrich, and Desert Fox.
The “morning news”, as written in the sand of the dunes, is always fascinating and with some luck – and your guide’s trained eyes – you may spot some of the desert specials, such as the Golden Mole, Dancing White Lady, Barking Gecko, and the Flightless Wasp to name a few. You spend a good part of the morning on the high dunes, before descending the other side to a dry riverbed.
As midday approaches you'll stop at a shady spot for a picnic lunch. There is plenty of time to relax, have a siesta and reflect on all that you have seen. As the heat recedes you proceed on over the dunes towards your second overnight spot. The scene in front of you is an endless sea of dunes and “fairy circles” with a backdrop of magnificent mountain scenery. Photography is spectacular as the shadows on the dunes create an ever-changing palette of colours as sunset approaches. Upon arrival at camp, a delicious dinner is served to mark the end of a long day. The sound of Barking Geckoes, the occasional cry of a Hyena, the hoohoo of Spotted Eagle Owls, and more likely than not, tranquil silence, accompanies you through the night.
Walking time: Morning: 4 – 4.5 hrs / Afternoon: 2 – 2.5 hrs, sleeping out in the open on stretcher beds.
Day 3: Departure
Wake shortly before sunrise. Enjoy a coffee and a cooked breakfast, before setting off through the dune field. The soft, rolling dunes are interspersed by camel thorn trees, which provide welcome shade and an invitation to rest.
Today’s walk is easy and you can expect to arrive back at the farmhouse at approximately 10:30am.
Your desert hiking tour ends at the farmhouse. Unless you are on a self-drive tour, onward transfer to your next destination is at additional cost.
Guided Desert Hike in the NamibRand Reserve
Guided Desert Hike in the NamibRand Reserve
This 3-day walking trail will allow you to experience Namibia's stunning desert landscapes up close and on foot. You’ll learn about the desert’s varied fauna and flora, as well as its unique geology, as you traverse the dunes, rocky hills and grass plains that make up the NamibRand Reserve.
Outline Itinerary
Price guide
Price based on two travellers in shared twin/double accommodation and travelling during high season (July, August, September). Please contact us for low-season rates.
Pricing
3 days from £420pp
Sossusvlei, Damaraland and Etosha
Everyone had time for us whether it was in a bank or a restaurant and that is very humbling.
Eloise and Sam go right to the top on our Kilimanjaro Shira8 route
Thank you so much and I speak for both Sam and I when I say you guys couldn't have topped it - AWESOME