6 Day Dunes and Wildlife Experience

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Embark on a 6-day discovery of spectacular wildlife, action adventure, and the ever-changing dunes!

Home to stunning scenic highlights, warm people, and a plethora of beautiful wildlife species, Namibia is an incredibly well-loved destination. This African nation welcomes more than a million tourists each year, and its popularity seems to be ever on the increase – so why not discover what it is that makes the country so appealing?

This 6-day tour is the perfect way to begin your foray into Namibia, as you’re invited to witness the country’s top highlights in an exciting, stress-free manner. Gone are the travel brochures and hours spent scrolling through ‘best of’ lists online – allow us to introduce you to the very best of Namibia, from its breathtaking national parks to its iconic deserts and dunes.

The tour begins in Etosha National Park, a 22,270sq km expanse of land which is home to hundreds of wildlife species, including the endangered black rhino. You’ll want to bring your camera with you, as in addition to seeking out lions, leopards and more on game-drives, you’ll be immersed in phenomenal surroundings such as ‘The Great White Place’ (Etosha’s famous salt pan), so prepare to capture the perfect shot!

In addition to visiting one of Namibia’s most famed national parks, you’ll also head to the Sossusvlei sand dunes. Scale these phenomenal highs in a 4x4 and take in the unusual sights surrounding you, from vast expanses of bleached, cracked clay to withered camel thorn trees. Such a bare wilderness is surely a sight to behold and a fascinating juxtaposition to other Namibian locations. If you’re keen to ‘see it all’, then look no further than this tour.

Home to stunning scenic highlights, warm people, and a plethora of beautiful wildlife species, Namibia is an incredibly well-loved destination. This African nation welcomes more than a million tourists each year, and its popularity seems to be ever on the increase – so why not discover what it is that makes the country so appealing?

This 6-day tour is the perfect way to begin your foray into Namibia, as you’re invited to witness the country’s top highlights in an exciting, stress-free manner. Gone are the travel brochures and hours spent scrolling through ‘best of’ lists online – allow us to introduce you to the very best of Namibia, from its breathtaking national parks to its iconic deserts and dunes.

The tour begins in Etosha National Park, a 22,270sq km expanse of land which is home to hundreds of wildlife species, including the endangered black rhino. You’ll want to bring your camera with you, as in addition to seeking out lions, leopards and more on game-drives, you’ll be immersed in phenomenal surroundings such as ‘The Great White Place’ (Etosha’s famous salt pan), so prepare to capture the perfect shot!

In addition to visiting one of Namibia’s most famed national parks, you’ll also head to the Sossusvlei sand dunes. Scale these phenomenal highs in a 4x4 and take in the unusual sights surrounding you, from vast expanses of bleached, cracked clay to withered camel thorn trees. Such a bare wilderness is surely a sight to behold and a fascinating juxtaposition to other Namibian locations. If you’re keen to ‘see it all’, then look no further than this tour.

This six-day tour incorporates many of the best aspects of a trip to Namibia. Experience the incredible Etosha National Park, witness a wealth of wildlife species, and discover the iconic sand dunes of Sossusvlei. Read all about this and more in our tour itinerary below!

Day 1

Day 1: Etosha National Park

After an early morning wake-up call, you’ll be collected from your hotel at 07:15 and transferred to the safari office for a briefing. After, you’ll make your way north to Etosha National Park. Enjoy a light lunch at Otjiwarongo before entering the park via the Andersson Gate. From here, you’ll enjoy an afternoon game drive to the park’s numerous waterholes, keeping your eyes peeled for the animals congregating around the water! You’ll then head to your lodge just before sunset and will have time to settle into your room before heading out for dinner by a floodlit waterhole – who knows which animals you might witness while dining under the Namibian sky!

Day 2

Day 2: Etosha National Park And The Etosha Pan

Today marks an early start as you’ll rise at dawn in time to catch a glimpse of active predators on your first game drive of the day! After a few hours spent visiting Etosha’s waterholes, you’ll return to Halali Camp for breakfast. After a bite to eat you’ll embark on another game drive, this time to the incredible ‘Etosha Pan’. Exit the vehicle and observe the beauty of this 4500sq km ‘saline desert’: an otherworldly experience given the vast expanse of salt-covered ground seen for miles around. Continue your drive in search of leopards, lions, rhinos and elephants, before returning to camp for lunch. There’s time for a quick dip in the pool or a drink by the camp waterhole before setting out on your final game drive of the day. Leave the park at sunset as you head to Okaukuehjo village in time for dinner and a good night’s rest.

Day 3

Day 3: Skeleton Coast to Swakopmund

After an early breakfast, you'll hit the road once more at around 07:30, winding through the dramatic and striking scenery of the Damaraland region. Here, you’ll meet the ladies of the Herero tribe and have the opportunity to purchase their handmade arts and crafts which they sell to support their rural families. Enjoy lunch against the imposing backdrop of Namibia’s tallest mountain, the Brandberg, before heading off to the Skeleton Coast. After time spent observing the haunting shipwreck which makes this area so well-known (and perhaps spotting the famous seals which reside here), you’ll head to the charming seaside town of Swakopmund before exploring more by foot. The day draws to a close with a meal in a restaurant of your choosing.

Day 4

Day 4: Namib Desert And The Naukluft Mountain Range

Kick-start the day with a tasty breakfast before taking your pick from a list of exciting optional activities: quad biking, sand boarding and a scenic flight over the region are all possibilities, so which will you choose? After a morning of adrenaline, you’ll be collected from your hotel at around 11:15 and drive through the stunning Namib Desert. Transit through the Kuiseb Pass and the Solitaire Reserve, arriving at camp in time for a sunset walk in front of the majestic Naukluft Mountain Range. If there’s time, why not take a dip in the pool or enjoy a sundowner or two from the onsite bar?

Day 5

Day 5: Sossusvlei Sand Dunes and the Sesriem Canyon

You’ll leave camp at dawn and head towards Sossusvlei in time for sunrise. Once you’ve entered the park, you’ll drive down an ancient river bed between imposing sand dunes before switching vehicles to a 4x4, which is where the fun really begins! After a short drive, trek into the stunning Sossusvlei sand dunes, taking time to appreciate the area’s wilderness beauty. Discover ‘dead vlei’, an expanse of bleached, cracked clay and withered camel thorn trees and snap some impressive photos of this unusual area. Return to Sesriem in time for sunset, travelling via the stunning Sesriem Canyon – one of the few permanent water sources within the region and a rare sight within the wilderness! Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared for you by your guide and spend the rest of the evening in awe of the phenomenal Namibian sunset.

Day 6

Day 6: Solitaire Guest Farm To Windhoek

Sadly, this is the final day of your tour but that doesn’t mean that the fun is over for you yet! After an early breakfast, you’ll begin your journey back to Windhoek, stopping off at the Solitaire Guest Farm. Solitaire is the release site for numerous ‘problem carnivores’ which have caused issues on local farms. After their rehabilitation, these animals, which include leopards, brown hyenas and particularly cheetahs are released into the region surrounding Solitaire. After having the chance to see some of these animals and understand the issues they face, you will transfer back to Windhoek via the small towns of Bullsport and Rehoboth before being dropped off at your accommodation. (Please note: if you’re due to fly home on this day, your flight will need to depart after 8pm. Transfers can be provided at an extra cost.)

To secure a place on this tour a deposit of $245 is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due any time up to 60 days prior to your start date.

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Tour Comfort: Comfortable

This tour has been categorised as 'Comfortable'. This is based on the modes of transport used, the comfort level of accommodation and any modern facilities that they have to offer. In terms of comparison, this level of travel would be similar to that of a 3-star status.


Halali Camp (NIGHT 1)

Strategically located in the middle of the stunning Etosha National Park, Halali is one of the three government-run camps inside the park. It stands beside one of the very few hills in Etosha and is the smallest and quietest of these rest camps. Halali’s amazing location, right in the middle of the park, along with its floodlit waterhole, which attracts numerous species of wildlife, makes it a popular choice. En-suite facilities and tea and coffee will be provided for you.

Taleni Etosha Village (NIGHT 2)

The Taleni Etosha Village is situated only 4.3km from the Andersons Gate (near Okaukuejo) entrance to the Etosha National Park and offers visitors to the area and especially the family, an affordable yet comfortable place in which to stay. The Etosha Village has also been recognised for their eco-friendly practices and they continue to strive towards reducing the impact of each tourist by using solar hot water heaters, recycling water from the showers to water the gardens, sorting and recycling waste and much more. Accommodation here will be within twin-share permanent tents with en-suite bathroom facilities.

Hotel Pension A La Mer (NIGHT 3)

Hotel Pension A La Mer is located within the heart of charming Swakopmund and offers you comfortable accommodation with en-suite bathrooms. Plus, with the beach and jetty a mere 30 seconds away, your room will most certainly come with a view! What’s more, emphasis from the staff here is placed on providing a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Desert Camp (NIGHT 4 & 5)

The stunning ‘Desert Camp’ is situated a mere 5 km from the entrance gate to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon within the Namib Nauklauft National Park. Nestled under centuries-old thorn trees, the Desert Camp has an unparalleled 360 degrees view over the desert landscape and surrounding the mountain range. This is an absolute must for the nature lover and photographer – you’re right out in the middle of it here! Overnight accommodation here will be on a twin-shared basis with en-suite facilities.


Sand Boarding


From $30.00
Runs daily in Swakopmund
Departs at 9:30am
Returns at 1:30pm
Minimum 2 people
Minimum age 8 (Lie Down) & 12 (Stand Up)

Lie-down boarding offers the ultimate adrenalin buzz as you zoom head-first down the sandy slopes of the Namib Desert, reaching speeds of up to 80kph! By contrast, stand-up boarding is done on snowboards with soft boots and bindings. Beginners will feel comfortable on the sand, as it provides the perfect training ground for a board sport and full instruction is provided. Experienced boarders are given modified snowboards with super-fast bases – perfect for that extra ‘rush’ sensation!

Includes: transfers from your accommodation in Swakopmund, all equipment, instruction by the guide, a light lunch and a souvenir video.

Quad Biking


From $30.00
Runs daily in Swakopmund
Departs from 9am
Returns at sunset
Minimum 2 people

A 55-60km route takes you up the Swakopmund riverbed, across the plains, and ultimately through the dune field, crossing the dunes from the eastern ridge and winding your way through to the western ridge. The scenery along the way is breath-taking as you drive through the peaks and valleys of the oldest desert in the world. Safety is paramount, so all riders are given helmets and a full safety briefing. Automatic, semi-automatic and manual bikes are all available for use.

Includes: transfers from accommodation in Swakopmund, a helmet and instruction by the guide.
GETTING THERE

You will ideally need to arrive the day before the tour’s start date, arriving into Windhoek’s International Airport (Hosea Kutako) and spending the night in a local hotel. The tour begins on a Tuesday, and you will be collected from your hotel at 07:15 before being transferred to a central hotel for a pre-departure talk.

If you would like help booking your flights, please visit our flights page and fill out the form. A member of our team will get back in touch as soon as possible with a suitable quote.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

Citizens of most countries, including the UK, Germany, USA, Canada, Australia and most of those within the EU, do not need to obtain a visa to enter Namibia and are granted entry for up to 90 days upon arrival. You will, however, need at least 2 blank pages in your passport for the immigration officials to use and your passport must be valid for a period of at least 6 months from your date of entry.

If you are unsure of your individual visa requirements, we recommend speaking to your local Namibian embassy at least 2 months prior to travel.

MEALS AND BEVERAGES

One of the best ways to travel is by following your stomach, and the majority of meals throughout the tour will be typical of Namibian cuisine. That said, alternate options are available, and we are also able to cater to specific dietary requirements if told in advance. Please note that beverages are not included in the cost of the tour.

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What's Included

  • Accommodation in twin-share rooms with en-suite bathrooms
  • Most meals - lunch and dinner on day 1, all meals on days 2 - 5 (except dinner on day 3), and breakfast on day 6
  • National park entry fees
  • Game drives
  • Cheetah tracking activity at Solitaire
  • English-speaking guide/driver
  • Pick-up and drop-off within Windhoek city limits

What's Not Included

  • Beverages during meals (both soft and alcoholic)
  • Flights
  • Visas
Where you can go
Contact Info
UK Office
The Great Traveller Ltd,
3 Dairy Yard
Star Street
Ware, Hertfordshire
SG12 7DX
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
   Mon-Fri 8:30am–5:30pm
   Sat 10am-4pm

T: +44(0) 208 885 4987