9 Day Southern Namibia Tour, including Desert Express

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9 Day Southern Namibia Tour, including Desert Express

Windhoek to Windhoek

Tour STS-9DX

The southern reaches of Namibia offer some of the most fascinating sights in the area – experience the highest sand dunes in the world, the restless bountiful sea, immense solitude, sparkling diamonds, the Fish River Canyon and the incredible Welwitschia Mirabilis.

This Southern Namibia Tour travels at a pace that guarantees you have the opportunity to absorb the sights, whilst, with a maximum of ten travelling companions, you are also guaranteed warm, personal service in basic but homely accommodation.

Highlights include:
• Explore the Kalahari Desert & the Fish River Canyon
• Kolmanskop, deserted diamond mine
• The coastal town of Swakopmund
• The world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei
• Welwitschia – ancient desert plant
• Overnight on the Desert Express

Departures: Saturday

Day 1: Windhoek – Kalahari Desert
Today, depart Windhoek for the Kalahari Desert and check in. Towards sunset, enjoy a scenic drive in open vehicles before heading back to camp. (D)
Accommodation: Overnight: Auob Lodge or similar

Day 2: Kalahari Desert – Fish River Canyon
Travel through the Kalahari and later stop in Keetmanshoop for lunch (own account) before continuing, via the Naute Dam, to the spectacular northern fringes of the Fish River Canyon. This is one of Namibia’s most spectacular geological phenomena, lying in the lower reaches of Namibia’s longest river, the Fish. It took millions of years to evolve to its present shape – a massive 161km long and 27km wide, with a varying depth of 550m. (BD)
Accommodation: Overnight: Canon Lodge or similar

Day 3: Fish River Canyon – Lüderitz
This morning, you will travel through some spectacular scenery, hopefully seeing some desert-adapted horses, towards the Namib Desert and Lüderitz. This isolated town clinging to the rocks of the Atlantic Ocean is renowned for its old-world charm and distinctly German colonial architecture. Fishing boats bob up and down, while the seals and penguins dive amongst the waves. Later, enjoy a scenic drive around the peninsula before dinner. (BD)
Accommodation: Overnight: Nest Hotel or similar

Day 4: Lüderitz – Maltahöhe
Today, visit Namibia’s most famous ghost town – Kolmanskop. Situated about 10km inland from Lüderitz, it was here that in 1908 Zacharias Lewala found a sparkling stone amongst the sand and so a diamond rush began. At its peak, a community of almost 1200 thrived here but within 40 years Kolmanskop had lived, flourished and died. Today, its crumbling ruins are still being enveloped and encroached by the dunes of the desert. Enjoy a packed lunch before stopping late afternoon to visit Duwisib Castle en route to Maltahöhe. (BD)
Accommodation: Overnight: Hammerstein Restcamp or similar

Day 5: Maltahöhe – Namib Naukluft Park
An early departure for the highlight of the tour – Sossusvlei with its monumental dunes, the highest of which is estimated to be 325m. You will transfer to 4x4 vehicles and travel into the heart of the Namib Desert. Visit Sesriem Canyon and Solitaire Village near the Naukluft Mountains. (BD)
Accommodation: Overnight: Rostock Lodge or similar

Day 6: Namib Naukluft Park – Swakopmund
Drive through Kuiseb Canyon en route to the coast. Enjoy a packed lunch on the way. A popular feature of the Park is the intriguing plant known as Welwitschia Mirabilis, a botanical curiosity endemic to the Namib Desert. The Welwitschia’s oldest living specimens are estimated to be between 1500 to 2000 years old. (BLD)
Accommodation: Overnight: Hansa Hotel or similar

Day 7: Swakopmund
A day at leisure in Swakopmund. This curious desert town, hedged by desert on one side and sea on the other, is enchanted by lush, green lawns, palm trees and carefully tended public gardens. The coastline and the desert offer many adventure and relaxation options. These include marine cruises, sea kayaking, rock and gemstone excursions as well as desert adventures such as sandboarding and quad biking. All tours are optional and on your own account. (B)
Accommodation: Overnight: Hansa Hotel or similar

Day 8: Desert Express Train
Transfer to Swakopmund station and board the luxurious Desert Express. The 24 compartments are fully air-conditioned and have en-suite facilities. Relax in the elegant lounge and bistro bar while you pass the changing African landscapes of Namibia. Later, enjoy a superb three-course dinner in the Welwitschia Restaurant before retiring for the night. (BD)
Accommodation: Overnight: Desert Express

Day 9: Windhoek
Arrive mid-morning in Windhoek, where your tour ends with a transfer to the hotel of your choice. Transfers to and from the airport available at an additional cost. (B)

Prices Include:
• Services of an experienced driver/guide,Dual language (English/German) commentary.
• All accommodation, transportation and sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary.
• All meals as detailed in the itinerary,B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

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