4 days Windhoek to Windhoek

OVERVIEW
For those with limited time a trip to the famous red sand sea of Sossusvlei is a must. As one of Namibia’s highlights the Namibia is the oldest desert in the world and you will have ample opportunity to explore the dunes and enjoy the vast desert vista. To finish off we spend a night in the coastal town of Swakopmund.

PRICE: N$2230 plus N$520 - Local payment in cash (Valid until 31st Oct 2007)

DEPARTS: Every Monday from Windhoek

Vehicle Used: 4x4
Maximum Group Size: 8 + 2 guides
Single Supplement: None

ITINERARY:
Day 1 SESRIEM – Departure from Chameleon Guesthouse and Backpackers at 8:30am. Driving through the rugged Khomas Hochland mountain range we descend to the desert floor via the Gamsberg Pass, an imposing flat topped mountain and one of the highest points in Namibia, which provides a dramatic back drop for our roadside lunch. After a short stop at Solitaire, we arrive at camp mid afternoon and set up your tents underneath the ancient camel thorn trees then enjoy a late afternoon walk across the desert to Elim’s Dune on the edge of the famous sand dune sea with views across to the nearby mountains. We return to camp just after sunset to enjoy our dinner prepared by Guide with assistance from Apprentice Guide. Overnight camping (L,D)

Day 2 SESRIEM – Pre dawn departure from camp to drive the 65km to Sossusvlei where we watch the sunrise from this spectacular and unique area (dependent on opening time of inner park gate). We head up a dune close to Sossusvlei then walk to Dead Vlei with its large expanse of bleached cracked clay and skeletal camel thorn trees scattered around, contrasting with a backdrop of huge orange-red dunes that make for superb photographic opportunities. We enjoy a mid morning brunch after exploring this dramatic and desolate landscape before returning to camp for a swim and this afternoon explore nearby Sesriem Canyon on foot. Enjoy another spectacular sunset surrounded by this colourful desert and sleep under the bright stars of the southern hemisphere. Overnight camping and dinner prepared by Guide with assistance from Apprentice Guide. (B,L,D)

Day 3 DUNEDIN STAR GUESTHOUSE, SWAKOPMUND – Early morning departure from camp stopping at the one horse town of Solitaire before continuing through the desert with its endless views across the pastel-coloured gravel plains to the port town of Walvis Bay. We visit the lagoon, which is a protected RAMSAR wetland site, where we may see the many species of birds including Greater and Lesser Flamingos, pelicans, avocets, plovers and the endemic Damara Tern, then a short trip to the nearby salt farm. We continue onto the quaint town of Swakopmund, full of historic buildings and where your guide will assist those wishing to book optional adventure activities such as sand boarding, quad biking, scenic flights, parachuting, dolphin cruises to name but a few, which you have time for this afternoon and tomorrow morning. Overnight in comfortable twin/double rooms with en-suite bathroom close to the town centre. Laundry facilities are available here. This evening’s meal is a group dinner in a restaurant at client’s own expense. (B,L)

Day 4 WINDHOEK - after breakfast you have the morning at leisure, enjoy optional activities such as sand boarding or just explore the town and enjoy a coffee and cake in one of the many cafes or wander along the beach watching the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. After lunch your vehicle will return to Windhoek via the Okahandja craft markets. (B,L)

PLEASE NOTE – the itinerary above is a guideline only and whilst we try to adhere to it there may be circumstances when it may change – for example weather and/or road conditions, seasonal daylight hours etc. Overnight stops on occasion may be altered from those indicated above.