Your nine-day Namibian Deserts and Canyon adventure begins in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital. From here, you’ll journey south to the captivating Kalahari Desert, known as “The Soul of the World” by the Bushman people. This unique landscape is a striking combination of bright red sand dunes, endless grass plains, acacia trees, and thorn bushes. The Kalahari is also home to wildlife uniquely adapted to thrive in its arid environment.

Upon arrival at the luxurious Kalahari Anib Lodge in Mariental, you’ll have time to settle in and relax before embarking on an evening game drive. As the sun dips below the horizon, enjoy a sparkling wine sundowner atop the dunes. The breathtaking views of the desert bathed in golden light and the serenity of the surroundings create the perfect start to your journey.

On Day 2, your journey takes you further south through Namibia’s rugged and arid plains, heading towards some of the country’s most fascinating natural wonders. First, you’ll visit the unique Garas Quiver Tree Forest, an extraordinary site featuring around 250 quiver trees, which are endemic to Southern Africa. These unusual trees, with their tall, spindly trunks and spiky branches, get their name from the San people, who once used their branches to make quivers for holding arrows. The Quiver Tree Forest is a photographer’s paradise, with its surreal landscape making for some truly remarkable images.

From here, you’ll continue to the nearby Giant’s Playground, a striking geological formation made up of massive dolerite boulders that appear to be placed in intricate arrangements, creating a surreal labyrinth. These natural rock formations, formed millions of years ago, make for a great stop to stretch your legs and take in the unique surroundings.

After exploring these captivating sites, you’ll head to your lodge, located near the Fish River Canyon, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful desert landscape.

After breakfast, set out for one of Namibia’s most iconic landmarks – the Fish River Canyon. Known as the second largest canyon in the world, this awe-inspiring geological formation stretches over 160 kilometres in length and up to 27 kilometres in width. The canyon’s sheer scale and dramatic cliffs create a stunning panorama that’s both humbling and beautiful. Spend time exploring the viewpoints and learning about the canyon’s fascinating geological history, making this a highlight of your Namibian adventure.

Later in the day, continue your journey to the coastal town of Lüderitz, a picturesque settlement nestled along the Atlantic coast. On the way, pass through Gaub, home to the famous wild horses of the Namib. These hardy horses have adapted to survive in the harsh desert environment, and their mysterious presence adds an intriguing layer to the journey.

Upon arrival in Lüderitz, enjoy a delicious Namibian seafood feast. The town’s coastal location ensures that fresh seafood is a staple, and you’ll have the chance to savour local delicacies, including fish, lobster, and oysters, all prepared with a distinctive Namibian flair.

After an early breakfast, set off across the vast, open plains, heading towards the majestic Tiras Mountain range. The route takes you through one of Namibia’s most scenic areas, offering sweeping views of the desert landscapes that stretch endlessly ahead. The rugged mountains rise in the distance, their dramatic peaks standing in stark contrast against the flat plains below, making the drive both peaceful and awe-inspiring.

Upon arrival at Stofpad Lodge in the heart of the Namib Desert, you’ll have the opportunity to relax and unwind in a truly tranquil setting. The warm desert day is the perfect excuse to take a refreshing dip in the sparkling pool, offering a moment of relaxation with panoramic views of the surrounding desert. Whether you choose to relax poolside or simply take in the stunning desert scenery, the lodge provides a serene and luxurious retreat.

On Day 6, wake up early to enter the stunning Namib-Naukluft Park at sunrise. As the first rays of sunlight touch the desert, they paint the landscape in a vibrant array of colours against the backdrop of a clear blue sky. This magical moment offers an excellent opportunity for photography, capturing the desert’s beauty at its most serene.

Your journey continues to the iconic Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei, one of the most surreal and photographed spots in Namibia. Surrounded by the tallest dunes on Earth, the contrast between the red dunes, the white clay pan, and the dark, ancient camel thorn trees creates an otherworldly scene. You will also visit Sossusvlei, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Tsauchab River ends abruptly, forming a vast expanse of towering red dunes—the highest in the world. When the river flows, it feeds into Dead Vlei, but in the dry season, the pan becomes a striking white, contrasting dramatically with the surrounding dunes. Together, these elements create the breathtaking landscape known as Sossusvlei. Climbing one of these dunes offers an unforgettable experience and panoramic views of this dramatic desert terrain.

After a thrilling morning exploring the desert, enjoy a picnic lunch at Sesriem Canyon, a picturesque natural canyon carved by the Tsauchab River. Following lunch, stop at Solitaire, a charming little town known for its desert bakery and tranquil surroundings, offering a unique glimpse into life in the desert.

Day 7 takes you through the desolate yet strikingly beautiful rolling hills of the Kuiseb Valley, a remote area where the harsh landscape creates a stark and captivating contrast to the surrounding desert. The journey continues to Walvis Bay, where we’ll visit the renowned lagoon, home to the largest population of flamingos in southern Africa. These elegant birds flock to the lagoon to feed, providing a magnificent sight against the backdrop of the bay’s calm waters and vast, open skies. This area is also an excellent spot for birdwatching, offering a chance to observe a variety of other bird species in their natural habitat.

From Walvis Bay, we drive along the scenic coastal road, following the stretch of beach that leads us to Swakopmund, our base for the next two nights. This charming coastal town, with its colonial German architecture and relaxed atmosphere, offers the perfect contrast to the desert landscapes you’ve been exploring. Swakopmund is a popular destination for adventure activities, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

The day ends with a relaxing evening in Swakopmund, where you can enjoy dinner at one of the town’s many excellent restaurants or simply stroll along the beach as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean.

After settling in Swakopmund on Day 7, Day 8 is yours to enjoy this coastal gem, known as ‘the playground of Namibia’. This charming town, located on the Skeleton Coast, surprises visitors with its mix of German colonial architecture and vibrant African rhythms, as well as the contrast between misty mornings and the desert heat. Whether you prefer a laid-back day or an action-packed adventure, Swakopmund offers something for everyone.

Start your day by exploring the historic buildings, museums, and shopping arcades, or enjoy a coffee and freshly baked pastries in one of the many charming cafes. For those seeking thrills, the town is a hub for exciting activities. You can try quad biking, sandboarding, paragliding, or surfing, or perhaps embark on a scenic drive or a living desert tour. There’s also the option to enjoy an ocean cruise or even go skydiving—activities for all levels of adventure.

One of the highlights of the day is our dolphin and seal cruise, which we prefer to take in the morning. This relaxing and scenic cruise includes a glass of bubbly and fresh Atlantic oysters for lunch, and is already included in the tour price. It’s the perfect way to experience the stunning coastline and the rich marine life in the area.

Your guide will discuss the various activity options with you before reaching Swakopmund and can help you book any additional excursions in advance (all activities are subject to availability and undertaken at your own risk and expense).

Lunch and dinner are not included today, giving you the freedom to explore the town’s many restaurants and enjoy its laid-back, coastal vibe at your leisure.