Namibia
A coast and desert journey shaped by dramatic landscapes, rich culture and remarkable wildlife.
Experience vast desert scenery, rugged landscapes and the beauty of the Atlantic coast. Meaningful local encounters bring a deeper connection to Namibia’s people and places.
1
The Namib From Above
Begin with a private Sossusfly scenic flight across approximately 630 kilometres of desert and coastline.
The flight passes over the Kuiseb Riverbed and Canyon, seven different dune formations, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, historic diamond camps and the Eduard Bohlen and Shawnee shipwrecks. It continues along the Atlantic coastline past the Long Wall, seal colonies, Sandwich Harbour, the Walvis Bay salt works and Swakopmund.
Highlights
Kuiseb River and Canyon
See the natural boundary separating the Namib’s gravel plains from its enormous southern dune field.
Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
Experience Namibia’s most recognizable desert landscapes from above.
Diamond camps and shipwrecks
Fly over abandoned mining settlements and ships stranded along the Atlantic coastline.
Desert meets ocean
Follow the coast across Sandwich Harbour, Walvis Bay and the southern Skeleton Coast.
2
Sandwich Harbour
Experience from ground level the extraordinary landscape first seen from the air.
Private 4×4 vehicles take guests through Walvis Bay and into the coastal dunes, where experienced drivers navigate steep sand formations overlooking the Atlantic. The excursion incorporates the lagoon, salt pans, flamingos and panoramic viewpoints where the Namib appears to fall directly into the ocean.
Highlights
Private 4×4 expedition
Cross the coastal dune belt with experienced local drivers.
Walvis Bay Lagoon
Look for flamingos, pelicans and other coastal birdlife.
Pink salt pans
See the distinctive colours created within the Walvis Bay salt works.
Sandwich Harbour
Experience the dramatic meeting point between the Namib Desert and Atlantic Ocean.
4
Spitzkoppe and the Ovahimba
Travel inland to Spitzkoppe, where enormous granite peaks rise from the desert plains.
A private guide introduces guests to the natural arches, granite formations and ancient paintings preserved around the mountain. The day continues with a facilitated visit to a nearby Ovahimba cultural village. The experience should be selected carefully so the community controls the interaction, receives direct economic benefit and is represented with dignity.
Highlights
Spitzkoppe landscape
Explore one of Namibia’s most distinctive geological landmarks.
Natural rock formations
Walk through granite arches and sculpted boulders.
Ancient rock paintings
Learn about the histories connected to the surviving artwork.
Ovahimba cultural experience
Meet community members and learn about family life, cattle, clothing, hairstyles, otjize and local craftsmanship.
5
The Southern Skeleton Coast
Follow the Atlantic north from Swakopmund into the stark landscapes of the southern Skeleton Coast.
Unlike the aerial experience on Day 1, this excursion allows guests to stand within the landscape, experience the coastal fog and examine the remains scattered along the shore. The route can incorporate Henties Bay, the Zeila shipwreck, Cape Cross and the entrance to Skeleton Coast National Park.
Highlights
Zeila shipwreck
View one of the coastline’s most accessible shipwrecks from the beach.
Cape Cross seal colony
Witness one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of Cape fur seals.
Skeleton Coast landscape
Experience the meeting of fog, dunes and the Atlantic Ocean.
Maritime history
Hear stories of the ships, sailors and settlements shaped by this formidable coastline.
6
Into the Southern Namib
Leave Swakopmund and travel through the changing desert landscape toward the Sossusvlei region.
Stop at Gondwana’s Pink Fridge and desert picture frame before continuing south. Later, depart on a private nature drive through the surrounding reserve. The drive introduces guests to the wildlife and ecology of the southern Namib before ending with sundowners in the desert.
Highlights
Scenic journey south
Watch the cool Atlantic landscape transition into the warmer desert interior.
The Pink Fridge
Discover the unexpected pink refrigerator and picture frame within Gondwana’s private Namib Desert Park.
Private nature drive
Search for oryx, springbok, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, ostriches, jackals and other desert-adapted wildlife.
Desert sundowners
Pause for drinks as the surrounding plains and mountains change colour.
7
Sossusvlei and the Ndawani Desert Table
The final day takes guests into the Namib’s most iconic landscape.
Travel privately through the Sossusvlei corridor, stopping at Dunes 40 and 45 before continuing to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Walk across the white clay pan among ancient blackened camel-thorn trees surrounded by monumental red dunes. Guests seeking a challenge can climb Big Daddy, while others explore with a private guide. After time to rest, the journey concludes with the Ndawani Signature Desert Table.
Highlights
Dunes 40 and 45
Experience the sculpted dunes and changing morning light along the Sossusvlei corridor.
Sossusvlei
Explore the expansive clay pan surrounded by some of the Namib’s highest dunes.
Deadvlei and the skeleton trees
Walk among ancient trees preserved against the white pan, red dunes and blue sky.
Ndawani Signature Desert Table
Gather for sunset cocktails and a private Namibian-inspired dinner shaped by thoughtful tablescaping, music, storytelling and stargazing.
