Reviews of Tok Tokkie Trails

"We arrive at the Tok Tokkie reception after some wonderful days around BullsPort Lodge & Farmhouse. When we look around, we are surrounded by mountains in all directions. We are in the Namibrand Nature Reserve, which is located in the Namib Desert. This should be the largest desert in the world?! It´s 2000 km in length and 100 km in width, and it only receives 100 mm rain per year, although some years no rain at all. It´s also supposed to be the oldest desert in the world (however that is determined?).

The next 3 days (2 nights), we expect extreme temperatures and spectacular nature when we cover approx. 20 km on foot. We come well prepared, first thanks to a very experienced guide who has done this tour numerous times, but also thanks to high factor sunscreen, good walking boots, lots of water, and a positive attitude.

Before heading into the desert, we visit a place called “NaDEET Centre” which focus on sustainable living. The centre was awarded with the UNESCO price in 2018 for their extraordinary work teaching Namibian schoolchildren how to save the sparse resources. It´s an extraordinary place and worth a visit.

Late afternoon, we leave the Tok Tokkie reception. We have about 1,5 hour walk for our first overnight camp, the “Horseshoe Camp”. We drive to the starting point, eight persons in total. Beside my wife and I, a couple from Switzerland and two couples from France. All wonderful people. During the whole 3 days (2 nights) trip, our experienced guide S. who shows us big and small things in the desert; plants, animals, insects, tracks, etc. A bit like our tour at Etendeka Overnight Walking Trail although more sand and less stones.

The surroundings are magnificent. Red sand everywhere, with scattered trees and mountains in the distance. We line up one behind the other when we climb dunes in the heath. When we reach Horseshoe Camp, the table is set for dinner!

We are shown our “open AirB&B bedroom" in a private sand dune. We have two simple field beds with bedrolls. In addition, a bag of water serve as a sink as well as "racks" and "tables" to keep luggage above ground in consideration of snakes and scorpions.

Before dinner, we get the mandatory sundowner G&T with a view of the desert. The chef prepares our dinner, which is eaten under the starry sky to the sounds of the desert, especially geckos. We are lucky to have an unobstructed view of the starry sky and Milky Way.

S. points out the Southern Cross, Jupiter and two galaxies. This is a UNESCO "dark sky" area with no disturbing light for several hundred kilometers around.

After dinner, we crawl into shelter in our lovely bedrolls, which consist of a waterproof bivouac cover with bedding inside. You lie comfortably protected, high above the ground. “Biological errands” are done at a nearby dry dump with an unobstructed view of the desert.

It is fantastic to sleep in the open air on the back with an unobstructed view of the starry sky. In this area, there are i.e. leopards and hyenas, but luckily they keep their distance from humans (and we don't wander around at night)

The next morning, we are awakened with coffee at the bed (!) at 06.00. At 06.30, breakfast is ready. At 07.30, we venture into the desert towards a mountain pass and new adventures..." See all these reviews: 35n in Namibia

"We'd booked this trip maybe 18 months previously and I'd forgot that we'd be sleeping out in the open air until just before we arrived for this leg of our trip. To be honest, I was a bit nervous. However, our guide Sebastian was a great calming influence and I soon relaxed and just put my trust in him and he didn't let us down.

We did the trail in a group of 8 people (the maximum) and were fortunate that the other 6 people were great fun to be with and excellent hiking companions. Personally, I could have done without the hour or so visit to the eco indoctrination camp before the trek started, but that's probably a minority view.

The trek isn't difficult for anyone who is moderately fit or walks regularly. Sebastian made plenty of stops to highlight and explain what was going on around us. Compared to how I expected to feel, I honestly had a really good night's sleep on both of the evenings. The sleeping cots were comfortable and I guess I'd just got used to the environment from walking through it during the day.

Despite being low tech, It's all a smooth, well oiled operation and I can highly recommend it so long as you're happy to mix a little rough with the smooth." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia

"What an experience!

We had a great time walking with Nico, our guide, and two other couples.

Wonderful environment, comfy beds under the stars, excellent food and a highlight of our trip." See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia

"We enjoyed the trail and Sebastian, the guide was outstanding.

However, this is not a luxury hike: it is a camping trip with no tent, so expect cold temperatures and blasting sand at night. The beds were not very comfortable.

On the other hand, the night sky was wonderful." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia

"The experience starts with a trip to the NADEET centre, which provides an interesting and thought-provoking view of the environmental footprint that it is possible to live on. After that, the first days walk was about 1.5 hours of easy uphill going, to a camp set-up amongst the dunes. Beautiful sun-downer view to the east, followed by a superb meal created by cook, Belinda, and general helper, Willie.

We found the camp beds and bed-rolls to be extremely comfortable and warm. We were woken at day-break with a welcome cup of tea/coffee (and offers to take photos) followed by substantial breakfast.

The second day started with a 4-5 hour walk over a hill pass (where it was nice to be walking on solid ground, not just sand) with stops to learn about the desert environment and small creatures, to finish at a desert shelter complete with social weavers, deck-chairs and lunch.

The afternoon was a 1.5 hour walk to the second camp amongst the dunes. The second evening was particularly convivial as we had got to know our companions and guide, Ricardo, better. The only down-side on our second night was the wind which had increased uncomfortably. However, it was still possible to hunker down in the bed-rolls to get to sleep. The sky was clear both nights, but due to a nearly full moon the stars were a bit obscured. It would have been better at new moon.

The final days walk was fairly short and somewhat anti-climatic, arriving back at the starting point at about 9.30.

Overall, this is a fantastic experience of the Namib desert, and certainly not to be missed if you enjoy walking and an outdoor experience." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia

"This was an amazing experience. So well organised and well thought out. Do be aware that the afternoon walking, particularly on the second day, is very hot even in May. Ideally would have left from the midday rest shade later.

Our guide Rodrigo . Roberto was excellent as were all the staff involved.

The visit to the Nadeet conservation project was much more interesting than anticipated" See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia

"Well planned trip and facilities; thoroughly enjoyed sleeping under the stars.

Enjoyed the 'small' wildlife" See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 3n in Zimbabwe; 2n in South Africa

"Great experience.

Could have walked longer." See all these reviews: 26n in Namibia; 7n in Botswana

"A highlight of our trip to Namibia, we loved every minute.

The walk wasn't too strenuous, the scenery was stunning, the guide was caring, funny and interesting, the organisation faultless and the food was amazing (from a tiny field kitchen!). And to top it all we spent 2 nights staring at and sleeping under the stars

We went in early September, and the weather was unseasonably cold, so the evenings were very chilly - need a jacket, hat and gloves." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia

"An amazing experience,! Fascinating walks, and information. Lots of wildlife!

Possibly tried to make meals too up-Market, simpler meals served more quickly would have been better as it was quite cold. ,Camp fire would have been welcome.. ,Hot water bottles in the beds was a wonderful surprise," See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia