Overview: Desert tour
The options
There are many different variations of this trip, depending on your interests and how much time you have, but these are some of the highlights:Wildlife
There is a surprising proliferation of wildlife in the seemingly barren Namib Desert. Some of the desert tours focus on these animals, and particularly on the ‘desert little five’:- The Namaqua chameleon is one of the fastest chameleon species and has several desert-specific adaptations.
- The Sidewinder, also known as Peringuey's adder, is the second-smallest adder species, and ambushes its prey by burying itself in the sand.
- The Shovel-snouted lizard, also called the sand-diving lizard performs a ‘heat dance’ when the sand is hot.
- The wheel spider flips on its side and cartwheels down the dunes to escape danger.
- The Palmato gecko has webbed feet to stop it sinking in the sand.
Plant life
Top of the list for most plant lovers is the welwitschia (Welwitschia mirabilis), which is both endemic to Namibia and taxonomically distinct: it is the only living plant species in its family, and one of only three in its order. It also has an exceptionally long lifespan; one specimen in the area is believed to be over 1,500 years old! But there’s plenty more desert-adapted flora to marvel at, including Namibia’s ‘living rocks’ or lithops, the hoodia cactus (Hoodia gordonii) and mist-gathering lichens.Geology
As in many deserts, the lack of soil and plant life coupled with erosion puts the area's geology on display. Seek out the lunar landscape of the Moon Valley, a group of hills formed 460–500 million years ago, and eroded over time to create an otherworldly feel, making it a photographer’s paradise. Then there’s the Khan River Valley, which is rich in minerals such as tourmaline, rose quartz, marble and spider-web dolorite – which in turn have led to mining on both small and industrial scales.With so much variety, it isn’t possible to see everything on one trip, but we can work together to ensure you get the right trip for you.
What to take: Regardless of the specific trip you book we would recommend taking sensible footwear for walking, plenty of sun screen, a hat and lip balm. It is also a good idea to wear long sleeves and trousers to protect you from the sun. You might also consider taking layers: it can be cold near the coast in the mornings but the temperature rises through the day.
Meals included: The meals included will vary depending on the trip you book, but we have enjoyed some excellent lunches in the desert on the longer excursions. Eating out in the wilderness of the Namib is an experience in its own right!
Please note: Expert Africa can only arrange this desert excursion as part of a full, Expert Africa itinerary.
See the Holiday ideas, below, for examples of such itineraries.
- Start location
- You'll generally be picked up from your lodge
- End location
- You'll be returned to your lodge at the end of the day
- Meals included
- Depends on itinerary but we've often enjoyed excellent lunches!
- Duration
- Variable, depending on the tour
Photo gallery
What to look forward to.
Enjoy a trip into the Namib Desert with an expert guide...
...you'll have the opportunity to learn about desert flora and fauna...
... from white lady spiders and tok tokkie beetles...
...to shovel snouted lizards...
...the endemic dune lark...
...the unusual welwitschia...
...'living rocks'...
...and mist gathering lichens, it really is a remarkable and varied ecosystem.
Desert tour reviews
26 independent first-hand comments from our travellers.
Holidays ideas which could include this desert tour
Add this experience to these trip ideas or contact us to start planning your own tailor-made holiday to Namibia.
Caracal Self-drive Safari
14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
The quintessential Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the highlights from Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert to Damaraland’s wilderness and a safari in Etosha. A great mix of accommodation and excellent value.
US$2,280 - US$3,850 per person
Brown Hyena Self-drive
14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
The perfect trip for those who want to mix the adventure and freedom of a self-drive with some of our favourite luxury camps in Namibia and a great mix of activities.
US$5,890 - US$7,530 per person
Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari
19 days • 10 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Journey from South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town to central Namibia’s Okonjima Nature Reserve during this self-driven safari. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes, offering access to this beautiful continent’s rich diversity.
US$3,150 - US$3,620 per person
Pelican Fly & Drive Safari
10 days • 5 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
A unique itinerary visiting the must-see highlights combining the adventure of a classic Namibian self-drive with the ease and spectacular views of a fly-in safari.
US$5,490 - US$7,300 per person
Quiver Tree Self-drive Safari
14 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
An offbeat Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the epic Fish River Canyon and fascinating Kolmanskop ghost town in the south, before turning north via the classic highlights of Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Damaraland.
US$2,260 - US$3,120 per person
Namaqua Chameleon Self-drive
12 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
A classic 12-night self-drive adventure around the highlights of eastern and northern Namibia taking in Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha and a final stop at Okonjima. Comfortable lodges and great value.
US$2,730 - US$4,360 per person
Rock Agama Self-drive Safari
9 days • 6 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Big on experience and light on time, this self-drive trip packs in Namibia’s highlights while staying in a selection of luxury camps and lodges for an unforgettable 10 days.
US$5,680 - US$12,260 per person
Rock Hare Self-drive Safari
20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.
US$5,050 - US$7,200 per person
Black-faced Impala Guided Safari
13 days • 6 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
A unique mix of luxury and adventure in our original, and perhaps most varied, destination on a privately guided Namibian overland safari. Perfect for families, friends or couples travelling together.
US$4,650 - US$6,130 per person
Cape Fox Guided Safari
13 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
A classic clockwise circuit around Namibia’s northern highlights with a private guide and vehicle. We can’t think of a better way to see more in this timeframe.
US$8,000 - US$10,190 per person
Other excursions in Namibia
Inspiration and great ideas for other experiences in Namibia to include in your holiday.
Coast and Sandwich Harbour
Full day
Experience this usually inaccessible part of the Skeleton Coast, where the dunes of the Namib plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. One of our top recommendations, this is an adventurous 4WD trip, guided by experts. You'll explore the Kuiseb Delta and (tides permitting) traverse dunes and the beach to reach Sandwich Harbour, a remote freshwater lagoon with abundant birdlife.
More about Coastal tour
Kayaking with seals
Morning incl. tea, coffee & sandwiches
Get up close and personal with a colony of Cape fur seals on a kayaking excursion from Walvis Bay. Enjoy a gentle morning’s paddle in Walvis Bay Lagoon as seals surround and interact with you and your kayak. If you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of some Heaviside’s or bottlenose dolphins.
More about Kayaking with seals
Hoodia Sossusvlei excursion
Full day, including lunch
Escape the crowds and experience the iconic and beautiful Namib Sand Sea with an experienced guide from Hoodia Desert Lodge. The approach is personal and the guiding knowledgeable, making your introduction to the highlights of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, including Sesriem Canyon and the famous pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, both interesting and unhurried.
More about Hoodia excursion
Ballooning in the Namib Desert
Half day, including breakfast
Ballooning over the world’s oldest desert is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Enjoy spectacular views as the sun rises over the dune-covered plains and rocky mountains of the Namib Desert. You may even spot the occasional oryx or black-backed jackal punctuating the landscape below.
More about Ballooning
Dolphin and seal cruise
Half-day inc brunch
A boat cruise around Walvis Bay lagoon is a must for lovers of wildlife and the great outdoors. Seek out the ‘marine big five’ – from Cape fur seals to bottlenose dolphins – and marvel at the range of bird species for whom this haven on the Skeleton Coast is home. Then round off the morning with an oyster brunch.
More about Dolphin & seal cruise
Halifax Island boat trip
2 hours
Climb aboard the comfortable catamaran Zeepaard in search of the marine life of Namibia’s wild coastline – among them Cape fur seals, Heaviside dolphins, African penguins and perhaps even humpback whales.
More about Halifax Island trip
Scenic flights in Namibia
Variable, depending on the flight
Namibia is famed for its stark beauty and boundless desert vistas and there is no better way to soak these in than from the air. A scenic flight gives you a unique perspective on this stunning and varied country, and may even provide a bird’s-eye view of areas that are out of reach to those restricted to terra firma.
More about Scenic flights
Sperrgebiet tour
Full day, including lunch
Discover the hidden gems of the Sperrgebiet National Park on this exceptional all-day trip. There may no longer be diamonds for the taking, but in their place you’ll find ghost towns, the rusting relics of the diamond industry, geological formations, and extraordinary desert flora, largely untouched for generations.
More about Sperrgebiet tour
Fish River Canyon day trip
Half-full day (starting early morning)
An exhilarating descent down into the canyon, marvelling at the stunning geographical features of this vast canyon, followed by lunch and a dip in the natural rock pools – this day trip is exciting and enlightening!
More about Fish River Canyon tripNamibia fact file
Useful information to help you prepare for your trip in Namibia
Flights to Namibia
Advice on how to get to Namibia
LGBT travel in Namibia
Attitudes, the law & our experiences
Namibia general info
Essential travel info on Namibia
Self-drive - car types
Which car type to rent
Self-drive - driving tips
Tips to make driving in Namibia easier
Self-drive - hire groups
The different car hire group to rent
Self-drive - road types
Including pictures & descriptions of roads
Tipping in Namibia
Expectations & guidelines for tipping
Wildlife - cats & dogs
Including cheetah, lion, leopard, jackal & hyena
Wildlife - large antelope
Including sable, eland & blue wildebeest
Wildlife - large herbivores
Including elephant & black rhinos
Wildlife - smaller antelope
Including klipspringer & common duiker
Wildlife - primates
including Chacma baboon & Lesser bushbaby
Wildlife - small mammals
Including banded mongoose & pangolin
Weather & climate
The best time to visit Namibia