Desert Dune Safari (9 days)

Desert Dune Safari

(9 days)

Description

Namibia is a land of stunning landscapes, endless skies, barren deserts, rugged mountains and spectacular wildlife. Explore some of the most remote areas of this fascinating land, visit areas that have rarely been explored by others, making this a true journey of discovery. Like any trip to Namibia, the dunes of Sossusvlei are not to be missed and we therefore begin our journey here. We continue to Swakopmund to take in the amazing marine life just offshore, then on to the secluded and dramatic coastline of the Skeleton Coast littered with historic remnants of shipwrecks and the rugged and rocky landscape of Palmwag where the last free-roaming black rhino rove. The activities provide a wide range of differing experiences, from a dolphin cruise with a private beach lunch, to tracking rhino and climbing the Namib’s great dunes. On this safari, guests can stay at Kulala Desert Lodge, Kulala Wilderness Reserve, Hansa Hotel, Swakopmund, Desert Rhino Camp, Damaraland and Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, Palmwag Concession.

Included:

Lunch Included

Breakfast, Lunch Dinner included. Ask travel specialist for more details.

Virtuoso

All tours depart daily and are private, highly personalized and luxurious. Virtuoso travelers receive amenities and VIP treatment on all Artisans of Leisure tours.

Professional Guide

All tours include a guide to show you all there is to see on the tour.

Hotel Pickup & Drop-off

Private airport transfer for every Virtuoso member

Experience(s)

Trip Itinerary

DAY #1 - Windhoek, Namibia
Kulala Desert Lodge, Kulala Wilderness Reserve

From Windhoek International Airport you will travel to Kulala Desert Lodge. As the perfect gateway to the iconic sights of Sossusvlei, Kulala Desert Lodge is a favourite among Wilderness travellers. Magnificent views of the famous dunes, surrounding mountains and vast open plains will be the setting during your stay. The camp comprises 23 en-suite thatched and canvas ‘kulalas’ and a veranda for you to enjoy the outstanding scenery. On balmy nights, sleep under the clear night skies on your rooftop and awaken to the rising sun.
DAY #2 -Sossusvlei, Namibia
Kulala Desert Lodge, Kulala Wilderness Reserve

Start the day with a game drive or guided walk. Sossusvlei is situated within the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world, characterised by huge dunes and flat valley floors. To escape the midday heat, a cooling plunge pool provides the ideal sanctuary.

Spot desert-adapted wildlife from our lounge and dining area overlooking a waterhole. You can witness sparsely distributed desert-adapted wildlife such as ostrich, springbok, oryx, spotted and brown hyaena, and bat eared fox.
DAY #3 -Sossusvlei, Namibia
Hansa Hotel, Swakopmund

Depart camp early and drive through the snaking roads of the Kuiseb Canyon and out onto the expansive gravel plains, eventually arriving in Walvis Bay before moving north into the quaint town of Swakopmund, a drive of about 5 – 6 hours (approximately 370 km / 230 miles). Discover the town of Swakopmund and bed down in an iconic hotel that forms part of city’s architectural culture. Included: Bed, breakfast and one dinner [excludes dinner on the second night].
DAY #4 -Walvis Bay, Namibia
Hansa Hotel, Swakopmund

Today, we explore the ice-blue Atlantic coast with a “Dolphin and Seal” catamaran cruise from Walvis Bay (weather permitting). Guests will meet with pelicans, view playful seals, and if luck permits, see leaping dolphins and shy turtles. Our initial route takes us past oyster farms as we approach Pelican Point with its landmark lighthouse and 60,000 resident cape fur seals. In season (July to November), larger mammals such as the Southern Right Whale and Humpback Whales are often spotted, while other whale species, such as the Gray whale and the Pygmy Right whale have made appearances. Bottlenose, Heaviside and Dusky dolphins are regularly seen, as are Mola Molas and Leatherback Turtles. Accompanying our three catamarans throughout are a variety of seabirds, such as the Kelp Gull, Hartlaub’s Gull, Pelicans and Cape Cormorant.

Back at the hotel, a short walk will bring you to the heated Olympic-sized indoor public swimming pool, the museum, lighthouse and Kristall Galerie, as well as several good restaurants if you wish to try an alternative to the Hansa’s tasty fare.
DAY #5 - Sossusvlei, Namibia
Desert Rhino Camp – Kunene – Palmwag Concession

At Desert Rhino Camp you will take part in a thrilling and exclusive conservation success story. We work closely with Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) which is almost singlehandedly responsible for the preservation of desertadapted rhino in the area. A portion of guest revenue goes to SRT. Tracking Africa’s unique and endangered desert-adapted black rhino is an unforgettable experience. To set the scene, you will be shown into one of the eight en-suite Meru-style tents elevated off the ground. You can absorb the panoramic views over the rolling, rocky hills beyond from the privacy of your veranda. Full day excursions are on offer; otherwise, between activities, relax in our tented living area. Evening meals are taken around the fire pit. As a wonderland of unusual plant life, fascinating wildlife and sparse wilderness, Desert Rhino is begging to be explored.
DAY #6 - Sossusvlei, Namibia
Desert Rhino Camp – Kunene – Palmwag Concession

Other than tracking rhino, you can fill your days with game drives, walks and cultural visits. Along with the rhino you may see desert-adapted elephant, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, giraffe, gemsbok and kudu as well as cheetah, leopard and spotted hyaena. Birdlife is varied with endemics such as Bokmakierie and Ruppell’s Korhaan.
DAY #7 - Windhoek, Namibia
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp – Palmwag Concession

Travel to Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp which is located on the Hoanib River in the northern part of the private Palmwag Concession. Its location thus straddles the Palmwag area and Skeleton Coast National Park, in one of the most remote areas of the Kaokoveld. Exclusivity is taken a step further as the camp comprises only seven twin-bedded tents and one family unit. The camp looks out over stunning yet rugged scenery and offers you all the luxuries and amenities needed for an unforgettable stay.
DAY #8 - Windhoek, Namibia
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

Activities include nature walks, game drives, dune drives, use of hides, exploratory day excursions with picnic lunches and coastal visits (weather permitting). Explore the historic coastline with its huge Cape fur seal colony and shipwreck remains.
DAY #9 - Windhoek, Namibia
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

Set in one of the most fragile ecosystems in the world, the camp is eco-friendly and has minimal impact on the environment. Furthermore, an in-house training programme ensures that the local communities are empowered and able to contribute to sustainable development of their areas. Continue on your journey home, inspired by your visit to this bewitching and starkly beautiful part of the planet.

Tour Pricing

11-13 People

From Tulum
$ 80 per person
  • Private Transportation
  • Entrance into Chichen Itza
  • Lunch
  • Tequila Tasting Tour
  • Cenote entrance
Popular
11-13 People
From Playa del Carmen
$80/person
  • Private Transportation
  • Entrance into Chichen Itza
  • Lunch
  • Tequila Tasting Tour
  • Cenote Entrance
11-13 People
From Cancun
$93/person
  • Private Transportation
  • Entrance into Chichen Itza
  • Lunch
  • Tequila Tasting Tour
  • Cenote Entrance

Reviews

Wilderness Safaris Botswana was great to work with. Staff and facilities were super.
Michael King
12 Apr 2022
Beautiful surroundings, excellent accommodations and attentive staff
Michael King
Reviewed on:
The Wilderness Safari camps were excellent, each offering unique attributes. Staff at Qorokwe, Little Vumbura and Kings Pool were outstanding and service was impeccable. Customer service employees in the United States could learn a lot from the Wilderness Safari staffs in Botswana.
Ralph Iantosca
08 Apr 2022

from $80/person

Payment Options

We accept Venmo, Zelle, Revolut, Cash App, or Credit Card.

Have a Question?

Feel free to reach out and we're happy to answer any questions you may have.

Related Tours

Check out some of our top wine, food, and beer tour options for the wonderful Napa Valley. We can’t wait to show you around!

$199

/person
2 for 1

Tasting Menu Tour

Join us for a 3 day journey of amazing food, wine, and craft beers.

$299

/person
25% Off

Romantic Getaway for Two

Escape the rat race and enjoy great wine in the country.

$249

/person
Save $50

Napa Valley Wine Tour

Take a trip to Napa with our most popular 3 day tour of wineries.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

Happy to make a reservation

Get More Info

Send us an email and our concierge will respond with more info.
Hello, how can I help you with?