| FIRST-TIMER ROUTE | National Park. The Welwitschia Drive will take you past fields of Welwitschia, a plant endemic to the Namib Desert that can live up to 2000 years. On this route you will also enjoy great views of the barren and inhospitable Moon Landscape. The more adventurous can go skydiving, quad-biking or sandboarding in the dune belt just south of Swakopmund.
Day 10:
Namibia’s main harbour, Walvis Bay, is 40 km south of Swakopmund. There you’ll find the Walvis Bay lagoon, a Ramsar site and birder’s paradise, with the main attraction being the lesser and greater flamingos foraging in great numbers in the shallow waters. Activities in and around the harbour town include boat cruises, kite surfing, kayaking and 4×4 trips into the dunes. A day trip to Sandwich Harbour, where the Namib dunes run straight into the Atlantic Ocean, is also a wonderful adventure. Don’t forget to visit the highest dune in the area, Dune 7, just outside Walvis Bay.
Day 11:
Travel deep into the desert on the C14 towards Sossusvlei. Be sure to get away early as the gravel road can be busy and in poor condition due to heavy traffic. The route takes you through Namib-Naukluft National Park and up the Kuiseb and Gaub passes – note the sign marking the Tropic of Capricorn – and eventually to the desert oasis of Solitaire, where good coffee and freshly baked apple crumble will fortify you for the last leg of the journey.
Day 12:
Have an early start to visit the much photographed Dead Vlei and its neighbour Sossusvlei. Get your heart pumping by climbing one of the big dunes, like Big Daddy or Dune 45. When the heat of the day subsides, take a hike down into Sesriem Canyon and uncover its hidden nooks and crannies. After a long day’s exploring enjoy a desert sundowner with barking geckos as your soundtrack.
Day 13:
Start your day with a sunrise balloon trip over the breathtaking scenery of the Namib Desert. This is a great way to appreciate the vastness of the Namib Sand Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which lies to the west. On landing you will be spoilt with a champagne breakfast in the middle of nowhere. Make sure to thoroughly absorb the freedom and space of the desert before you have to go back to reality.
Day 14:
Heading back home is always the worst part of any holiday, but at least the drive back to Windhoek will take you through some scenic surroundings. After driving up the escarpment which connects the desert with the Khomas Hochland, make time for a pit-stop on top of Spreetshoogte Pass. Take it easy on the last stretch of gravel road to Windhoek and start planning your next Namibian adventure.
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Enjoy an exclusive tour that includes individual itineraries, educational programs with and in nature. We also offer programs where you can contribute to conservation. We only use highly qualified tour guides and our team strives to fulfill all your wishes so that you may enjoy a perfect African adventure. Contact: Tel: +264-61-256848 Cell: +264-81-889 9199 Email: info@bushbird.com www.bushbird.com
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