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72 hours
Mobile ticket
Spend 2 nights / 3 days exploring the oldest desert in the world. This camping safari offers the best value option starting in Windhoek and ending in Swakopmund.
Explore the heart of the Namib Desert with a group and local Namibian guides.
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Snacks & Drinks (including Bottled Mineral Water),
Sleeping bag hire
Gratuities
Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino
129 Independence Avenue, Gustav Voigts Centre Windhoek Namibia
Hilton Windhoek
Rev. Michael Scott St, Windhoek Namibia
Tenbergen Pension Hotel
C/O Lazarett & Robert Mugabe Ave Windhoek Namibia
Movenpick Hotel Windhoek
Corner of Auas And Aviation Road Windhoek Namibia
Maison Ambre Guesthouse
5 Irle Street, Windhoek Namibia
Casa Africana
21 Heinitzburg Street, Windhoek Namibia
Chameleon Backpackers Hostel
5 Voigt Street, North, Off Trift Street Windhoek Namibia
Windhoek Gardens Guest House
31 Pasteur Street Windhoek Namibia
Overnight camping at Sesriem Campsite
LUNCH
Lunch
Picnic style lunch
DINNER
Dinner
A different dish each night – curries, pasta, braai (BBQ), stir-fries etc.
Sesriem
You will be collected from your accommodation within the Windhoek city limits at 07:00 and transferred to Chameleon Safaris HQ for a short pre-departure meeting. There is some lovely mountain scenery on our drive to Sesriem. The road climbs up onto and over Namibia’s central plateau and stops at the small town of Rehoboth for essential supplies, back on the road we pass via the small community at BűellsPort from here we continue on through the desert landscape aiming to arrive at Sesriem around lunchtime and make our campsite under a huge, ancient camelthorn tree from where we can glimpse the towering red dunes of the world’s oldest desert. We enjoy a late afternoon picnic-style lunch after setting up camp. In the late afternoon, there is the option with which to start our time in the world’s oldest desert. A short drive will take us to Elim Dune, for the best golden light before sunset. From here, if you would like to, it is a relatively short walk back, through the desert - Camp
Sesriem
Sunrise in the dunes is the name of the game this morning and that means a pre-dawn start. Our first stop will be at dune 45, so named because it is 45 km from Sesriem, and we cover this first distance in darkness and early morning twilight. The best time to photograph the dunes is around sunrise and sunset. This is when you can see towering sand dunes illuminated a glowing orange, apricot red on one side and swathed in shadow on the other. The depth of field is amazing at this time of day. We arrive at Dune 45 and climb to a vantage point for sunrise, watching as the colours grow and change with the ever-altering light. Back to the vehicle for a quick breakfast and we carry on for the last few kilometers to the 2x4 car park where all 2-wheel drive vehicles have to stop. From here we enter the ancient Tsauchab Riverbed for the last 5km leg to Sossusvlei itself.
Swakopmund
Departing after an early breakfast we head west into the desert. We first cross the Namib gravel plains, large areas of flat and seemingly barren terrain broken up by huge mountain inselbergs. Our first stop this morning is the tiny town of Solitaire where we can stretch our legs and sample the apple pie that has made this homestead famous, a quirky little place with amazing photo opportunities in the old farm vehicles scattered around the grounds. We cross the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5 south degrees. There is a signpost at this auspicious spot and we stop along the road for photos. We have two mountain passes to traverse this morning, first is the smaller canyon of the Gaub River, a tributary of the Kuiseb river Kuiseb Pass. We continue to follow the road to the top of the mountains, dropping steeply down into the canyon carved over eons by the Kuiseb River on its way to debouch into the ocean at the port town of Walvis Bay. And more,,
Overnight camping at Sesriem Campsite
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Variety of cereals, yoghurt, seasonal fruits, cooked breakfast, toast, juice, tea/coffee
LUNCH
Lunch
Picnic style lunch
DINNER
Dinner
A different dish each night – curries, pasta, braai (BBQ), stir-fries etc.
Dune 45
A pre-dawn departure from camp this morning means that we can enjoy the dunes at first light whilst the temperatures are still cool. We drive down an ancient river bed surrounded by towering dunes, making our first stop at the famous Dune 45, where we can climb to the top and enjoy the sunrise. On descent, enjoy some breakfast.
Deadvlei
Continuing on to the 2x4 parking (around 55kms) and taking a 4x4 shuttle into the Sossusvlei area to appreciate the beauty of this place in early morning light and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the region. We explore this unique area on foot before heading into Dead Vlei with its large expanse of bleached cracked clay and skeletal camel thorn trees, contrasting with a backdrop of huge dunes with their ever-changing colours before taking the 4x4 shuttle back to our vehicle.
Sesriem Canyon
We return to Sesriem for lunch and a swim and late afternoon we visit the nearby Sesriem Canyon, one of the few permanent water sources in the area.
No accommodation included in Swakopmund
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Variety of cereals, yoghurt, seasonal fruits, cooked breakfast, toast, juice, tea/coffee
LUNCH
Lunch
Picnic style lunch
Swakopmund
We depart early from the desert to take on the long road to Swakopmund. Lunch will be at Walvisbay Lagoon, and arrival in Swakopmund will be about an hour after lunch. This is the end of your safari. TYou will be dropped off at your preferred accommodation
Twin share: For 2 people travelling together sharing a tent
Pickup included
69 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Katja K,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
On the three-day desert safari we visited many interesting and worth seeing places (Elim Dune, Dune 45, Big Daddy Dune, Deadvlei, Sossusvlei, Sesriem Canyon etc.). Our guide was friendly and helpful and gave a lot of information about each stop. In general, he was very chatty and outgoing, which was pleasant, just disturbing me at times while eating, but that may be a personal preference. The camp was a lovely place, the food our guide prepared well. Partly I would have liked a little more fresh fruit and vegetables. The bus was spacious, driving as pleasant as possible on the desert roads. The organization was overall good. In some places we had more time than necessary. An individual prior arrangement with the group or the possibility to contact the guide via mobile phone would have been helpful here. There were some misunderstandings during previous communication with Chameleon Safaris. The staff tried to clarify this retrospectively, but little cult. Overall, I still had a good time and would recommend the tour.
Cruiser06938155301,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Probably the best tour I’ve ever done. Smithy and Browny were amazing guides. They cooked us amazing barbecues, showed us beautiful scenery and are just great people. They even made us desserts! I’d highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to discover Namibia





jorgeermanl,
Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
What you will see and experience on this tour is truly extraordinary—whether you do it alone, with Chamäleon, or with any other company. Now, regarding Chamäleon specifically, our guide Raymond was impeccable: consistently respectful, attentive, positive, an excellent cook, and extremely friendly. He always gave his best effort, even when working under less-than-ideal conditions. It is important to note that a significant portion of the tour involves traveling and moving from one place to another. This makes the vehicle assigned to the guide absolutely crucial. In our case, the guide was given a van with tires unsuitable for the terrain and several loose components (flooring, luggage compartments, shelves). What did this mean in practice? A four-hour journey inside what felt like a blender—everything vibrated, the noise was deafening, and the dust entering the vehicle made it difficult to breathe. Additionally, the air conditioning was ineffective, only blowing hot air. While some might consider these conditions part of the adventure, they ultimately become a form of discomfort. I strongly urge you to review the condition of the vehicles before sending employees out with groups who are paying for a quality experience. Cost-saving measures should apply to accommodation, not to the vehicle.
千佳 大,
Aug 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
I joined the 3-day budget Sossusvlei camping tour and had an amazing time! Everyone was a solo traveler from a different country, which made for a fun and unique group. Our guide, Raymond, was quiet but very reliable and considerate — not only toward us, but also toward other guests and the environment. Thanks to him, everything felt smooth and comfortable. The landscapes were truly beyond words, and the sunrises and sunsets were absolutely magical. I only joined for 3 days, but if you have more time, I highly recommend continuing on to Etosha — the photos my tour mates shared were incredible. Chameleon Tours is definitely recommended!
dwayned438,
Jul 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Wow, what an experience. Smithley went above and beyond to make sure that we were comfortable, well-fed and happy. The views were spectacular, the journey was uplifting, and the overall experience was unforgettable. If you wish to disconnect from society for a few days and reconnect with Mother Nature, this tour is a must-do. I would just advise that the roads are bumpy and unpaved so brace yourself, and if you are traveling in the winter pack accordingly as it gets very, very cold at night and a tent isn't going to do much to keep you warm.







Celine R,
Jun 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
Gideon and Smithley really put their heart into this Tour. Very well organized. Within 3 days you explore the hotspots of the Namib desert and make your way to Swakopmund. Very comfortable Camping experience
Sogendren M,
Jun 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
Excellent once in a lifetime experience!! Gideon and Shaka were amazing guides, taking care of the group , cooking up delicious meals, and beautiful commentary through the different spots too. It's a must do ! Highly recommend.
Charlotte A,
Jun 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Unforgettable experience in Namib Naukluft National Park , visiting Sossusvlei. Trip wouldn’t have been the same without Raymond and Shaka who were brilliant and went out of their way to provide us with a once in a lifetime opportunity. Me and my friend are young female travellers but felt safe and comfortable the full trip. Shaka also helped us with booking further tours in Swakopmund, and even introduced us to some local music and culture which furthered the experience. Would throughly recommended this trip.





Freedom41266316786,
May 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
ナミブ砂漠の絶景が素晴らしすぎました。本当に感動的な景色で、一生の思い出です! ガイドのRaymondが、食事の準備から移動中の説明まで丁寧にしてくれて、安心して楽しめました。キャンプ生活も快適で、星空が最高でした。 初日のサンセットは少し時間が短かったのが残念でしたが、それも含めて「また来たい」と思える素晴らしい旅でした! It was an unforgettable experience with stunning desert views and a fantastic guide, Raymond. Highly recommended!

Pioneer14255420505,
May 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Once in a life experience. Sossusvlei is a real unique place in the world, must visit. However is not an "easy" place. What really made the difference the guide Raymond. He really knew how to be at the best spot at the best time. It is important to note that he did the planning every day with the group so he could adapt to the groups time and necessities. While other safari groups where visiting deadvlei on the top heat hours, Raymond correctly advises us and guided us so we could do the visit in the most comfortable way. Also he is truly a careful driver and also attentive as we could see many wild animals thanks to his expertise. Although the name of the trip is "budget" the guide is truly top of his class and I felt like I was in a luxury trip. My main highlight is the breakfast we took at the feet of dune 45. After climbing the dune Raymond had prepared breakfast for us. Repairing and incredible experience.



Operated by Chameleon Safaris