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72 hours
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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 and Tips
Overnight camping at Sesriem Campsite
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
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
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
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
LUNCH
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
65 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Celine R,
Jun 14, 2025
- 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
- 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.
Dagmarie T,
Feb 23, 2025
- Viator
I recently had a good camping experience. The location was stunning, with breathtaking views, especially after trekking two dunes, including the iconic Big Daddy. The hikes were challenging but incredibly rewarding, offering panoramic vistas that were well worth the effort. The campsite itself was well-maintained, and the sleeping were comfortable. One aspect worth mentioning is the food. It was fresh, which was greatly appreciated after a long day of trekking. However, too many sandwiches were served. It was fine at first, but by the second day, after conquering those massive dunes, I was craving something more substantial and varied than a sandwich or a hotdog. While I understand the convenience of sandwiches, there was definitely enough time and opportunity to prepare other types of meals. A bit more variety would have elevated the overall experience. Despite this minor food-related issue, I would still highly recommend this camping adventure to anyone looking to explore the dunes and enjoy a unique outdoor experience. Just be prepared for a lot of sandwiches!
Anca S,
Feb 11, 2024
- Viator
Great tour if you want to see Sossusvlei on a budget with a good guide. We were a group of 9 tourists from different countries, some travelling solo like me. Camping, good schedule (the afternoon is free, as it is too hot), dinner was good (lunch could have been better), and there is a transfer to/from the airport included.
Lucy Y,
Feb 11, 2024
- Viator
Our guide Johnny is very experienced, although our group started a little late as there were minor hiccup to pick up whole group members at Windhoek, the whole journey was wonderful, well considered, especially the ages in our group were so diverse. Day 1 gave us a little bit excitement, got some taste of dune, had very beautiful view of sunset. Enjoyed fresh cooked meal, and slept under the stars. Day 2 busiest and most exciting day. Got up Dune 45 before the sunrise, our group were the first group reach the nice spot to watch sunrise. And enjoy the breakfast just at the bottom of dune 45, very impressive! Not mentioned Deadvlei, we reached there before the temperature got unbearable, got plenty of time to take nice pictures and challenge ourselves to climb big daddy, had chance to capture good view of oryx. And able to return the campsite to catch some rest. Did some hiking in the canyon before the awesome dinner! Day 3 most drive, we arrived Walvis bay around lunch time, had closed view of flamingo. Before we left, Johnny helped us book activities in Swakopmund area, which is really considerate!
Operated by Chameleon Safaris