Canyons, Dunes & Wildlife of Namibia, Departing Tuesdays

Departing from Windhoek at 07:00, we commence our journey north, pausing briefly in Otjiwarongo for last-minute supplies. As we venture into Etosha National Park, spanning over 22,000 square km, our game drive to Halali Camp offers glimpses of its diverse wildlife. Arriving just before sunset, Halali provides en-suite accommodation and the opportunity to witness the nightly "game show" at the floodlit Moringa waterhole, frequented by elephant and critically endangered black rhino.

We have the whole day to explore Etosha, starting at sunrise when the park gates open. Early mornings are prime for game viewing, especially for big cats returning from hunts. After breakfast at Halali, we venture out once more, focusing on visiting numerous waterholes where thirsty animals gather. We'll also take a closer look at the vast Etosha Pan, spanning over 4,700 square km. Exiting Etosha at Anderson gate near sunset, we head to our comfortable accommodation for the night, where a delicious dinner awaits, prepared by our guide.

After breakfast, we set out at 07:30 for the Skeleton Coast, passing Outjo and venturing into Damaraland. Along the way, we stop at local shops, encounter tribes like the Himba, Herero, and Damara, and enjoy a picnic beneath Brandberg, Namibia's highest peak. Continuing to the chilly Atlantic, we explore the desolate Skeleton Coast, spotting the Zeila shipwreck. Finally, we arrive in Swakopmund, checking into the A La Mer hotel, centrally located for town exploration, rich in German colonial history and architecture, and offering dining recommendations from our guide.

Making the most of our coastal stay, we depart Swakopmund around 11:30, offering time for town exploration or optional adrenaline-pumping activities like quad biking and sandboarding down towering dunes. Heading east into the desert, we cross the Namib gravel plains, broken by imposing mountain inselbergs. Traversing two mountain passes, starting with the formidable Kuiseb Pass, we descend into the canyon carved by the Kuiseb River. Climbing up from the riverbanks, we continue through mountain peaks to the Gaub River canyon. Emerging onto a flat road, we cross the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5 degrees south, marked by a signpost for memorable photos. Our destination, Sesriem, gateway to the dunes and Sossusvlei, awaits as we make camp under an ancient camelthorn tree, offering a preview of the towering red dunes of the world's oldest desert.

We begin our morning with a pre-dawn start, heading towards Dune 45 to witness the mesmerizing sunrise illuminating the towering dunes in shades of orange and red. After breakfast, we proceed to the 2x4 car park, where we enter the ancient Tsauchab River-bed, leading us to Sossusvlei. Millennia of wind-blown sand have transformed the landscape, creating sand barriers that redirect the river's path. Dead Vlei, with its skeletal camelthorn trees, offers a haunting glimpse into the past. Returning to Sesriem for lunch and a possible swim, we later explore Sesriem Canyon, carved over millions of years by the Tsauchab River. As the day wanes, we visit Elim Dune for stunning sunset views before returning to camp.

Today’s scenic drive is through ever-changing desert scenery, mountains, and open grassland. We are continuing our long drive south, and our destination is the tiny community of Aus, located in the Aus Mountains above the plains of the Namib Desert. Aus was formally the site of a prisoner-of-war camp set up by the South African army to house German prisoners during the second world war. Our actual destination today is Klein Aus Vista, located just outside Aus and inside the private Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park. We aim to arrive in the early afternoon and set up camp, giving us time to stretch our legs on the un-guided hiking trails on the property. The landscape is wide open vistas and we are hoping for a spectacular sunset.

Starting early on a well-sealed tar road, we traverse grasslands and desert scenery, keeping an eye out for the wild desert-adapted horses. En route to Kolmanskop ghost town, about 15 km from Luderitz, we delve into the history of diamond mining, witnessing the once-thriving village reclaimed by the desert. Founded in 1908, Kolmanskop boasted modern amenities and architectural charm before its decline in the 1920s. After exploring Kolmanskop, we proceed to Luderitz, renowned for its colonial-style buildings and rich history. Driving out to Diaz Point on the Luderitz peninsula, we learn about the area's Portuguese exploration and enjoy the windy coastal scenery. Returning to our accommodation at Klein Aus Vista, we relish a sundowner, reflecting on the day's discoveries amidst the desert landscape.

Today's journey begins with a long drive on a smooth tar road, initially heading east before veering south to complete our exploration of Namibia's southern region. Our first major stop is the awe-inspiring Fish River Canyon within the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveldt Transfrontier National Park. Second only to the Grand Canyon in size, the canyon offers breathtaking vistas, with its massive meander known as 'Hell's Bend' and depths reaching up to 550 meters. Formed over 1,800 million years, the canyon's creation is attributed to various geological forces. Continuing northward after soaking in the canyon's grandeur, we reach Keetmanshoop, the region's commercial hub. A brief stop here precedes our journey to the Quiver Tree Forest, named after the iconic indigenous trees used by San tribes for crafting quivers. As we camp amidst these ancient and peculiar plants, we reflect on the wonders of our adventure around the campfire, marking the end of our unforgettable safari.

Heading northward on the main tar road, free from the typical gravel road discomforts, we journey back to Windhoek. Along the way, Namibia's rich landscape offers several points of interest. Around 80 km from Keetmanshoop, Brukkaros, an unusual volcano, stands tall, formed around 180 million years ago by a rare steam-powered explosion. Further ahead, a signpost to Gibeon hints at a prehistoric meteor strike, scattering molten metal across the countryside. Though these landmarks are beyond our itinerary, they add intrigue to our journey. Passing through Mariental and Rehoboth, we pause for a light lunch before aiming to reach Windhoek by late afternoon. For those with time to spare in Windhoek, a visit to Post Street Mall showcases a public display of Gibeon Meteorites, offering a fascinating glimpse into Namibia's geological history.