10-Day Namibia Expedition from Windhoek to Swakopmund via Sossusvlei

• Upon arrival at the airport, you will meet the Across Africa Tours driver and transfer to Avani Resort.
• The airport is 45 km outside Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia.
• Later, you will join our guide for a free township tour.

Dinner will be at your own expense at the restaurant of your choice.

• We will pick you up from your hotel or guesthouse between 7 am and 8 am and depart at 9 am.
• We travel through the Kalahari Desert, stopping at small towns along the way, including Rehoboth, a town in central Namibia just north of the Tropic of Capricorn. Located 90 kilometers south of the Namibian capital, Windhoek, Rehoboth is the traditional home of the Baster people.
• Later in the afternoon, we check into the hotel in Keetmanshoop and rest for the day.

• Our exploration continues with a visit to Giants Playgrounds, named for the way massive dolerite boulders have been placed on top of one another, creating rock formations and a series of mazes.
• We board the truck and travel south on the gravel byways of Southern Namibia en route to Ais-Ais.
• Famed for its hot springs, the resort and its hot pools are the perfect tonic to ease away the dust of the Namib.
• The Fish River Canyon is one of the largest in the world, and this afternoon we take a walk along the rim of the canyon and end our day with a memorable sunset on the canyon edge.

Overnight and dinner at Ais-Ais or similar.

• Early morning departure for the short drive to Lüderitz.
• We travel on the main road and look out for the unique Namib wild horses.
• Visit Kolmanskop, a ghost town where bigger and better diamonds were found along the coast.
• Your guide will discuss the activities that can be done in Lüderitz at your own expense.

Overnight at Island Cottage Guesthouse or similar.

• Today you will have a free day in Lüderitz.
• You will get the chance to visit the museum, enjoy the white sand beaches, and engage in optional activities (excluded).
• The guide will help you plan the day's events at your own cost.

Dinner and overnight at Island Cottage Guesthouse or similar.

• Today, say goodbye to Lüderitz and head south to the Namib Desert.
• Make a brief stop in Walvis Bay before arriving in Namib Naukluft, where you'll take a guided desert tour.
• Go to sleep early tonight to prepare for your early wake-up in the morning.

Overnight in Namib Naukluft.

• A pre-dawn start is essential this morning as we want to catch the soft light of the sunrise on the desert.
• Climb the famous Dune 45 and then take a 4x4 vehicle to visit Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.
• Finally, say farewell to the dunes and head to Sesriem Canyon before returning to your accommodation for the night.

Overnight in Namib Naukluft.

You can decide to end the trip on this day and drive to Windhoek on day 8 to catch your onward flight.

• Today we will move from the desert to the sea.
• We will cross the Tropic of Capricorn and traverse the Gaub on our way.
• We pass through the Kuiseb Passes, driving down to the dry riverbed at the bottom of the Kuiseb Canyon before climbing up the other side and watching the spectacular desert landscape unfold before us.
• Having arrived at the coast, we will make a stop in Walvis Bay to enjoy the view of flamingos and other birds in the lagoons.
• We will take a short break for lunch (at your own expense).

Overnight in Swakopmund at the Hansa Hotel or similar.

• In the morning, we will go on an excursion to the seal colony at Cape Cross, north of Swakopmund, where we will be able to experience thousands of fur seals at close range.
• The rest of the day will be free, with plenty of time to explore the town.
• Swakopmund is a very pleasant seaside town with lots of shops, a good stretch of beach (although the Atlantic is quite cold here), and an open-air curio market.
• There is also a very good museum, and the Namibian National Marine Aquarium is located in Swakopmund.
• Alternatively, there are various optional activities that can be arranged. These include a boat tour (with oysters and champagne), scenic flights, microlight flights over the desert, fishing trips (either from the beach or by boat), quad-bike trips into the desert and over the sand dunes around Swakopmund, sandboarding, skydiving, and many other activities.
• Your guide will discuss all the possible optional activities with you and offer to make pre-bookings in advance.

Overnight at the Hansa Hotel or similar.

• Be prepared for the long, scenic transit back to Windhoek.
• We pass through towns and rural areas, stopping in the small town of Okahandja, home to Namibia's largest wood carving market.
• The stalls operate on a local cooperative basis and offer a vast array of truly Namibian souvenirs.
• We are due back in Windhoek no later than 16:00 hours.
• You will be dropped off at your accommodation.