Namibia is often referred to as “Africa for beginners”, as it is a safe, politically stable and friendly place to travel to. Almost everyone speaks English and the cuisine, culture and traditions aren’t too strange for most visitors. This might make Namibia sound a bit boring…It definitely isn’t! It is a country full of surprises around every corner.
Our Namibia Dune Explorer is a different type of safari, one where we combine being active with your safari for a once in a lifetime experience.
Some of the highlights of this safari include:
• The huge sand dunes of Sossusvlei, including Dune 45
• Spectacular Sesriem canyon
• Prolific wildlife, including fascinating mammals, birds and smaller
creatures
• The quaint coastal town of Swakopmund
• Whale watching and oyster eating in Walvis Bay
• Arid but beautiful Namib-Naukluft National Park, part of a UNESCO World
Heritage Site
• World famous Apple Strudel in the desert town of Solitaire
• Probably the best sunrises and sunsets in the world
• Riding and hiking in the Namib Desert
While the old-fashioned way of seeing this wonderful country is by vehicle (it is one of the best countries on earth for a road trip), we have found an even better way of experiencing all that Namibia has to offer. By electric off-road bicycle! Apart from having a less negative impact on the environment, it is also a great way to get some exercise as you still have to pedal the bicycle to get the electric motor to assist you. It is also a wonderful way to get really close to the landscapes, sights, and fauna and flora around you.
This 7 day/6 night safari starts and finishes in the small, laid-back capital city of Windhoek. We then head south to our first stop at the Kalahari Anib Lodge (2 nights), situated on the eastern edge of the Namib desert about 30 km (18mi) from the town of Mariental. This is a place of red sands and magical Kalahari sunsets. This will be your first chance to explore the vast Kalahari on electric fatbikes.
Pedal through the Gondwana Kalahari Park on selected routes and look for Gemsbok, Common Wildebeest, Springbok and other fauna and flora. Here you will also have the option of a guided dune walk or hiking on the well-marked trails by yourself. The lodge has a wonderful pool to cool off in and the chef will ensure your first taste of Namibian cuisine is one to remember!
From here we head northwest to the Namib Desert Lodge (2 nights) at the foot of ancient red sand dunes on the eastern edge of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. This is where your camera will work overtime, with vast desert vistas all around, complemented by a green ribbon of riverine trees and purple-blue mountain ridges in the distance. Here you can grab a trail map and go and explore the surrounding desert by electric fatbike or by foot on one of the walking trails. Upon returning to the lodge, cool off in the pool with a sundowner in hand, marvelling at the landscape around you. On one of the days we can also arrange a visit to the world famous Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, Dune 45 and Sesriem Canyon nearby.
Next up is the quaint coastal town of Swakopmund (2 nights), that we will reach via stops at the desert oasis of Solitaire, the Namib-Naukluft National Park and the harbour town of Walvis Bay. “Swakop”, as the locals call it, is a coastal resort town with a strong German influence in its architecture and cuisine scene. It is known as the adventure capital of Namibia. Here you will have the chance to do some more desert exploring on electric fatbikes and jog on the promenade or the beach. Or you could do something radical like kitesurfing or quadbiking! We can also arrange a Living Desert Experience tour, a wonderful way to learn about the small creatures that inhabit this seemingly inhospitable environment.
After your active safari, we will either transfer you back to Windhoek for your onward journey (maybe to Etosha), or to the airport at Walvis Bay if you are travelling from there.
This safari can be enjoyed on a self-drive basis or as a private or small group expert guided safari. It is also possible to add this active safari onto one of our other Namibia safaris at Nature Travel Namibia as an extension before or after your main safari.
This safari can be combined with the following safaris:
• Taste of Etosha
• Etosha, Caprivi, Chobe and Victoria Falls Safari
• Or contact us for the option to create a personalised Namibia Extension.
For more information or to book this active safari, please email us at info@naturetravelnamibia.com