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Half Day and Full Day Excursions
from/to Swakopmund
“The Desert Tour”
An enlightening journey through the ancient canyons of the Moon
Valley, one of the most fascinating areas of the Namib Desert. Let
us take you back millions of years to when these badlands were
formed. Learn the intrinsic value of the desert flora to the
indigenous people who once roamed Southern Africa. Discover the
medicinal and nutritional use of desert adapted flora, and delve
into the secrets of the Welwitschia Mirabilis.
This spectacular area is also home to some wildlife, and we might
just spot Springbok, Ostrich, Klipspringer, European Bee-eater,
Karoo Chat and others. Smaller creatures, such as chameleons and
beetles call this home too.
This tour departs twice daily from Swakopmund at 8h30 and at 14h00
with a minimum of two guests, and lasts up to 3.5 hours.
Living Desert Tour
The Living Desert Tour, originally developed by Tommy himself, is a
unique 4x4 adventure drive through the dunes outside Swakopmund,
Namibia. Just the drive in the dunes is an amazing experience, but
Tommy will show you a lot more than sand. The tour takes you from
the vegetated, life-rich eastern side of the dunes, right through
the dunes to the Atlantic Ocean on the western side of the dune
belt.
Tommy introduces you to some of the fascinating, hidden life in this
apparently barren landscape that is part of the Namib Desert. Here
you can find creatures endemic to the Namib: the sidewinder (Peringuey's
Adder), the Palmato Gecko with its transparent skin and beautiful
colours - we dig into the dune side to find this nocturnal
desert-dweller. We track the large Namaqua Chameleon, and watch it
enjoy brunch. Then it's a dash to catch the swift sand-diving
lizard.
You find out how the area's plants and small animals survive the
harsh climate, and how they obtain water for life. You will also
track a FitzSimon's Burrowing Skink across the dune face, in hopes
of catching this legless lizard. Along the way, Tommy will explain
the variety of dune colours. At the end of the tour, weather
permitting, you will experience a 'roaring' dune.
Other characters to be found in the dune belt are the 'dancing'
White Lady Spider; the Parabuthus Villosus black scorpion; the
occasional horned adder or sand-snake; desert wasps, fish-moths,
crickets and several beetle species, and many more.
A Living Desert Tour with the enthusiastic Tommy is educational, fun
and an unforgettable experience. You will see the desert and dunes
with new eyes. The photographic opportunities are endless too: make
sure those batteries are charged before you leave!
This half-day tour leaves at 8am in the morning, and returns at
approximately 1pm.
Sandwich Harbour Tour (south of Walvis Bay)
Depart in 4-wheel drive vehicle from the tour operators office in
Walvis Bay, first stopping off at the Lagoon to view the masses of
birds that live in one of the biggest natural wetlands in the
Southern Hemisphere. The drive down to Sandwich takes in the Kuiseb
river delta, a dry river bed where the odd springbok may still be
seen, with the vehicles continuing along the beach until the natural
fresh water lagoon is reached.
Clients can walk along the length of this lagoon, taking in the
magical scenery of sky-high dunes with an even more varied bird life
found in the fresh waters.
After a sit-down picnic lunch including a selection of snacks,
salad, bread, fresh fruit with white wine and drinks, the route
homewards will be done testing the power of the vehicles on the
dunes, the highlight being the 45m high roaring dune, to return to
Walvis Bay.
Please note that if vehicles cannot drive all along the beach to get
to Sandwich Harbour because of the tides, clients will have to walk
1 - 2 km to reach this area.
Dolphin Cruise (Walvis Bay Lagoon)
The dolphin/seal cruises are suitable for everybody – individuals,
groups, families, corporate functions or for special occasions. The
boats are surveyed annually for safety, have comfortable seating and
a toilet on board. Our skippers are professionally trained,
certified and knowledgeable about the marine and bird life of the
Walvis Bay Lagoon area.
We commence our cruise at the harbour, where our guests get to touch
seals that join us on the boat and are hand-fed by us. Our guests
have the rare opportunity to make physical contact with these
amazing sea mammals.
From the harbour we cross the calm waters of the lagoon over to
Pelican Point.
Here, large colonies of Cape fur seals can be seen at a very close
range. Leather back turtles as well as sunfish, also known as
moonfish, can often be seen.
Through the months of August to November whales can be spotted by
chance.
The cruise will lead us to the bay where a few Russian fishing
vessels are anchored, and alongside which the dolphins will be seen
playing and swimming.
Bird Island, where a large variety of birds can be seen is our next
stop. The history of the Guano Island and the Namibian Coastline
will be explained to our guests.
Catch a spectacular view of the Pelicans flying next to our boat and
being fed by Ingo.
For a light Brunch, we stop the boat in calm waters, relax and
savour fresh oysters, sparkling wine and other tasty snacks served
on board. Refreshments such as juices, soft drinks and beer are
served during the duration of the cruise and are included in the
price. Our exhilarating and unforgettable experience with the sea
and its inhabitants comes to an end with the return to the Walvis
Bay Yacht Club.
On request the tour can be ended with a beach lunch.
Historical Dune Tour by Quad-Bike (Kuiseb River area south of
Walvis Bay)
The prehistoric Kuiseb River is older than the Namib Desert and
therefore the tour by the operator promises to be filled with
interesting sights and facts, allowing visitors the ability to enjoy
the tranquillity of being in a desert dune region. The tour
highlights and includes:
• Details on how the delta came into being, why the delta developed,
what the area was like before the “Sea of Sand” succeeded to cross
the river and why the river and the dunes are the reasons for
existence for the underground fresh water aquifer.
• Details on the formation of Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay.
• Scientific information on the underground fresh water aquifer and
why it is endangered by modern man.
• Visiting different kind of dunes that exist in the delta and
detailed explanations of how the different shapes are formed, how
much they move in a given time and what the gradient of a slip face
is and why it never differs.
• Details and evidence of why the dunes have different colours.
• Evidence of five different stages as a dune moves over a tree as
well as over a Nara plant.
• Examining the desert fruit, the !Nara and the Sirub, explaining
how the plants adapted to this particularly harsh environment,
sampling what the fruit tastes like (in season) and how it is
harvested and used by the Topnaars (ancient local inhabitants
claiming to be a tribe of the Khoi-Khoin) as well as by the animals.
• Details about the present animals (jackal, elephant shrew, oryx),
birds (pale chanting goshawk, dune lark (endemic) & Damara tern
(endemic)), reptiles (snakes & lizards) and some of the insects that
live in the delta. Sometimes we are able to show them some of these
living creatures.
• Visit and explore the different intact Topnaar middens (old living
places).
• View what these ancient inhabitants of Namibia ate, used as
tools/implements and as body ornaments.
• Show physical evidence of petrified tracks of the Topnaars and
their goats.
• Show centuries-old ostrich eggshells that was used by the Topnaars
to keep water in and was preserved being covered by dune sand all
the time.
• We also show them numerous petrified tracks of almost all the
present land animals of Namibia e.g. Elephant, rhino, buffalo,
eland, oryx, kudu, giraffe, baboon, cheetah, steenbok, etc.
• Lastly, visitors are shown amazing evidence why the Namibian coast
is called the “Skeleton Coast”
The tour is an unforgettable experience that will certainly make
visitors realize that there is life in the desert regions. Do not
miss this wonderful opportunity and do not forget your camera to
immortalize this wonderful experience.
Topnaar - Rooibank - Sandwich Harbour Day Tour (south of Walvis
Bay)
This tour is done with all-wheel drive vehicles with expert off-road
drivers/tour guides, and start early in Walvis Bay, from where we
proceed by road towards Rooibank and the Kuiseb River.
We visit a traditional housing settlement of the Topnaar tribe, the
ancient inhabitants of the Kuiseb Delta, who has reportedly been
living here as long ago as 8000 years. Guests will learn about the
ways of these very old people, how they prepare the desert fruit and
how they today cope with modern society.
After our visit to the Topnaar village, you cross the river at
Lauberville and proceed into the massive dunes of the “Sea of sand’
until you stop at the border of the Namib Naukluft Park. This place
is devoid of people – pristine in the highest sense of the word.
You drive up one of these high dunes, from where you will have
uninterrupted views right around us on this magnificent “Sea of
Sand” desert that stretches for hundreds of kilometres towards
Sossusvlei – A PHOTOGRAPHER'S DREAM – UNSEEN BY TOURISTS. From here
you drive off-road, westwards towards the ocean, sometimes in the
river, sometimes in the dunes, until we reach the salt plains of the
delta. If you are lucky, you may see some of the wild animals of the
delta, like Ostriches, Springbok, Oryx or Jackal. You proceed over
these plains, northwards, until you again reach the north-western
corner of the “Sea of Sand”, where it borders on the Atlantic Ocean.
Now you continue southwards, on the beach, if the tide allows, or
through the dunes, until you reach a point which no vehicle are
allowed to cross. The visitors can proceed on foot southwards on the
beach towards the lagoon of Sandwich Harbour or they can climb a
high dune, from where the will have a beautiful view over the sea,
the dunes, the beach as well as the lagoon. A light lunch will be
served and out guests can relax or swim in the sea, the weather
prevailing.
After lunch, you drive for a while on the high dunes on the edge of
the ocean with breathtaking views over the dunes, the beach, and the
ocean. This place is really spectacular and one of the tourism
highlights of Namibia. A photographers dream! From the dunes you
drive on a different but direct route through the delta, back to
Walvis Bay.
Before you reach Walvis Bay, you drive onto a dune with a
spectacular view over the salt pans and the salt mine, in the
receding rays of the sun. You take a last look over the delta,
tired, but satisfied after an exciting and full day in a wonderful
part of nature.
The "Conception Bay" Flight 360km’s = ±1h30 min
This scenic flight takes you from Swakopmund, east via the "Moon
Landscape" and along the Swakop riverbed to the Swakop and Kahn
rivers intersections, crossing the Oasis Goanikontes. Routing
Southwards, passing the Walvis bay airport and the Kuiseb river bed
--the natural border for the dune formations. Over the "sea" of
shifting sand dunes we reach the coast at Conception bay passing
colonies of Cape Fur seals, the wreck of the passenger liner "Eduard
Bohlen" stranded in 1909, she lies 250m away from the shore. Further
along the coast another shipwreck, the "Shaunee" stranded in 1976.
Along the coast with the Atlantic surf on the one side and the "long
wall" (Namib Dunes) on the other, we reach Sandwich Harbour, a
wetland of international importance and protected by the Ramsar
Convention. The highest recorded density of Lesser and Greater
flamingo’s was recorded at low tide with 7 791 birds/km. In harmony
with the surroundings we find Namibia's coastal salt mines, south of
Walvis Bay, attracting thousands of birds. Walvis Bay, Namibia's
major harbour town and a former enclave to South Africa, which was
incorporated into Namibia on March 1, 1994 is our next destination.
Midway between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund we pass the Langstrand
Holiday Resort and the Dolphin Park Recreation Resort on our way
back to Swakopmund.
The
"Sossusvlei Classic Flight" 630km’s = ±2h15 min
This is the most popular scenic flight, guaranteed to be the
highlight of your holiday ! From Swakopmund we take you in a light
aircraft over the Namib Desert, past the Walvis Bay airport to the
Kuiseb river. Low-level along the Kuiseb river onto the Desert
Ecological Research Unit, Gobabeb founded in 1959. Passing
Tsondabvlei, the only known breeding area for the Lappet Face
Vulture in southern Namibia, towards the highest shifting sand dunes
in the world at Sossusvlei. No part of the desert is visually more
stunning than Sossusvlei. The warm tints of the sand range from pale
apricot to brick orange and deep red, vividly contrasting with the
large white clay pans at some of their bases. From Sossusvlei into
the Diamond Restricted Area flying over the remains of three old
diamond camps and crossing the coastline at Conception Bay passing
colonies of Cape Fur seals, the shipwreck of the passenger liner
"Eduard Bohlen" stranded in 1909, she lies 250m away from the shore.
Further along the coast another shipwreck, the "Shaunee" stranded in
1976. Along the coast with the Atlantic surf on the one side and the
"long wall" (Namib Dunes) on the other, we reach Sandwich Harbour, a
wetland of international importance and protected by the Ramsar
Convention. The highest recorded density of Lesser and Greater
flamingo’s was recorded at low tide with 7 791 birds/km. In harmony
with the surroundings we find Namibia's coastal salt mines, south of
Walvis Bay, attracting thousands of birds. Walvis Bay, Namibia's
major harbour town and a former enclave to South Africa, which was
incorporated into Namibia on March 1, 1994 is our next destination.
Midway between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund we pass the Langstrand
Holiday Resort and the Dolphin Park Recreation Resort on our way
back to Swakopmund.
The "Sossusvlei Excursion" 630km’s = day trip
This is a popular day-trip starting from Swakopmund we take you in a
light aircraft over the Namib Desert, past the Walvis Bay Airport to
the Kuiseb river. Low-level along the Kuiseb river onto the Desert
Ecological Research Unit, Gobabeb founded in 1959. Passing
Tsondabvlei, the only known breeding area of the Lappet faced
Vulture in southern Namibia, towards Sesriem and the Sesriem Canyon.
Landing at Sesriem you will be driven in a 4x4 vehicle to the
highest shifting sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei. No part of
the desert is visually more stunning than Sossusvlei. The warm tints
of the sand range from pale apricot to brick orange and deep red,
vividly contrasting with the large white clay pans at some of their
bases. Admire, climb and photograph the scenery and enjoy
refreshment in the shade of a camelthorn tree. When you are ready,
return to Sossusvlei Lodge at Sesriem for lunch. After lunch
transfer to Sesriem landing strip. We continue our flight via
Sossusvlei the highest shifting sand dunes in the world. From
Sossusvlei into the Diamond Restricted Area flying over the remains
of three old diamond camps and crossing the coastline at Conception
Bay, passing colonies of Cape Fur seals, the shipwreck of the
passenger liner "Eduard Bohlen" stranded in 1909, she lies 250m away
from the shore. Further along the coast another shipwreck, the "Shaunee"
stranded in 1976. Along the coast with the Atlantic surf on the one
side and the "long wall" (Namib Dunes) on the other, we reach
Sandwich Harbour, a wetland of international importance and
protected by the Ramsar Convention.The highest recorded density of
Lesser and Greater flamingo’s was recorded at low tide with 7 791
birds/km. In harmony with the surroundings we find Namibia's coastal
salt mines, south of Walvis Bay, attracting thousands of birds.
Walvis Bay, Namibia's major harbour town and a former enclave to
South Africa, which was incorporated into Namibia on March 1, 1994
is our next destination. Midway between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund we
pass the Langstrand Holiday Resort and the Dolphin Park Recreation
Resort on our way back to Swakopmund.
The "Epupa Falls / Ovahimba Excursion" 1410km’s = day trip
Early morning low-level scenic flight from Swakopmund airfield past
the Brandberg, over Damaraland and Kaokoland to Epupa Falls. In
Epupa accompanied by a guide and translater, you will be driven to
an Ovahimba village in the area. Spend the morning with the
Ovahimbas in their ‘kraal’. The Ovahimba are a tribe of semi-nomadic
pastoralists who still live and dress according to ancient
traditions. They are tall, slender and statuesque people,
characterised by their proud yet friendly bearing. The women are
noted for their unusual sculptural beauty, enhanced by intricate
hairstyles and traditional adornments. The Ovahimba rub their bodies
with red ochre and fat to protect their skin against the scorching
sun. However, on this day you will also be able to see the magestic
Epupa Falls. The falls are a series of cascades where the Kunene
River loops a total of 60 metres. With its richly coloured rock
walls, variety of trees and waving Makalani Palms, the Epupa Falls
offers much to see and experience. Lunch will be served at the
Omarunga Camp on the riverbed of the Kunene River. Afternoon flight
to Opuwo to refuel, further flight along the Uniab Riverbed in
search for the desert elephants, rhino’s, giraffes, mountain zebras
and other game up to the rivermouth area, turning southbound. Flight
along the treacherous Skeleton Coast. The Skeleton Coast Park is
about 40km wide and covers 16 390km2. The park in the northern Namib
Desert stretches from the Ugab River in the south to the Kunene
River, which forms the northern border with Angola. This region is
generally cold and windy with mist in the mornings and evenings. The
Skeleton Coast is littered with whalebones, shipwrecks and remains
of sailors and explorers. Further flight past Torra Bay, Palgrave
point, Toscanini to Cape Cross seal reserve. During the
November/December breeding season as many as 200 000 seals gather at
Cape Cross. It was also here that the Portuguese navigator, Diego
Cao, erected a stone cross in 1486. Continue flight coastwise from
Cape Cross passing Henties Bay, the saltworks north of Swakopmund on
our way to Swakopmund.
Cape Cross & Messum Crater Tour
We travel directly to Uis and the Brandberg. The Brandberg is
Namibia’s Highest Mountain, with its peak, the Königstein, reaching
2 520 meter. The Brandberg massif consists of mainly a granite core
rimmed by Karoo sediments.
The drive from Swakopmund takes around 2 hours and on arrival you
will visit the White Lady Rock painting, which is accessed by foot
up the Tsisab Ravine of the Brandberg. The walk up the ravine takes
around an hour and is not particularly strenuous. On your journey up
the ravine, your guide will show you a few interesting flora, which
have adapted their lives to this arid region and mountainous
landscape.
After your return to the vehicle, you will find a nice spot under a
shaded tree for the picnic lunch. From here the day’s journey takes
you from the Brandberg, along the Messum River to the Messum Crater.
Here you will be enlightened of the Geology of the crater and play
with a few boulders, which are surprisingly musical! Your guide will
also introduce you to Lichen, Welwitschia Mirabilis and other
species, which have adapted to survive in the desert terrain.
Further on the journey takes you to Cape Cross. The Cape Cross
peninsular is of both historic and ecological significance, as it is
the site of one of the first landings by European seafarers. It is
also the home of some 100 000 cape fur seals. It was here that Diego
Cao erected a stone cross in honour of a safe sea journey from
Portugal in 1486. Your guide will give you detailed explanations of
the seal colony while highlighting the historic endeavours of early
settlers, who mined guano and harvested seals here.
Another point of interest after you reach the holiday town of
Henties Bay is the “Free Republic of Wlotzka’s Baken”, some 40 km
north of Swakopmund. This self-sustaining settlement of wooden
cabins and bungalows on the beach is the haven of many beach
anglers. Once past the town of Henties Bay, the road will led past
expansive salt pans where rock salt is being mined and refined. Your
guide will introduce you to the intricacies of salt crystals and
saline algae, which can be found here abundantly.
The entire tour takes about eight and a half hours and your guide
will drop you back in Swakopmund at around 5pm.
Horse riding (Swakopmund)
The day tours start at 9h00 in the morning. Horse-back rides of
approximately five to six hours durations take the riders down into
the Swakop River Valley, through the little Moon Landscape, and over
to the sand dunes. Here the horses will take our guests along the
old history railway track to the colonial horse cemetery, from where
the ride will go on towards the beach. Lunch will be served at a set
table at the beach.
After lunch the ride continues along the dry Swakop River bed, past
the greens of the golf course, where we can see a few Springbuck
grazing on the greens. At approx. 16h00, riders will all be back at
Okakambe Trails. With a bit of luck, the horse riders on a day trail
will be able to see Springbuck and Jackal and plenty of bird life
and certainly splendid scenery.
Boat or
Beach Fishing (Swakopmund)
The operators specialise in fishing from boats and from the shore.
Whether you are a professional or a first time angler, the guide
will ensure that you have the most wonderful angling experience.
Namibia’s coastline with its rich plankton life forms one of the top
fishing waters in the world. So, why not challenge the cold water of
the Atlantic Ocean?
The most common fish to catch in season is kabeljou, steenbras and
games fish. In addition, there is the option to experience the
thrill of catching a shark. The tour includes all necessary bait,
tackle and refreshments.
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P. O. Box 1301