3 Day Budget Safari to Namibia’s Sossusvlei Dunes

A perfect short getaway ideal for clients with limited time on their hands. This Safari starts at lunch time on Friday and returns back to Windhoek in the early afternoon on Sunday. We will use the Sesriem area as our base and head out to explore the unique Namib Desert surrounds from there.

Namib Naukluft Park highlights include the towering Sossusvlei Dunes, Dead Vlei, the famous Dune 45 and Sesriem Canyon.

Accommodation will be in en-suite rooms or stylish permanent tents, each with stunning views of the mountains and deserts of the Namib area. This Budget Safari to Namibia's Sossusvlei Dunes is a perfect short break Safari for visitors to Namibia.

DAY 1: Swakopmund or Windhoek to Lodge at Sesriem

This Budget Namibia Dunes Safari departs from Swakopmund at 12 midday (11:00am in winter) or the selected guesthouse and backpackers in Windhoek at 12:00pm (11:00am in winter).

Swakopmund departure: we drive to our lodge near Sesriem through the Namib Desert via the Kuiseb Canyon and Solitaire.
Windhoek departure: we drive via Gamsberg Pass and meet with the safari vehicle before Gaub Pass to continue on to Solitaire and our camp near Sesriem.

In the late afternoon we arrive at our safari camp near Sesriem and have some time to relax and enjoy the scenic setting. After settling in, we take a short walk to the Naukluft mountain range in time to catch a spectacular African sunset over the Namib Desert.

We stay in twin rooms or permanent tents with en-suite bathroom facilities. Dinner is prepared by your safari guide back at camp. (D)

DAY 2:  Lodge near Sesriem, Namib Nauklauft Park

Today we leave camp at dawn arriving at the Namib Naukluft Park gate as the sun rises.

Our drive takes us down an ancient river bed surrounded by the towering dunes of the Namib as we head to the 2x4 parking area (around 55kms). From here we take a 4x4 shuttle into the Sossusvlei Dunes area to admire the beautiful orange-red sand dunes in the warm early morning light. The Sossusvlei Dunes of Namibia are amongst the highest dunes in the world and exploring this desert area we experience the quiet tranquility and solitude of this distinctive region.

We explore the unique Sossusvlei area on foot before travelling into the barren Dead Vlei. This large expanse of bleached flat clay is covered in cracks and dotted with skeletal thorn trees, contrasting sharply with the huge, vibrantly coloured dunes in the background. From Dead Vlei we can either walk or catch the 4x4 shuttle back to our safari vehicle.

Along the way back to our overnight lodge accommodation we stop at the famous Dune 45. We climb the renowned sand dune or explore the area around the base, depending on what you prefer. Then we make our way back to Sesriem, visiting the nearby Sesriem Canyon, one of the few permanent water sources in the Namib. After Sesriem Canyon we return to our safari lodge arriving in the late afternoon in time to catch a stunning sunset over the desert.

Our overnight stay is in twin share rooms or permanent tents with en-suite bathrooms. Dinner will be prepared by your safari guide at camp. (BLD)

DAY 3: Sesriem to Windhoek

On day three we enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading back to Windhoek via Bullsport and Rehoboth. Arriving in Windhoek before lunchtime, you will be dropped at your accommodation bringing this scenic Safari to Namibia's Sossusvlei Dunes to a close. (B)

Namib Desert Accommodation

Our selected Namib Desert Camp is located 3 km outside the Namib Naukluft National Park, not far from Sesriem. Each safari style bungalow offers unsurpassed views of the Naukluft Mountains and arid plains of the Namib Desert.  

The permanent tents each have an en-suite bathroom, fans, a small balcony and personal braai area. These adobe-style tents are fitted with twin beds, a safe and sofa. Good quality linen is included and additional bedding is also supplied in colder months. Other facilities include a small pool, bar, dstv and self-catering kitchens with alfresco dining areas where your meals are prepared by your guide. Sleeper couches suitable for children under the age of 12 years are also provided. The earthy Desert Lodge is rated as equivalent to 3 star accommodation (no official rating system in Namibia).

Alternative Lodge options near Sesriem are all situated within 90km of the Namib/Naukluft entrance at Sesriem.

Namibia Tour Vehicles

9 seater: 4x4 land cruiser with a pop top roof and individual forward facing seats fitted with lap belts.

6 seater: 4x4 land cruiser with a pop top roof and individual forward facing seats fitted with lap belts.

4 seater: 4x4 station wagon with fitted seat belts and air-conditioning. Used for small groups of 2 or 3 people (guaranteed window seat).

12 seater: 2WD Custom Built Safari Vehicle with large drop slide windows and 12 forward facing seats offering excellent front vision. Fitted with lap belts, a pop top roof and an inverter for charging cameras, ipods and cell phones, as well as a usb port on the stereo to play own music.

Please note:

• You don't need to bring sleeping bags and bath towels, but please bring swim wear and pool towels, especially during the summer months. 
• The itinerary is a guideline and although we try to stick to it there may be changes depending on weather and/or road conditions, seasonal daylight hours etc.
• This Namibia Desert Safari can be combined with the Etosha Safari to join the 6 day Dunes and Wildlife Safari – a fully accommodated safari visiting the 2 main highlights of Namibia. The combination Namibia safari includes 1 night of accommodation in Swakopmund and departs every Tuesday.

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