Namibia Desert Tours

Namibia Desert Tours is the most incredible way to experience the Namibia Desert – one of the oldest deserts in the world, the loud silences in the desert is palpable as the warm morning sun rises behind a sea of dunes coloring its surrounding in an orange and golden light just like the guardians of the time.

On these Namibia Desert Tours, you will encounter a thousands of tiny miracles in these vast ancient visas such as the fascinating desert animals and plants that have unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in this arid environment.

The Namib Desert is a dominant geographic feature in Namibia, large tracts of which are protected in two immense national parks that is the Namib-Naukluft in the south and Skeleton Coast in the north.

The best known feature of the Namib and a must – see is the Sossusvlei area where several dry pans are enclosed by the world’s tallest sand dunes that stand up to 300 meters high. The desert receives a paltry annual average rainfall of 15 millimeters and some areas go years without receiving a drop of rain, yet it still supports a low number of wildlife including the handsome gemsbok being the most common large mammal, often seen walking nobly across the crests of the dunes.

Why Go for Namibia Desert Tours

The world’s tallest dunes at scenic Sossusvlei
Desert wildlife ranging from gemsbok to barking geckos
Immense landscapes and sparkling night skies
Welwitschai Drive providing a good introduction to the Namib from the port of Walvis Bay or Swakopmund

Namib desert tours will take you to a world where time seems to be standing still and nothing else seems to matter than being present right here and right now.

Who Should Go for Namibia Desert Tours

Namib Desert Tours are perfect excursion in Namibia for anyone who want to get active in the stunning natural surroundings of Namibia.

This classic activity is one of the main highlights to enjoy on your Namib Tour, photographers and nature lovers will appreciate the stunning landscapes, colors and contrasts.

For those seeking a break from long-driving distances can get active on hikes up and down the dunes, and the young explorers can learn about serval desert creatures like chameleons, spiders and other desert inhabitants in the biggest sandbox they will ever play in.

Namibia Desert Tours are perfect for photographers, active travelers, families with children and nature lovers.

Where to Experience Namibia Desert Tours

The Namib Desert is the best place to experience Namibia Desert Tours, the desert is not exactly small and one of the most popular areas is the Namib- Naukluft Park and specifically the Sossusvlei region with its iconic Deadvlei, Big Daddy Dune, Dune 45 and the Sesriem Canyon.

Dorob National Park –the desert around the coastal town of Swakopmund is famous for its adventure activities and entertaining educational tours.

Highlights of Namibia Desert Tours

What to see and What to do on Desert Tours in Sossusvlei

Desert safaris offer a variety of activities for different ages, fitness levels and interest. There is the stunning morning light, so we recommend getting up early and experience it as it is truly spectacular.

If you are a bit fit and sure-footed you can walk up Big Daddy- the tallest dune in the Sossusvlei area at 325m, you will be rewarded for the demanding walk up with a stunning view of the Deadvlei at the foot of Big Daddy. Run, jump and tumble down the steep dune and feel like a kid again.

Arriving down at the Deadvlei, you can see the famous clay pan with its ancient camel thorns trees. The dark trees, white clay pan, orange dunes and blue sky make for classic Namibia photos.

If you are looking for a true highlight as part of your Namibia desert tour, you can book a hot air balloon ride across the Namib and enjoy a champagne breakfast amongst the dunes afterwards.

What to see and What to do on desert tours in Swakopmund

Desert tours in Swakopmund are famous for two types of activities that is adventure activities and educational tours.

Quad bike and fat bike tours, paragliding and sand boarding are fun and adventurous highlights offering you a chance to experience the desert in a more active way. The educational and entertaining living desert tours are a great activity as well as not exclusively for children.

Together with a guide you will get to know the smallest inhabitants of the desert including geckos, chameleons, spiders, snakes, and lizards which are also known as the “Little Five”.

When to Go for Namibia Desert Tours

It is possible to go on a Namibia desert tour all year-round, the climate in Namibia is generally warm and dry with some seasonal differences in temperatures especially at night. More than the time of the year, you should consider the time of the day when planning your Namibia Desert Tour.

If there was ever a good day to wake up early during your holiday, this is it. Not only are the temperatures much cooler, but the sunrise and morning light in the middle of the Namib is a sight you will never forget.

When visiting Sossusvlei, make sure to arrive at the park gate a little before sunrise as the gates open at the first light. If you want to see the actual sunrise while sitting on one of the tall dunes, you have to overnight within the boundaries of the park to get a head start to travelers coming from outside the park.

Dry Season (May to November)

Namibia’s dry season is best for cooler temperatures and night sky photographer, this time of the year that is May to November experiences warm temperatures throughout the year but it is not as hot as during the rainy season.

The crystal – clear skies with no cloud in sight and light pollution generally being at a minimum make it the perfect time of the year for star gazing and night photography. Also, it is the most popular time to travel Namibia, so guests are advised to book early especially if you are interested on a specific accommodation.

Green Season (December to April)

The Green Season offers the best chance to experience a blooming desert of Namib.

In this season there is technically no rainy season in the desert and even using them the term green season is stretching it.

However, Namibia experiences unusual abundant rains in some years and even the Namib Desert gets its share. This doesn’t mean you will need to pack an umbrella, but it can mean that you will see patches of green grass on the dunes and pans filled with water, which is a very rare and exciting sight as it can get very hot during these summer months.

We recommend starting your desert tour in Namibia as early as possible in the morning.

Also, bring plenty of water to rehydrate throughout your tour.

Where to stay on Namibia Desert Tours

On a desert tour in Namibia’s popular Desert Tour Destination – Sossusvlei area, you can choose from a number of camps, lodges and even campsites. Often accommodations focus on locations with spectacular views and blending in with their environments perfectly.

Also, some lodges offer a sleep-out under the vast open sky of the Namib. If you are doing a self-drive trip, you can book 4×4 desert tours with your lodge or camp and explore the Namib together with a guide.

Swakopmund is the ideal location to start desert tours in the Dorob National Park, here there are many charming B&B and guest houses.

Perfect accommodations to stay at while on a Namibia Desert Tours include