Guided Desert Hike in the NamibRand Reserve

On arrival at the reserve you will meet with your guide before departing on a scenic drive to the start point of the trail. Here, you will be given a rucksack with some snacks (you may prefer to bring your own); all you need to do is add your binoculars, camera and any other essentials, and then you're set to go! The rest of your luggage will be transferred by vehicle.

From the starting point, it’s a short walk of 2 hours through the sand dunes to your first night’s camp. The dunes you encounter will be small vegetated dunes, rather than the huge sand towers encountered at Sossusvlei. Less dramatic, perhaps, but much easier to walk across! On arriving at camp, enjoy a sundowner, and marvel at the changing sky as the sun descends and the stars come out. You sleep tonight in the open on a roll-up bed.

During the course of today's walk your guide will be able to explain to you many of the fascinating aspects of the Namib, such as how the desert flora survives in this harsh environment by tapping underground water sources, and how insect life, which is prolific, has adapted to the harsh environment.

Birding is very good and you may be lucky enough to spot one of the Namib's endemics, such as the Dune Lark. Larger animals you may encounter include Oryx, Ostrich, and Desert Fox.

The “morning news”, as written in the sand of the dunes, is always fascinating and with some luck – and your guide’s trained eyes – you may spot some of the desert specials, such as the Golden Mole, Dancing White Lady, Barking Gecko, and the Flightless Wasp to name a few. You spend a good part of the morning on the high dunes, before descending the other side to a dry riverbed.

As midday approaches you'll stop at a shady spot for a picnic lunch. There is plenty of time to relax, have a siesta and reflect on all that you have seen. As the heat recedes you proceed on over the dunes towards your second overnight spot. The scene in front of you is an endless sea of dunes and “fairy circles” with a backdrop of magnificent mountain scenery. Photography is spectacular as the shadows on the dunes create an ever-changing palette of colours as sunset approaches. Upon arrival at camp, a delicious dinner is served to mark the end of a long day. The sound of Barking Geckoes, the occasional cry of a Hyena, the hoohoo of Spotted Eagle Owls, and more likely than not, tranquil silence, accompanies you through the night.

Walking time: Morning: 4 – 4.5 hrs / Afternoon: 2 – 2.5 hrs, sleeping out in the open on stretcher beds.

Today’s walk is easy and you can expect to arrive back at the farmhouse at approximately 10:30am.

Your desert hiking tour ends at the farmhouse. Unless you are on a self-drive tour, onward transfer to your next destination is at additional cost.