From KSh483,654 to KSh866,033 pps
Kulala Desert Lodge
Sossusvlei, NamibiaActivities travellers enjoyed
Night drives | Game drives | Guided walking safaris | Historical tours | Bird watching | Hot air ballooning
HomeDestinationsNamib Desert
Namib Desert
The Namib is the coastal desert of Namibia, where the dunes meet the cold Atlantic.
Get a quote
The Namib Desert: A Wild & Underrated Adventure Destination
Explore the Namib Desert & Its Striking Landscapes
Sandwiched between the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Luderitz and protecting an enormous swathe of unspoilt Namib Desert, the 50,000km² Namib-Naukluft National Park is one of the largest conservation areas in the world – a fitting testament to the word ‘Namib' which means ‘vast' in the local Nama language. The Namib Desert is considered the world's oldest desert, estimated to exist for approximately 55 – 88 million years so far.
While the Big 5 are not found here, it opens up the opportunity to spot the region's unique desert-adapted wildlife, smaller lesser-noticed mammals, and even an endemic species. Not to mention the often overlooked reptiles, amphibians, and insects – their unique adaptation to the desert make them fascinating to observe. For example, the Namib darkling beetle, which adapted to absorb moisture from fog and the endemic desert rain frog that clings to a handful of damp environments.
Discover our top Namibia safaris and venture from its undulating dunes and petrified trees to the rumbling ocean and deserted towns preserved by sand. Its vast and varied environments ensure there are more places to visit in Namibia than just the desert. During your time in the Namib Desert, be sure to seek out cultural interactions with the local semi-nomadic Himba tribes who call the desert home and learn more about their traditions. Here are a few of our top recommendations on things to do in the Namib Desert:
1. Unparalleled Landscapes
The Namib Desert embodies effortless elegance in sweeping sand dunes, rugged desert, and even crashing ocean. Its most iconic draw cards are the famous dunes at Sossusvlei and the petrified trees of Deadvlei. Its other standout features range from seasonally dry river valleys and fractured salt pans to baking gravel plains and isolated mountain islands. Arguably its most striking feature is where the Namib Desert meets the ocean along the hauntingly beautiful Skeleton Coast. Explore this unique coastline and discover shipwrecks, skeletal remains of mammals and sealife, and even parts of planes that once flew across.
Highlights from Namib Desert Landscapes:
- Watch as waves crash upon the desert shoreline
- Climb the famous Dune 45 and Big Daddy
- Admire the petrified trees in Deadvlei
- Walk along dry riverbeds and salt pans
2. Exceptional & Unique Wildlife Sightings
While wonderfully scenic, the Namib-Naukluft National Park is also home to plethora of interesting animals and a Namib Desert safari can be surprisingly rewarding. As far as animals in the Namib Desert go, several antelope species – kudu, gemsbok and springbok – can be found in the more vegetated river valleys, and keen eyes may even spot a caracal. Other animals to look out for in the Namib-Naukluft include the endemic Hartmann's mountain zebra, oryx, black-backed jackal, both spotted and brown hyena, and a number of smaller nocturnal mammals, including bat-eared foxed. Keep an eye out for meerkats and towering giraffes as well as fascinating reptiles and amphibians like the Namaqua chameleon. Alongside wildlife is a healthy population of birds with species such as raptors, black eagles, and lanner falcons commanding the skies while others provide a natural symphony for travellers.
Highlights of Namib Desert Wildlife:
- Observe a host of interesting insects, reptiles, and amphibians
- Tick off several fantastic mammal species sightings
- Keep an eye out for the area's endemic species
- Try your luck at spotting more elusive species such as the caracal
- Learn more about how local animals have adapted to the dry landscape
3. Luxury Lodges & Hotels
Namib Desert safari accommodation, especially in the vicinity of Sossusvlei, is plentiful and most lodges offer sumptuous living quarters, delicious cuisine, and expert guides. These guides will open up the secrets of the Namib Desert to you, bringing the world's oldest desert alive on game drives and interpretative walks. For those seeking something different, there are also more traditional tented camps and lodges or sprawling accommodations suited to families, groups, and multi-generational travel. There are also several premium options perfect for honeymooners, romantic travel, or those who desire an exceptional experience.
Highlights of Namib Desert Accommodation:
- A good selection of accommodation options geared to various traveller types
- Premium and more budget-friendly options
- Fantastic guides who are well versed in their surroundings
4. An Amazing Adventure Capital
It's no surprise that the Namib Desert is considered the ‘adventure capital' thanks to a wide array of exciting activities. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or simply an adventure enthusiast, there's an activity for everyone – from sky-diving and sandboarding to quad biking, horse riding, and even camel rides. There are also wonderfully scenic flights offering the opportunity to see Namibia's striking landscapes from an entirely new perspective. Not to mention a safari staple, game drives through the Namib-Naukluft National Park or even guided nature walks.
Highlights of Namib Desert Activities & Adventures:
- Game drives & guided nature walks on the safari side
- Adrenaline-inducing activities such as sky-diving and quad biking
- Enjoy sandboarding opportunities down towering dunes
- Venture through the desert on horseback or via camel
5. A Star Gazing Paradise
One of the most incredible opportunities during Namib Desert tours is star gazing. While many places have little light pollution, making the stars visible, the NamibRand Nature Reserve is recognised internationally as a Dark Sky Reserve. Not only was it the first one in Africa but it is the second to be awarded Gold Tier status due to its exceptionally dark skies. During a visit here, dress warmly for the cool night air and spend time admiring the vibrant velvet blanket above dotted with bright stars, constellations, and even the Milky Way, which is said to be so bright it casts shadows on the ground.
Highlights of Star Gazing on a Namib Desert Safari:
- Experience Gold Tier status skies leading to exceptional stargazing
- Little light pollution in the Namib Desert means more visible stars
- Enjoy one of the top International Dark Sky Reserves
- Spot constellations, standalone stars, and even the Milky Way
Namib Desert Accommodation
Accommodation in the Namib Naukluft ranges from luxury lodges to tented camps, and there is plenty else to suit all tastes, budgets and trip types.
View our recommended Namib Naukluft accommodation below or click through to our Sossusvlei holiday accommodation for a full list of accommodation in the Namib Naukluft region including Sossusvlei.
Start planning your Namib Desert Holiday
Ready to explore the Namib Desert or perhaps combine destinations? Our team of Africa Safari Experts are on hand to help you plan a bespoke itinerary with you in mind.
What travellers most enjoyed about Namib Desert
Scenery
Walking safaris
Wildlife and safari
Where to go
- The baseA lodge at Sesriem or on the coast. You need to leave in the dark for a sunrise in the dunes.
- The pairingSossusvlei for the big dunes, Swakopmund for a town night, and the Skeleton Coast if the trip is long enough.
When to go
When to go
April to September is clear and cold at dawn. Summer inland is seriously hot. Start dune walks at first light.
Travel advice
Before you travel
The dune belt is not the malaria risk that Etosha is. Ask a clinic if the same trip includes the north.
Namib Desert Tours & Safaris
If you’re looking for a tour or holiday in the Namib Naukluft National Park, look no further than our selection of luxury desert getaways, desert & delta combinations and fly-in safaris. Namib Naukluft tours and safaris embrace a part of Namibia that is world-renowned for its staggering scenery and always includes the famous Sossusvlei dunes, set at the heart of the park.
Recommended Namib Desert Tours & Safari Holidays
From KSh778,920 to KSh864,600 pps
Highlights
Experience Namibia at your own pace. Explore the dunes of Sossusvlei.
Destinations visited
From KSh1,557,190 pps
Highlights
Thrilling wildlife encounters. Desert-adapted wildlife.
Destinations visited
From KSh1,556,540 to KSh2,030,385 pps
Highlights
Experience the excitement of Victoria Falls. Drift along the Okavango in a mokoro.
Destinations visited
From KSh483,580 to KSh636,765 pps
Highlights
Self-drive Namibia at your own pace. Marvel at millions of stars in Damaraland.
Destinations visited
From KSh865,900 to KSh927,565 pps
Highlights
Go on a big game safari in Etosha Park. Climb the world's highest sand dunes.
Destinations visited
From KSh445,930 to KSh484,880 pps
Highlights
Family-friendly accommodation. Visit the salt pans & game in Etosha.
Destinations visited
Enquire for pricing
Highlights
Take in Namibia's mesmerising scenery from the air. Visit the iconic sand dunes at Sossusvlei.
Destinations visited
From KSh3,107,240 pps
Highlights
Visit a traditional Himba village. See the ‘fairy circles' of Marianfluss.
Destinations visited
From KSh1,552,000 to KSh2,508,770 pps
Highlights
Stay at luxuriously stylish and comfortable safari accommodations in private conservancies. Visit some of Namibia's most popular destinations, like Sossusvlei.
Destinations visited
Enquire for pricing
Highlights
Great mix of wildlife and stunning scenery. Classic big game viewing – elephant, rhino, big cats.
Destinations visited
From KSh2,149,170 to KSh2,795,025 pps
Highlights
Enjoy the timeless elegance on Rovos Rail. Watch the changing Southern African landscape.
Destinations visited
Enquire for pricing
Highlights
Guided road safari through mind-blowing landscapes. Magnificent photographic opportunities.
Destinations visited
From KSh1,213,170 to KSh1,872,655 pps
Highlights
Hike sand dunes in Sossusvlei. See some of the most important rock art in Africa.
Destinations visited
-
From KSh778,920 to KSh864,600 pps
Click to save to your wishlistNamibia Sossusvlei, Damaraland & Etosha Self-Drive
15 daysHighlights
Experience Namibia at your own pace. Explore the dunes of Sossusvlei.
Destinations visited
Damaraland Etosha Namibia Sossusvlei Swakopmund
From KSh778,920 to KSh864,600 pps
Highlights
Experience Namibia at your own pace. Explore the dunes of Sossusvlei.
Destinations visited
-
From KSh1,557,190 pps
Click to save to your wishlistNamibia's Etosha, Damaraland & Sossusvlei Fly-In
10 daysHighlights
Thrilling wildlife encounters. Desert-adapted wildlife.
Destinations visited
Damaraland Etosha Namibia Sossusvlei
From KSh1,557,190 pps
Highlights
Thrilling wildlife encounters. Desert-adapted wildlife.
Destinations visited
-
From KSh1,556,540 to KSh2,030,385 pps
Click to save to your wishlistBotswana, Zimbabwe & Namibia
17 days This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to an Ecosystem initiativeHighlights
Experience the excitement of Victoria Falls. Drift along the Okavango in a mokoro.
Destinations visited
Botswana Damaraland Etosha Namibia Okavango Delta
From KSh1,556,540 to KSh2,030,385 pps
Highlights
Experience the excitement of Victoria Falls. Drift along the Okavango in a mokoro.
Destinations visited
-
From KSh483,580 to KSh636,765 pps
Click to save to your wishlistNamibia Family Self-Drive
10 daysHighlights
Self-drive Namibia at your own pace. Marvel at millions of stars in Damaraland.
Destinations visited
Damaraland Etosha Namibia Sossusvlei Swakopmund
From KSh483,580 to KSh636,765 pps
Highlights
Self-drive Namibia at your own pace. Marvel at millions of stars in Damaraland.
Destinations visited
-
From KSh865,900 to KSh927,565 pps
Click to save to your wishlistNamibia's Road Trip & Fly-In Sossusvlei
12 daysHighlights
Go on a big game safari in Etosha Park. Climb the world's highest sand dunes.
Destinations visited
Damaraland Etosha Namibia Swakopmund
From KSh865,900 to KSh927,565 pps
Highlights
Go on a big game safari in Etosha Park. Climb the world's highest sand dunes.
Destinations visited
-
From KSh445,930 to KSh484,880 pps
Click to save to your wishlistNamibia, Etosha and Damaraland Self Drive
11 daysHighlights
Family-friendly accommodation. Visit the salt pans & game in Etosha.
Destinations visited
Damaraland Etosha Namibia Swakopmund Windhoek
From KSh445,930 to KSh484,880 pps
Highlights
Family-friendly accommodation. Visit the salt pans & game in Etosha.
Destinations visited
-
Enquire for pricing
Click to save to your wishlistNamibia's Desert Flying Safari
7 days This safari is a Hidden GemHighlights
Take in Namibia's mesmerising scenery from the air. Visit the iconic sand dunes at Sossusvlei.
Destinations visited
Namib Desert Namibia Skeleton Coast
Enquire for pricing
Highlights
Take in Namibia's mesmerising scenery from the air. Visit the iconic sand dunes at Sossusvlei.
Destinations visited
-
From KSh3,107,240 pps
Click to save to your wishlistNamibia Wildlife, Himbas & Dunes
10 daysHighlights
Visit a traditional Himba village. See the ‘fairy circles' of Marianfluss.
Destinations visited
Damaraland Etosha Namibia Sossusvlei Windhoek
From KSh3,107,240 pps
Highlights
Visit a traditional Himba village. See the ‘fairy circles' of Marianfluss.
Destinations visited
-
From KSh1,552,000 to KSh2,508,770 pps
Click to save to your wishlistNamibia Desert & Community Safari
10 days This safari is a Trip With A PurposeHighlights
Stay at luxuriously stylish and comfortable safari accommodations in private conservancies. Visit some of Namibia's most popular destinations, like Sossusvlei.
Destinations visited
Damaraland Kaokoveld Namibia Sossusvlei
From KSh1,552,000 to KSh2,508,770 pps
Highlights
Stay at luxuriously stylish and comfortable safari accommodations in private conservancies. Visit some of Namibia's most popular destinations, like Sossusvlei.
Destinations visited
-
Enquire for pricing
Click to save to your wishlistJourney Through Northern Namibia
7 daysHighlights
Great mix of wildlife and stunning scenery. Classic big game viewing – elephant, rhino, big cats.
Destinations visited
Etosha Kaokoveld Namibia Skeleton Coast
Enquire for pricing
Highlights
Great mix of wildlife and stunning scenery. Classic big game viewing – elephant, rhino, big cats.
Destinations visited
-
From KSh2,149,170 to KSh2,795,025 pps
Click to save to your wishlistLuxury South African & Namibia Rail Journey
12 daysHighlights
Enjoy the timeless elegance on Rovos Rail. Watch the changing Southern African landscape.
Destinations visited
Etosha Fish River Canyon Namibia Sossusvlei South Africa
From KSh2,149,170 to KSh2,795,025 pps
Highlights
Enjoy the timeless elegance on Rovos Rail. Watch the changing Southern African landscape.
Destinations visited
-
Enquire for pricing
Click to save to your wishlistGuided Namibia 4x4 Safari
9 daysHighlights
Guided road safari through mind-blowing landscapes. Magnificent photographic opportunities.
Destinations visited
Damaraland Etosha Namibia Sossusvlei Swakopmund
Enquire for pricing
Highlights
Guided road safari through mind-blowing landscapes. Magnificent photographic opportunities.
Destinations visited
-
From KSh1,213,170 to KSh1,872,655 pps
Click to save to your wishlistNamibia's Sossusvlei, Damaraland & Kunene Fly-In
7 daysHighlights
Hike sand dunes in Sossusvlei. See some of the most important rock art in Africa.
Destinations visited
Damaraland Namibia Sossusvlei
From KSh1,213,170 to KSh1,872,655 pps
Highlights
Hike sand dunes in Sossusvlei. See some of the most important rock art in Africa.
Destinations visited
-
Popular tours and safaris in Namib Desert
Priced itineraries that pass through this place. Nights can still change when the quote is drawn up. Nothing is paid until you accept it.
Ask for the rate
Namibia's Desert Flying Safari
7 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Namib Desert | Namibia | Skeleton Coast
Ask for the rate
Journey Through Northern Namibia
7 daysHighlights
A rhino outing where this itinerary includes one. Morning and afternoon game drives.
Destinations visited
Etosha | Kaokoveld | Namibia | Skeleton Coast
From KSh1,213,355 to KSh1,872,942 pps
Namibia's Sossusvlei, Damaraland & Kunene Fly-In
7 daysHighlights
Time on foot with a guide.
Destinations visited
Damaraland | Namibia | Sossusvlei
Ask for the rate
Guided Namibia 4x4 Safari
9 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Damaraland | Etosha | Namibia | Sossusvlei | Swakopmund
From KSh1,552,237 to KSh2,509,158 pps
Namibia Desert & Community Safari
10 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Damaraland | Kaokoveld | Namibia | Sossusvlei
From KSh3,107,720 pps
Namibia Wildlife, Himbas & Dunes
10 daysHighlights
A visit with a local community.
Destinations visited
Damaraland | Etosha | Namibia | Sossusvlei | Windhoek
From KSh1,557,431 pps
Namibia's Etosha, Damaraland & Sossusvlei Fly-In
10 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Damaraland | Etosha | Namibia | Sossusvlei
From KSh483,654 to KSh636,865 pps
Namibia Family Self-Drive
10 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Damaraland | Etosha | Namibia | Sossusvlei | Swakopmund
Accommodation
Namib Desert stays
5 stays. The rate is per person sharing.
- Sossusvlei, Namibia
From KSh1,213,355 to KSh1,552,237 pps
Little Kulala Lodge
Sossusvlei, NamibiaActivities travellers enjoyed
Game drives | Specialist guides | Cultural visits | Star gazing | Bird watching | Picnics
From KSh1,557,431 to KSh3,107,720 pps
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Sossusvlei, NamibiaActivities travellers enjoyed
Guided walking safaris | Hiking | Hot air ballooning | Night drives | Game drives | Specialist guides
From KSh779,040 to KSh2,149,501 pps
Sossusvlei Lodge
Sossusvlei, NamibiaActivities travellers enjoyed
Night drives | Game drives | Guided walking safaris | Star gazing | Bush dining | Bird watching
From KSh1,557,431 pps
Wolwedans Desert Lodge
Namib Desert, NamibiaActivities travellers enjoyed
Night drives | Game drives | Specialist guides | Historical tours | Star gazing | Bird watching
Costs
A desert lodge is usually below a northern Botswana camp. A scenic flight over the dunes is extra.
International flights, visas, and tips sit outside the sample price. Nothing is paid until you accept the quote.