The Living Namib Desert
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Port
Walvis Bay, Namibia
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,14,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$779
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
This tour focuses on the small living creatures found in the sand dunes of the Namib Desert.
Leave the ship and travel along the dune belt between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. The drive along the foot of the dunes is slow, as your driver is careful not to drive on the gravel plains and cause unnecessary damage. Conservation issues and the desert's geological structure are discussed en route.
Your expert guide will stop frequently, and you'll search for and find desert creatures. Among these is the sidewinder adder, the palmetto gecko, the sand-diving lizard, the namaqua chameleon and various tiny beetles that survive and thrive in the hot desert conditions. You'll look for tracks (known locally as "reading the bushman paper") to determine which creatures were active the night before and, wherever possible, your guide will try to catch some of them. (S)he shares his/her knowledge about each little animal, including adaptations and design for survival in the desert. After you've had a look, great care is taken to ensure each animal is returned safely to its home, none the worse for wear.
Enjoy the spectacular scenery, the feel of the silky sand beneath your feet, and the fantastic photographic opportunities this outing offers.
Return to the ship via the scenic coastal road.
Notes:
Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. It is generally extremely hot and dry in the desert. Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and biodegradable sunscreen. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Ride will be bumpy; guests who are pregnant and those with a back or neck condition are not allowed to participate. Waiver must be signed and medical conditions disclosed. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. Namibia is a developing country and, although visiting here is a rewarding experience, it differs markedly from South Africa in all respects. Although basic, transportation is maintained, but the quality can vary considerably. Driving through the desert and dusty roads of Namibia means that vehicles need regular servicing, which can affect the availability. Coaches are very limited and of a much lower standard than in South Africa; soft refurbishments do not occur regularly. The vehicles are specially built for durability, and the step-up height is higher than that of a standard coach. Limited tourism infrastructure is part of the charm here; you are trading breadth of guide experience for authentic interaction. Please bring your spirit of adventure and bear with any language difficulties or operational surprises that may crop up. Road conditions are weather-dependent. Many roads are paved, but potholes are ever-present. There are also several bumpy dirt roads, which will be navigated carefully. Traffic can be unpredictable; your patience is greatly appreciated if a delay extends the tour duration. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel the tour due to changes in weather, road or access conditions.