The Namib Desert, greatly considered one of the best places in the world to have a desert tour, has been shifted and changed by the wind for the last 55 million years and from the apricot dunes of Sossusvlei to the eerie salt pans of the Namib-Naukluft, this is a land that both humbles and inspires all of those who walk it.
If your idea of paradise involves sand, sunscreen and wide open spaces with no sign or sight of another human for kilometres around, a desert tour or a dune holiday is just what you need.
Namibia doesn’t do ordinary. In the desert, you can stay in exclusive and luxury lodges, drift over the sands in a hot air balloon, and enjoy the most surreal sunsets.
And whether you’re here to conquer the world’s highest dunes on foot or simply to let the desert’s silence reset and restore your soul, one thing’s certain, a desert tour and dune holiday is unlike any trip you’ll ever have.
What is Special About the Namib Desert?
The Namib Desert isn’t just any desert; it’s one of the most hauntingly beautiful places on Earth.
Known for its endless rusty red dunes, its dramatic landscapes, and for having an otherworldly silence, the Namib is a visual feast at every turn; one of nature’s most incredible works of art.
One of the highlights of the desert and something that makes it so special is Sossusvlei, home to the famous Dune 45 and the eerie Deadvlei, where ancient camel thorn trees stand out against a cracked white clay pan. This desert is also the only one in the world that meets the ocean, where you will find the Skeleton Coast, a mysterious place of fogs and shipwrecks, a truly unique destination.
And let’s not forget the wildlife.
Despite its intensely hot and dry conditions, the Namib is a natural habitat for oryx, desert-adapted lions and the tiny but remarkable Namib sand gecko, which can be spotted scuttling across the dunes.
What are the Best Activities to do in the Namib Desert?
Although it is a desolate and rather empty, almost completely townless ocean of ancient sands, there is actually plenty that you can do in the Namib, especially if you are a bit of an adrenaline junky.
- Dune Hiking and Sandboarding
Feeling adventurous? The massive dunes of Sossusvlei are just the place to challenge yourself with a climb. Dune 45 and Big Daddy are the most famous dunes to hike up and the views from above are well worth the huffing and puffing.
And for those looking for an exhilarating rush, you can go sandboarding down the slopes.
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Drifting silently above the golden dunes as the morning sun illuminates the landscape is the stuff holiday dreams and memories are made of.
A hot air balloon ride will give you a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the Namib, and such an experience is generally followed by a champagne breakfast in the desert.
- Quad Biking in the Desert
If hiking is not your thing you can visit the dunes on a quad bike. This particular activity is available in Swakopmund and feeling the cool desert air against your skin as you move through the sands is quite the experience.
- Stargazing in the Namib-Naukluft Park
With almost zero light pollution, the Namib is one of the best places on Earth for stargazing. And it requires absolutely no effort to do, simply lay back on the cool sand, and watch the Milky Way as it stretches across the night sky.
- Exploring the Skeleton Coast
Where the desert meets the sea, you’ll find the Skeleton Coast, a land of shipwrecks, rolling fog, and wild Atlantic waves. The region’s dramatic scenery and the ghostly remnants of stranded ships make it a fascinating stop.
What is the Difference Between the Sahara Desert and the Namib Desert?
At first glance, the Sahara and Namib may seem similar; both are huge, dry, and simply awe-inspiring. However, these two deserts are worlds apart (literally and in other ways too). While the Sahara may be more famous, the Namib is unquestionably the more intriguing of the two, and when you compare them to one another, you’ll see why:
- Age – The Sahara is relatively young at 2 to 7 million years old. The Namib on the other hand is a staggering 55 million years old, making it the world’s oldest desert!
- Climate – The Sahara is scorching hot with precious little water anywhere in or around it, while the Namib is greatly influenced by the Atlantic, giving it cooler temperatures, morning fog, and the ideal habitat for unique desert-adapted flora and fauna.
- Dunes – The Namib’s dunes are some of the tallest in the world, reaching well over 300 metres, making it just the place for sandboarding and hiking enthusiasts.
- Wildlife – The Sahara has sparse wildlife, whereas the Namib has fascinating creatures like desert elephants and brown hyenas. The Namibia is also home to the Welwitschia plant, which can live for over 1 500 years.
What is the Best Time to Visit the Namib Desert?
Namibia’s desert is a year-round dune holiday destination, but the experience you have varies depending on the season you plan to visit.
- April to October (The Cooler Months) – This is the best time to visit! The temperatures are mild, and wildlife is more active.
- November to March (The Hotter Months): At this time of the year, the desert heats up, and there are occasional afternoon thunderstorms (especially in the Kalahari) that bring dramatic landscapes to life.
Safety Tips and Packing Essentials for a Desert Tour
A desert tour is nothing like your average African holiday. You will be visiting a destination that is characterised by its harsh and unpredictable environment, and so when planning your trip, especially if you are planning a self-drive desert tour, these are the tips you need:
Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
- Stay hydrated by carrying more water than you think you’ll need.
- Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the intense sun.
- Follow the guidance of expert guides if you intend to hike the dunes or explore one of the more remote areas.
Packing Essentials to Add to your Luggage
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for the day and warm layers for chilly nights.
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes for walking on sand and rocky terrain.
- Bring a high-quality camera, because you’ll want to capture every moment.
Where is the Oldest Desert in the World?
If you guessed Namibia, you’re absolutely right! The Namib Desert holds the title of the world’s oldest desert, dating back at least 55 million years. Unlike other deserts, which have undergone major climatic shifts, the Namib has remained in a dry state for an astonishing amount of time.
This means that the landscapes, dunes, and ecosystems you see today have evolved over millions of years, creating an environment that is as ancient as it is fascinating.
Was Mad Max Filmed in Namibia?
If you’ve been browsing Namib Desert tour packages and thought the images of the desert look slightly familiar, that is because, if you’ve watched Mad Max: Fury Road, you’ve already had a glimpse of Namibia’s desert.
The country’s dramatic dunes cracked salt pans, and intense terrain made it the perfect setting for the film’s high-octane post-apocalyptic action sequences.
Filming took place in Swakopmund and the Namib-Naukluft Park, where the light and surreal backdrops created scenes so visually stunning that they looked almost unreal. Today, many visitors want to see these filming locations and re-trace the tyre tracks of the War Rig through the Namib sands.
Why is the Namib Desert So Dry?
The Namib’s extreme dryness is largely due to the Benguela Current, a cold ocean current that runs along Namibia’s coastline. This current prevents warm, moist air from rising, resulting in minimal rainfall inland.
However, the Namib does get a little bit of moisture from thick mist. This mist rolls in from the Atlantic, providing moisture for the desert’s flora and fauna. Some animals, like the fog-basking beetle, have even adapted to collect water from the morning mist.
Despite receiving as little as 5mm of rain per year, the Namib remains home to an impressive array of life, proving that even the harshest landscapes can be full of surprises.
Do Humans Live in the Namib Desert?
While the Namib may seem uninhabitable, it has been home to indigenous people for thousands of years.
The San (Bushmen), one of the oldest cultures on Earth, have lived here for millennia, and become masters of survival in this extreme environment.
Other groups, such as the Himba and Topnaar, have also made the desert their home, relying on livestock and natural resources to sustain their unique way of life.
A Glance of the Kalahari Desert
While the Namib steals the spotlight, it is not the only desert in Namibia. The Kalahari Desert, which extends into Namibia’s eastern region, is equally fascinating and unlike the Namib, the Kalahari is a semi-desert, meaning it receives a little bit more rainfall and supports a wider range of vegetation.
This makes the Kalahari an excellent place for spotting wildlife, including the famous black-maned Kalahari lions. The Kalahari is also home to the San people, who have lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years, using their traditional hunting and foraging techniques that continue to fascinate modern travellers.
Your Namibian Desert Adventure Starts Here
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