Sossusvlei Tour
3 Days- Deadvlei and Sesriem Canyon
You’ll be picked up by our guide at 8h30 and depart from Windhoek heading south towards Rehoboth, the traditional home of the Baster people. The Basters emigrated north from Cape Town and settled in this fertile area in the 1870’s. Their name derives from the word “bastard” and refers to their “mixed blood” (European and Khoikhoi – far from being insulted by such reference the Baster people are very proud of their heritage.)
We continue in a southerly direction along stretches of grass plains interspersed with huge mountain ranges into the area, where your lodge is situated. At your lodge you can spend the rest of the day at leisure, or can take part in optional activities offered.
Day 2 – Sossusvlei – Breakfast
Today you will undertake a full day excursion to Sossusvlei – one of the most beautiful areas in Namibia.
Sossusvlei – meaning “the gathering place of the water” – is a striking white pan surrounded by Camelthorn trees and the towering orange dunes of the Namib. Here the water of the Tsauchab River is blocked from reaching the ocean by a formidable wall of Dunes, stretching sixty kilometres to the sea. Occasionally the floodwaters of the river reach Sossusvlei and gather to form a small, shallow lake in the middle of the dunes. Although difficult climbing, the view from the top of one of the highest dunes in the world is well worth the effort, besides which it’s great fun for sliding, jumping, rolling or “swimming” back down the dunes.
Day 3 – Departure – Breakfast
After breakfast this morning you will check out and pay your bills at the lodge. We will depart from Sossusvlei and travel back to Windhoek, where our guide will drop you off at your accommodation establishment.
Select one, preferred type of accommodation or we can design tailor-made, mixed-accommodation tour:
- two/three-star lodges
- luxury lodges and hotels
- camping/tented
Double rooms with an option of a single supplement. Air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. Camping tour: tented accommodation in 2-persons tents.
Included in the tour’s price:
Transportation/fuel, accommodation (or tents/camping equipment), meals as per itinerary, national park entrance fee, tour guide for the entire tour, transfer ‚to and from’ the airport, pick-up in Windhoek and guests’ transfer to the lodge/hotel after the tour.
Not included in the tour’s price:
Scheduled flights (bus tickets) ‚to and from’ Namibia, individually extended accommodation or additional transfers, sleeping bags on camping tours, compulsory insurance, water and drinks, alcoholic beverages, optional activities/attractions, snacks, gratuities and tips, trip extensions, personal shopping, visa to Namibia.
Winter (May to September) Temperatures in the interior range from 18˚C to 25˚C during the day. Below freezing temperatures and ground frosts are common at night.
Summer (October to April) Average interior temperatures range from 20˚C to 34˚C during the day .Temperatures above 40˚C is often recorded in the extreme north and south of the country.
The coast influenced by the cold Benguela current, boasts a relatively stable range of 15˚C to 25˚C. Heavy fog is fairly common at night.
Humidity is generally very low in most parts of Namibia, but it can reach as high as 80% in the extreme north during summer.
The rainy season is from October to April. Average annual rainfall varies from less than 50mm along the coast to 350 mm in the central interior and 700 mm in the Caprivi. The sporadic rains do not affect road travel significantly, however, tourists should exercise caution when crossing or camping in riverbeds during the rainy season, as flash floods are common.
Visitors should pack both warm and cold weather clothing for any visit to Namibia. Windhoek boasts a number of excellent safari outfitters and tourists are advised to shop for clothing upon arrival. Hats, sunglasses, lip balm, moisturizer and sunblock are essential when visiting Namibia.
Drinking Water
Tap water is safe and palatable in Namibia, unless specifically stated at particular location. Tourists travelling by road are advised to carry sufficient water at all times. Mineral water and ice are readily available at most service stations and shops.
Credit cards
We accept major credit cards such as Credit/Debit Card: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services, which may be available. Please note, service stations do not accept credit for petrol. Plan accordingly.
Currency
The Namibia Dollar (N$) and the South African Rand are the only legal tender in Namibia. The two currencies are on par. Foreign currency, travellers and personal cheques can be converted to the Namibian Dollar at any bank or Bureau de Change.
Duty Free Import
Visitors may import duty free 400 Cigarettes or 50 Cigars or 250g Pipe Tobacco, 2 litres Wine, 1 litre Spirit or other alcoholic beverages, 50 ml Perfume, 250 ml Toiletry Water.
Electrical Appliances
All run on 220/240 volts. Outlets are of the round 3 pin, 15 amp type.
Firearms
Handguns are not permitted in Namibia. Only properly licensed hunting rifles with valid permits for Namibia are permitted. Licenses and permits should be applied for well in advance, as attempting to do so at the border is a lengthy process. Hunting rifles are not permitted in Botswana, and have to be carried sealed if in transit to Namibia. All arms and ammunition should be declared even if in possession of a valid South African permit.
Health
Medical services in Namibia are of a very high standard. However, the availability of most services is restricted to the main towns. Emergencies and accidents occurring in remote areas do attract a high cost when transport to the main towns is required. Host establishments should be able to organize these services when requested.
The north of Namibia, including Etosha National Park, is a malaria-endemic area. Travellers are advised to have the necessary medication/prophylaxis and also carry insect repellents and sprays. Please consult a local doctor or pharmacist on the correct prophylactics for the specific area of entry. Blood in Namibia is donated by selected, unpaid volunteer. The Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia screens all blood products for transmissible diseases including hepatitis and AIDS. An insurance service for tourists is available from rescue companies providing one to three months coverage for emergency transport.
Language
The official language is English. All documents, notices and signs are in this language. Afrikaans and German are both widely used.
Personal Safety
Tourists in any country are a preferred target. Be on the alert for handbag snatchers and pickpockets. Exercise caution by keeping your vehicle locked, never leaving valuable/bags visible in the vehicle, using registered “car guards” when parking in towns. Leave cameras, electronic equipment, tickets passports and excess cash in the safe at your hotel when out sightseeing.
It is fairly safe, especially in a group, to walk in the city centre at night. Avoid unlit areas. Ensure that valuables and personal effects are adequately insured.
Public Transport
For transfers between Hosea Kutako (Windhoek) International Airport and the city, you can book with a shuttle operator; alternatively use one of the airport registered taxis. A number of companies operate bus services between main towns in Namibia and destinations in South Africa and Victoria Falls. They include Intercape Mainliner, Ekonolux, Town Hoppers and Baileys Transport.
Travel by train is possible up to Walvisbay in the west. Ondangwa in the north, Karasburg in the south and Gobabis in the east.
Time
Standard from the first Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April, Namibia reverts to GMT/UTC +2. The Caprivi Region stays on the same time as Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Namibian border posts with Botswana and South Africa adjust their operating hours to their neighbours’ time i.e. GMT/UTC +2. Daylight Saving: GMT/UTC +1 during winter starts from the first Sunday in April, and ends on the first Sunday in September.
VAT
All goods and services are priced to include VAT. Visitors may claim back VAT for goods purchased in Namibia at the Customs and Excise offices. Department of inland Revenue, in Windhoek. Further details can be obtained from the Ministry of Finance Information Centre by calling (02641) 2092642 or (026461) 2092644.
VISA Requirements
All visitors require a passport for entry into Namibia, which must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay in the county, and have sufficient pages for entry and exit stamps. All visitors must also have a valid return ticket.
Validity:
Visas are valid up to three months from the date of issue for stays of up to three months from date of entry. Extensions for a further three months are available from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek.
Applications
Consulate (or Consular section at High Commission); see Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Application Requirements:
(a) Valid passport
(b) Completed application form
(c) Two passport-size photos
(d) Return or onward ticket or proof of accommodation
(e) Fee
Private: (a)-(e) and, (f) Letter of invitation from Namibian resident.
Business: (a)-(e) and, (f) Company letter (g) Letter from sponsoring company in Namibia
Temporary Residence Permit:
Apply to the High Commission or Embassy; see Namibian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
* Please note that a minimum of three working days are required for processing applications