Hike, Safari and Stargaze in Namibia
A staggering stomp through sand dunes, deserts, salt pans and national parks jam-packed with Africa's greatest wildlife
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guides and wildlife rangersCamping & Lodge
2 nights in lodges, 7 nights campingMeals
All your breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinnersTransfers
Group airport transfers and everything in between, plus a truck to carry all your overnight kitEquipment & Permits
Tents and sleeping mats for the desert camping; all permits and entry feesSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Spot quintessential African wildlife as you kick back for the evening beside a waterhole, and go on game drives in Etosha National Park
Tackle otherworldly hikes through technicolour desertscapes amidst the enormous sand dunes of the Namib Desert
Road trip through the desert, camp out beneath the stars and tuck into braai cooked over the fire
Want to explore more of southern Africa? Our Desert to Delta Journey takes you through Namibia and across Botswana
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Namibia!
Head to your hotel in Windhoek and if you’ve got time and energy, explore the surrounding area. If you'd rather relax, then the hotel has its own pool – so just kick back and enjoy! Join your group and guide later for dinner and a chance to sample some delicious Namibian cuisine as you get to know your fellow adventurers.
Day 2
Windhoek to Naukluft
Driving
Hiking
Hop into a desert truck heading for the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Get your first glimpses of Namibia's famous expanses of desert landscapes as you head for the southwest part of Naukluft in the granite hills. Arriving after lunch, settle into your desert camp before heading out for a warm-up hike to get the legs moving. Enjoy a campfire dinner and some desert stargazing tonight - your first of many!
Day 3
Hiking on the Olive Trail
Hiking
Tackle a spectacular day hike today on the Olive Trail, meandering through a diverse range of landscapes and habitats, from riverbank to canyon, plateau to rocky ridge. Hike alongside the Naukluft River, past a series of pools that make for a quick dip (depending on the season). The trail climbs steeply to a 1910m ridge, the highest point on the hike, giving you incredible desert views. More small pools and an impressive waterfall dot the path to the finish line. There is an 8-10 metre fixed-chain section to traverse on this hike, your guide will show you the way, navigating large boulders on your descent into the valley. Finish up an epic day with a drive through stunning mountain scenery to your next camp at Sesriem, surrounded by enormous red sand dunes.
Day 4
Sossusvlei
Hiking
An early start today – hop in the desert truck for a pre-dawn ride to the Sossusvlei area of the national park. Clamber up the iconic Dune 45, reaching a ridge looking over the desert valley where you can stop to watch the sunrise, creating an otherworldly spectacle of colours and shadows with views along the Tsauchab River Canyon. Tuck into breakfast and coffee at the foot of these incredible dunes before hiking through the acacia trees and ever-shifting scenes of Hiddenvlei and Deadvlei. After lunch, take a short drive to your next desert camp and take a sunset stroll on the edge of the Namib dunes.
If you don't fancy walking, there is an option to get a 4x4 to transfer out and back to Deadvlei. This costs 200 Namibian Dollars per person (around £9) and is payable locally.
Day 5
Namib Desert road trip to Swakopmund
Driving
Road trip time today through the Namib Desert - regarded by many scientists as the oldest in the world - towards the coastal city of Swakopmund. You'll have various stops en route while keeping eyes peeled for ostrich, springbok or gemsbok. Enjoy lunch and a cool Atlantic breeze while watching flamingos at Walvis Bay Lagoon before the final drive up the coast to Swakopmund, the adventure capital of Namibia. Arriving in the afternoon you can explore town and grab a cold beer overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Alternatively, treat yourself to an optional desert flight over the dunes.
Day 6
Hike the Spitzkoppe Mountains
Hiking
Driving
Enjoy a relaxed start to the day in Swakopmund before heading inland to the imposing Spitzkoppe mountains. Set off hiking beneath the massive pyramid-shaped granite boulders which reach 1650m. Pass by iconic stone arches to a viewpoint for an amazing panorama of the area. If there's time today, you'll also visit some of the bushman rock paintings dotted around the lunar landscape which are believed to date back over 2000 years. Spitzkoppe is a truly spectacular spot for sunset and another night camping beneath the star-studded sky.
Day 7
Get a first taste of Etosha
Hiking
Driving
Breakfast and coffee at the desert camp before another short hike around Grosse Spitzkoppe, one of the highest peaks in the range at 1700m. If you didn't visit the bushman rock paintings yesterday, then today will be your chance. You'll then hop in the truck for the drive to Etosha National Park, arriving late afternoon. Waste no time in Etosha as you spend the evening viewing various wildlife at a waterhole with the chance to see elephants, zebras, wildebeest and even lions, cheetahs and leopards.
Day 8
Time for a classic African safari
Wildlife Watching
Rest your legs today – the hiking takes a backseat while you settle into your overlanding truck for a classic day of safari game drives throughout Etosha National Park. You'll be taken to various spots by your trained wildlife guide to give you the best chances of seeing Namibia's most famous wild residents. Dinner is at the safari camp in Etosha this evening.
The option to go on a game drive in an open 4x4 Jeep with a park ranger is also available for those wanting to explore the area further. For more information, please see our FAQs below.
Day 9
Etosha and the Waterberg Plateau
Hiking
Enjoy your morning in Etosha, before heading further south to Waterberg National Park, a prominent red sandstone massif rising 300m above the Kalahari plains with spectacular views. Due to its inaccessibility, the plateau was declared a nature reserve in 1972 and used to protect several endangered species from predators and poachers. Today, Waterberg is a haven for a huge variety of bird species and flora in particular, with its own unique climate providing a garden-like environment for wildlife to thrive in. After lunch, hike up to the plateau keeping your eyes peeled for banded mongoose, dassies, dik dik, warthogs and more. It offers one of the best chances for sightings compared with vehicle safaris, as you quietly observe the intimate lives of wild animals from a careful distance.
Day 10
Bushwalk and back to Windhoek
Hiking
Driving
Time for one last hike this morning as you head out to spot some more wildlife on foot and enjoy the stunning scenery. After your bushwalk, you'll bid farewell to Waterberg as you drive back to Windhoek Airport in time for your onward flight. Your host can take you to your accommodation in Windhoek if you are staying on longer in Namibia.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Windhoek International Airport, Namibia (WDH)
10:00 on Day 1
Ends
Windhoek International Airport, Namibia (WDH)
16:00 on Day 10
Transfers
Arrival and departure transfers are only included if you use the group arrival transfer on Day 1 and departure transfer on the evening of Day 10.
On Day 1, the included group airport transfer is at 10:00am, as there are several overnight flights arriving into WDH airport in the morning. If required, private transfers to the accommodation in Windhoek can be booked for those arriving at earlier or later times for an additional cost, please see 'Optional Extras' for more details. Transfers from WDH airport to the starting hotel take approximately 1hr.
On Day 10, there is an included group transfer to drop you at WDH airport for 16:00 for all flights departing after 18:00. Please do not book a flight earlier than this, as the trip includes a long drive on the final day and a private transfer is expensive and difficult to arrange.
If you are flying home the next day, an extra night's accommodation and private transfer can be arranged for you (at additional cost) to drop you at the airport for your return flight. Please request this with your host after booking.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Namibia from major airports across the UK, Europe and North America.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 10
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Various campgrounds that you stay at have a restaurant on-site where the group will eat together. These meals are not included, so please budget £10-15 for the dinners that aren't covered on the trip. Some of the more remote campsites your guides will cook for you. These will be hearty meals cooked over an open fire - expect braai (BBQ) food, potjie and stir-fries for dinner. The guides will appreciate your help with washing the dishes. Breakfasts will be continental style and usually consist of cereals, coffee, yoghurt, muesli, fresh fruit or the occasional fried breakfast. All but two of the lunches on the trip aren't included - you'll need to buy lunch from small shops, cafes and restaurants during the trip. Your guide will factor these supply runs into the trip and often you'll buy packed lunches from the restaurant or small shops on-site at certain campgrounds for the day ahead. Expect a good selection of sandwich ingredients like cheese and cold meats, plus pasta and salads. Budget £5 for each lunch that isn't provided.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just let your host know on booking. Note that vegan options are very limited in Namibia, so if you're a strict vegan we suggested packing some of your favourite protein bars for extra fuel.
What is the accommodation like?
Windhoek
You'll stay in a twin room at the Arebbusch Travel Lodge. It's set in large grounds by the dry Arebbusch River with a huge pool outside, making it the perfect spot to relax on arrival.
Etosha National Park
You'll spend two nights at campsites in canvas tents in or near Etosha National Park. This is usually at Okakuejo or Halali camps, or a combination of the two.
Camping
You’ll stay in twin-share tents at desert camping spots in Naukluft, Sesriem, Solitaire, Spitzkoppe, Etosha and Otjiwa. These campsites will have shared bathrooms and hot showers. Some are basic but very remote, making for some true Namibian wilderness campout experiences, and great chances for stargazing. The crew will appreciate your helping hand when setting up the tents.
Swakopmund
You'll stay in the Dunedin Star Guest House or similar, in a central location so you can easily explore the town.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
This trip has been rated as Easy
You'll need a decent level of general fitness, but this is a lighter hiking trip and if you are happy walking for a few hours at a time in the mountains and over sand dunes, you'll be just fine. The pace is easy going and you'll be stopping often to marvel at sweeping vistas in the Namib desert, and, of course, the myriad wildlife in Etosha National Park. It's more important to bring along a sense of adventure and cooperative spirit to muck in with setting up and taking down camp each day and helping out at meal times.
On Day 3, you will hike the famous Olive Trail. This is a harder day and is more of a moderate hike. At the end of the hike, there is an 8-10 metre fixed-chain section traversing a small gorge; this section is quite exposed with a short but steep drop underneath. The morning of Day 7 also involves a slightly more challenging ascent up to the summit of Grosse Spitzkoppe, however, your legs will be plenty warmed up for this by the time Day 7 comes along.
What will I need to carry?
You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you, and then a small daysack to carry personal items during each day of hiking.
Namibia is in the Southern Hemisphere, so essentially has the opposite seasons to the UK. Due to the desert climate, it is generally dry and pleasant all year round. The months of June to August remain sunny and warm during the day (20-25 °C), but drop down to single figures at night in the desert.
Between September and May it gets warmer, with highs of around 30°C, however, it is always a dry heat and still gets cold at night throughout the year. Rainfall is usually in November to March. If it does rain, it is minimal and in short sharp downpours that are quite spectacular in the desert.
Fell in love with Namibia!
What an adventure!
Thank you so much Tufi and MC for looking after us throughout the trip.
Namibia is such beautiful place, the trip was jam packed but did not felt rushed or was too much. From hiking up big daddy dune to quad biking and sand boarding through the dunes in Swakopmund (added optional activity) each day was as awesome as the next.
The safari was great, at the end we were lucky to see a cheater and her cub 🤩
An absolutely incredible experience
If you want an action packed week and a bit in an incredible country, this is for you! The landscape of Namibia is just incredible, with the sand dunes a real highlight.
Amazing trip, wonderful guide
We loved our time in Namibia! What made it stand out was the sheer variety of landscapes and wildlife we saw. From dolphins, seals and pelicans (with the pelicans literally walking all over us!), to lions, zebras and giraffe, what an experience!
A particular highlight was camping in the Spitzkoppe Mountains, which were rugged and remote. We were super lucky on our safari and saw so much. The tents were spacious and comfortable, the food was so much more than you’d expect out in the wild. Really tasty, hearty and with good variety.
Massive shout outs to our guide and chef Tuffi and MC. They consistently went above and beyond to make our trip interesting, easy and with a good view on the different parts of Namibia that we visited. They were amazing.
Truly the adventure of a lifetime
This trip exceeded all expectations. Namibia is a dream with stunning vistas from sand dunes to mountains, coast to desert with a huge array of beautiful wildlife along the way! The itinerary is packed but so worth it, with your guide and chef making the trip so enjoyable. Highlights for me were Spitzkoppe, a 4x4 tour of the sand dunes, Deadvlei and Etosha National Park and seeing Lions so close. This adventure is a perfect introduction to Africa if you haven’t been before. Thank you Much Better Adventures for the trip of a lifetime.
Amazing trip
We had a ball. I would absolutely recommend this trip to everyone. We saw stunning scenery, ate amazing meals from the around the campfire, watched the stars and saw the sunrise. Our time on safari was very rewarding with animals galore Our group was super and we all got on very well too , enjoyed meals, journeys and hikes together, not to mention Spike Ball! Gabriel and Lucas were a super team and absolutely added to the experience. Feel really lucky to have had this trip.
First dabbles in Africa
This was my first trip to Africa. Everything was amazing. The sight seeing, camping, the guides and the excursions. Gabriel and Mr. Happy were amazing and knowledgeable guides. The wildlife at multiple locations on this trip was beautiful and plentiful.
Filled with once in a lifetime moments! Fantastic trip!
Our guide Gabriel and chef Mr. Happy were the best duo we could’ve asked for during our 9 nights in Namibia. Gabriel was so kind and patient with our whole group and always wanted to make sure everyone was having a good time. He also taught us a lot about the Herero people in Namibia, as well as so much of the history of the country in each place we visited. Mr. Happy was an excellent cook who prepared many of our meals at camp each day. He always had a smile and was such a kind soul. The combination of excellent guides, a fabulous group of individuals in our group, and of course the picturesque scenery and landscape of Namibia made this the trip of a lifetime!
Sun, sand and safari! Book now!
This trip exceeded all of my expectations. Camping locations were beautiful and facilities were much better than expected. The hikes were exciting with lots to see and the amazing views at the top made them worth the early mornings! The safari aspect was unbelievable, we saw so many animals up close: Rhinos, elephants, lions and chetahs to name a few. Our guide and camp assistant were fantastic. Gabriel is so knowledgeable about his country, he was full of interesting stories and had everything planned out perfectly, he was even able to help us get our luggage back when it didn’t arrive at the airport! Mr Happy is an excellent chef, making us some of the best food we had on the trip, much better than the restaurants we visited, with Happy around you won’t go hungry. This trip is as varied as the Namibian landscape. You will see some amazing animals, breathtaking views and stay in some interesting camps. It is well worth the visit. Book now!
Fast paced and full of adventure
There's a lot to love about this trip - from the massive sand dunes, the wild ocean, the vast and changing desert and the wildlife. We were constantly amazed. Our guide Omumborobonga did a great job of ensuring we were fed, safe and happy. The hiking is mostly just walking, but due to the pace of travel, early mornings and dusty roads, it seemed harder at times than it was. Overall, a very enjoyable trip. My advice would be to tack on a cultural tour in your free time in Swakopmond to get to meet local people and see their lifestyles.
Amazing country and wildlife
This trip exceeded my expectations, the country is fantastic. We camped and walked in some gorgeous landscapes, and saw so much wildlife. Our guide was brilliant, looking after us so well and with huge knowledge of the places we visited and the wildlife we saw.
An amazing and very busy trip to this fabulous country.
Wow what an amazing place. I didn’t know what to expect but I certainly wasn’t disappointed. Who would have thought the desert could be so interesting and beautiful? Our guide Omumborombonga (Samora to some) was knowledgeable, hard working, funny and amazingly kind. I couldn’t fault him.
Beautiful Namibia
This was an incredible and magical trip where we were so so lucky to see a leopard on our safari drive. The scenery , the people, the country are all beautiful Our guide Omumborobonga was so knowledgeable, funny and ridiculously hard working as he drove, guided, cooked, organised absolutely everything he made the trip even more special. I’m leaving wanting to return……
James B/June
Another great trip booked through MBA and the local hosts Samora and Happy were exceptional. Hikes were pretty easy throughout including the chain walk assuming your fairly active, no need to be super fit. Highlights for me was running down dune 45 after sunrise and seeing wild animals at Etosha national park including lions, rihinos, elephants and giraffes to name a few.
Amazing trip!
Incredibly experience. We covered a lot of ground, which meant early starts most mornings, but 100% worth it. The landscapes and wildlife were breathtaking and unlike anything I had seen before. Our guides (Samora and Happy) added to the trip - helpful with any request and able to answer our endless questions. From a physical fitness level, the "Easy" rating is accurate (even the chain walk on the Olive Trail was easier than expected thanks to Samora's excellent guidance). Book now!
James B. (May/June 2024)
This is an absolutly brilliant trip, the holiday of a lifetime. I slept out in the desert under the southern cross! climed stunning dunes at sunrise, saw masses of big game, flew over the Namib desert and much much more. The group were all great, all interseting, fun and we had a brilliant time. We had the best Guide ever, Gabriel and MC cooked great meals throughout. Namibia is a shear joy, the Itinary was great, it takes you out of your normal comfort zone on just a couple of occasions but we all coped and actually, that makes a good trip. My advice to MBA, don't change anything, my advice to you - Book Now!
Fab trip
What a wonderful holiday. I was very nervous because there was only going to be seven of us but as it turned out we were one big happy family with a wonderful guide called Mike and a lovely Cook called Ruben. The trip was absolutely amazing a good combination of hiking sightseeing Safari. Lots of laughs and giggles. Especially when I was always at the back because everyone else was super super fit. I would recommend this company again and look forward to travelling with them in the future
Top tips for the Namibian Adventure
Throughly enjoyed cold beers watching sunsets over amazing scenery with great company. Our guides were fantastic too. That said you should double check what phase the moon is in if you want to star gaze. Despite this being one of the key selling points we had a full moon (which was beautiful but not ideal for star gazing). Transport does not have air con. I’d advise having an extra night before the tour to recover from the flight as you need to hit the ground running on this tour. Early starts, intense heat, little sleep and altitude (Windhoek is 5700ft asl) makes for a heady mix. My 2 season sleeping bag was waaaay too hot for the last two weeks in April. I ended up buying a light weight blanket to help with the cold mornings. Take some rehydration salts like HiQ. Campsites have hot water and flushing toilets.
One of the most special weeks of my life
A trip of a lifetime. I had to arrive a day late but the team were very accommodating and made it happen. I am going home having had an incredible adventure. Our guides, Omumborumbonga and Robert were incredible. Very caring, knowledgable and fun and the people I met on the trip - well, I feel like I’ve known them for years.
One of the most special weeks of my life.
Wonderful wild Namibia!
A fabulous trip that immerses you in the wide range of incredible landscapes that Namibia has to offer. From vast deserts with towering red dunes, through mountainous moonscapes of the Spitzkoppe, to the imposing red cliffs of the Waterberg plateau. A real feast for the eyes and a photographers paradise. Patient and knowledgeable guides support the trip, offering an authentic camping experience under an endless canopy of stars.
A fabulous introduction to a wonderful country.
Amazing introduction to a fabulous country, 1500 million years of geology laid bare. The hikes are a good stretch in some intense heat but that makes getting up early so worthwhile.
Trip of a lifetime
If you’re having doubts - book this trip! A truly amazing time from start to finish. It is go, go, go so, as some other reviews have said, don’t book if you want a relax. You see such a varied section of the country from city to mountains to desert. Breakfast after climbing sand dune 45 was especially great. Mr Happy and Gabriel, our chef and guide, absolutely made the trip. They worked not stop and were always happy and knowledgeable. We were a group of 9 people and we had so many laughs. You will come away in love with Namibia.
This is an awesome, varied
This is an awesome, varied trip with great opportunities to see the Milky Way from the Southern hemisphere ⭐😍
The sand dune landscapes are captivating – especially during the morning sunrises. The diverse wildlife, scenic campsites and expertly narrated hikes were all magnificent 👌
Seeing the 4000 year old rock art was an amazing surprise. It felt a real privilege to get close up to these ancient paintings – a highlight of the trip for me.
Guides Sam and Jonas were both brilliant, with Jonas cooking some truely scrumptious evening meals.
Like all the best trips, this is full-on - expect to be active from the moment you land to the moment you leave, with early starts and late night ramblings round the camp fire. Get booking!
Challenging, unique, and fantastic
Namibia is a country full of surprises, contrasts, resources and challenges. Our group was fantastic fun, our leader, Samora, was just the right mix of humour and authoritarian to get us up and packed in the early mornings for sunrise. He taught us about the amazing geology, Namibia's history, the plant life, the animals and was so proud of his country. We were so well fed each day by the wonderful Jonas. The terrain is often very challenging, the heat is tiring and the itinerary is different every day and every moment is precious. I feel so blessed to have been to some places few will visit. If you want a trip that is completely unique and out of your normal comfort zone, don't hesitate - it's worth every penny.
The trip was great, more
The trip was great, more varied and more spectacular than expected in terms of landscapes, wildlife and activities. The guides were knowledgeable, patient and good company. The days were packed with things to do, and we hardly wasted a minute. No complaints
This trip was amazing, we saw so many beautiful places in Namibia. Samore is a brilliant guide, with good sense of humour and supportive (especially during the fixed chain bit, when I was personally afraid). Jonas is also great, so kind and excellent cook! He cooked us fabulous dinner, better than many restaurants! I highly recommend thus trip! 👌
This trip covered all the must-sees in Namibia, including some great wildlife viewing in Etosha and the picturesque Sossusvlei/Deadvlei, not to mention all the pretty sites in between. Several of the campsites had gorgeous views, and some of them had better facilities than we expected. Even outside Etosha, our guide was great about spotting and pointing out wildlife on the drives. We felt the trip was operated at an appropriate, albeit jam-packed pace, but we never felt overly rushed and felt we had enough time to properly enjoy everything there was to see!
Wow - what an incredible trip! I had the most amazing time exploring Namibia with our hosts, Sam and Jonas, who were so brilliant - their local knowledge and friendliness, absolutely made the trip! I had a few highlights, including the hike through Namib-Naukluft national park, Safari through Etosha and all of our sunrise and sunset walks. The food Jonas cooked was absolutely delcious and he always made me a special vegetarian addition too! We managed to do so much and see so much over just 10 days - couldn't recommend this trip more!
This trip was superb! It was the start of our honeymoon and a brilliant adventure. We camped in incredible camp sites with superb stargazing. The scenery during the walks were brilliant and the safari was superb. The 2 guides Omumborombonga and Tuhafeni were so helpful, friendly and knew so much. The vehicle was comfortable and brilliant for the safari. Food on the camp fire was delicious. We had a brilliant group. Highly recommend the trip and visiting Namibia.
Don't just think about this trip, book it! An adventure of a lifetime. The scenery is fantastic, and such contrasts, all in one day! I absolutely loved our camp in Etosha, right at a waterhole. This was one of the best experiences to watch giraffes, elephants, black Rhino, and lions drinking in front of us. Our guide Samora had eagle eyes and spotted a variety of wildlife, the most incredible spot was the Leopard! He had not seen one in years and it walked right to the water hole on our game drive, along with a Rhino, giraffe and a heard of elephants!! Samora and Tuhafeni were the dream team on tour. Always there to help, and make our holiday a memorable adventure in Namibia.Tuhafeni cooked up some very tasty meals, some of the salads were fantastic. You won't lose weight with all the hiking 🤣 Most of the camp sites are very scenic, and great locations. We loved them. The tents are easy to put up and I could stand up in our tent. I'd highly recommend doing the Sandwich Harbour excursion, it was one of the many highlights on this trip. Dune 45 and Deadvlei were also one of my highlights. Be prepared, for early starts, it's the only way to see wildlife, beautiful sunrises and over the dunes. The chain bridge is daunting, however Samora got us across and knew how to help those of us that needed that extra help, like me. I'd highly recommend this trip. I loved it so much I'd go again ! Thank you for a memorable adventure.
Itinerary Activities
- Guided hike in the Namib-Naukluft National Park
- Guided hike on the Olive Trail
- Guided sunrise hike up the Sossuvlei dunes, and on to Hiddenvlei and Deadvlei
- Road trip through the Namib Desert, with stops en route
- Guided hike in the Spitzkoppe Mountains
- Guided hike around Grosse Spitzkoppe
- Wildlife watching at a waterhole in Etosha National Park
- Safari game drive in Etosha National Park
- Guided hike to the Waterberg Plateau
- Bushwalk in the Waterberg National Park
Guides
- Expert, local, English-speaking guides and wildlife rangers
Accommodation
- 2 nights in lodges
- 7 nights camping in epic wilderness areas
Meals
- 9 continental breakfasts
- 2 packed lunches
- 4 BBQ style dinners
Transfers
- Group arrival transfer from Windhoek Airport on Day 1
- Group departure transfer to Windhoek Airport on Day 10
- All transfers during the trip
Equipment
- Tents and sleeping mats for the desert camping
Permits
- All permits and park entry fees
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however, we would suggest £5 per person per day as a guideline.
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Additional costs
You might opt to take a desert flight over the dunes at Swakopmund, or upgrade to open-top Jeep safaris in Etosha National Park. These options are payable locally.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
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What do I need to bring?
BAGS
Soft duffel bag or rucksack
Daypack (25+ litres)
SLEEPING
- Sleeping bag (3/4-season if travelling May-Sep; otherwise, 2-season is fine)
- Lightweight packable travel pillow (please check the Optional Extras if you prefer to hire sleeping bag and pillow from your host)
- Sleeping bag liner and pillow case (optional)
CLOTHES
Lightweight waterproof and windproof jacket
Breathable wicking layers
Warm base layers
Fleece jacket or similar
Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts for hiking
T-shirts
Underwear and socks
Swimwear
Sunglasses
Sunhat
Something to sleep in
Hiking boots (worn-in)
Lightweight shoes for camp
May-September: Down jacket and gloves
OTHER
Universal travel plug adapter
Power bank or solar charger
Passports (and visas)
Travel insurance documents
Suncream
Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
Quick-dry towel
Alcohol hand-gel
Headlamp or handtorch
Binoculars (optional - for wildlife spotting in Etosha)
2 x reusable water bottle (x1 litre)
OPTIONAL
Earplugs
Energy bars and snacks
Sleeping bag and pillow hire
Payable Before Departure
Sleeping bag and pillow hire
… Per Person
Single Room - Windhoek (Arrebusch Travel Lodge)
Payable Before Departure
Single Room - Windhoek (Arrebusch Travel Lodge)
…
Twin/Double Room - Windhoek (Arrebusch Travel Lodge)
Payable Before Departure
Twin/Double Room - Windhoek (Arrebusch Travel Lodge)
…
Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade
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Private Airport Transfer
Payable Before Departure
Private Airport Transfer
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We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 340kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Your host will often be able to provide you with clean, safe drinking water from large containers. At certain times of the year, the tap water can have a slightly strange (brackish) taste to it, and on these trips, the guide will advise and help you to pick up large containers of drinking water at the start of the trip in order to refill your smaller bottle as you go. This will be at your own expense. Therefore, bring a refillable bottle, it will be used well.
Most places in Namibia will accept both the Namibian Dollar and the South African Rand. Money can be exchanged on arrival at the airport or withdrawn from ATM's during the trip. Many local purchases can be made by card. Plan ahead before you travel to avoid paying unnecessary charges and fees.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however, we would suggest £5 per person per day as a guideline.
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Your luggage will be transferred with you from each location on this adventure, you can safely leave your luggage in the desert truck before heading out for each hiking adventure, or securely in your room when staying at the lodges. We suggest bringing a small day bag for carrying essential items like money, phone, sun cream, water and light snacks while on the hikes.
This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely high during the times of year when this trip operates. High humidity and limited access to shade can also be factors, and warm temperatures can continue into the nighttime, which additionally influence the body’s ability to cool down. Personal care should be taken to keep cool as best possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration. Very high temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at cooler temperatures. People may experience symptoms associated with dehydration and Heat Stroke. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.
This trip visits locations where wild animals are present in a natural environment, where protections and controls on their movement may be limited or non-existent. Some wild animals may be predatory in nature, poisonous, venomous or otherwise can be considered dangerous in a close encounter. Wild animals by their nature are unpredictable and visitors into their habit should follow the safety instructions given by their local guide(s) and/or any signage present. It is a privilege to see wild animals in a natural environment and an experience that should be respectfully conducted at all times.
In Etosha, your host uses the main trip vehicle for the game drives, which we feel offers the best experience and value for money. The main trip vehicle is specially adapted to offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities from large windows and a pop-up roof hatch. These vehicles also provide shelter from the dust and elements which can be uncomfortable for some depending on the weather in Etosha.
For those who wish to have a different experience, there is also sometimes the option to go on a game drive in an open 4x4 Jeep with a park ranger (if time allows). This option is bookable locally and costs 1600 Namibian Dollars (around £70 per person).
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
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