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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Richard Holmes

Stretching away from the town, is the glorious, sand-filled wilderness of the Namib desert. ‘Namib’ in the local dialect means ‘vast and empty’, and the visitor’s initial impression is one of dune-filled isolation. But there is life here, and fascinating wildlife tours offer the opportunity to go out and discover the incredible and unusual endemic wildlife that somehow manages to survive here.

Expert guides, driving 4WDs, will take you deep into the dunes to discover ancient rock formations, dune geckos and sidewinder snakes. As you go, they’ll explain the unique geology and ecology of this exceptional landscape.

Full-day tours will also include a visit to the famous ‘Moon Landscape’ outside of Swakopmund, where you’ll encounter welwitschia mirabilis plants, famous for their long, strap-like leaves.

Price from: £45
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: 4-8 hours

Getting there & doing it

Tours are organised by the reliable Living Desert Adventures, based in Swakomund. They’re conducted in well-equipped and comfortable 4WD vehicles, and led by qualified nature guides, skilled at driving in the harsh desert environment.

Children under the age of 12 join the tour at half-price. It’s possible to drive in some desert areas in your own 4WD vehicle, but you’ll see far more – and avoid getting lost – on a professional guided tour. Hotel pick-up within Swakopmund is included.

When to do it

Tours run all year round, seven days a week, usually departing around 8am and returning by midday.

Morning tours are often best, as the regular fog lends an ethereal quality to the desert.

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Living Dunes Experience from Swakopmund

Living Dunes Experience from Swakopmund

Swakopmund

This living desert tour is a extraordinary exploration of the coastal dune belt just outside Swakopmund. To the untrained eye the dunes are ...

$51 | Rating 4.62 / 5 [56 ratings]

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Eco Dune Tour

Eco Dune Tour

Swakopmund

Complimentary transfers for central Swakopmund Alternative meeting point Batis Birding Office or Desert Explorers Pick ups between 07h45 -...

Z900 | Rating 4.83 / 5 [93 ratings]

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Our writer’s recommended tour operators to book with

Living Desert Adventures

Living Desert Adventures

Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia

Locally-based, reliable Swakopmund tour operator and wildlife experts that run excellent wildlife safaris into the dunes between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Desert Breeze Lodge

Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia[5.3 miles]

This colourful lodge offers a welcome break from the tourist bustle of Swakopmund, with 12 spacious bungalows gazing out over the desert.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Namibia

Namibia

Desert adventure and desolate coastlines meet game-rich reserves and quirky towns in this unique and atmospheric country.

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Skydive over the Namib Desert

Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia[7.4 miles]

One of the best places to skydive in the world, starting from 10,000 feet above unbeatable desert vistas.

Best for ages: 16+ | £150 | 2 hours

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A pristine and bird-filled wetland of international significance, backed by goliath sand dunes, on Namibia’s most dramatic and breathtakingly beautiful coastline.

Best for ages: 13+ | £75

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