JWP09 Desert Fire 2025

Namibia
Dates:13 to 26th October 2025
13 nights / 14 days

Flights: Arrival Fly into  Hosea Kutako International Airport on 13th October 2025 (In the morning)
Flights: Departure Fly out of Hosea Kutako International Airport on 26th October 2025 (In the late afternoon)
Group size: 8 + 1 BSST Host + Driver (*Need a min of 4 people to run the trip)
SOLO FEMALE TRAVELLERS

PRICE: US$6570ppSOLO FEMALE TRAVELLERS

**30% deposit is required to book a spot on the trip within 14 days of confirming. The balance is to be paid 90 days  (1st July 2025) before the departure date. Price quoted is US Dollars T&C Apply. Email Carla on carla@blueskysociety.co.za for sharing options. (We only allow ladies to Share a room with a friend or family member – we don’t match travellers)

 

Summary

Your Desert Fire adventure begins in Namibia’s cosmopolitan capital city of Windhoek. The clean, safe city has an international airport, shops, restaurants, and various accommodation options. Its colonial legacy is reflected in the strong German influence on the food and language, and the combination of historical architecture and modern buildings. From Windhoek, we will head into the harsh, yet beautiful environment of Southern Namibia. Stretching up from the Orange River into the central Namibian highlands, this region is epitomised by its vast, slow-changing landscape and mind-blowing views.

Featuring the breathtaking Naukluft Mountains, Namib Desert dunes, and Fish River Canyon, it is dotted with quiver trees, covered in golden grasslands, and offers a spectacular array of free-roaming wildlife. Prepare to drink in the magnificence and explore to your heart’s content!Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the arid desert, the town of Luderitz seems almost frozen in time. It has Lutheran churches, German bakeries, and colonial buildings – and its windswept beaches are home to flamingos, ostriches, seals, and penguins. Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red dunes of The Namib, and, juxtaposed with clear blue skies, this is where all your desert photography dreams come true! Rising to almost 400 metres, the dunes are some of the highest in the world, and Sossusvlei is home to a wide variety of incredible desert wildlife. We will climb ‘Big Daddy’ (one of the tallest dunes), explore Deadvlei (a white salt claypan dotted with ancient trees), and we can even arrange scenic flights and champagne breakfast amidst these majestic dunes!

Swakopmund, known for its colonial architecture and surrounding desert terrain, is often described as being more German than Germany itself! A bustling seaside resort town, Swakopmund offers an array of adventure options, including quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing, and desert tours. From here, we’ll head to the huge, untamed, and ruggedly beautiful Damaraland, which offers a scenic landscape of open plains, ancient valleys, and spectacular rock formations. Major attractions include the sacred Spitzkoppe, Brandberg, Twyfelfontein, Vingerklip, and the Petrified Forest. We will trek with rare, desert-adapted elephants and enjoy spectacular stargazing with crystal-clear night skies!

Our final destination, in northern Namibia, is the Etosha National Park. We will enjoy premier game viewing amidst the park’s diverse vegetation (ranging from dense bush to open plains) and visit the magnificent 5000 square kilometre Etosha Pan. Dry for most of the year, the Pan fills up with water after seasonal rains, making it perfect for wildlife. In the dry season, wildlife is attracted to the perennial springs and waterholes, making for excellent game viewing. Look forward to seeing large mammals such as lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, zebras, and giraffes in excess!

Do YOU have any questions? We would love to hear from you.

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Highlights

Some of the extraordinary experiences you can look forward to as part of this group of eco-travellers include:

  • A meticulously planned African adventure with all logistics expertly managed
  • 14 days / 13 nights in Namibia
  • Exploring Etosha National Park which is unique in Africa. The park’s main characteristic is a salt pan so large it can be seen from space. Yet there is abundant wildlife that congregates around the waterholes, giving you almost guaranteed game sightings.
  • Visiting the coastal town of Swakopmund, which is known for its wide-open avenues, colonial architecture and its surrounding otherworldly desert terrain.
  • Searching for the Desert Elephants with Elephant Human Relationships Aid (EHRA) in the Brandberg (Fire Mountain) area which is Namibia’s highest peak.
  • Interacting with communities and school children to spread our eco-message.
  • Enjoying an exceptionally organised once-in-a-lifetime African experience where all logistical details are taken care of for you.
  • Wild horses and the ghost town of Kolmanskop in Aus/Luderitz
  • Climbing the Sossusvlei dunes
  • Conservation work: Elephant Human Relationship Aid (EHRA)
  • This trip promises extraordinary wildlife encounters, meaningful conservation contributions, and unforgettable experiences in the heart of Africa!

Frequency: Bespoke once-off annual expedition
Fitness Ratings: Moderate to Fit
Tour Features: Wildlife Conservation,  English-Spoken, Fundraising for EHRA, Conservation, Single Occupancy, Female Only
Beneficiary: EHRA
Accommodation: Mixture of Lodges, Rooms, Tents –  Single Occupancy
Price range: Mid-range
Min: 4 eco-adventurers  Max: 8 eco-adventurers
*Please note that this Itinerary and Price may change slightly, but the expedition host will keep you updated if anything happens. Terms and conditions apply due to availability. Please note some activities are weather dependent, and we will do our best to accommodate them all in our itinerary. In some areas, there will be minimal or no Wi-Fi signal (We do love a digital detox)

Do YOU have any questions? We would love to hear from you.

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Includes

  • Expedition leader/host and native South African – Carla Geyser
  • 1 x Driver , Vehicle and all fuel
  • Basic accommodation –single occupancy in a variety of rooms, lodges, safari tents
  • All meals & water as shown in the itinerary.
  • National Park fees & tourism levy and VAT /taxes where applicable.
  • All activities are detailed in the itinerary.
  • Transportation to and from the airport during the expedition only
  • All Road Transport in between places
  • Fundraising for our chosen beneficiary, EHRA (NB: This money can either be paid by person or fundraised by the person)

Excludes

  • Any International Flights & any necessary transfers to get to the start/finish of the expedition Windhoek (Namibia)
  • Gratuities (*We recommend US$10 per guide or activity*)
  • Any visas & border costs for Namibia
  • All Alcoholic drinks  & additional personal snacks & any extra meals not on the itinerary
  • Any personal expenses
  • Comprehensive travel insurance (*Compulsory*)
  • Extra nights’ accommodation (pre/ post-expedition)  in Windhoek
  • Any extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary – Day 8 Afternoon activities – own account (Chat to Carla what is available)

Itinerary

JWP09 DESERT FIRE TRIP 2025

09 Date Day Country Route Details Accommodation  Comments
1 13-Oct-25 Monday Namibia Windhoek  – FLY IN Accommodation: Arebbush Travel Lodge
Meals: D, B
Pick up and transfer to Lodge
Welcome Dinner at Joes Beerhouse
2 14-Oct-25 Wednesday Namibia Windhoek – Mariental Accommodation: African Safari Lodge
Meals: All
Afternoon Game Drive
3 15-Oct-25 Thursday Namibia Mariental – Aus / Luderitz Accommodation: Kratzplatz
Meals: All
 Entrance Fees to Quivertree Forest and Giant’s Playground
4 16-Oct-25 Friday Namibia Aus / Luderitz Accommodation: Kratzplatz
Meals: All
Morning Boat cruise to Halifax Island + Entrance to Kolmanskop Ghost Town (08:00 – 13:00)
5 17-Oct-25 Saturday Namibia Aus – Soussesvlei Accommodation: Little Sossus Lodge & Camp or similar
Meals: All
6 18-Oct-25 Sunday Namibia Soussesvlei Accommodation: Little Sossus Lodge & Camp
Meals: All
Morning –  Namib Naukluft National Park (Sossusvlei)
7 19-Oct-25 Monday Namibia Soussesvlei – Swakopmund Accommodation: Pension D’Avignon
Meals: All
Desert Night Walk
8 20-Oct-25 Tuesday Namibia Swakopmund Accommodation: Pension D’Avignon
Meals: All
Morning Catamaran Cruise (09:00 – 12:30 in Walvis Bay) and Afternoon Choice of Activities (OWN account)
9 21-Oct-25 Wednesday Namibia Swakopmund- Spitzkoppe –  Damaraland Accommodation: Ozondjou camp
Tents x 9
Meals: All – catered
Visit Spitzkoppe & Guided tour of local farmer + School
10 22-Oct-25 Thursday Namibia Damaraland Accommodation: Ozondjou camp
Tents x 9
Meals: All – catered
Elephant Human Relationship Aid Day Trekking Elephants
11 23-Oct-25 Friday Namibia Damaraland – Etosha NP Accommodation: Etosha Safari Lodge or Etosha NP Okaukuejo Resort
Meals: All
12 24-Oct-25 Saturday Namibia Brandberg – Etosha NP Accommodation: Etosha Safari Lodge or Etosha NP Okaukuejo Resort
Meals: All
Full Day Game Drive
13 25-Oct-25 Sunday Namibia Etosha NP Accommodation: Etosha Safari Lodge or Etosha NP Okaukuejo Resort
Meals: All
Full Day Game Drive
14 26-Oct-25 Monday Namibia Etosha NP – Windhoek Guests Fly Home

*Please note that the itinerary and price may change slightly, but the expedition host will keep you updated if anything happens. Terms and conditions apply due to availability. Please note some activities are weather-dependent and we will do our best to accommodate them all in our itinerary. In some areas, there will be minimal or no Wi-Fi signal (we do love a digital detox)

SOLO FEMALE TRAVELLERS / SINGLE OCCUPANCY

This itinerary provides a detailed plan for each day of the trip, including accommodations, meals, activities, and conservation efforts, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful eco-travel experience. The itinerary may change slightly but we will keep you posted.

Day One– Windhoek

Arrival Hosea Kutako International Airport  (Windhoek) during the day, where you’ll be collected and transferred to our Guesthouse. Welcome Dinner at Joes Beerhouse

Accommodation: Capbon Guest house
Meals: Dinner , Breakfast

Day Two – Southern Namibia

After breakfast we will leave behind the bustling city and head South. Along the way, we might spot a lone Oryx or catch glimpses of Sociable Weaver nests clinging to Acacia trees.  We will find our lodge perched on the horizon, overlooking the majestic scenery of the Southern Namibian landscape. After a leisurely lunch you may enjoy some down time at the waterhole or cool down in the pool. As the sun begins to set we will embark on a game drive. There is a large variety of wildlife on the reserve including Giraffe, White Rhino, Eland, Oryx, Springbuck, Impala, Red Hartebeest, Blesbok, Blue Wildebeest, Meerkats, etc.

Accommodation: African Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activities: Afternoon Game Drive

Day Three – Lüderitz

We will leave the lodge bright and early so that we can reach the  Quivertree Forest and Giant’s Playground as early as possible to avoid the heat of the day.  As we approach Keetmanshoop, we will encounter the Quivertree Forest. These ancient aloes stand like sentinels, their twisted forms capturing the imagination. Nearby, the Giant’s Playground—a jumble of dolerite boulders—beckons. It’s as if giants played a game of rock stacking here millions of years ago.

From here we continue to Lüderitz. As we drive along the landscape transitions from desert plains to coastal vistas. This historic town, with its colorful colonial architecture, is perched on the edge of the Namib Desert. Expect misty mornings, rugged coastlines, and a sense of timelessness.

Depending on our time of arrival we may have some time to explore the town. Lüderitz boasts charming Art Nouveau buildings. We may wander the streets and admire the architectural details—ornate balconies, colorful facades, and intricate ironwork. There is a hilltop church called “Felsenkirche”, which offers panoramic views of Lüderitz and the bay. The architecture is unique, and the setting is serene. It’s worth the uphill walk.

Accommodation: Kratzplatz
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner  (FB)
Activities: Quivertree forest and Giants Playground (Day 3)

Day Four – Lüderitz

After breakfast at our B&B we head to the marina where we will hop aboard the luxurious catamaran “Penguin” for an unforgettable trip to Halifax Island. This island is home to a thriving African Penguin colony. As you cruise through Shearwater Bay, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals, and perhaps even whales.

We will be back at the marina by about 10:15 and head straight to Kolmanskop Ghost Town. This once-rich mining village, now a haunting ghost town, lies 10 kilometers inland from Lüderitz. Wander through abandoned buildings knee-deep in sand. Imagine the opulence of its heyday—the hospital, ballroom, power station, and even the first x-ray station in the southern hemisphere. The desert winds have preserved the traditional Edwardian architecture, making it a photographer’s dream.

After lunch we will take a leisurely drive along the peninsula’s rugged coastline to Dias Point. The views are breathtaking, especially from Dias Point. From here we will head down to Agate Beach, a hidden gem for rock enthusiast. Hunt for agates, minerals, and unique stones along the shore. It’s a quiet, meditative experience.

Accommodation: Kratzplatz
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner  (FB)
Activities:  Catamaran Cruise to Halifax Island & Kolmanskop Ghost Town  (Day 4)
https://www.facebook.com/Kratzplatz/

Day Five and Six – Soussusvlei

We will depart early and leave behind the cool coastal town and venture into the vast Namib Desert. The landscape will gradually shift from rocky outcrops to rolling dunes. Keep an eye out for the wild horses of the Namib Desert—they might make an appearance along the way.

The road will lead us through sparse vegetation, ancient valleys, and perhaps even a glimpse of the distant Naukluft Mountains.

As we approach Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei, the towering red dunes will come into view. These are some of the highest sand dunes in the world, and they’ll leave you in awe.

Day  6 – We will have a pre-dawn breakfast so that we can be at the park’s gate by sunrise.   As we enter the park a landscape of endless sand dunes, gravel plains and salt pans unfolds. We will spend some time at Deadvlei. This salt pan is one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes.

Accommodation: Little Sossus Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (FB)

Day Seven – Swakopmund

Today we continue our journey to Swakopmund, a captivating coastal town, nestled between the vast Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean, creating a striking contrast between arid sands and ocean waves. The town is known for its German Colonial Heritage and is a popular beach resort for both locals and tourists. It also known as Namibia’s adventure capital.

After dinner we will have the opportunity to stretch our legs and explore the nearby gravel plains in search of nocturnal desert-adapted species such as scorpions, spiders, adders and a variety of geckos.

Accommodation: Pension D’Avignon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (FB)
Activities:  Desert Night Walk in Swakopmund on Day 7

Day Eight – Swakopmund

This morning we are in for a treat as we embark on a catamaran cruise. Apart from exciting wildlife viewings such as Cape Fur Seals, , Dusky and Heaviside Dolphins, Mola mola, Great White Pelicans and a variety of other birds, we will enjoy some of the world’s best oysters, freshly harvested from the bay,  along with some other home-made snacks, coffee, Old Brown Sherry and sparkling wine. After the cruise we will drive along the Walvis Bay Lagoon and then head back to Swakopmund where you can enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Swakopmund has so much to offer from the gorgeous Kristall Galerie, to a very interesting small museum, lots of coffee shops and German-style cafe’s, boutiques, curio shops, art galleries and open air markets. Activities are endless and we would be happy to book these for you: Sandbording, quadbiking, Gin tasting, scenic flights, skydiving, fishing, fatbiking, living desert tours, Sandwich Harbor Tours, Moonlandscape & Swakop River Valley Tours, Kayaking, with the seals, and many more.

Accommodation: Pension D’Avignon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (FB)
Activities: Day 7 – Morning Catamaran Cruise (09:00 – 12:30 in Walvis Bay) and Afternoon Free time to choose your own activities (own expense)

Day Nine: Damaraland

We will have an early departure so that we can get to Spitzkoppe early enough to avoid walking in the heat of the day. Here we will get a local guide and see some of the ancient rock art. From here we will continue to Damaraland. We will enjoy a sit-down lunch before ending today’s journey at our Accommodation place for the next two nights.

During the late afternoon we will embark on a guided tour with a local farmer, who will give us an insight on farming in the area and the challenges they are facing in their daily lives by farming with free-roaming wildlife around. We then visit a village school and end the afternoon with a short walk and sundowners before returning to camp for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation:  Ozondjou Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (FB)
Activities: Guide at Spitzkoppe

Day Ten: Damaraland

Today we will embark on a 1/2 day nature drive in the Ugab Riverbed and surrounding area. Here the guests join the EHRA team in their day to day patrol work searching for desert elephants and studying their behaviour. The drive is offered in either a closed or open game drive 4 x 4 vehicle (weather-dependent) and follows the tracks of the elephants usually in the dry river bed. This is also a good opportunity to encounter normal plains game like zebra, kudu, oryx, springbuck, ostrich and giraffe. A tasteful cold picnic lunch will be served on this excursion or upon our return depending on how far the travels take us today.

We will spend a day with EHRA – trekking Elephants.

Accommodation: Ozondjou Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (FB)

  Day  Eleven: Etosha National Park

We leave behind the striking landscapes of Damaraland and head to Etosha National Park, Namibia’s flagship park. Etosha National Park is one of the largest national parks in Africa, spanning an area of 22,270 square kilometers (8,600 square miles). Located in northwestern Namibia, it was named after the vast Etosha pan, which covers 23% of the park’s total area. The pan is a striking expanse of salt that almost entirely lies within the park boundaries.

Within Etosha National Park, you’ll find a rich diversity of wildlife, including hundreds of mammal species, birds, and reptiles. The park is home to several threatened and endangered species. We will spend the next 3 days exploring the park.

Accommodation: Etosha Safari camp or Okakeuja camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (FB)

Day Twelve: Etosha National Park

We will have an early breakfast so that we can get  to the gate by sunrise. We will spend the day slowly ambling through the park visiting various water holes and observing nature at its best.

Accommodation: Etosha Safari camp or Okakeujo camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (FB)

Day Thirteen, Etosha National Park

We will venture into a new direction of the park today and continue our game viewing activities.

Accommodation: Etosha Safari camp or Okakeujo camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (FB)

Day Fourteen –  Windhoek

Our final drive back to Windhoek to Hosea Kutako International Airport  to drop guests  for the flight home, concluding an unforgettable African adventure filled with diverse landscapes, unique accommodations, and immersive wildlife experiences.

Meals: Breakfast

*Please note that this Itinerary and Price may change slightly, but the expedition host will keep you updated if anything happens. Terms and conditions apply due to availability. Please note some activities are weather dependent, and we will do our best to accommodate them all in our itinerary. In some areas, there will be minimal or no Wi-Fi signal (We do love a digital detox)

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