Things to do in Namibia

Scenic drives in the remote Namib Desert

You’re surrounded by vast grasslands, the Tiras Mountains and rolling sand dunes – you’ll rarely spot another vehicle…

By Zané and Francois Du Plessis

Managers of Kanaan Desert Retreat

Scenic drives from Kanaan Desert Retreat

Sunrise desert drives at Kanaan Desert Retreat

Explore the remote Namib Desert on a scenic drive. You’ll travel with a guide on our converted Toyota land cruisers, which showcase unobstructed landscape views. We head out at sunrise or sunset for three hours and take you to the reserve’s top spots, covering up to 40 kilometres. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by vast grasslands, the Tiras Mountains and rolling sand dunes – you’ll rarely see another vehicle.

The landscapes are the main draw here but you’ll also spot desert creatures as you drive. You’ll stop at waterholes where oryx, springboks and ostriches gather – sometimes, there’ll be a jackal around. If you head out for sunrise, you’ll enjoy coffee and rusks at a scenic viewpoint or sundowner drinks and snacks in the late afternoon. Watching the sun rise or set over the desert is an incredible experience; the sky turns pink and orange and the landscape glows.

You can also take our scenic dune drives, which take place on the other side of Kanaan Desert Retreat. The landscape here is covered with shifting sand dunes – the Namib Desert has some of the oldest dunes in the world – dotted with petrified trees. Guests love the adventure of bumping over the dunes in a 4×4. If you’re keen to see the desert after dark, we also offer night drives, allowing you to experience the star-studded night skies and spot nocturnal creatures such as foxes, owls, and striped polecats.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Southern Namibia Adventure Self-Drive
by Becky Souissi

Length12 Days

Price range£3,995 - £4,375pp

Alfred & Zané and Francois Du Plessis

Zané and Francois Du Plessis are the husband and wife management team behind Kanaan Desert Retreat. Both born-and-bred Namibians, the couple has extensive experience in the hospitality and tourism field. While Francois is a passionate wildlife photographer and former field guide at a private game reserve, Zané’s skills range from lodge manager to trained paramedic. The pair love sharing the beauty of Kanaan Desert Retreat with guests.

Zané & Francois Du Plessis, managers of Kanaan Desert Retreat

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Contact us and one of our UK team will help shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. Someone like Malcolm who's travelled extensively in Namibia. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the expert guides who can help you spot rare animals or the fat bike enthusiasts who can take you on a cycling adventure through the Namib Desert. Give us a call, set up and appointment or enquire online to start planning your tailor-made Namibia holiday.

Malcolm Holcroft

Africa Travel Expert for Alfred&

Malcolm has spent over 25 years exploring the world. His passion for wildlife meant he always wanted to experience a true safari. And where better to do so than in Africa! Trips to Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa have gained him specialist knowledge of the destinations, as well as the incredible wildlife residing there. A couple of standout memories are the tranquility of Ol Pejeta rhino sanctuary and the drama of witnessing a cheetah kill in the Mara.
Justine Nuxas

Assistant Lodge Manager at Elegant Desert Camp

Justine Nuxas hails from Tsumeb in north-central Namibia. After completing a travel and tourism course through the San Development Programme, Justine took an internship with the prestigious Godwana Collection and has spent 12 years working her way up to the position of Assistant Lodge Manager at Elegant Desert Camp. Justine is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with younger Namibian staff.
Raymond Inichab

Head of Hata Angu Cultural Tours

Born in Damaraland, Raymond Inichab moved to Swakopmund for school and fell in love with the Skeleton Coast. A visiting American couple introduced him to snowboarding and he eventually got to learn the sport in Germany and Austria. Upon returning to Swakopmund, Raymond established Hata Angu, a tour company specialising in sandboarding trips and cultural tours.
Garry Roberts

General Manger of the Onguma Collection

Originally from Cape Town, Garry Roberts has over 35 years of experience in the hotel industry across Southern Africa for brands such as Sun City and Holiday Inns. He joined the Onguma Collection almost ten years ago and is now the General Manager for their five top-end lodges and two deluxe camping areas. Garry has an ardent passion for diverse cultures, food, cooking, wine and travel.
Ivan E. Kasozi

General Manager of The Strand Hotel Swakopmund

Born in Uganda, Ivan Kasozi has been working in the hotel industry since 1995. His career includes managing teams in resorts, city hotels and safari destinations across Africa, from Zimbabwe to Botswana and Namibia. Ivan is now the general manager at the Strand Hotel Swakopmund and is passionate about team building and providing an exceptional guest experience.
Mark de Wet

Owner of Swakopmund Fat Bike Tours

Growing up in Namibia, Mark de Wet developed a passion for nature and the outdoors. After completing his degree, Mark travelled and surfed his way around the world before settling in Ireland for work, where he started mountain biking. Mark eventually moved back to Namibia, where he discovered fat bikes and launched Swakopmund Fat Bike Tours.