Namib Desert: Full-Day Scenic Landscapes, Wildlife & History

(9h00-16h00)

Pelicant Point, Seals Colony, Lighthouse, Pangaea-tours, walvis Bay, Swakopmund
Pelicant Point, Seals Colony, Lighthouse, Pangaea-tours, walvis Bay, Swakopmund
Welwitchia, Namib Desert, Pangaea-tours, walvis Bay, Swakopmund
Namib Desert, Goanikontes Oasis, Welwitchia, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Pangaea-tours
Dunes, Desert, Ocean, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Pangaea-tours
Moonlanscape, Goanikontes Oasis, Namib Desert, Pangaea-tours, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund

Begin your day at the Walvis Bay promenade, where flocks of flamingos gather in the lagoon, setting a colorful scene for your desert adventure. From here, travel to the Walvis Bay Salt Works to see vast salt pans and the striking pink lakes, a unique natural wonder created by algae and minerals.

Continue on to Pelican Point, home to a lively Cape fur seal colony, a historic lighthouse, and excellent birdwatching opportunities along the Atlantic coast. As the drive unfolds, pass Donkey Bay, better known as Skeleton Bay, a legendary spot in the surfing world for its endless left-hand wave.

From the ocean’s edge, head inland toward Dune 7, one of the tallest dunes in the Namib Desert. Soon after, the scenery shifts dramatically as you enter the Moon Valley, a stark and otherworldly landscape carved by ancient rivers. Along the way, stop at Goanikontes Oasis, a green contrast to the desert’s rocky terrain. Here, discover the singing rocks, unusual desert lichens, and the remarkable Welwitschia mirabilis plant, often called a living fossil for its ability to survive thousands of years in harsh desert conditions.

Pause at Goanikontes Oasis to enjoy snacks and drinks before continuing your journey to Swakopmund. This coastal town offers a glimpse into Namibia’s history and cultural heritage, with German colonial architecture, lively streets, and a stop at The Mole, a sea wall that has become one of Swakopmund’s most recognizable landmarks.

On the return leg toward Walvis Bay, detour into the dunes for an exciting dune drive. Here, climb to a high dune viewpoint for sweeping vistas across the golden Namib sands and the Atlantic Ocean beyond — a fitting finale to a day filled with contrasting landscapes and stories.

After the viewpoint stop, head back to your starting point in Walvis Bay, completing a full-day circuit that blends the coast, desert, wildlife, and history of Namibia into one unforgettable journey.

Itinary:

  • 09:00 – Departure from Walvis Bay promenade
    Meet at the lagoon promenade, where flamingos and other waterbirds gather in the shallows.
    Introduction and tour briefing.
  • Walvis Bay Salt Works & Pink Lakes
    Drive past the salt pans and admire the vast shimmering fields of salt, with the striking pink lakes formed by algae and minerals. Excellent photo stop.
  • Pelican Point Peninsula
    Visit the historic lighthouse and watch Cape fur seals along the shoreline.
    Birdwatching opportunities include pelicans, cormorants, and other seabirds.
  • Donkey Bay (Skeleton Bay)
    Quick stop at the famous surfer’s paradise, renowned for its legendary left-hand wave. Ideal for photos and an insight into Namibia’s surf culture.
  • Scenic drive past Dune 7
    See one of the tallest dunes in the Namib Desert, rising nearly 400 meters above the desert floor.
  • Moon Valley & Goanikontes Oasis
    Enter the rugged Moon Valley with its dramatic eroded landscapes. Stop at Goanikontes Oasis for snacks and drinks surrounded by desert greenery.
  • Explore desert wonders
    Discover the “singing rocks,” ancient lichens, and the extraordinary Welwitschia mirabilis plant, some specimens over 1,000 years old.
  • Swakopmund town visit
    Continue to the coastal town of Swakopmund. Learn about its German colonial history, enjoy its seaside charm, and stop at The Mole, a historic seawall.
  • Dune driving adventure
    On the return trip to Walvis Bay, detour into the rolling sand dunes for an exhilarating 4×4 experience.
  • High view point stop
    Drive to a dune viewpoint for panoramic views across the desert and Atlantic Ocean — a perfect finale to the day.
  • 16:00 – Return to Walvis Bay
    End the tour back at the promenade, completing a full-day circuit of the Namib Desert’s most diverse landscapes, wildlife, and heritage.

!!!Always with an experienced and safe guide!!!