The Ultimate Deserts Safari is an 8 day accommodated tour around southern Namibia's desert landscapes. (This safari is only available during the months of January, February and March). It will lead you to no less than 4 desert biomes:

• The Kalahari Desert - the Namibian region of the Kalahari is dry enough to be called a desert, recognized by the landscape of golden grass and small red dunes. It's true lure lies in the eerie silence and solitude of both sparsely grassed plains and open spaces, combined with huge numbers of game and other animals. It also has one of the largest continuous stretches of sand in the world, over 300m deep in places.
• Nama Karoo - this desert system includes regions of the interior of southern Namibia including the Gondwana Canon Park and Fish River Canyon. Karoo means semi-desert in the language of the Khoi-San and it's low mean annual rainfall and 'water deficit factor' entitle it to be regarded as desert.
• Succulent Karoo - this particular desert system is unusual in that rainfall occurs in the winter (May to September) as opposed to the summer as is the case in the remainder of Namibia. There is little moisture for desert flora and fauna to survive on and the small amounts of rain that do fall are complemented by fog that occasionally rolls in from the coast. The Succulent Karoo gets its name from the water storing succulent plants that account for most of the vegetation. There are more than 1,700 species of leafy succulents and 130 species of stem succulents.
• The Namib Desert - not only is the Namib the oldest desert in the world but the only true African desert south of the equator. It covers the entire western margin of Namibia with a coastline of some 1,570km. It is home to some of the rarest and weirdest plant and animal species in the world, including the Welwitschia mirabilis, large lichen fields and Hartmann's mountain zebra. The most famous tourist attraction here are the red sand sea dunes at Sossusvlei.

Please note:

• This tour can be used as a follow-on to the Ultimate Wildlife 9 Day Safari. A night in Windhoek (on own account) can be arranged before the Ultimate Wildlife Safari begins the following day. This provides a very attractive tour that visits the highlights of both the southern Namibia's desert landscapes and northern Namibia's vegetated wildlife areas.
• You will be lead by a fully professional and experienced safari guide who has an intimate knowledge of each area and the camp or lodge you are visiting. Each guide has a specific area of expertise. This will enhance the quality and experience of your tour.

Day 1: Windhoek to Kalahari Desert

Passengers will be collected from their accommodation in Windhoek or from Hosea Kutako International airport (provided you land before 10h00) departing south to Rehoboth and into the Kalahari Desert. The arrival at Kalahari Anib Lodge is in time for lunch and later in the afternoon there is a very interesting nature drive organized for you to enjoy. There is also a tranquil garden complete with swimming pool to relax and unwind around and it is situated in the courtyard.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Kalahari Anib Lodge

Day 2: Kalahari Desert to Fish River Canyon

After breakfast the safari departs south for the drive to Fish River Canyon. The 2 night stopover is conveniently located near to the canyon's view points. En-route you stop off to see the interesting and photogenic Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground, west of the town of Keetmanshoop. Afterwards the tour heads into the neighbouring Gondwana Canon Park which is the ideal base to explore Ai-Ais and Fish River Canyon Transfrontier Park. The afternoon has been set aside for a quiet walk to a sundowner viewpoint not far from the lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Canon Lodge

Day 3: Fish River Canyon

A full day in the canyon. Your guide will lead you to the nearby viewpoints, the perfect setting to appreciate the magnitude and magnificence of this outstanding geological feature. In addition to these nature drives, there are a number of marked walking trails in the area. Another option is to go horse-riding (on own account). As with the previous day, there is the opportunity to saunter up to the sundowner viewpoint to watch the sunset.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Canon Lodge

Day 4: Fish River Canyon to Aus

After breakfast the safari continues north and west through the plains of the desert landscape until the small town of Aus, tucked between the folds of several hills. The name means 'out' in German, but may be derived from a Khoi-Khoi word which means the 'place of the snakes'. The Succulent Karoo is home to a range of flowering plants as well as desert-adapted wildlife such as oryx, springbok and the wild feral horses at the Garub Waterhole. Other activities include prisoner-of-war camp ruins and self-guided walking trails. Some of these pursuits will be offered in tandem with Day 5's itinerary.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Klein Aus Vista (Desert Horse Inn)

Day 5: Aus

A busy day and a return trip to the Atlantic coastal town of Luderitz and the ghost town of Kolmanskop. The history of this area is fascinating and you will be guided around the most interesting and unique sites.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Klein Aus Vista (Desert Horse Inn)

Day 6: Aus to Sesriem

The tour heads north through the spectacular scenery of the Tiras Mountain Conservancy and NamibRand Nature Reserve. There is a break at Duwisib Castle built in 1909 by Baron Captain Heinrich Von Wolf, 'reflecting his commitment to the German Military cause' of the era. Arrival at Hoodia Desert Lodge is in the afternoon with time to chill and relax in the sparkling pool or go for a stroll. Hoodia are a group of succulent plants from the family Apocynaceae, traditionally used by the San people as an appetite suppressant, thirst quencher and as a cure for severe abdominal cramps, haemorrhoids, tuberculosis, indigestion, hypertension and diabetes!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hoodia Desert Lodge

Day 7: Sesriem/Sossusvlei

The early morning rise ensures entrance into the Namib Naukluft National Park is in time for sunrise. This is the time to watch the sun rise over the dunes at its best and most unforgettable. Sossusvlei has some of the highest free standing dunes in the world and your guide will give a comprehensive insight into the formation of the Namib Desert, it's desert-adapted creatures and harsh and inhospitable climate. There is the traditional breakfast under the shade of a camelthorn tree afterwards, before returning to the lodge for lunch via Sesriem Canyon. The afternoon is a welcome rest period.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hoodia Desert Lodge

Day 8: Sesriem to Windhoek

After breakfast it is time to depart the Namib Desert, climbing the Great Escarpment and crossing the Central Khomas Hochland Highlands before arriving in the capital city. Transfers to the International airport can be arranged as can a drop-off to your accommodation in Windhoek. The Ultimate Desert Safari has come to an end with the opportunity to join the 9 Day Ultimate Wildlife Safari - departing the following morning.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Included

Accommodation as stated in the itinerary.
Transportation in a luxury air-conditioned safari vehicle. Meals stipulated above.
Services of a registered and experienced English-speaking safari guide.
Entrance fees and excursions as described in above itinerary.
Return airport transfers from Windhoek International Airport - Windhoek - Windhoek International Airport.
Mineral water on board the safari vehicle.
Welcome pack.

Excluded

International flights to Namibia and airport taxes.
Any meals not included in the listed itinerary.
Any entrance fees and excursions not included in the itinerary.
All beverages with the exception of mineral water on board the safari vehicle.
Laundry (laundry service available at lodges at extra cost).
Gratuities.
Items of personal nature.
Visa fees.

Route & Accommodation

The itinerary above is a guideline only and whilst we try to adhere to it there may be circumstances when it may change - for example weather and/or road conditions, seasonal daylight hours etc. Overnight stops on occasion may be altered from those indicated.

Luggage:

Is normally restricted to 20kg (not including photographic equipment) per person in a soft, hold all type bag. Weight is generally less important than volume as everything is carried with you on safari. If adding extensions that involve light aircraft transfers the luggage limit may be reduced further to 12 kg in soft bags (please enquire if this may apply to you). If required, any extra luggage can be stored at our base when visitors are away on safari.

Vehicles:

Vehicles used are normally comfortable minibuses, equipped with air-conditioning and cool boxes or fridges for drinks and snacks. A trailer for luggage is taken if required. Ultimate Safaris reserves the right to change the vehicles used to 4 x 4 safari vehicles if the road conditions at the time indicate that this is necessary for the success of the safari.