Dunes and Skies: Exploring Namibia’s Wild Heart
Namibia
April 6 to 23, 2028
Private Trip Available Safari Overview
Experience Namibia’s wild heart on an unforgettable safari through vast deserts, rugged mountains, and pristine coastline. Begin at Sossusvlei, climbing the world’s tallest sand dunes for breathtaking views of ochre landscapes and endless skies. Travel to Damaraland to track desert-adapted elephants and elusive black rhinos across rugged terrain, then feel the adrenaline of quad biking through a remote private reserve. Take to the skies for a scenic flight along the hauntingly beautiful Diamond Coast, passing ghostly shipwrecks, thriving seal colonies, and abandoned diamond camps frozen in time. Explore Walvis Bay, home to abundant marine life, before heading north to Etosha National Park for exclusive wildlife encounters. Watch animals from an underground photographic hide, enjoy nighttime game drives under starlit skies, and end your days with extraordinary Southern Hemisphere stargazing. This expert-led, small-group safari balances adventure, wildlife observation, and breathtaking scenery, delivering a truly immersive and unforgettable experience in Namibia’s remarkable wilderness.
WHY CHOOSE THIS TRIP?
- Discover Namibia by Land, Sea & Sky: Explore spectacular landscapes from multiple perspectives — by 4×4 vehicle, scenic flight along the Diamond Coast, quad bike, kayak, and catamaran — for a fully immersive adventure.
- Sunrise at Sossusvlei Dunes: Gain exclusive early access to the iconic dunes for breathtaking sunrise views and crowd-free photography opportunities.
- Track Rare Desert-Adapted Wildlife: Witness elusive black rhinos and desert-adapted elephants navigating the rugged terrain of Damaraland.
- Big Game Viewing in Etosha & Beyond: Encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, rhinos, and more on private reserves and in Etosha National Park.
- Luxury Lodges and Authentic Cultural Experiences: Stay in handpicked safari camps and engage with local communities, including a visit to the Himba Living Museum to learn about their rich traditions.
TRIP MAP
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
Itinerary Updated: June 2026
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 6–7 | Travel to Windhoek, Namibia. Embark on your journey to Windhoek, the gateway to one of Africa's most breathtaking landscapes. | D | |
| Apr 8 | Arrive in Windhoek & Welcome Dinner. Transfer to Galton House, settle in, and meet Scott and your local guides for a welcome briefing and dinner. | Galton House, Windhoek | B, L, D |
| Apr 9-10 | Sossusvlei Dunes & Sesriem Canyon. Explore the towering dunes and shimmering salt pans in the golden light of sunrise, then discover the ancient landscapes of Deadvlei and Sesriem Canyon. | Dead Valley Lodge, Sossusvlei Park | B, L, D |
| Apr 11-12 | NamibRand Nature Reserve Exploration. Quad bike through the desert, stargaze under Africa's first International Dark Sky Reserve, and take an optional scenic helicopter flight or hot air balloon ride over the dunes. | Kwessi Dunes Lodge, NamibRand Nature Reserve | B, L, D |
| Apr 13-14 | Fly to Swakopmund & Walvis Bay Marine Safari. Take a private scenic flight over shipwrecks and seal colonies to Swakopmund, then kayak with Cape fur seals and cruise Walvis Bay's wildlife-rich lagoon. | The Delight, Swakopmund | B, L, D |
| Apr 15-17 | Damaraland Wildlife Tracking. Search for free-roaming desert-adapted black rhinos and elephants across Namibia's most dramatic wilderness, with stops at ancient rock art sites and petrified forests. | Camp Doros, Damaraland | B, L, D |
| Apr 18-20 | Etosha National Park Safari. Visit a Himba Living Museum, then enjoy private game drives and thrilling night safaris in Ongava Reserve, with a visit to the Ongava Research Center. | Ongava Lodge, Etosha National Park | B, L, D |
| Apr 21 | Return to Windhoek & Farewell Dinner. Travel south through Namibia's central highlands before gathering for a final celebratory dinner in Windhoek. | Galton House, Windhoek | B, L, D |
| Apr 22 | Depart for Home. Bid farewell to Namibia as you board your flight home, reflecting on an extraordinary journey across some of Africa's most spectacular landscapes. | B | |
| Apr 23 | Arrive Home. |
Get the Full Daily Itinerary
Our Trip Leaders
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Scott Davis
Scott DavisScott, co-owner and co-CEO of Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, is an expert wildlife, nature, and travel photographer. Trained as a wildlife and marine biologist, he's explored all seven continents for research and photography. National Geographic, BBC, Animal Planet, NY Times, and other prestigious publications have featured his inspiring work. Scott's passion for teaching and talent for capturing the essence of his subjects make him a highly sought-after tour leader.
- Cost & Payments
- Included
- Not Included
- Climate
- Fitness Level
- Flights
Conservation- Conditions
Cost & Payments
Costs (in US$)
| Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Trip Cost, double occupancy | $18,900 |
| Single Supplement | $2,700 |
Share the Experience – Earn Travel Credit
Know someone who would love this trip? Refer a friend and you’ll both benefit—you get credit toward a future adventure, and they receive a discount on their first trip with us. See how our Referral Program works ›
Costs are per person, double occupancy, not including airfare (except for one internal scenic flight), singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
If you are a single traveler, we will try to find a roommate for you, but if we cannot pair you with a roommate, we may charge you a single supplement. Single rooms cost extra and are subject to availability.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Due now to reserve your space | $500 |
| Final | October 29, 2027 | Remaining Balance |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space.
Cancellations
Until the Final Payment due date, deposits are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $150 per person, which can be applied toward another trip if reserved within six months of the cancelled trip’s departure date. Cancellations are non-transferrable. No refunds are given after the Final Payment due date.
Included
- Carbon offsets for the duration of this trip.
- All leaders, transportation in a luxury air-conditioned safari vehicle, park entry fees, landing fees, and permits for all activities unless described as optional.
- Private scenic charter flight from Kwessi Dunes to Swakopmund on April 13.
- Marine cruise & kayaking including a beach braai on April 14 whilst in Swakopmund.
- Accommodations (double occupancy) for the nights of April 8 through April 21.
- Meals from dinner on April 8 through breakfast on April 22, except meals listed in Not Included section.
- Local branded beverages whilst at Kwessi Dunes Lodge and Camp Doros.
- Mineral water on board the safari vehicle.
- Transfers on April 8 and April 22 between the Galton House and the Windhoek airport.
- Trip Planning Materials – information about entry requirements, flights, packing, gratuities, etc.
Not Included
- Carbon offsets for your flights to/from this trip.
- All airfare (except flights listed as included), airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees.
- Passport and visa fees.
- Divergent airport transfers (arranged by us) and extra hotel nights.
- Optional ninety-minute helicopter excursion in Sossusvlei.
- All local beverages except for mineral water on board the safari vehicle and whilst at Kwessi Dunes Lodge and Camp Doros.
- Gratuities.
- Mandatory emergency evacuation insurance.
- Optional trip cancellation insurance.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, alcoholic and other premium/imported beverages, items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Traveler Form.
Climate
Namibia in April experiences a transition from the rainy season to the dry season, with rain becoming less frequent and mostly short, isolated showers. The skies are generally clear to partly cloudy, often showcasing dramatic sunsets. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, typically ranging from 75 to 90°F (24 to 32°C) depending on the region, while nights can be cool, especially in the desert areas where temperatures may drop to around 50 to 59°F (10 to 15°C). Humidity levels decrease throughout the month, making the climate comfortable for travel and outdoor activities.
Fitness Level
This is an active adventure designed for travelers with good energy and a moderate level of fitness. The itinerary includes a mix of activities such as game drives, a scenic flight, quad biking, and kayaking, most of which are accessible to anyone in generally good health. That said, some experiences, like climbing the towering dunes of Sossusvlei or trekking in Damaraland, may require a bit more stamina. The trip is thoughtfully paced to suit a range of fitness levels, so everyone can fully enjoy Namibia’s incredible landscapes and wildlife. If you have any health concerns that might affect your participation, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to talk it through with you.
Flights
Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Planning Materials we will send you.
Please wait to book your flights until you receive confirmation from your Coordinator that the minimum number of participants has been met to operate the trip. If you choose to book flights before receiving this confirmation, we strongly recommend purchasing flight cancellation insurance to protect your investment.
Flights you book
- Arrive in Windhoek, Namibia (WDH) by 4:00pm on April 8.
- Depart from Windhoek, Namibia (WDH) after 5:00am on April 22.
Flights we book
- Private scenic charter flight from Kwessi Dunes to Swakopmund on April 13
- Optional 90-minute helicopter ride in Sossusvlei on April 11 or 12
FAQ
Accommodations
Motion Sickness
Transportation
Conservation
Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world while stimulating each destination’s local economy. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:
- Cheesemans’ Trips are Carbon Neutral.
- Offsetting your Travel to/from our Trip: We ask you to pledge to offset the carbon emissions for your travel to and from our trips. You can purchase offsets with most airlines (Delta includes them automatically), use our handy carbon calculator and donate to Sustainable Travel International, or contribute to your favorite offsetting organization.
Conditions
Read our current Terms and Conditions.