Moon Landscape & Welwitschia
Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Namib Naukluft Park
From the pier, your friendly English-speaking driver/guide will take a spectacular route across a vast eroded valley, with scenery that is reminiscent of a desert moonscape dotted with rare Welwitschia plants. Unique to the Namib, these ancient plants - some are thought to be 2,000 years old - get all their moisture from mist and dew, and may only produce two leaves in the course of a human lifetime. A stop at the Moon Landscape offers views of the lunar-like terrain with deep gorges, sharp ridges, and a surreal, otherworldly appearance. Before calling it a day, you'll enjoy a complimentary juice before returning to your ship.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Often described as bizarre and otherworldly, the Welwitschia plant features short, woody stems that become twisted and frayed with the passing centuries. The 179-centimeter (70-inch) leaves lay on the sand's surface preventing wind erosion and guards the plant against the sand, which can reach temperatures as high as 65 °C (149 °F).
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Acclaimed as the largest game park in Africa and the fourth largest in the world, red sand dunes reach heights of over 200 meters (656 feet) carpeting an area of 49,768 square kilometers (19,216 square miles).
Points of interest
Namib Naukluftpark
Schedule
Special Notes
This tour is not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties or in wheelchairs due to the rocky, uneven terrain. Guests will spend time outdoors on this tour, standing in the sun, comfortable clothing & shoes, a sun hat and sun block are strongly recommended. Due to a lack of local services, buses and guides are brought in from the capital the day prior to the ship's arrival. The cost of the tour reflects these additional services. Your tour is conducted by driver/guides.
Namibia is a developing country and, although visiting here is a rewarding experience, it differs markedly from South Africa in all respects. Although basic, transportation is maintained, but the quality can vary considerably.
Driving through the desert and dusty roads of Namibia means that vehicles need regular servicing, which can affect the availability. Coaches are very limited and are of a much lower standard than in South Africa; soft refurbishments do not occur on a regular basis. The vehicles are specially built for durability and stepping up into them is higher than a standard coach
Many of these guides have had prior experience in guiding for visiting cruise ships but some have not. Your guide will do his/her best, but please keep in mind that the limited tourism infrastructure here is part of your experience, and bear with any language or other difficulties he/she may encounter. Road conditions are weather dependent. Many roads are paved, but potholes are ever-present. There are also a number of bumpy dirt roads, which will be navigated carefully. All timings are approximate, as the local traffic will have a direct influence on the overall schedule. Delays are to be expected. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel the tour due to changes in weather, road or access conditions.
Exceptional Value
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Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Namib Naukluft Park
From the pier, your friendly English-speaking driver/guide will take a spectacular route across a vast eroded valley, with scenery that is reminiscent of a desert moonscape dotted with rare Welwitschia plants. Unique to the Namib, these ancient plants - some are thought to be 2,000 years old - get all their moisture from mist and dew, and may only produce two leaves in the course of a human lifetime. A stop at the Moon Landscape offers views of the lunar-like terrain with deep gorges, sharp ridges, and a surreal, otherworldly appearance. Before calling it a day, you'll enjoy a complimentary juice before returning to your ship.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Often described as bizarre and otherworldly, the Welwitschia plant features short, woody stems that become twisted and frayed with the passing centuries. The 179-centimeter (70-inch) leaves lay on the sand's surface preventing wind erosion and guards the plant against the sand, which can reach temperatures as high as 65 °C (149 °F).
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Acclaimed as the largest game park in Africa and the fourth largest in the world, red sand dunes reach heights of over 200 meters (656 feet) carpeting an area of 49,768 square kilometers (19,216 square miles).
Points of interest
Namib Naukluftpark
Schedule
Special Notes
This tour is not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties or in wheelchairs due to the rocky, uneven terrain. Guests will spend time outdoors on this tour, standing in the sun, comfortable clothing & shoes, a sun hat and sun block are strongly recommended. Due to a lack of local services, buses and guides are brought in from the capital the day prior to the ship's arrival. The cost of the tour reflects these additional services. Your tour is conducted by driver/guides.
Namibia is a developing country and, although visiting here is a rewarding experience, it differs markedly from South Africa in all respects. Although basic, transportation is maintained, but the quality can vary considerably.
Driving through the desert and dusty roads of Namibia means that vehicles need regular servicing, which can affect the availability. Coaches are very limited and are of a much lower standard than in South Africa; soft refurbishments do not occur on a regular basis. The vehicles are specially built for durability and stepping up into them is higher than a standard coach
Many of these guides have had prior experience in guiding for visiting cruise ships but some have not. Your guide will do his/her best, but please keep in mind that the limited tourism infrastructure here is part of your experience, and bear with any language or other difficulties he/she may encounter. Road conditions are weather dependent. Many roads are paved, but potholes are ever-present. There are also a number of bumpy dirt roads, which will be navigated carefully. All timings are approximate, as the local traffic will have a direct influence on the overall schedule. Delays are to be expected. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel the tour due to changes in weather, road or access conditions.