The Living Namib Desert
Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
This tour concentrates on the small living creatures found in the sand dunes of the Namib Desert.
Leave the ship and travel along the dune belt between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. The drive along the foot of the dunes is slow, as your driver is careful not to drive on the gravel plains and cause unnecessary damage. Conservation issues and the geological structure of the desert are discussed en-route.
Your expert guide will stop frequently, and you'll search for and find desert creatures. Among these is the sidewinder adder, the palmetto gecko, the sand-diving lizard, the Namaqua chameleon and various other tiny beetles that survive and thrive in the hot desert conditions. You'll look for tracks (known locally as 'reading the bushman paper') to determine which creatures were active the night before and, wherever possible, your guide will try to catch some of them. They shares their knowledge about each little animal, including adaptations and design for survival in the desert. After you've had a look and learned a lot, great care is taken to ensure each animal is returned safely to its home, none the worse for wear.Enjoy the spectacular scenery, the feel of the silky sand beneath your feet, and the fantastic photographic opportunities offered by this outing. Once we leave the dune belt, enjoy refreshing sparkling wine, orange juice and snacks next to the Atlantic Ocean before returning to quayside on the coastal road.
Schedule
Special Notes
This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with walking difficulties. It is generally extremely hot and dry in the desert, and we strongly recommend that guests take along comfortable walking shoes, sun hats, sun block and sunglasses. Because vehicles drive over gravel roads that can be rather bumpy, this tour is not recommended for guests with back problems or pregnants. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Drivers in vehicles, a guide will talk at each stop.
Waiver must be signed and medical conditions disclosed. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. 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.
Many of these guides have had prior experience in guiding for visiting cruise ships but some have not. Your guide will do their 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 they may encounter. Road conditions are weather dependent.
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Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
This tour concentrates on the small living creatures found in the sand dunes of the Namib Desert.
Leave the ship and travel along the dune belt between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. The drive along the foot of the dunes is slow, as your driver is careful not to drive on the gravel plains and cause unnecessary damage. Conservation issues and the geological structure of the desert are discussed en-route.
Your expert guide will stop frequently, and you'll search for and find desert creatures. Among these is the sidewinder adder, the palmetto gecko, the sand-diving lizard, the Namaqua chameleon and various other tiny beetles that survive and thrive in the hot desert conditions. You'll look for tracks (known locally as 'reading the bushman paper') to determine which creatures were active the night before and, wherever possible, your guide will try to catch some of them. They shares their knowledge about each little animal, including adaptations and design for survival in the desert. After you've had a look and learned a lot, great care is taken to ensure each animal is returned safely to its home, none the worse for wear.Enjoy the spectacular scenery, the feel of the silky sand beneath your feet, and the fantastic photographic opportunities offered by this outing. Once we leave the dune belt, enjoy refreshing sparkling wine, orange juice and snacks next to the Atlantic Ocean before returning to quayside on the coastal road.
Schedule
Special Notes
This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with walking difficulties. It is generally extremely hot and dry in the desert, and we strongly recommend that guests take along comfortable walking shoes, sun hats, sun block and sunglasses. Because vehicles drive over gravel roads that can be rather bumpy, this tour is not recommended for guests with back problems or pregnants. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Drivers in vehicles, a guide will talk at each stop.
Waiver must be signed and medical conditions disclosed. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. 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.
Many of these guides have had prior experience in guiding for visiting cruise ships but some have not. Your guide will do their 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 they may encounter. Road conditions are weather dependent.