10 Day-Namibia Desert & Community Safari

Overview

Spend ten unforgettable days discovering three of Namibia’s most iconic travel destinations: Sossusvlei, Damaraland, and Kaokoveld. This immersive itinerary goes beyond the typical safari experience by focusing on the importance of community, giving you the chance to connect with the people who shape the cultural fabric of Namibia. Along the way, you’ll gain valuable insight into the traditions, lifestyles, and resilience of the local communities, all while taking in some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Itinerary Highlights

1. Little Kulala Lodge – Sossusvlei Region
Your adventure begins at Little Kulala Lodge, a charming base nestled in the iconic Sossusvlei region, famous for its towering, orange sand dunes. Here, the adventure truly begins as you’ll experience the desert from multiple perspectives – climb the dunes for incredible views, take to the skies with a hot-air balloon ride, or explore the landscape on quad bikes.

2. Damaraland Camp – Damaraland
Next, journey to Damaraland Camp, located in a private conservancy amid big game country. This part of the tour offers a perfect mix of cultural immersion and authentic safari experiences. You’ll engage with the local communities, learning about their traditions, while also exploring the surrounding wildlife-rich landscapes.

3. Serra Cafema Camp – Kaokoveld
Your final destination is Serra Cafema Camp in the remote Kaokoveld, one of Namibia’s most isolated and pristine regions. Nestled within the Marienfluss Conservancy, this luxurious yet comfortable camp offers the perfect base for exploring one of Namibia’s last untouched wildernesses. Here, you will gain an even deeper understanding of the unique cultural heritage of the Himba people, and venture into the heart of the desert landscape.

Why Is This a Trip with a Purpose?

This itinerary is not just about the stunning landscapes of Namibia; it’s about understanding the people who call this vast land home and appreciating the cultural significance behind every journey. Here’s how the trip emphasizes community engagement and meaningful experiences:

• Damaraland: Visit the local farms of Fonteine Pos and De Riet, where you’ll engage with the community and learn about the unique heritage of the region’s farmers.
• Damara Living Museum: Gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s indigenous cultures by visiting the Damara Living Museum, where you’ll experience traditional music, dance, and lifestyle firsthand.
• Bergisg Village: In the small town of Bergisg, visit the Jakob Basson Combined School and interact with the students and teachers to learn about local education and community efforts.
• Kaokoveld: In the Kaokoveld, visit a Himba Village, where you’ll meet members of one of the last nomadic tribes in the world. Learn about their ancient traditions, their connection to the land, and their way of life.
• Marienfluss Conservancy: From Serra Cafema, embark on a full-day excursion to the Marienfluss School, a donor-funded clinic, and the Marienfluss Conservancy headquarters, where you’ll witness the ongoing efforts to conserve this pristine environment and support the local communities.

Day 1-4: Welcome to Namibia, Sossusvlei | 3 Nights

Once your plane touches down at Hosea Kutako International Airport, your Namibian adventure begins! After being warmly welcomed by a friendly representative, you’ll be assisted onto your light aircraft for a scenic flight to Sossusvlei.

Upon arrival, step off your charter flight and into the serene luxury of Little Kulala Lodge, located in the heart of Namibia’s Namib Desert on a private reserve. This stylish lodge blends seamlessly into the desert landscape, with its use of neutral tones and organic materials. The spacious and comfortable villas ensure privacy and seclusion, offering enviable views of the iconic, rolling sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the distance.

Activities and Experiences at Little Kulala Lodge:

• Direct Access to Namib Naukluft National Park: Little Kulala boasts prime access to the Namib Naukluft National Park and the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei, allowing you to explore the desert in its purest form.
• Morning Game Drives: Begin your days with thrilling game drives in 4×4 safari vehicles, offering an opportunity to spot local wildlife against the backdrop of the vast desert.
• Guided Nature Walks: For a more intimate connection with the land, embark on guided nature walks through the private reserve. Here, you’ll learn about the flora, fauna, and geology that make the Namib Desert so unique.
• Hike Iconic Sand Dunes: Delve deeper into the Sossusvlei area, where you’ll have the chance to hike up the famous Big Daddy and Dune 45, two of the tallest and most photographed dunes in the world.
• Quad Biking Adventures: For a bit more adventure, hop on a quad bike to explore the surrounding area. The desert terrain offers the perfect playground for these high-energy excursions.
• Hot-Air Balloon Ride: Cap off your stay at Little Kulala with a spectacular dawn ride in a hot-air balloon. Glide above the desert, taking in panoramic views of the Namibian landscape and watching the sun rise over the red sand dunes below.

Your time at Little Kulala Lodge will not only immerse you in the stunning desert environment, but will also give you unforgettable experiences and memories, whether you’re watching the sunrise over the dunes or taking part in an exhilarating game drive.

Day 4-7: Big Game Country, Damaraland | 3 Nights

Damaraland Camp is a luxurious and comfortable retreat nestled in the Torra Conservancy, located on the northern face of the Huab River Valley. The camp offers breathtaking views of the imposing Brandberg Mountains, adding to the charm of its setting. Positioned in the heart of big game country, it’s an excellent base for spotting rare desert-adapted elephants, as well as gemsbok (oryx), springbok, ostrich, and if you’re lucky, even lions and black rhinos.

Activities and Experiences at Damaraland Camp:

• Game Drives: Enjoy exciting game drives that take you through the rugged terrain of the Torra Conservancy, where you can witness the diverse desert-adapted wildlife, including elephants and other iconic African species.
• Guided Nature Walks: Venture on foot with experienced guides who will introduce you to the flora and fauna of the area. These walks offer an in-depth understanding of the ecosystem and the unique desert landscape.
• Mountain Biking: For a more adventurous way to explore, opt for a mountain biking excursion. Ride through the desert, observing the wildlife and the stunning environment up close.
• Cultural Experiences: Damaraland Camp has a strong connection with the local communities, and a visit here offers incredible cultural interactions. The camp is owned and largely run by the local people of the Torra Conservancy. During your stay, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Fonteine Pos and De Riet farms, where you can engage with the local community and learn about their way of life, traditions, and heritage.
• Damara Living Museum: A short trip to the Damara Living Museum, situated near Twyfelfontein, will immerse you in the rich traditions of the Damara people. This living museum is a rare cultural experience that showcases the unique lifestyle and customs of one of Namibia’s oldest tribes.
• Visit Jakob Basson Combined School: Take a trip to the small town of Bersig, located 60 km (37 miles) from the camp, where you’ll have the chance to meet the children of Jakob Basson Combined School. Spending time with the local schoolchildren is an opportunity to interact with the future generation of the region, learning about their education and aspirations.

Your stay at Damaraland Camp will offer a blend of thrilling wildlife encounters, stunning desert landscapes, and enriching cultural experiences. The camp is not only a haven for nature lovers but also an opportunity to connect with Namibia’s people and heritage in a deeply meaningful way.

Day 7-10: Meet the Himba | 3 Nights

After a final hearty breakfast at Damaraland Camp, you’ll be transferred to Doro Nawas Airstrip for a charter flight to your next destination – Serra Cafema Camp. Nestled deep in the Hartmann Valley of Kaokoland, this exclusive tented camp is so remote that it’s only accessible by light aircraft and a 4X4 transfer through the stunning Namib Desert.

During your stay, you’ll be surrounded by awe-inspiring views of volcanic rock formations and towering dunes that blend into a surreal, lunar landscape. Beyond its beauty, Kaokoland is home to a variety of desert-adapted wildlife, including Cape foxes, horned adders, Ruppell’s korhaans, scimitar-horned oryx, and long-billed larks – all of which can be spotted during game drives or while quad biking across the region. Be sure to include sunset river cruises along the Kunene River and hikes through the Marienfluss Mountains on your list of activities.

No visit would be complete without experiencing the local Himba village, where you’ll meet members of one of the world’s last nomadic tribes. One of your three days at Serra Cafema Camp will be dedicated to a full-day excursion to visit the Marienfluss School, the donor-funded clinic, and the Marienfluss Conservancy headquarters. You’ll be assigned a private vehicle to ensure your comfort as you embark on this cultural journey.

After one last delicious breakfast at Serra Cafema, you’ll catch a charter flight back to Hosea Kutako International Airport, marking the end of your Namibian adventure. While this may be goodbye for now, we’re certain that you’ll be back for another unforgettable safari experience soon.