What to do in Namibia

Namibia is famous for its vast and seemingly uninhabitable landscapes, and the Skeleton Coast trumps them all. Set out on a game drive, expertly navigated by your guide, to discover the wildlife that has learnt to survive in the desert. Keep your binoculars affixed to your eyes while scanning the landscape for marching elephant, herds of strutting antelope and prides of lion draped over rocky outcrops (with shaggy brown hyena who often enjoy their leftovers). Marvel at nature's ability to adapt as life plays out on this arid coast. Luckily, you don't have to survive without refreshments, which are readily available!

Taste adventure on a heart-pumping horseback ride across epic Damaraland. With the haughty Brandberg Mountain as your backdrop, your sure-footed guide will take you on a journey across this vast and rugged landscape. Your real guide will be there too, letting you in on the facts of life out in the desert, while you keep your eyes peeled for strolling elephant, rhino and oryx. There's no better way to get close to the game and begin to unravel the enigma of Namibia's hinterlands! If you're up for a full-day or multi day excursion, this can be arranged too.

This is an experience offered at Shipwreck Lodge. Indulge in a captivating late afternoon drive as the sun begins its descent, casting a golden glow over the ancient desert and the wild Atlantic Ocean. Our expert guides will take you to one of two mesmerising destinations: the shores of the ocean or the Roaring Dunes, both offering breath-taking vistas and unforgettable experiences. At the ocean's edge, you'll witness the wondrous dance between the setting sun and the endless expanse of water. Feel the cool ocean breeze on your skin and listen to the rhythmic crashing of the waves against the shore. Alternatively, we'll take you to the Roaring Dunes, where you'll see and hear a truly remarkable phenomenon. As the dry sand at the crest of the dune is blown off and cascades down, a distinctive sound, resembling a soft roar, fills the air. It's a sight and sound that will leave impression on your memory. During the excursion, we'll treat you to a selection of delectable snacks to savour while basking in surroundings. As you indulge in these culinary treats, your guide will share captivating information and fascinating stories about the area and its remarkable inhabitants. Learn about the unique adaptations of the animals and plants that survive in this terrain and gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of life in this harsh environment.

This experience is offered at Shipwreck Lodge. Explore the remarkable surroundings from the seat of a quad bike, as our guided quad tours provide a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the captivating landscape, all while keeping conservation and environmental impact in mind. As we embark on this exhilarating adventure, we prioritise minimising our footprint on this delicate ecosystem. Following a designated track over the dunes, we ensure that our presence has minimal disturbance on the pristine surroundings. By adhering to the set route, we demonstrate our commitment to preserving the natural habitat and its fragile balance. These quad bike tours take you to a secluded valley, offering a serene oasis amidst the ruggedness of the desert landscape. Here, you can pause, take in the awe-inspiring scenery, and appreciate the untouched tranquillity that surrounds you. It's a moment of respite and connection with nature that will leave a lasting impression. Please keep in mind that the availability of quad bike tours is subject to weather conditions and other factors that may affect the safety and enjoyment of our guests.

When you hear Sossusvlei, we'd bet there's one word in your mind, dunes! Meet your expert guide in the early morning (when the heat is still bareable) to explore Dune Alley where ridges of rust-coloured dunes rise above the stark landscape. Summit to the peak of millenia-old dunes that rise to over 200 metres. Quest to the top of Dune 45, Sossusvlei's most photographed dune or conquer Big Daddy where you'll be rewarded with views over surreal Deadvlei. Spot the tracks of a tiny toktokkie beetle on your way up and don't worry, any footprints you leave behind will be swept away by noon. After much-deserved refreshments, head back to camp.

Within the great, red desert of Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei has lured photographers and nature lovers for years. Join your desert-adapted guide on an excursion to this lunar clay pan where fossilised camel thorn trees form ghostly silhouettes against the amphitheatre of dunes. Your guide will share the 600-year-old story of how these petrified trees came to be. For any shutterbugs amongst you, sunset or sunrise makes for the best photos of this surreal fluke of nature.