Namib Desert tour: Welwitschia plants & shifting dunes

The Welwitschia plant only grows in this desert, and you'll stand in front of a living fossil millions of years old.

A guided tour of the Namib Desert from Swakopmund that travels through rocky terrain and dry riverbeds to see rare desert plants, wildlife and geological formations. The full-day tour (7 hours) includes a picnic lunch and a visit to Goanikontes oasis and the shifting sand dunes. The half-day option (4 hours) covers the same desert landscape without lunch. A live guide in English or German explains the desert's origin and climate as you travel, and you may spot springbok, klipspringer, ostriches and baboons depending on the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Namib Desert and Sand Dunes

• Travel along Swakop River small-holdings
• Learn about Namib Desert origin and climate
• Experience rugged Namib Desert scenery
• See Ringing Stones and unique plants
• Spot wildlife like Springbok and Ostriches
• Enjoy a lunch break
• Drive along dry Swakop valley riverbed
• Pass Oasis Goanikontes and enter Namib Naukluft Park
• View Moon Valley from vantage point
• Visit shifting sand dunes near Swakopmund

The experience

The Namib Desert surrounds Swakopmund, and this tour moves through it along the Swakop River's northern bank into terrain so remote that civilization disappears behind you within the first hour. Your guide walks you through the geological and climatic conditions that created one of the oldest deserts on earth, then points out the plants that survive here: Lithops (called "Living Stones"), rare lichens, and the Welwitschia. A plant that exists nowhere else and has remained unchanged for millions of years. The "Ringing Stones" are a stop along the way, and if conditions align, you may see springbok, klipspringer, steenbok, baboons, ostriches, Ruppel's korhaan and trac-trac chats moving through the landscape.

On the full-day tour, a lunch break comes midway through, followed by a drive along the dry riverbed of the Swakop Valley where tamarisk, prosopis and ana trees line the banks. You pass the Goanikontes oasis, enter the Namib Naukluft Park and view Moon Valley from a vantage point before the tour closes at the shifting sand dunes near Swakopmund. The half-day tour covers the desert's northern section without the oasis, valley and dunes, and skips the lunch stop.

Pickup is included, and the guide speaks English or German. On the full-day option, you choose between bottled water, Coca-Cola, fruit juice or beer with lunch. Children from age 1 are welcome, and the terrain suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• A live guide in English or German who explains the desert's geology and climate.
• pickup and return from your Swakopmund accommodation.
• on the full-day tour, a picnic lunch with your choice of bottled water, Coca-Cola, fruit juice or beer.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English or German09:00

Guide in English or German09:00

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 85 years) · Youth (9 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 8 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Kallisto Tours & Services

Is this one for you?Choose the full-day tour if you want to see the Goanikontes oasis, Moon Valley and the sand dunes near Swakopmund in addition to the desert's rare plants and wildlife. The half-day tour covers the Namib's northern section and Ringing Stones in less time if you have other plans in town.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 17 years); Child (3 to 8 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

What is the Welwitschia plant, and why is it only found in the Namib Desert?

The Welwitschia is a living fossil that has existed unchanged for millions of years and grows nowhere else on earth. Your guide explains how the Namib's unique geological and climatic conditions allow this plant to survive in a landscape where almost nothing else can.

Can I see wildlife on the Namib Desert tour?

Wildlife sightings depend on the day and conditions, but springbok, klipspringer, steenbok, baboons, ostriches, Ruppel's korhaan and trac-trac chats inhabit the desert. Your guide will point them out if they appear during your route.

What's the difference between the half-day and full-day Namib Desert tours?

The half-day tour (4 hours) covers the desert's northern section with the Ringing Stones and rare plants but no lunch break. The full-day tour (7 hours) adds a picnic lunch, a drive through the Swakop Valley, the Goanikontes oasis, Moon Valley viewpoint and the shifting sand dunes near Swakopmund.

Is lunch included, and what drinks are available?

Lunch is included only on the full-day tour. You choose your drink at the meal from bottled water, Coca-Cola, fruit juice or beer. The half-day tour has no meal stop.

Does the tour include hotel pickup from Swakopmund?

Yes, pickup is included in the tour price. Your guide will collect you and return you to your accommodation.