Step into a world where raw beauty meets refined luxury. Your journey begins with a seamless flight from Cape Town to Windhoek, Namibia, before boarding a light aircraft that sweeps you over endless ochre dunes and into the heart of the Namib Desert. Here, in the vast expanse of the Namib Rand Nature Reserve, awaits your sanctuary, Kwessi Dunes Lodge, a haven of elegance and exclusivity. Each air-conditioned chalet offers panoramic desert views and a private star bed, inviting you to sleep beneath one of the clearest night skies on Earth. By day, adventure calls: glide across crimson sands, wander through surreal desert landscapes on guided nature walks. As night falls, the desert transforms into a celestial masterpiece, offering stargazing experiences that defy imagination. Every detail of your stay is designed to blend untamed wilderness with uncompromising comfort, creating a journey that is as exhilarating as it is indulgent. Your adventure concludes with a scenic flight to Walvis Bay, where you rejoin your cruise, forever changed by the magic of Namibia’s desert soul.
DAY 1
Upon disembarkation in Cape Town, you will be met and transferred to Cape Town International Airport for your scheduled flight to Windhoek, with a snack pack provided for the journey.
Scheduled Flight: Cape Town ? Windhoek (4Z326 | 10:40 – 12:50)
On arrival, a representative will assist you to your charter flight for a scenic transfer over the Namib Desert to Keerweerder Airstrip (approx.1 hr10 min). The aerial views alone are unforgettable. Upon landing, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to Kwessi Dunes Lodge, where a refreshing drink awaits.
After check-in, enjoy time to freshen up before choosing complimentary activities such as quad biking or a guided nature walk. Optional experiences (at an additional cost) or indulgent spa treatments. Alternatively, simply relax and take in the serene desert beauty.
Later, savor afternoon tea before embarking on a scenic drive through the Namib Rand Nature Reserve, a vast 200,000-hectare wilderness of crimson dunes, rugged mountains, and mysterious fairy circles. Wildlife sightings may include gemsbok, springbok, zebra, and other desert-adapted species.
Return to the lodge for a sumptuous dinner, then end your evening stargazing from your private outdoor sky bed beneath one of the clearest night skies on Earth.
Overnight at Kwessi Dunes Lodge or similar
DAY 2 & DAY 3
Wake up to the crisp Namib Desert air and enjoy a refreshing tea or coffee before setting out on an exhilarating 4x4 scenic drive across the dunes. After your morning adventure, return to the lodge to freshen up and savor a leisurely lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the lodge surroundings or indulge in an optional activity on offer or a rejuvenating spa treatment (additional cost).
As the day cools, embark on an evening scenic drive to witness the desert’s dramatic transformation under the setting sun. Return to the lodge with time to relax before dinner, then conclude your night stargazing from your private outdoor sky bed, Namibia’s remote location offers some of the clearest, most dazzling night skies on Earth.
Optional Inclusive Early Morning Excursion:
For those seeking an extraordinary experience, join a half-day excursion to Sossusvlei, departing at approx. 5:00am. After an hour’s drive to the park gate, explore the towering dunes and surreal landscapes as the sunrise casts golden shadows across the desert. Visit Big Daddy, one of the world’s highest dunes, and the iconic Deadvlei before enjoying a picnic brunch. Return to the lodge by midday with time to rest before the evening’s activities.
Overnight at Kwessi Dunes Lodge or similar
DAY 4
Depending on your departure time, enjoy one final morning activity before returning to the lodge for breakfast and completing check-out formalities. You will then be transferred to the airstrip for your scenic charter flight to Walvis Bay.
Flight: Keerweerder Airstrip ? Walvis Bay International Airport
Upon arrival, a local representative will meet you and provide a seamless transfer to Walvis Bay Harbour, where your cruise ship awaits—marking the perfect conclusion to your unforgettable Namib Desert adventure.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
Please note: Timings may vary depending on actual flight times
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
8:00am Disembark your cruise ship in Cape Town and transfer to the airport. Snack Pack provided.
8:45am On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, embark on your scheduled flight to Namibia.
10:40am Flight to Cape Town International Airport to Windhoek International Airport
12:50pm Arrival at Windhoek International Airport
1:30pm Customs Clearance in Windhoek
±2:00pm Charter flight Windhoek > Keerweerder Airstrip (1hr10min duration)
3:10pm Arrive Sossusvlei Airstrip and transfer to Kwessi Dunes Lodge
3:20 Check-in formalities with welcome drink.
5:30pm Meet at the main lodge for your afternoon nature drive.
7:30pm Arrive back at the lodge with time to freshen up before dinner
8:00pm Dinner
Overnight Kwessi Dunes or similar
DAY 2
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
7:00am Early Morning wake-up call.
7:30am Enjoy breakfast.
9:00 am Enjoy your morning scenic drive through the Namib desert.
12:00pm Return to the lodge
12:00pm Lunch followed by leisure time
4:00pm Afternoon Tea
5:30pm Afternoon Scenic Drive
7:00pm Arrive back at the lodge with time to freshen up before dinner
7:30pm Dinner
Overnight Kwessi Dunes or similar
DAY 3
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
7:00am Early Morning wake-up call.
7:30am Enjoy breakfast.
9:00 am Enjoy your scenic morning drive through the Namib desert or
optional inclusive excursion departing at 5am.
12:00pm Return to the lodge
12:00pm Lunch followed by leisure time
4:00pm Afternoon Tea
5:30pm Afternoon Scenic Drive
7:00pm Arrive back at the lodge with time to freshen up before dinner
7:30pm Dinner
Overnight Kwessi Dunes or similar
DAY 4
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
8:00am Breakfast at the lodge
9:00am Gather belongings and complete check-out formalities
9:30am Transfer to Keerweerder Airstrip and board your flight
10:00am Chartered Flight to Walvis Bay Airport
10:55am Arrival at Walvis Bay Airport and transfer to Walvis Bay Port
12:00pm Approximate arrival time at Walvis Bay harbor
General Information
Electricity: Namibia and South Africa operate on a 220/230-volt AC, 50 Hz electrical system. Most lodges and hotels provide hair dryers and plug adapters in the rooms; however, we recommend bringing your own universal adapter for convenience.
Expected Weather: Namibia’s seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. Midwinter is June and midsummer is December and January. The climate varies from region to region but is generally mild throughout the year. Expect it to be hot during the day and much cooler in the evenings. Early rains may occur from October onwards and the main rainy season falls between January and April. During this time flash floods are common.
What to Bring: Light cotton tops and trousers or shorts are ideal for summer days, while safari trousers and a warm fleece are recommended for cooler evenings. Don’t forget swimwear, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. Bring your camera with extra memory cards and chargers, along with personal toiletries. Closed, sturdy shoes are essential for traction and protection from hot sand.
Currency: Both Namibian Dollars (NAD) and South African Rand (ZAR) hold equal value and are accepted as legal tender throughout Namibia. When departing Namibia, we recommend carrying South African Rand, as Namibian Dollars are generally not exchangeable outside the country. All major credit cards are widely accepted, with Visa and Mastercard being the most used.
Luggage: Guests are permitted one complimentary checked suitcase weighing no more than 20 kg (44 lbs.). Any excess or overweight luggage will incur additional charges at check-in. For light aircraft flights, soft-sided luggage is required to ensure safe and efficient handling.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1.Guests must obtain a doctor’s certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2.The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications, especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type).
3.These documents must be sent to the Land Program Team via the Reservations Team at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4.Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which the cruise line nor our local ground operator can be responsible for.
Please note: Some airlines may impose restrictions or specific requirements when transporting wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or other assistive devices. We recommend checking directly with your airline or the Cruise Line prior to departure to ensure compliance with their policies.
Documents and Visa Requirements: A valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond your travel dates is required for entry into Namibia. Please note that Namibian Immigration mandates a minimum of three consecutive double-blank pages in your passport; failure to meet this requirement may result in denied entry.
Currently, U.S. citizens do not require a visa for entry into Namibia; however, regulations are subject to change. We strongly recommend confirming the latest requirements with your local embassy or consulate prior to travel.
Travelers of other nationalities should consult their respective embassies for specific entry requirements.
Please note that visa fees and regulations are subject to change, and we cannot be held responsible for any updates or additional costs. Visa fees are not included in the cost of this program.
Vaccination & Health Regulations: Guests are responsible for confirming current vaccination requirements with their local health authority. Visa and vaccination costs are not included in the program price.
Malaria precautions are essential for visits to game parks, consult your doctor for the most suitable medication. If arriving from a yellow fever zone, a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTATION NOTICE:
To ensure successful flight arrangements for this program, the name on your cruise booking, passport, and any required visas must match exactly. This includes first, middle, and last names, with identical spelling across all documents. Discrepancies may result in denial of boarding by the airline.
Cruise line-generated manifests must align precisely with your official travel documents.
Failure to present the correct documentation or inconsistencies in guests names may lead to denied travel or the need to re-purchase tickets at your own expense. Guests will be responsible for any additional costs incurred due to these discrepancies.
Hotel Address & Contact:
Kwessi Dunes Lodge
4WF2+HQ8 NamibRand Nature Reserve, Sesriem, Namibia
Phone +264 61 225 616
Please Note: In the event of unforeseen circumstances, an alternative hotel may be arranged. Any substitute accommodation will match the original in both rating and quality. You will be informed of any changes prior to your departure. If no such notification is provided, your stay will proceed at the hotel specified in this program.
Program Includes:
•3 Nights at Kwessi Dunes Lodge or similar (Desert Chalet)
•Meals, as per itinerary
•Activities, as per itinerary
•Transfers
•Economy Flights as per itinerary
•Porterage for one piece of luggage per guest
Program Excludes:
•All other accommodations not specified in the program
•All additional meals and beverages beyond those listed
•Premium drinks, including Champagne and top-shelf spirits and liquors
•Optional activities offered at the lodge that are not included in the program
•Gratuities for drivers, guides, rangers, trackers, and lodge staff
•Personal expenses such as telephone calls, boutique or curio purchases, and laundry
•Any services not expressly mentioned in the inclusions
Hints & Restrictions:
•Optional Activity: Climbing dunes such as Big Daddy or Dune 45 involves steep, sandy inclines and can be physically demanding. Guests should be in good health and comfortable walking on uneven terrain.
•Expect significant temperature variations, cool mornings and evenings, with intense midday heat. Pack layered clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
•The sequence and content of activities may change without prior notice due to weather conditions or wildlife movement.
•Independent Activities: All optional activities must be arranged through the lodge reception and are subject to availability and weather conditions. Certain experiences, such as hot air ballooning, scenic helicopter flights, horseback riding, and spa treatments, incur additional charges payable directly to the lodge. These activities are operated solely by the lodge and its partners, and participation is at your own risk. Please coordinate with the lodge to avoid conflicts with scheduled transfers or excursions included with the program.
•This program is not fully guided. Local representatives will assist with transfers; however, lodge and hotel activities are managed exclusively by the respective property staff.
•Guests must always carry their passports.
Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. This program is not recommended for guests who require the use of a wheelchair or mobility scooters. Guests with mobility concerns are advised to carefully assess their personal physical capabilities and stamina. Participants must be able to independently board and disembark from transportation, including motor coaches, and should be accompanied by an able-bodied companion if assistance is needed. Guests who choose to use independent transportation or wheelchair services provided by third-party companies may do so at their own risk and responsibility. We encourage guests to contact the cruise line in advance to discuss any specific mobility-related questions or concerns before booking this program. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Booking, Pricing & Cancelation:
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. No refunds or partial refunds will be issued for any unused portion of the program. This includes, but is not limited to, missed transfers, accommodation, guided tours, meals, or activities. All venues, hotel stays, tour guides, and logistical services are secured and pre-paid well in advance to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.
