Moonlandscape & Welwitschia Drive
Description
What better way to spend your time while on Holiday. This trip takes you all along the 'Swakop River' to two iconic destinations which is hidden in the desolate Namib Desert. The moon landscape offers some of the best views in Namibia and not to mention the chance to see a true fossil, the "Welwitschia Mirabilis", in its glory and found only in the Namib Desert and Southern Angola. This trip is ideal for photographers, small groups, large groups, young and old. All trips can be done in the morning or afternoon.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Home to Great and Lesser flamingos, Damara terns, pelicans, avocets and numerous migrant water birds, the Walvis Bay Lagoon is one of the richest and most important wetlands in southern Africa
In the bleak expanse just off the C14, 6km by road from town, Dune 7 is popular with locals as a picnic spot. The picnic site, which is now engulfed by sand, has several shady palm trees tucked away in the lee of the dune.
The Namib is one of the oldest deserts in the world, home to the world's highest-shifting sand dunes and adorned with a kaleidoscope of vivid colors. Upon arrival, you will explore the unique plant life and terrain of this arid region. Next, you will drive through the Swakop River Valley and in to the Moon Landscape. Created by the winds that reduced mountains to spectacular rock formations and sand, this vastly-eroded valley has an appearance similar to that of the moon's surface. From here, you will proceed for a visit to Welwitschia Valley, where thousands of welwitschia plants are scattered about. A stop will be made to view these fascinating plants, along with a variety of interesting lichen plants. A stop will then be made at a scenic location for a light lunch and drinks
A wooden jetty for Swakopmund was commissioned on 25 April 1905 and was 275m long and 9m wide. By 1907 it was extended by 50m and widened with 5m. However, by 1911 it was decided that the wooden jetty should be replaced by a steel jetty and construction was commenced in 1912. Over time the jetty became very popular amongst anglers and people who enjoy leisure walks and wants to enjoy a view of Swakopmund. Sadly no major repairs were done to the jetty in years and as a result it was considered unsafe for pedestrians and was closed in 1983. Fortunately funds were raised, repairs were done and the jetty was re-opened in October 2006. The Jetty 1905 restaurant was opened in 2010 at the end of the jetty, with breathtaking views of the sea and Swakopmund. Today the jetty is a big tourist attraction and it remains popular amongst locals for recreational purposes
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We pick up clients in Walvis Bay only We also pick clients up at the passenger liners
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- dust allergies
Reviews(13)
I signed up for this tour based on its excellent reviews and it exceeded my expectations in all aspects. Jenifer is truly an exceptional guide, she re-arranged the order of the tour sites to make sure I was slightly ahead of the cruise ship crowds, and took great photos at every stop. She narrated every stop and every scenery with so much passion, and she went the extra mile to show several “natural magic tricks”, such as using magnet to separate iron from sand. And she took so much trouble to prepare an elaborate picnic lunch for me and my wife in a quiet and beautiful secret spot. I can really feel her love for Namibia, and her desire to showcase the best of Namibia’s hospitality to her guests. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Walvis Bay without hesitation.
Thank you very much for this excellent review. I will convey your thanks to Jen and make sure she sees your kind words!
It was a wonderful experience. It was an easy explanation for those of us who travel around beautiful tourist spots efficiently and do not speak English well. A picnic lunch was served on the way. We enjoyed delicious food while drinking sparkling wine. Thank you for the guide.
Thank you very much for this beautiful review. I will make sure that Jenifer gets your message.
Absolutely amazing tour , guide Jenifer was very knowledgeable and great fun. Learnt a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Lovely snacks in the shade . All four of us had a really memorable day and would heartily recommend.
Thank you Jill. This is such a wonderful review. Jen says thank you for your confidence. It is normally dificult for ladies to be trusted in these jobs. We as owners and management thank you for this review. It helps us enable all walks of life into our venture. Thank you very much!
This was a terrific tour! Our guide, Jenifer, was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. She shared her love of her country, the beauty of the desert, some of its history and the plants that make the Namib desert unique in all the world. She is passionate about nature and loves what she does. Her delight in the small flowers, lichens, rocks and plants we saw was contagious, and we not only learned a lot but also came to appreciate the beauty ourselves. The highlight for me was the desert and "moonlandscape," but I also enjoyed the visit to Swakopmund. We walked around the old part of town, saw the jetty and walked the beautiful promenade. At the end of the day, I snapped a great pic that captures the wide-open expanses and stark beauty that seems to define this lovely part of the world. Thank you, Jenifer, for a wonderful day!
A very interesting and well thought out trip. Driver knowledgeable, friendly and catered to our interests. Saw much more than we imagined. Picnic, though simple, absolutely beautifully situated and delicious
A perfect place family breakaways, social gatherings, team building and even year end functions. Setting is beautiful and serene.
Such a fun day trip to visit the "Moonscape" - such a unique geologic area! The Welwitschia are absolutely amazing to see up close and the drive out to them is fantastic! If you're into the local bird life request "Korbus" as your guide and he'll happily tell you all about them and take you out to see his favorite spots! We had such a great time - absolutely recommend!!
Great tour in the desert. Jenifer was a terrific guide. Very friendly, informative and fun.. Had lots of laughs and great champagne lunch in the desert.
Stunning and extraordinary landscapes. Like many parts of Namibia expect the wow factor when you drive over a hill. We've done this drive a couple of times and found it just as staggering the second time. Stop off at the Oasis which has now expanded and offers wedding venue and small museum room. Get your park pass in Swakopmund though you're not likely to need it.
First class day touring the STUNNING Namib desert. Our guide, Jenifer was everything we could have hoped for - friendly, extremely knowledgeable and had a great passion for this wonderful area. Easy meeting point right by our ship and a lovely new 4x4 which was extremely comfortable! We drove by Dune 7, took the highway and then track across the desert to reach the Moon landscape area. Driving through the landscape was breathtaking and ever changing. We took hundreds of pictures but they’ll never do justice - you have to see and feel this incredible landscape for yourself! Stopped and had a lovely picnic in the riverbed under the shade of a tree - absolutely stunning! Went to an Oasis where you can purchase nice gifts and have a cool beer or a piece of (delicious) homemade cake! Then moved on to Swakopmund and had a great tour of the area, ending up by the lagoon full of flamingos. Did so much more during the day - too much to mention everything - but watching magic tricks, studying Welwitschia and chasing an Ostrich along the riverbed were a few of the highlights! This tour is a MUST for your Namibian adventure - and if you’re lucky you may get Jenifer!
