NEW! Grand Iberia, Africa & Asia Passage

Immerse yourself in desert landscapes, colonial buildings and the German-inspired ambience of Swakopmund. Set out on a panoramic drive to this coastal city, founded by German colonists in 1892. Here, view the early 19th-century architecture of the neobaroque German Evangelical Lutheran Church, which was built in 1906 and still holds regular services. The Kaiserliches Bezirksgericht (State House) was also constructed during the early 1900s, to serve as the district magistrates’ court, and then extended with the addition of a tower in 1945. After World War I, it was converted into the territorial administrator’s official vacation home, and in keeping with that tradition, it is now the official Swakopmund residence of the president. Call at the Swakopmund Museum, the largest privately run museum in Namibia, and visit a local crafts market before returning to your ship.

Experience a hot air balloon flight at sunrise over the world’s oldest desert, followed by a delicious breakfast. Travel to meet your experienced balloonist who will inflate your hot air balloon before you set out on a spectacular journey. As the sun rises, float over the world’s oldest desert in Namibia’s largest national park, Namib-Naukluft, one of the most impressive desert regions on earth. Watch shifting sand dunes of sediment swept inland from the Atlantic for tens of millions of years as you hover over arid land and grasslands with vistas of the beautiful Naukluft Mountains beyond. When you land, you will be served a freshly prepared breakfast with sparkling wine before a final stop at the Walvis Bay Wetlands, one of the most important coastal wetlands in southern Africa, to see its namesake lagoon which attracts over 150 species of birds in the thousands, including flamingos.

Set off on a journey in a 4x4 vehicle across this barren landscape whose resemblance to the moon is remarkable. The Valley of the Moon, in the heart of the Namib Desert, is an unspoiled, remote area of eroded hills and valleys carved out by the Swakop River. Marvel at its sheer size and arid, moon-like topography as you keep watch for one of the wonders of the desert—the Welwitschia plant. Known as a “living fossil,” this plant has unique, peculiar characteristics and survives in the harshest environments. Despite its unusual appearance, it has found its way onto the coat of arms of Namibia, introduced at the time of independence in 1990. A short stop at the Walvis Bay Lagoon, renowned for its myriad of birdlife, rounds off this enthralling tour.

Explore the protected Walvis Bay Lagoon, Namibia’s famed coastal dunes and the town of Swakopmund. Meet you guide at the pier and embark on a picturesque drive to Walvis Bay Lagoon. Here, you will admire the flamboyance of flamingoes, adopting a one-legged stance, and enjoy the beauty of their stunning coat of pink feathers. Continue to the Namib Sand Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to witness a spectacular landscape of towering dunes. At Swakopmund, you will delve into the town’s history and German heritage, before embarking on a gin and beer tasting experience. Produced by passionate locals, learn more about the process and ingredients used, then return to your motor coach for the scenic drive along the dune belt and back to your ship.

Explore the coastal landscape of Walvis Bay during a thrilling 4x4 excursion along the sand dunes. Begin your guided trek at the Walvis Bay Lagoon, a sheltered wetland that is home to an abundance of birdlife, including a large population of greater and lesser flamingos. Drive along and over the dunes—some of which reach heights of 500 feet—to the Sandwich Harbor Lagoon, one of southern Africa’s richest wetlands. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Dunes, the presence of fresh water, courtesy of an underground aquifer, makes it a suitable habitat for a variety of flora and fauna that have adapted to these harsh conditions. Walk among the dunes or beach, both of which afford plenty of opportunities for photographs. Stop for a delicious snack, including oysters and sparkling wine, atop a high dune overlooking the ocean before returning to your ship.

Discover the prolific biodiversity and rugged beauty of Walvis Bay during an excursion to its lagoon and dunes. The Walvis Bay Lagoon is a sheltered wetland that is home to around 80,000 wading birds, including a large population of greater and lesser flamingos and rare white pelicans. It is one of the most important wetlands in southern Africa, and a vital stopover point for flocks of migratory birds making their way to Etosha and Botswana. Spend time watching and photographing the abundance of wildlife around you, before continuing to Namibia’s largest salt mine to learn about the history of salt mining in the region. Finally, set out for Namibia’s famous sand dunes and stop for photos of this impressive sight; the rust-colored dunes reach up to 1,250 feet in height. Afterward, make the return journey to your awaiting ship.

Enjoy an exhilarating boat ride around Walvis Bay’s pretty lagoon, populated with delightful marine life. The stunning lagoon is separated from the sea by a quiet peninsula—Pelican Point. Here, wildlife enthusiasts will be captivated by the sight of pelicans flying overhead and the abundance of marine life, including seals and dolphins. As you cruise around the bay and breathe in the sea air, enjoy being entertained by these charming sea creatures as they swim alongside the boat. With a little luck, a playful seal may hop on board in search of a tasty morsel of fish. Relish the taste of the sea by sampling some of the freshest Namibian oysters accompanied by a refreshing glass of sparkling wine. Marvel at the stunning seascapes on your return sail to the mainland and back to your awaiting ship.

Savor breathtaking views from the air as you embark on a two-hour flight over rolling dunes and wild landscapes. See how the Kuiseb River crisscrosses the Namib Desert and carves out the spectacular Kuiseb Canyon. The panoramic view showcases some of the highest dunes in the world, ranging in color from vivid pink to bright red. Seeing this natural wonder from above is truly the best way to appreciate the landscape. Fly over the restricted diamond area and on to Conception Bay, where the shipwrecks of the Eduard Bohlen and the Shaunee lie stranded. With the Atlantic surf on one side and the “Long Wall” of dunes on the other, you will fly over Sandwich Harbor. Here, giant sand dunes run into the ocean, creating spectacular views. Return to Swakopmund, flying over the colorful Walvis Bay Salt Works before touching down to rejoin your motor coach for your journey back to your ship.

Observe soaring pelicans and playful seals during an excursion to the Pelican Point peninsula. Meet your guide at the pier and drive to the marina, where your vessel awaits. After a short safety briefing, board your speedboat for a wildlife cruise to the Pelican Point peninsula. Keep your eyes peeled for pelicans as they glide overhead—the long beaks and large throat pouches of these unique marine birds are used to scoop prey from the ocean. You may also witness curious Cape fur seals as they playfully swim alongside to investigate visitors. On an empty beach, your boat will run ashore, and you will transfer to your two-person kayak to explore the tranquil waters of the bay. Return to the beach and relax as you savor a delicious snack and hot refreshments before climbing into your 4x4 vehicle for the return drive back to your awaiting ship.