Luderitz

Discover the natural wonders of the oldest desert in the world, the Namib Desert with some of the highest sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei. Enjoy the beautiful wildlife that Namibia has to offer while staying in a private nature reserve.

NOTE: Please see further below for luggage allowance. Participants are required to provide their accurate weight at the time of booking for the charter light aircraft flights.

DAY 1 – January 7, 2025

Disembark the ship in Luderitz. You will be met by your pilot who will accompany you on the short transfer to the Luederitz Airport for a flight to Little Kulala Lodge.

After landing at the airstrip Geluk, you are transferred by road to your lodge, where you have the remainder of the day at leisure.

The exclusive Little Kulala Lodge is set in a private reserve with direct access to the Namib Naukluft National Park, and the famous red dunes of Sossusvlei. Accommodations are in chalets, each with a private plunge pool, a rooftop ‘skybed’ for stargazing, indoor and outdoor showers. The lodge is stylishly designed using neutral colors and organic material so that it blends into the landscape and is cleverly positioned to maximize the views of the dunes and the wildlife. Spot desert-adapted wildlife such as ostriches, springbok, gemsbok, black-backed jackals, bat eared foxes and perhaps an aardwolf, or Namibia’s endemic dune lark.

Stargaze in one of the darkest places on Earth, contemplating space, and your space in it.

Here you can allow yourself to be totally immersed in the diverse landscapes, discovering a fascinating and exceptionally varied array of insects, reptiles, and wildlife along the way.

DAY 2 - January 8, 2025

Before sunrise you will drive to Namib Naukluft National Park and Sossusvlei, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sossusvlei is a dune wonderland, with towering dunes up to 300m high surrounding a huge, dried-up pan or vlei. Dunes extend as far as the eye can see and their rich tints vary from pale apricot to vivid reds and oranges. During a good rainy season, the Tsauchab River flows into the pan which creates a heaven for water birds. Even during the dry season, Oryx, Springbok and Ostriches can be seen feeding off the sparse vegetation along the water courses.

At the vlei you have the opportunity to climb one of the highest sand dunes in the world and breakfast will be served between the red apricot dunes, which is definitely not to be missed.

Next you will have the opportunity to visit the Sesriem Canyon, situated at the entrance of Sossusvlei. At the foot of the Sesriem Canyon gorge are deep pools of water which become replenished after good rains. Sesriem derives its name from the time when early pioneers tied six lengths of rawhide thongs together to draw water from these pools.

Note: the roads in and out will be dusty and could be bumpy and the walk to the canyon will be on gravel and dusty paths.

Return to the lodge in the early afternoon for lunch.

Enjoy a pleasant siesta or spend the afternoon relaxing by the swimming pool. End the day with a guided quad bike excursion with a well-qualified guide.

Later in the day, watch the changing colours of the sky as the sun sets in the west before you enjoy another delicious dinner and evening under the stars.

DAY 3 – January 9, 2025

After breakfast with views over the exquisite Namib Desert landscapes and perhaps a last goodbye from a springbok, you will be transferred to the airstrip for a flight to Walvis Bay. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the port where you will reboard the ship.

Land Program Step by Step:

Please note: 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. Direct flights are never guaranteed. 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

10:00am Departure from Luederitz harbor to Luederitz Airport

10:30am Arrival at the Luederitz airport

11:00am Charter light aircraft flight to Little Kulala Lodge

1:00am Arrival and transfer to Little Kulala Lodge

1:30pm Check-in at the lodge

1:45pm Lunch will be served

2:45pm Enjoy the afternoon at the lodge, take part in a nature walk or just enjoy the tranquility

7:00pm Dinner at Little Kulala Lodge

Overnight at the Little Kulala Lodge

DAY 2

6:00am Coffee and tea will be served

6:15am Departure to Sossusvlei

8:30am Arrival in the dunes and explore some of the highest sand dunes

9:30am Breakfast is served in the Vlei

10:30am Return to the lodge

1:00pm Arrival back at the lodge

1:15pm Lunch will be served

4:00pm Enjoy a guided quadbike excursion

7:30pm Dinner at Sossusvlei Loge

Overnight at the Little Kulala Lodge or similar hotel

DAY 3

8:00am Full English breakfast served on the terrace of the lodge

9:00am Depart for Geluk airstrip

9:30am Arrival at the airstrip

9:45am Charter light aircraft flight to Walvis Bay

11:45am Arrival in Walvis Bay

12:00am Transfer to the ship in the Walvis Bay harbor

1:00pm Arrival at the ship

IMPORTANT NOTES, OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

•Comfortable clothing, binoculars and a sun hat are strongly recommended

•Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed

•This program is not fully guided. Local representatives will assist you with your transfers; however, the program at the lodge and hotel is run solely and at the discretion by the lodge/hotel staff

•The light aircraft flight is strictly subject to runway conditions and serviceability

Expected Weather:

During the day, the temperature can vary from 30-40 Degrees Celsius. At night and early mornings, it can get a little bit chilly 20-25 Degrees Celsius.

What to Bring:

Please bring clothing for hot daily temperatures but also light jackets for the night and mornings. Closed walking shoes, a hat for the sun, sunscreen, camera’s, medicines you would need.

Local Currency:

Namibia dollar and South African Rand is accepted.

Electricity

In Namibia, all appliances run on 220/240 volts. Electrical outlets are of the round 3 pin – 15-amp type (Type M). If you are traveling from abroad, you will need to bring an adapter.

Luggage information for charter light aircraft flights within Namibia

•The luggage allowance per person is a factor of the total body weight of all passengers. Accurate body weights to be provided at time of booking after which the luggage allowance per person will be confirmed closer to operation.

•Each flight and aircraft luggage allowance are individually calculated and amended to ensure safe and legal weight and balance operations in line with aircraft specifications. But general allowance is maximum 10kg (22lbs) per person

•ONLY SOFT BAGS ARE PERMITTED

•The volume and shape of the aircraft’s luggage hold determine the dimensions of the bags to be carried.

•No single item of luggage may exceed the following measurements: Length: 62cm (24 inches); Width: 25cm (10 inches); Height: 30cm (12inches). This includes hand-luggage and camera equipment

•No rigid structures, including but not limited to, frames, tools, wheels etc. are allowed

•Oxygen concentrators not permitted

•CPAP machines must be packed (included as part of your maximum weight allowance) and not used during flight – please advise if you will have a CPAP and the brand. It must be an approved brand for flying. Bring any supporting paperwork for the machine. Charter company has the right to refuse. Distilled water not available.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

A passport that is valid at least six months after travel is required.

Three blank pages must be open in your passport for entry in Namibia.

Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality.

VERY IMPORTANT

The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.

Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.

The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.

If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements.

Accommodations:

Little Kulala Lodge

Address: C27, Sesriem Namibia

Phone: ++27 11 257 5000

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.

Program Includes for guests:

•Two nights at Little Kulala Lodge – villa

•Breakfast, lunch and dinner

•Two drinks with meals

•Transfer by road - Luederitz Harbour – Luederitz Airport

•Charter flight from Luederitz to Little Kulala

•Transfer Airstrip – Lodge – Airstrip

•Quadbike excursion

•Sunset drive on the lodge premises

•Guided AM Excursion to Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei

•Charter flight from Little Kulala Lodge to Walvisbay airport

•Road transfer from Walvisbay Airport to the Walvisbay Harbour

Program Excludes for guests:

•Visa fees if required

•Travel insurance

•Gratuities for drivers and guides

•Excess or overweight luggage fees on flights

Please note: 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. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

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. Mid cruise overland 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.