Tok Tokkie Trails Namibia: Walking tours into the Namib Desert

These trails were named after a desert fast running beetle.
WALKING ITINERARY

The trail is closed between 01 December and 15 February every year due to the summer heat

The beauty of a Tok Tokkie walking trail is the fact that you experience so many different aspects of the desert – from mountainous terrain to sandy dunes. Walking is conducted at a leisurely pace and does not normally exceed 10 kms a day.

DAY 01:
You must arrive at the Tok Tokkie homestead by 13.30 (summertime) and 12.30 (wintertime). As the drive from Sesriem is 110 kms and takes about ±1h30 it is important to keep an eye on the time.

Upon arrival at the Tok Tokkie Homestead, you will be introduced to your guide. Prior to departing on a short scenic drive to the starting point of the trail you will be given a daypack with a water bottle and some raisins and a cup. All you have to do is add your camera, binoculars and a book to read during the heat of the day and tomorrow morning you will be given a lunch pack. In addition you must pack a bag of your own with the clothes needed for the duration of the trail - this bag will be transferred to your overnight camp by vehicle.

From your drop-off point in the sand dunes it is a short walk to your first overnight camp. The dunes are not the massive ones that are encountered at Sossusvlei, but small, vegetated dunes that have a unique beauty of their own. Relax with a sundowner, marvel at the magnificent scenery and start “feeling” the desert. Enjoy a wholesome three-course dinner and unwind before falling asleep in the open under a blanket of stars. Overnight and dinner - sleeping out in the open (stretcher beds and bed-rolls)

Day 2:
Early morning tea or coffee is served before sunrise followed by a light breakfast so that you can set off in the cool of the early morning. The highlight of the walk is the breathtaking view of the dunes and plains as well as the “coming alive” of the desert as the guide allows you to feel, smell, taste and see the oldest living desert in the world. The morning news, as written in the sand of the dunes is always fascinating and with some luck, and the guide’s trained eyes, you may spot some of the desert specials. (Golden mole, Dancing white lady, Barking gecko, Dune lark, Flightless wasp to name some). You spend a good part of the morning on the mountain, before descending the other side to a dry riverbed.
During the course of the day your guide will explain the wonders of the Namib - how the fascinating desert flora survives by tapping underground water from the riverbed, how insect life, which is prolific, adapts to the harsh environment. Birding is surprisingly good and you may be lucky enough to see one of Namib endemics, the Dune Lark. Larger animals you might come across include bat-eared fox, oryx, springbok, ostrich.
As the day heats up it is time to stop at a shady spot where you can enjoy your lunch pack and fill up your water bottles. There is plenty of time to relax, have a siesta and reflect on all you have seen. As the heat recedes you start walking – on and through the dunes to your second overnight spot. The scene in front of you is an endless dune sea and gravel plains with a backdrop of magnificent mountain scenery. Photography is spectacular as the shadows on the dunes create an ever-changing palette of colours shortly before sunset.

A delicious dinner after a long and enjoyable day is indeed welcome. The sound of barking geckoes, the occasional cry of a hyena, the hoo-hoo of spotted eagle owls, and more likely than not, the silence accompanies you through the night. Overnight and dinner - sleeping out in the open (stretcher beds and bed-rolls)

Day 03:
Once again you are woken in the soft light shortly before sunrise. Coffee and breakfast is served before you set off through the dune field. The soft and rolling dunes are interspersed by camelthorn trees, which provide welcome shade for a rest. Today’s walk is easy and you arrive at Tok Tokkie homestead at approximately 10:30

When time allows a visit to the Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust (NaDEET) Education Centre is also part of the last mornings walk. NaDEET is a non-profit, donor sponsored trust, which aims at developing environmentally responsible citizens of Namibia.

NB – sometimes this walk is turned around, so the landscape will be seen at different times of the day. This is at Tok Tokkie’s discretion.

Walking time: morning: 3 – 3.5 hrs / afternoon: 0 hrs
(B)

NB – sometimes this walk is turned around, so the landscape will be seen at different times of the day. This is at Tok Tokkie’s discretion.

NOTES:
1) Group size is limited to or eight, self drive guests. Larger groups will be taken only if the guests are travelling together. This is part of what makes this a special experience.
2) Personal packs should not weigh more than 10kg. Keep camera equipment light; a telephoto lens for animals and birds, and a wide angle for scenery are recommended. Whilst walking there are no facilities to charge batteries for video cameras so be sure to have sufficient batteries available.
3) Bathroom facilities comprise a long-drop toilet, bucket shower and a hand basin at the overnight camps. During the day toilet paper and matches are provided.
4) Fresh water for drinking will always be available.
5) Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables will be provided to ensure a healthy balanced diet; however, if you have any special dietary requirements please be sure to inform us in advance so that the necessary planning may be done to ensure that you have an enjoyable safari.
6) Rates include all meals, the services of a guide and “back-up” crew as well as the transfer to the starting point. Tea, coffee and juice, beer wine and soft drinks are freely available in overnight camps.
7) Although it is unlikely that you will come across the back up vehicle during your walk, it is always in radio contact allowing for a quick return to the guesthouse in the unlikely event of an accident or medical emergency.
8) Your guide carries an extensive first-aid kit, with a back up in the vehicle. All guides have a working knowledge of first aid. WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:
- Curiosity and good humour
- Camera equipment and binoculars
- Comfortable shoes for walking NOT new shoes, these will cause great discomfort and spoil your walk
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.

CLOTHING NEEDED:
- Light and comfortable
- Jacket and pullover for cool evenings.
- Sport shoes or sandals for the evening
- A hat or cap is essential.
- Warm clothes in the winter months

NB: Contact lenses are uncomfortable in the sandy and dry desert. Please wear your glasses instead.

CLIMATE:

The seasons in Namibia are reversed compared to those in Europe. During the European winter months we have summer in Namibia and vice versa. Winter and summer in Namibia differ from what we are used to in Europe, though. The winter in Namibia is the cooler dry season which is characterised by high temperature changes and hardly any rainfall. It can get very cold at night in the desert (June to August down to -5°C). During the day temperatures may rise up to 25°C. The Namibian summer (January to end of March) is the rainy season and it seldom rains during the other months. November and December are very hot with temperatures over 30°C, so it is essential to pack the suitable clothes. Rest assured that you will not encounter a grey sky that will linger for weeks! So bring some Sandals, walking shoes, light cotton clothes (Shorts and shirts), a jacket or fleece pullover and long trousers. We have seen everything: from beanies and gloves to bikinis!!

CHARACTER OF AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE TRAILS:

The trail is not difficult, but challenging. Fitness and good condition is essential as the trails entail 7 to 8 hours walking. Your main luggage will be transported by a back-up vehicle; you only have to carry a day pack, including a lunch pack, water and your camera equipment. As some of the routes lead through rough terrain and over sand dunes it requires well balanced and secure walking. Please be aware of high temperature fluctuations, which can reach a high of 35°C during the day whilst sometimes plummeting down to -5°C at night, which can cause additional stress to your heart and circulation. We recommend you to prepare yourself for the trail with some fitness training.

FORCE MAJEURE:

It goes without saying that we do our utmost to conduct the tour as described in the program; we cannot vouch for it, however. Unfavorable weather conditions, organizational problems, unforeseen events or other factors may force us to change the course of the tour. We apologies for any inconvenience caused.

RECOMMENDATION:

Operator urgently recommends that comprehensive insurance cover be taken out before embarking on the tour to
• make provision for cancellation and curtailment
• medical expenses, emergency evacuation, repatriation
• loss or damage of personal baggage

Unlimited Travel & Car Hire cc will not be held responsible for any costs arising from any of the above events. Restriction of liability also applies if clients were unaware of this policy.

LOCATION:

Around 400 metres north of the corner of the road D827 and road C27 (old D826), on the same main road as Wolwedans, 30 kms south of the Wolwedans entrance. Coming from the Sesriem side: pass the Wolwedans entrance and on the western side of the road there is clearly a sign "Tok Tokkie Trails".
Please note it is around 7 hours from Windhoek and 8 hours from Swakopmund, so better if you are in the area the night before.

CHILDREN:

Minimum age for the kids on a normal tour is 12 years. For a groups of 6 people kids under 12 are allowed.

NB.: Contact lenses are uncomfortable in the sandy and dry desert. Please wear your glasses instead.
The area where walks are conducted in the NamibRand Nature Reserve has been allocated for sustainable tourism utilization.
Groups size is limited to minimum of 2 and maximum of 8 to ensure quality of service and personal attention.
Larger groups on request. Pace is set to suit your physical ability.
Other activities include: swimming in the dam, donkey rides, kite flying, dune boarding, spoor identification.

Rates 2008: N$ 1879 per person per night.
Children under 12 years old: 1128 N$ per child per night.

Rates 2009: N$ 2399 per person per night.
Children under 12 years old: 1299 N$ per child per night.

Rates include meals, services of a guide and transfer to the starting point.

Reservations & information:

Elena Travel Services & Car Hire CC
P.O. Box 3127 Windhoek, Namibia
Fax: +264 61 244558
E-mail: info@namibweb.com

To book:

1) you can e-mail us requesting information and/or rates

Reservations are only accepted in writing: by fax or via e-mail.
Final availability confirmation: in writing: by fax or via e-mail.

Map (132KB)