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NAMIBIA - Tok Tokkie Desert Trail
An easy desert hike in the Namib Rand Nature Reserve
Day 1:
This short and easy trek gives two nights out under the desert stars
and the opportunity to see flora and fauna in wonderful landscapes.
You must arrive at the Tok Tokkie Guesthouse by 13h30 (summertime)
and 12h30 (wintertime). As the drive from Sesriem is 110 km and
takes about ±1h30 it is important to keep an eye on the time.
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 km a day. Upon arrival at Tok Tokkie Guesthouse,
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 the following 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 sun-downer, 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 on 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 a few). You will 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 on stretcher beds and bed-rolls.
Day 3
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 Guesthouse 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.
NOTES:
1) Group size is limited to six, rarely seven, 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 staring point. Tea, coffee and
juice, beer wine and soft drinks are freely available.
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 (bring plenty of spare films)
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.
COST: £275 per person on scheduled tours from March - October
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!!
We 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.
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.
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Namibia can be visited at any time of the year. June - September
is the coolest and driest period
4X4 hire, Standard accommodation is shown - luxury is a higher
quality and full camping equipment is provided for that option,
meals and activities as stated plus maps, 24-hour support
and instruction.
Meals in the cities, alcoholic beverages, taxes, trips, extras,
laundry service, additional tours, insurance, airline tickets
(where applicable), sleeping bags, hiking boots and personal
clothing and equipment.
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