Get ready to embark on an unforgettable trip to Swakopmund, Namibia

Few countries in Africa can match Namibia’s sheer natural beauty. The country’s name derives from its (and the world’s) oldest desert, the Namib. There are few more stirring desert realms on the planet, from the sand sea and perfect Deadvlei tree valleys at Sossusvlei to the otherworldliness of sand dunes plunging down to the sea at Sandwich Harbour and the Skeleton Coast.

 Before you set off on this exciting two-night getaway, we kindly request that you please take a moment to explore the information provided on this website to help you prepare for your trip.

To proceed with your registration, please complete the registration form. It would greatly be appreciated if you could submit the form by latest Wednesday, 2 August 2023. Please have your passport handy when completing the form.

Kindly click here to register

Please note: No partners/spouses will be allowed to attend the trip.

ACCOMMODATION: STRAND HOTEL SWAKOPMUND

For your two-night stay in Swakopmund, you will be accommodated at the 4-star Strand Hotel.

Nestled on the iconic and historic Swakopmund Mole, the Strand Hotel is the perfect venue for travellers wanting to explore Swakopmund. Its architecture pays homage to Namibian and German heritage, enveloping guests in a contemporary design that emanates a cosy atmosphere.  With its extensive, unique and creatively entertaining restaurants, bars, deli, lobby-lounge, sea facing terraces, beach kiosk and state-of-the-art Conference and Banqueting Centre, all set on the Mole, a historic and iconic site surrounded by ocean on three sides, the Strand Hotel Swakopmund is a social epicentre and destination in itself for all visitors to and residents of Swakopmund.

Visit the hotel’s website for more information: https://www.strandhotelswakopmund.com/

FLIGHT DETAILS

We have arranged flights directly from Johannesburg to Walvis Bay for your convenience.

If you require a domestic flight to Johannesburg, please indicate this on the registration form.

We will try to accommodate Cape Town qualifiers with direct flights from Cape Town if and where possible.

The group flight details are as follows:

Hand Baggage

In addition to the checked baggage allowance, each passenger may carry hand baggage without any additional charges. The hand baggage should be suitable for placement in the closed overhead compartment or under the passenger’s seat. The maximum dimensions for one piece of baggage are (H) 56cm + (W) 36 cm + (L) 23cm and the maximum weight allowed is 8kg. The size of the one carry on item should not exceed the overall dimensions of 115cm.

The standard allowance per class for domestic flights is: One piece plus one slimline laptop bag. It’s important to note that handbags are considered as part of a female’s wardrobe and are not counted as hand baggage.

Checked Baggage

Check-in luggage is limited to ONE piece weighing no more than 20 kg.

The maximum dimensions permitted for any one piece of baggage are: (H) 90cm + (W) 72cm + (L) 45cm (including handle, wheels and pockets), with a total dimension limit of 207cm.

LIQUID, AEROSOLS AND GELS (LAGS)

You may have heard of LAGs, but what exactly are they?

LAGs stands for Liquid, Aerosols and Gels and refers to new international safety regulations that limit the quantity of these items allowed in your hand luggage on international flights.

If you have LAGs in your hand luggage they MUST be in a clear plastic Ziploc bag and containers may not exceed 100ml each (with a maximum of 1 litre in total in the bag).

ITINERARY

Depart in the morning from O.R. Tambo International airport for your flight to Walvis Bay. On arrival in Walvis Bay transfer to the Strand Hotel in Swakopmund.

After check-in, you have leisure time. Why not explore the beautiful town of Swakopmund?

Enjoy a spectacular desert sunset and sundowners followed by a bucket list experience as you dine under the African stars in the middle of the Namib Desert.

Dress code: Smart casual. We recommend wearing flat shoes. Remember to bring something warm.

Overnight: Strand Hotel Swakopmund

After breakfast, it is time for adventure! Discover the excitement that the Namib offers as you glide down a sand dune sandboarding, race up and down the dunes on a quad-bike or take a ride on the back of a camel like a true desert explorer.

Dress code: Casual. We recommend wearing closed shoes or sneakers.

Enjoy lunch in the desert before returning to the hotel.

It is party time! Dance the night away to the rhythm of a local Oompah band, toast your success with Namibian beer and enjoy German delights at the Brauhaus.

Dress code: Casual.

Overnight: Strand Hotel Swakopmund

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel.

En route to the airport, make a stop at the harbour of Walvis Bay and board a catamaran for a cruise along the Skeleton coast. Spot dolphins, whales, pelicans, and seals while enjoying fresh oysters and sparkling wine.  The cruise takes you from Walvis Bay Harbour to Pelican Point, passing an abundance of bird and marine life on the way to the Pelican Point Lighthouse.

Dress code: Casual. We recommend keeping something warm with you.

Transfer to the airport in time for your flight home.

Clothing

Choose neutral tones and light fabrics, preferably cotton. These fabrics work best in a hot climate. Swakopmund can be cool in the early mornings and evenings but it can get hot during the day. The secret is to wear several layers that you can take off or add to as needed.

While we are moving into spring and the weather is heating up, the evenings can still be cool, so remember to bring a warm jacket.

A good durable pair of trainers is all that is needed for footwear. Additionally, you might like to pack a pair of sandals or flops.

Don’t forget to pack your swimwear, sun hat and sunblock to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.

Medical

Pack a small bag or medical kit with some pain killers, any chronic medications (enough for the trip), any vitamins etc.

Currency

Namibian Dollar (NAD) Rate (subject to change) NAD 1 = R 1.00.

The Rand is also legal tender in Namibia. To summarise, visit Namibia with Rand in your pocket, and make sure you exchange any N$ you have back to Rand before you leave the country. Credit cards are accepted at most supermarkets, restaurants and accommodation establishments (Visa and Mastercard are most commonly accepted) but outlets in rural areas are more likely to only accept cash payment.