A PIONEERING CHALLENGE
Conquer the Namib Desert
120km on foot over 5 night/6 days in the desert
Targeting roughly 20-25km of hiking on sand each day
Walking across one of the driest regions of Africa, while scaling some of the tallest sand dunes in the world
The only company operating a full trekking expedition in a desert and the only one in Namibia
WHY NAMIBIA &
THE NAMIB DESERT?
Crossing the Namib on foot is the ultimate money-can't buy experience - far beyond what most bucket lists will ever entail!
Namibia is one of the most amazing countries in the world.
Namibia is considered the safest country to visit in Africa.
The Namib Desert is the oldest sand desert in the world and one of the last untouched places on earth (unlike the Sahara the Namib is totally empty, no oasis, no caravans, no people... just sand).
There is something incredibly powerful about being in a place as remote as the desert and experiencing this together with likeminded ladies from across the globe.
IS THIS FOR YOU?
Would you like to do something so unreal, you can't even believe you're considering it?
Would you like to go on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition together with likeminded women from around the world and led by award winning thought leader Sonja Piontek?
Would you like to be one of only few women who can say they crossed the oldest desert in the world?"
Would you like experience this transformative journey together with wonderful ladies from different cultures?
And last but not least... do you think that it is finally time to do something just for yourself?
YES? THEN THIS EXPEDITION IS FOR YOU!
DAY 1
Airport – Okapuka
(overnight at bush chalets)
Early morning arrival at Windhoek International Airport
Scenic drive to the impressive Okapuka Safari Lodge
Settle into your spacious safari cottages
Enjoy a fresh salad on the terrace as ostriches roam by
During our exclusive private afternoon safari game drive we will see giraffe, rhino, oryx, zebra, springbok and many more antelopes
First joint sundowner drinks in the bush as the African sun sets
Welcome dinner and briefing at Okapuka Safari Lodge
Overnight at Okapuka Safari Lodge
DAY 2
As the bush awakens we slowly start our second day in Africa
After a hearty breakfast we say goodbye to Okapuka and head south on a scenic drive towards the desert
For the first night of our expedition we will camp on the shores of the dry riverbed of the Kuiseb river
For dinner we will be invited to their simple farmhouse by the widow of the late Topnar Chief ruling this area
It is here that we meet the entire team that will be supporting us during our desert crossing, including the desert professionals, the medic as well as the phenomenal kitchen crew
You will be surprised how comfortable your mattress and sleeping bag are as you lie down in your cosy tent
DAY 3
1st night camping in tents
Day one of our desert crossing starts with a hearty
breakfast to prepare us for the day
The first kilometres in the desert are especially exciting as we find our rhythm, check our gear and get to know better our travel companions
As we are go deeper into the desert we start to understand the magnitude of the desert, it's vastness and prehistoric beauty
En route we have two "pit stops" every day to replenish, eat, drink and have a laugh with the support team
It is here that we check in with the medic to make sure we are fine - after all, in this extreme terrain it all comes down to prevention
After an eventful first day we are thrilled about the freshly cooked dinner and the stunning location of our camp
DAY 4
2nd night camping in tents
We proceed further into the Namib desert, deeper into the sea of sands and climb our first big dunes
The vastness of this place is as impressive as it's solitude, the lack of noise as unreal as the regular change in scenery
We are taken by so many different things...
During our two stops we replenish on electrolytes, snacks and fruits and have a chat with the support team that prepares these stops and our camp but is otherwise nowhere to be seen during the day
As we finish our hike another stunning camp location awaits us
We take our dinner by the bonfire before we retreat under a million stars
DAY 5
3rd night camping in tents
Another unique day of crossing one of the harshest yet most spectacular places on earth awaits us as we head further west towards the Atlantic Ocean's coast
Over and over again we witness the tiniest signs of life in this seemingly inhospitable habitat - from miniscule flowers to beatles or lizards
As we reach tonight's camp, we are at awe with the petrified rock formations that shine in the golden light of the setting afternoon sun
The resident desert fox curiously explores our group and the camp - she is barely afraid as we are probably the first guests to ever stay at her "home"
DAY 6
4th night camping in tents
On we go on our epic quest to cross the oldest sand desert in the world
Navigating the vast desert and finding the best path across the dunes has almost become a routine, yet something that is carefully monitored as a team, to ensure we safely get to the next stop or the final destination of each day
As we reach our camp for the night it becomes clear that we have become the biggest fans of our chefs who spoil us with the most incredible dishes after a long day's hike
DAY 7
5th night camping in tents
Our goal was to cross the Namib and make it to the place where two giants meet and the roaring Atlantic Ocean crashed into the mighty Namib Desert
Today is a long walk and the salty plains seem to drag on for eternity
At some stage however, we make out the silhouette of a boat - the Eduard Bohlen - a shipwreck that has become a symbol of the harsh, unforgiving nature of the desert and the Skeleton Coast
A huge celebration starts as we realise that we have all made it safely across the oldest sand desert in the world
Our last camp is right on the beach
DAY 8
Overnight at Hotel
Our last day in the desert is quite an adventure too
In order to get back to civilisation we take a several hour long 4x4 drive along the Atlantic coast, through the endless sea of sands and across massive dunes
Along the drive we encounter colonies of seals, flocks of flamingoes, pelicans and possibly even oryx and other desert antelopes
The popular ocean resort of Swakopmund welcomes us with cafés, local markets and lovely craft shops
We celebrate our success in one of the town's famous restaurants before we withdraw into our comfy beds
DAY 9
Overnight at Penduka Lodge
Instead of staying in another fancy safari lodge near the capital Windhoek we head to the township of Katatura, one of the country's poorest settlement and stay at the women's initiative Penduka
The ladies welcome us with open arms and new friendships are formed as we dive deep into their world
We hand over the many gifts we brought along (clothing, stationary, toys, old cellphones, etc) and tears flood every eye
Our last night in Namibia is filled with heartfelt hugs, deep gratitude and never ending smiles
Over the past days we have received so much that it is now time to give back
DAY 10
OKAPUKA TO AIRPORT (FLY HOME)
It is time to say our farewells to an amazing country, new friends from around the world and a cracker team
We are going to take home from this expedition: wonderful new friends, an incredible feeling of achievement, unforgettable memories, once in a lifetime experiences, deep gratitude, million dollar shots and the most awesome stories to be shared
Included in the expedition
The unique opportunity to join the exclusive group of female executives and entrepreneurs on a transformative money-can't-buy-experience
This expedition is developed by Sonja Piontek and will be personally hosted by the German powerhouse
Monthly virtual prep sessions will be hosted before the start of the expedition by Sonja Piontek
A private WhatsApp group where all members connect prior to the expedition
Detailed expedition packing list and recommendation for gear
Sonja will be supported by Namibia's leading desert expedition team who know the Namib better than anyone else
Also joining us on this expedition will be one of Namibia's most experienced desert medics/emergency medical team with years of work in and around the Namib
You will receive a highly emotional expedition video produced by one of Namibia's leading videographers
Accommodation is in twin rooms for the first and the last two nights and single tents for better comfort while in the desert
Tents will be equipped with comfortable 'bedroll' mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and heaps of snacks (special dietary requests like allergies, intolerances, vegetarian, vegan, etc. will of course be catered for despite the fact that we are deep in the Namib desert)
Water, soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea
All land transportation during the tour including airport shuttles
Exclusive program including a safari game drive and overnight stay in one of Namibia's leading safari lodges, the desert expedition with the most experienced team the country has to offer, daily permits for the Namib Naukluft National Park, sleeping bags and pillows to ensure proper sleep at night, camping toilets with a stellar view, a thrilling 4x4 day excursion with off-road cars to get back out of the desert, a lovely stay in Swakopmund and last but not least the visit at Penduka, getting to know and supporting the ladies in the foundation in the country's poorest township
A personalised certificate stating your achievement
Tour Price per Person
EUR 24,000 or SGD 35,000
Not Included in the price
Flights to and from Windhoek
Insurances
Visa (if needed)
Alcoholic drinks, tips, souvenirs, etc
Your personal desert gear like poles, drink bladder, electrolytes, etc.
The gifts you are going to bring for the ladies at Penduka
