2 November 2026 – 13 days for £8,750 per person
Register for 2027 and we will contact you with confirmed tour details, including dates and prices, when available.
Venture on a thrilling astronomy expedition across Namibia’s surreal landscapes, where the universe reveals itself beneath some of the darkest, clearest skies on Earth. Accompanied by renowned astronomy writer Jamie Carter, you’ll enjoy expert-led stargazing and celestial insights by night, while by day exploring the desert’s striking beauty and hidden wonders – an unforgettable journey where Namibia’s wild landscapes meet the magic of the cosmos.
Begin in Windhoek before visiting the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) gamma-ray telescope complex to explore cutting-edge astrophysics. Then continue to Rooisand Desert Ranch for stargazing under some of the clearest skies on Earth and a planetary-themed desert hike. Experience the iconic Sossusvlei dunes and Dune 45, enjoy guided sunrise walks and explore Sesriem gorge, all framed by Namibia’s pristine dark skies. Journey to the Moon Landscape and the Hoba meteorite, marvelling at landscapes shaped over millions of years and the largest intact meteorite on Earth. Nights are filled with expert-led stargazing, where the Milky Way, planets and constellations come alive, making this an unforgettable journey for science-curious stargazers.
Guided by renowned astronomy writer and expert Jamie Carter, this journey offers a rare opportunity to explore the night sky with one of the world’s leading voices in observational astronomy. Through engaging talks, guided stargazing sessions and captivating storytelling, Jamie brings the science of the cosmos vividly to life – from the groundbreaking gamma-ray discoveries of the HESS telescopes to unforgettable nights beneath the pristine darkness of Africa’s night skies.
This tour is perfectly curated for anyone eager to uncover the secrets of the universe while immersing themselves in Namibia’s breathtaking natural wonders.
In partnership with Intrepid Travel.
Day 1: Arrive in Windhoek and meet the group
Arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Namibia’s capital. Windhoek, nestled at the edge of the Khomas highland plateau, offers a mix of German architecture and vibrant local culture. Meet your expert astronomy guide and enjoy a welcome briefing on Namibia’s remarkable night skies, famous for their clarity and minimal light pollution.
In the evening, meet your tour leader in the lobby of the hotel for a welcome meeting, followed by dinner at The Stellenbosch Wine Bar and Bistro.
Day 2: HESS telescope complex and Namibia’s central highlands
After breakfast, travel west of Windhoek into the Khomas highlands, a region of rolling hills, sparse vegetation and vast desert expanses that provide a perfect natural laboratory for astronomical observation. Arrive at the HESS telescope complex, one of the world’s premier gamma-ray observatories, situated in this remote and elevated location to maximise sky visibility and minimise atmospheric interference. During your visit, gain an in-depth understanding of cutting-edge astrophysical research, including how scientists detect high-energy gamma rays emitted by some of the most energetic and mysterious phenomena in the universe, such as supernovae, pulsars and black holes. Your guide will explain the innovative imaging and detection techniques used at HESS, including the array of large telescopes working together to capture faint cosmic signals from millions of light years away.
Continue to the HAKOS Astro Guest Farm, a remote stargazer’s paradise set beneath some of the darkest, clearest skies in the world.
Day 3: Guided planetary hiking trail and afternoon game drive
Spend the morning at leisure. Afterwards, embark on a guided planetary hiking trail, traversing rocky outcrops, gravel plains and dune formations that closely resemble extraterrestrial landscapes. Along the trail, learn about the processes that shape these terrains – erosion, sedimentation and tectonic activity – and how scientists use Earth’s deserts to study potential landing sites for future space missions. The hike is both educational and contemplative, offering opportunities to connect Earth’s ancient landscapes with the broader universe, deepening your appreciation of the desert as a window into planetary history and cosmic processes.
In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic game drive spanning a few hours, where you are given an overview of the diversified fauna and flora of the area. The experienced guide will explain many farming concepts while visiting numerous places of interest, such as riverbeds, waterholes and some viewing spots which are rather difficult to access. Usually, a variety of African game species such as kudu, oryx and springbok are sighted – sometimes, with a bit of luck, also warthogs, wild dogs and the famous Hartmann's mountain zebra.
In the evening, participate in an immersive astronomy programme, learning to identify southern constellations such as the Southern Cross and Centaurus.
Day 4: Drive to Namib-Naukluft National Park
Depart after breakfast and set out on a scenic drive of approximately 4 to 5 hours (around 300 to 330 kilometres of gravel and paved roads) through Namibia’s sweeping landscapes to Dead Valley Lodge inside Namib-Naukluft National Park. This journey brings you close to the world-famous dunes of Sossusvlei, passing iconic desert vistas en route and positioning you perfectly for night-sky viewing and daytime exploration at your next desert lodge.
In the evening, enjoy a guided stargazing session, observing constellations, planets and distant galaxies in one of the darkest and clearest night skies on the planet, where the Milky Way stretches in vivid detail across the horizon.
Day 5: Sossusvlei, climb Dune 45 and Sesriem gorge
Begin the day with a private early-morning drive to Sossusvlei with your driver and leader. You will then climb Dune 45, one of the most iconic and frequently photographed dunes in Sossusvlei, renowned for its perfect symmetry and vibrant orange hues that shift with the changing light. The ascent provides not only a physical challenge but also a rewarding vantage point, offering panoramic views over the vast, undulating desert landscape, dotted with other towering dunes and the occasional dry riverbed. The early morning light paints the sand in dramatic shades of gold and red, making it a perfect opportunity for photography and reflection on the desert’s immense scale.
In the afternoon, explore the tranquil Sesriem gorge, a natural corridor perfect for a short walk and desert discovery. Capture dramatic sunset photographs as light paints the desert in golden tones.
Continue to your accomodation. Relax on the central deck with a sundowner as the desert is bathed in gold, then enjoy dinner beneath a blanket of stars. Tonight, experience expert-guided stargazing, an unforgettable introduction to the celestial wonders of the Namib desert.
Day 6: Guided sunrise walk and onto Swakopmund
Start the day early with coffee or tea in your bungalow before setting out on a guided sunrise walk of approximately one hour. Explore the surrounding dunes as the desert is bathed in the soft morning light, then return to the lodge for breakfast and check-out.
Continue your journey to the beachside town of Swakopmund. Stop by the small settlement of Solitaire. Scattered with abandoned trucks, cars, petrol pumps and cacti, it's the only place between Walvis Bay and Sossusvlei to feature a petrol station, post office, general store and bakery. Enjoy a piece of the local apple pie which has earned itself quite a reputation. Continue on past Moon valley, named for its eerie lunar-like appearance, and the tropic of Capricorn. Walvis Bay is the hibernation area for thousands of migratory birds, most notably flamingos. November to April is the perfect season to visit and you may take a quick detour to see these elegant birds.
Upon arrival at Swakopmund take some leisure time for lunch, then join your leader on an orientation walk to get a feel for this interesting township with a German-Namibian atmosphere.
Day 7: 4×4 adventure near Swakopmund, the Moon Landscape and Swakop river
In the morning, experienced local guides will lead you on an unforgettable 4×4 adventure into the dune belt just outside Swakopmund. Traverse striking desert terrain that at first seems vast and untouched, yet brimming with hidden wonders. Search for chameleons, snakes, scorpions, geckos and other fascinating small creatures, while learning about the delicate ecology of the Namib desert. The tour concludes atop a scenic dune overlooking the Atlantic Ocean – an incredible spot for photographs, quiet reflection and appreciating the desert’s tiniest inhabitants.
This afternoon, venture to the Moon Landscape, a surreal canyon shaped over two million years by the Swakop river. A gentle walk through its dramatic formations is followed by a relaxed picnic at sunset, as the golden light illuminates the alien terrain.
As night falls, lie back under the vast desert sky to enjoy stargazing, with the Milky Way stretching overhead in a truly unforgettable display.
Day 8: Damaraland walking safari, Rock Arch at Spitzkoppe and Damaraland
Set out on a guided walking and game-viewing tour through Damaraland, visiting remarkable sites including the Small Bushman’s Paradise paintings, the Golden Snake painting, other ancient rock art, Zebra Pool and the famous Rock Arch at Spitzkoppe. Between these highlights, travel in a game viewer spotting wildlife across the rugged desert landscape. Pause for lunch at the lodge before continuing to your next base.
Arrive at Kipwe which is tucked into the ochre boulders of Damaraland’s Twyfelfontein Conservancy. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the lodge’s facilities or explore the surroundings on a self-guided nature walk, following short trails with information points detailing local flora, geology and the elusive desert-adapted elephants that roam the area.
Day 9: Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes, Twyfelfontein and Etosha National Park
This morning, you will explore the fascinating geological formations of Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes, before visiting Twyfelfontein, Namibia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, over 2500 petroglyphs etched into sandstone cliffs by the San people over thousands of years depict wildlife such as elephants, giraffes and antelope, as well as abstract and symbolic figures. These carvings offer a fascinating window into early human life, culture and spirituality, including their observations of celestial phenomena.
You will then travel to Etosha National Park, arriving in the late afternoon after approximately 6 hours on the road.
In the evening, embark on a night drive, a unique safari experience that offers the chance to spot nocturnal animals – owls, bushbabies, genets and aardwolves– using spotlights to catch the glow of eyes at waterholes.
Day 10: Etosha National Park safari and Grootfontein
You will rise early for a morning 4×4 safari in Etosha National Park, keeping a close eye out for black rhino, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope and the tiny Damara dik-dik. The park is also home to around 340 bird species, making every turn of the track an opportunity for wildlife spotting. After the safari, you will return to your lodge for breakfast before checking out.
You will then travel to Grootfontein, with the journey taking approximately 6 hours, passing through Namibia’s striking landscapes en route.
Day 11: Hoba meteorite and onto Okonjima Nature Reserve for an afternoon game drive
After breakfast, you will check out and make your way to Okonjima Nature Reserve, near Otjiwarongo. En route, you will visit the Hoba meteorite, the world’s largest known intact meteorite and a National Heritage Site. Weighing over 60 tonnes, this iron-nickel giant offers a striking reminder of our cosmic heritage and is a must-see attraction near Grootfontein.
You will arrive at Okonjima Nature Reserve for lunch before setting out on the Rare and Endangered Species Drive. This game drive allows you to explore the reserve’s unique ecosystem and learn about its conservation of threatened species, supported by AfriCat Foundation research on brown hyenas, bat-eared foxes and rhinos. With more than 40 mammal species and a rich diversity of flora, you may encounter both large and small wildlife under the guidance of your expert guide. In the evening, you will enjoy stargazing after dinner, soaking in the vast Namibian sky.
Day 12: Explore Okonjima Nature Reserve and return to Windhoek
You will explore Okonjima Nature Reserve with our guides, discovering its diverse wildlife and unique landscapes. Gain firsthand insights into the local ecosystem and the striking Etjo Sandstone formations on a mountainous hiking trail, taking approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on your chosen route.
After breakfast, you will check out and travel to Windhoek, a journey of around 2 and a half hours.
In the evening, gather with the group for a farewell dinner, celebrating the journey, sharing memories and reflecting on the remarkable landscapes, wildlife and stargazing experiences that have made this Namibian adventure truly unforgettable.
Day 13: Windhoek departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Windhoek airport to connect with your onward flight.
