THE DIAMOND DESERT Guided Self-Drive 4x4 Tour from Kanaan to Meob and Namibia’s Northern diamond fields

Embark on an exhilarating 6-day self-drive 4x4 expedition through some of Namibia’s most captivating landscapes! Your journey begins at the entrance to the legendary Namib Naukluft Park near Kanaan, where vast desert beauty stretches endlessly before you. From there, venture westward to Meob and the mysterious diamond fields that lie between Meob and Conception Bays—an untouched wilderness brimming with history and intrigue.

As you navigate the rugged terrain, step back in time as we explore the long-lost diamond settlements of Grillenberger and Charlottenfelder, deep within the former Sperrgebiet No. 2. Discover the fascinating tales of fortune seekers who once called this region home, and uncover the secrets hidden within the shifting sands of Meob Bay.

This extraordinary adventure culminates in the coastal haven of Walvis Bay, where the Atlantic breeze welcomes you back to civilization after an unforgettable journey. Are you ready to take the wheel and uncover Namibia’s best-kept secrets?

Fuel your thirst for adventure with a rugged, off-the-grid journey through Namibia’s untamed beauty! This guided 6-day self-drive 4x4 odyssey is designed for explorers who crave the raw, exhilarating challenge of navigating vast desert landscapes, towering dunes, and historical treasures hidden deep in the sands.

Day 1: Welcome to the Wild
Your adventure kicks off in the late afternoon at our overnight facility near Betta—where you’ll meet fellow explorers, gear up, and enjoy a fireside feast under Namibia’s mesmerizing star-studded sky. After a briefing and radio installation, prepare for the journey ahead in comfortable bungalows or a rustic campsite.

Day 2: Into the Namib—Game Drives & Ancient Secrets
After an early breakfast, we hit the road, entering Namib Naukluft Park via the Kanaan gate. By mid-morning, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking desert scenery, spotting Oryx, Springbuck, and Ostriches. We pause at Bushmen’s Paradise, searching for ancient rock paintings—a glimpse into the past lives of the first inhabitants. As the sun sets, we camp in the heart of the desert, either at the dramatic Witberg granite outcrop or near the mysterious dune hollow known as “Pa en Seun,” where dinner is cooked over an open fire.

Day 3: Conquering the Giants—Dune Mastery Begins
This is where true adventure kicks into high gear! Today, we tackle the majestic dunes, refining your 4x4 skills in soft sand terrain. The challenge builds as we push deeper—grass mounds make for tricky navigation before giving way to vast, rolling dunes, some soaring higher than 150 meters! Along the way, expect heart-stopping descents and breathtaking vistas, with plenty of stops to capture the drama of this surreal landscape.

We traverse the legendary diamond region, where fearless prospectors, like the resilient Moshe Kahan, once battled shifting sands to unearth hidden riches. His abandoned vehicles—relics of his daring expeditions—still rest among the dunes, adding a touch of historical mystery to the adventure. By sunset, we make camp near Sylvia Hill, sharing stories around the fire before another starlit feast.

Day 4:  After breakfast we will visit Sylvia Hill with its 60,000 resident Cape Fur Seals.   From here we will proceed north to Meob through the dune belt.  Dunes are getting progressively higher and driver experience and skills acquired during the previous two days will be tested and honed to perfection.  We will reach the Namab tented camp at Reutersbrunn near Meob bay late afternoon.  It is a well-equipped tented camp with beds, hot water showers, toilets and a kitchen with braai. It is here that we will overnight for the next two nights.  Accommodation will be in tents.  We will sit under the stars gazing at the universe, while our guides will prepare dinner over a fire. 

Day 5: Into Namibia’s Forgotten Diamond Settlements
Today is all about discovery. We head toward Meob Bay, once a landing site for diamond seekers, and delve into the eerie, abandoned mining settlements of Grillenberger and Charlottenfelder. Exploring these forgotten towns, where fortunes were made and lost, is like stepping into a time capsule. Rusting relics and crumbling structures stand as reminders of Namibia’s wild diamond rush era.

As we journey inland, we’ll uncover remnants of a bygone era—wooden boats used for landing at Meob, the makeshift police station that now serves as a museum, and an ancient ox-wagon modified to traverse the sandy terrain. After a day of unearthing lost history, we return to Namab tented camp, where a crackling fire and a hearty meal await.

Day 6: Chasing Shipwrecks & Dunes That Devour the Coastline
Our journey now takes a coastal turn! Hugging Namibia’s hauntingly beautiful shoreline, we drive past ghostly shipwrecks, beginning with the legendary Eduard Bohlen, stranded in 1909 and now swallowed by the desert. As waves crash nearby, we press forward to Shawnee, a tugboat wrecked under mysterious circumstances in 1976, now a sanctuary for seabirds and black-backed jackals.

The adrenaline spikes as we navigate Langewand, a stretch where towering dunes dramatically plunge into the ocean. Timing is crucial—here, the ocean gives us only brief moments to pass before reclaiming the beach! After a final exhilarating push through shifting sands, we roll into Walvis Bay, where a well-earned evening of celebration and fine dining awaits.

Day 7: Seals, Dolphins & A Grand Farewell
Our grand finale? A morning catamaran cruise in Walvis Bay, sailing alongside playful dolphins and sunbathing seals. With the salty breeze in your hair and the vast Atlantic stretching before you, this is the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable expedition. After a light onboard lunch, it’s time to say farewell—but your memories of the great Namib adventure will live on forever.

 
This isn’t just a tour—it’s a desert odyssey where every mile brings new challenges, epic sights, and the thrill of the unknown. Ready to take the wheel? 🌍🔥🚙

Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to the Wild

Meet at the overnight accommodation to be advised near Betta.

Day 2: Into the Namib—Game Drives & Ancient Secrets

Day 3: Conquering the Giants—Dune Mastery Begins

Day 4: Seals and Dunes

Day 5: Into Namibia’s Forgotten Diamond Settlements

Day 6: Chasing Shipwrecks & Dunes That Devour the Coastline

Day 7: Seals, Dolphins & A Grand Farewell

Rates

The Rack Rate for this tour per person is as follows:

Per Person: N$27,900.00

This rate includes all permits, three meals per day, all tableware, plates, cutlery, mobile showers and chemical toilets at every campsite, two nights’ accommodation at Meob and two-way radios to be fitted into each vehicle.  The rates also includes accommodation and dinner in Lüderitz the night before the tour commences, all permits, accommodation and dinner on the last night in Walvis Bay, a catamaran cruise and a little gift.

CONDITIONS:
• All rates are valid until 31st December 2025.
• A minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12 vehicles is allowed.
• We supply all cutlery for desert dinners, lunches and breakfasts.
• We need copies of each participant’s passport or ID document at least ten days before
departure date.
• 100 % cancellation fees will be charged for no shows.
• Pre-payments are essential.
• Please advise in advance if guests need any physical assistance. We do cater for
persons with disabilities.
• We specifically also cater for vegetarians, vegans and persons with gluten sensitivities
or other allergies. Please advise at time of booking.
• Please advise of any special catering request.
• Please advise at time of booking if a special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary,
is being celebrated.
• Due to the nature of the excursions we can regrettably not allow any pets.

Details

From: N$27,900 per person. A minimum of 4 vehicles is required.

Duration: 7 Days

Start Location: Overnight location near Betta

End Location: Walvis Bay

Dropoff Time: Walvis Bay

Dress: Comfortable clothing, warm clothes for nights.

Fitness Level: Moderate fitness level. We cater for persons with disabilities.

Pack: ESSENTIALS TO TAKE ALONG: • Tyre pressure gauge • Pump to inflate tyres • Plastic bags to carry waste (e.g. empty cool drink tins, etc.) – no shopping bags e.g. Spar bags allowed, please use bio-degradable / black bags for rubbish. • Brake fluid •

Highlights

  • Majestic Southern Desert Landscapes – Witness the awe-inspiring, raw beauty of the world’s oldest desert, where towering dunes, rugged mountains, and vast open spaces create a backdrop that feels almost surreal.
  • Uri-Hauchab Mountains – Navigate through dramatic terrain, where jagged peaks rise defiantly against the endless sands, offering breathtaking panoramas and a sense of untouched wilderness.
  • Abandoned Diamond Mining Equipment – Step back into the golden age of diamond prospecting, where rusted remnants of fortune-seeking expeditions still lie half-buried in the shifting sands, whispering tales of risk and reward.
  • Camping Underneath the Stars – Trade artificial light for the celestial glow of billions of stars. Nothing compares to the peace of falling asleep to the crackling of the fire and the vast silence of the Namibian night.
  • Seal Colonies at Sylvia Hill – Encounter thousands of lively, barking Cape Fur Seals in their natural habitat—a spectacle of pure wildlife energy set against the rugged Atlantic coastline.
  • Dune Driving – Take on the thrill of a lifetime! Master the art of dune driving as you conquer towering sand giants, revving up adrenaline with every climb, descent, and daring maneuver.
  • Reutersbrunn and Meob Bay – Explore the ghostly remains of a once-thriving diamond rush era, where relics from a forgotten time blend with untouched coastal beauty.
  • Abandoned Mining Settlements of Grillenberger and Charlottenfelder – Wander through eerie, time-frozen settlements where diamond fever once gripped explorers—silent ruins whispering secrets of ambition and lost dreams.
  • Eduard Bohlen Shipwreck – Witness the iconic wreck stranded eerily inland, a haunting monument to Namibia’s treacherous coastline and a photographer’s dream.
  • Shawnee Shipwreck – Discover the remnants of this enigmatic tugboat, now a windswept haven for seabirds and wildlife, its mysterious past adding to the coastal lore.
  • Lange Wand – Race against time to navigate this breathtaking stretch where massive dunes dramatically spill into the sea—one of nature’s most jaw-dropping clashes between land and water.
  • Sandwich Harbour Lagoon – A hidden oasis surrounded by towering dunes, where tranquil waters contrast with the wild desert landscape, creating an extraordinary natural wonder.
  • Dolphin Cruise on a Catamaran – Glide through the sparkling Atlantic, where playful dolphins leap alongside your vessel and seals bask lazily, offering an exhilarating marine adventure to wrap up your epic journey.