- Activities
- Hiking & Trekking
- Tok Tokkie Trail
Tok Tokkie Trail is a 3-day/ 2-night walking tour that allows you to explore the secrets of the Namib on foot, accompanied by an English-speaking field guide. Nights are spent sleeping in the open under the exceptional Namibian night sky. The trail takes you through the vast and enchanting NamibRand Nature Reserve, a 200 000 hectare private reserve dedicated to low-impact tourism and recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve with Gold Tier status because of its exceptionally dark skies.
The walk will take you through different landscapes of the Pro-Namib ecosystem, from mountainous terrain to sandy dunes. During this walk you will discover many secrets of the Namib. The guide will introduce you to this unique arid environment and its inhabitants, including the fog-basking tok tokkie beetles, the golden mole, dancing spiders, barking geckos, bat-eared foxes and many more.
The trail, although not difficult, can be challenging (basic fitness is recommended), and does not normally exceed 10 km a day. The pace is set by the guests, with lots of time to marvel and enjoy. A service team takes care of you and transports your luggage - you only need to carry your daypack.
Nights are spent under the Namibian sky, on a cosy stretcher bed in a bedroll. Bathroom facilities comprise a long-drop toilet, a bucket shower with warm water, and a hand basin at the overnight camps.
Essential items to bring along are comfortable "worn in" hiking boots, warm clothing for the evenings (especially during winter), your own water bottles (at least 2 x 1 litres), camera equipment (including a sufficient supply of batteries) and binoculars, sunglasses, hat, sun screen, insect repellent, and a headlamp/torch - all other equipment is supplied. It is strongly recommended that you bring your glasses instead of contact lenses, due to the sandy environment. Freshwater for drinking (from a borehole) will be available at the lunch spot and overnight camps.
Learn about this unique desert environment, relax with a sundowner and enjoy a three-course dinner before falling asleep under the stars.
Day 1 starts with a visit to the non-profit Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust (NaDEET), followed by a short scenic drive, which takes you to the spot where you will start your short walk to the first overnight camp. The walk on day 2 is filled with breathtaking views of dunes and plains, and “fairy circles” against a backdrop of mountains, while you may spot some of the desert inhabitants on your way, interrupted by lunch and a siesta in the shade. The easy walk on day 3, through soft and rolling dunes interspersed by camelthorn trees, will take you to the Tok Tokkie farmhouse where you will arrive at approximately 10h00 to conclude this unforgettable experience.
Location: Tok Tokkie Trails is situated about 110 km / ca. 2 hours south of Sesriem, about 500 km / 6 hours’ drive from Windhoek and Swakopmund. The turn off is about 400 m from the junction of C27/826 and D827. From the gate on C27/D826 (there is a signpost) you drive about 11 km through a fenced corridor to a second gate where you turn left until you reach the Tok Tokkie Trails base (Die Duine Homestead), the trail starting point (4x2 or 4x4 is not needed).
Please report at the base if you see any wildlife inside the corridor.
The entire walk takes three days and 2 nights. You should arrive at the Tok Tokkie Trails base by 14h00 (by 13h00 if you have pre-booked an extra lunch). The walking duration differs each day and the pace is set by the guests. Day 1: 1 - 2 hours / Day 2: 6 - 7 hours / Day 3: 3 - 3.5 hours. The walking tour is suited for small groups of 2 - 8 participants (larger groups on request). Whilst walking there are no facilities to charge batteries, so be sure to have sufficient batteries available. This activity is an outdoor experience and involves sleeping in the open. Only under special circumstances, such as unfavourable weather conditions, are tents provided for sleeping, at Tok Tokkie Trail’s discretion only. Any special dietary requirements should be communicated well in advance.
Includes
- Meals (2 x breakfast, 1x light lunch, 2 x dinner)
- NamibRand Nature Reserve park fees
- Beer, wine, soft drinks, tea, coffee and juice are available in overnight camps
- Camping equipment
- Services of a guide, a “back-up” crew and luggage transport for the duration of the trail
- Group transfer to the starting point of the trail – please arrive latest by 14h00 PM
Excludes
- Lunch on day of arrival (must be booked in advance)