EXPEDITION NAMIB DESERT | JUNE & JULY 2028
The oldest desert on earth
On foot through the Namib, between dunes of three hundred metres and the fog coast of the Atlantic.
The story of this expedition
You fly from Brussels to Windhoek. On arrival we drive west, into the Namib, to where the last tracks disappear in the sand. From that moment the real adventure begins: on foot through the oldest desert on earth, a landscape that has been dry without interruption for fifty-five million years and where life has adapted in the most extraordinary ways.
We travel on foot over dunes that rank among the highest in the world, with flanks of rust red sand set sharply against a deep blue sky. No mountaineering required, but do not underestimate it: climbing in loose sand takes twice the energy of climbing on firm ground.
In the west the desert runs into the cold Atlantic. Almost every morning a dense fog bank rolls inland: the only source of water for beetles, geckos and plants that exist nowhere else. You watch an entire ecosystem survive on condensation.
What happens in the desert at night, you read in the sand in the morning. Our local guides teach you that language: which animal passed here, how long ago, and why. It changes the way you look at a landscape, long after you are back.
We deliberately choose June and July: the Namibian winter, with pleasant daytime temperatures, cool clear nights and the most stable conditions of the year.
The story of
this expedition
You fly from Brussels to Windhoek. On arrival we drive west, into the Namib, to where the last tracks disappear in the sand. From that moment the real adventure begins: on foot through the oldest desert on earth, a landscape that has been dry without interruption for fifty-five million years and where life has adapted in the most extraordinary ways.
We travel on foot over dunes that rank among the highest in the world, with flanks of rust red sand set sharply against a deep blue sky. No mountaineering required, but do not underestimate it: climbing in loose sand takes twice the energy of climbing on firm ground.
In the west the desert runs into the cold Atlantic. Almost every morning a dense fog bank rolls inland: the only source of water for beetles, geckos and plants that exist nowhere else. You watch an entire ecosystem survive on condensation.
What happens in the desert at night, you read in the sand in the morning. Our local guides teach you that language: which animal passed here, how long ago, and why. It changes the way you look at a landscape, long after you are back.
We deliberately choose June and July: the Namibian winter, with pleasant daytime temperatures, cool clear nights and the most stable conditions of the year.
Self-sufficient,
but never alone
From the moment we set off, we are off grid. We work with the water we carry, cook our own expedition food and pitch camp wherever the wind allows.
You learn to climb in loose sand, read tracks with the local guides and live on the water you carry yourself, guided by an experienced X- Guide whom you meet well in advance during the preparation programme.
Safety & guidance
Safety is the foundation of every Element X expedition. Our X Guides are professionally trained, hold WFR certificates and have years of experience in extreme conditions.
Every expedition has satellite phones, GPS tracking, safety procedures, an evacuation plan and local support in Namibia.
Before departure we also carry out a thorough risk analysis and prepare everything down to the last detail.
Guided by real expedition leaders.
You step into nature, away from the
beaten track, but always with the certainty of experienced guidance
and safety first.
Safety & guidance
Safety is the foundation of every Element X expedition. Our X Guides are professionally trained, hold
WFR certificates and have
years of experience in extreme conditions.
Every expedition has satellite phones, GPS tracking, clear safety procedures, a detailed evacuation plan and local support in Namibia.
Before departure we also carry out a thorough risk analysis and prepare everything down to the last detail.
Self-sufficient,
but never alone
From the moment we set off, we are
off grid. We work with the water we carry, cook our own expedition food and pitch camp wherever the wind allows.
You learn to climb in loose sand, read tracks with the local guides and live on the water you carry yourself, guided by an experienced X-Guide whom you meet well in advance during the preparation programme.
We let no one step into the unknown unprepared.
An expedition of this calibre starts months in advance. The preparation programme consists of an individual phase and a group phase.
Individual phase
Starts immediately after registration. You receive an inspiration pack with practical tips, insights and exercises to start moving like an expedition member. You gather your expedition gear using the packing list (do not buy anything yet: bring what you already have to the kick off). And you share your medical information, because the best preparation is a plan for when things go wrong.
Group phase
Starts 3 to 6 months before departure with the kick off: a full day on which you meet your team, taste the expedition atmosphere and take the first steps as a group. There we plan the follow-up moments together and the WhatsApp group starts. Training includes, among other things: getting to know the group and roles, physical screening and analysis, a personalised training schedule, technical and resilience training, gear, nutrition and sleep setup, and a final check.
Accredited service provider for the KMO-portefeuille
To help entrepreneurs and KMO leaders grow as much as possible, a leadership programme/training is linked to this expedition, which closely aligns with the adventure. This programme falls under the theme Business strategy and is eligible for subsidy via the KMO-portefeuille.
As an entrepreneur, you can receive up to 30% subsidy on the training costs of this programme. Important (!): only the training itself is eligible. Travel, accommodation, and expedition costs are not covered by the subsidy.
Accredited service provider for the KMO-portefeuille
To help entrepreneurs and KMO leaders grow as much as possible, a leadership programme/training is linked to this expedition, which closely aligns with the adventure. This programme falls under the theme Business strategy and is eligible for subsidy via the KMO-portefeuille.
As an entrepreneur, you can receive up to 30% subsidy on the training costs of this programme. Important (!): only the training itself is eligible. Travel, accommodation, and expedition costs are not covered by the subsidy.
As seen in
Imagine: dune ridges running on for kilometres, a fog bank rolling in from the ocean, and a southern sky so clear that the Milky Way casts a shadow.
On Expedition Namib you travel through a landscape older than almost anything on earth: a place where water is the most precious thing there is, where life survives on fog, and where the silence forces you to slow down.
Imagine: dune ridges running on for kilometres, a fog bank rolling in from the ocean, and a southern sky so clear that the Milky Way casts a shadow.
On Expedition Namib you travel through a landscape older than almost anything on earth: a place where water is the most precious thing there is, where life survives on fog, and where the silence forces you to slow down.
Frequently asked questions
No. You do not need to be a top athlete. Through our preparation programme (screening, training schedule and targeted training) we build your level up to expedition level in 3 to 6 months.
Very safe. We work with WFR-certified expedition leaders, satellite communication, evacuation plans and clearly outlined safety protocols.
The full expedition programme, gear, workshops, guidance, all local costs and meals are included, plus the full 3 to 6 month preparation programme. Flights, personal clothing and insurance are not included.
Frequently asked questions
No. You do not need to be a top athlete. Through our preparation programme (screening, training schedule and targeted training) we build your level up to expedition level in 3 to 6 months.
Very safe. We work with WFR-certified expedition leaders, satellite communication, evacuation plans and clearly outlined safety protocols.
The full expedition programme, gear, workshops, guidance, all local costs and meals are included, plus the full 3 to 6 month preparation programme. Flights, personal clothing and insurance are not included.
Ready for the oldest
desert on earth?
Taking an option is free and without obligation; your spot is only confirmed after the intake.
Koen De Leeuw
Expedition leader | Element X
“Nothing here competes for your attention. After a few days a group naturally settles into the same rhythm and it grows noticeably quieter, in the conversations too. We see that effect time and again.”
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