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 the drop point we continue 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.
In the morning the tracks of the night are in the sand. Our local trackers show you which animal passed by and how long ago.
We 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 the drop point we continue 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.
In the morning the tracks of the night are in the sand. Our local trackers show you which animal passed by and how long ago.
We 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 trackers 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 experienced 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 trackers and live on the water you carry yourself, guided by an experienced X Guide whom you meet well in advance during the preparation programme.
How we prepare you.
The preparation programme starts at least three months before departure and consists of an individual phase and a group phase.
Individual phase
Starts immediately after registration. You receive an inspiration pack with practical tips and exercises to prepare on your own. You gather your expedition gear using the packing list (do not buy anything yet: bring what you already have to the kick off, and we look together at what is still missing). And you share your medical information, because the best preparation is a plan for when things go wrong.
Group phase
Starts three to six months before departure with the kick off: a full day on which you get to know your group. We measure your strength, mobility and fitness and you receive training advice. Together we go over the route and the risks, you taste the expedition food and we go through the packing list. The day ends with a hike, an ice bath and a meal together, after which the WhatsApp group starts. Until departure you train regularly with your group, including a technical training tailored to the destination: navigation and walking in sand. Just before departure we do a final check of your gear, your fitness and your strength.
As seen in
You walk along dune ridges that run on for kilometres, watch the fog roll in from the ocean in the morning and sleep under the stars of the southern hemisphere.
On Expedition Namib you travel through the oldest desert on earth, where water is the most precious thing you carry.
You walk along dune ridges that run on for kilometres, watch the fog roll in from the ocean in the morning and sleep under the stars of the southern hemisphere.
On Expedition Namib you travel through the oldest desert on earth, where water is the most precious thing you carry.
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
“Walking in loose sand takes far more energy than walking on firm ground. That is why we set off early, keep the stages manageable and plan the water day by day. In the preparation we mainly train your endurance.”
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