Southern Africa
Southern Africa is a place for journeys that unfold slowly, where days are shaped by distance covered, heat managed and the discipline of moving through dry, open landscapes.
Our expeditions here are designed for those who want to experience desert and savannah properly, travelling deep into wide country with the confidence that everything has been planned, handled and supported to an exceptional standard.
desert expeditions in southern africa
Southern Africa offers some of the most compelling desert and semi arid landscapes for expedition travel. Wide horizons, sparse terrain and long distances between settlements create the conditions for journeys that feel focused, purposeful and grounded in movement through open country.
This is not about ticking off highlights. Expeditions here are defined by distance travelled, daily decisions around heat and access, and settling into a steady rhythm shaped by the landscape itself. The region’s strength lies in the freedom it gives us to design ambitious journeys that are absorbing and considered, while still being planned and supported with great care.
EXPEDITION CONCEPTS IN Southern africa
DESERT CROSSING EXPEDITION THROUGH THE NAMIB AND KALAHARI
A point to point desert journey across arid plains and dune systems, linking the Namib Desert with the margins of the Central Kalahari. Travel is steady and deliberate, shaped by heat management, navigation and water strategy, with the expedition built around distance covered on foot and by vehicle through open, sparsely inhabited terrain.
REMOTE DESERT COAST EXPEDITION – SKELETON COAST, NAMIBIA
A remote expedition following sections of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, combining coastal travel with inland desert stages across exposed gravel plains and dune fields. The journey links isolated access points, shipwreck sites and coastal headlands, creating a varied desert experience shaped by weather, ocean conditions and long distances between support.
COUNTRY CROSSING EXPEDITION – ESWATINI
A compact expedition traversing Eswatini from west to east, moving from highveld grasslands through escarpment zones into the Lowveld plains. Travel combines sustained time on foot with vehicle supported stages, with routes shaped by terrain, land use and access. The journey offers a continuous sense of progression, defined by contrast, careful pacing and well judged logistics rather than scale alone.
what expeditions here tend to feel like
Although every expedition is bespoke, journeys in Southern Africa often share a clear, deliberate rhythm shaped by distance, heat and visibility.
Days are spent moving steadily through open desert and savannah landscapes, with progress shaped by terrain, temperature and decisions made along the way. Evenings are quieter and practical, defined by camp routines, recovery and preparing carefully for the following day’s travel.
Depending on how an expedition is designed, this may include:
• Sustained point to point travel across wide, arid regions
• Long periods away from settlements or permanent facilities
• A considered mix of travel methods shaped by terrain and conditions
• Mobile camps or isolated fixed bases
• Small teams travelling together for extended periods of time
Some expeditions are intentionally raw and physically demanding. Others use logistics, access and shelter to allow greater distance, wider routes or a higher level of comfort. In every case, the journey itself remains the focus.
What's always Included
Dedicated UK Based Crux Expeditions Leader
An experienced Crux Expeditions leader is involved from the very first conversation and remains responsible for delivery on the ground. Leadership is continuous and accountable throughout.
End-to-end expedition planning and logistics
Routes, access, permits, accommodation, transport and local support are planned and coordinated in advance, with contingencies built in. Nothing is left to chance or last-minute handover.
Trusted local teams and partners
We work with experienced, fully licensed local guides and operators who we know and trust. They are treated as professional partners and integrated into the expedition team.
Preparation, systems and decision-making frameworks
Expeditions are supported by structured preparation, clear systems and robust decision-making processes designed for remote environments.
UK-based operational oversight
While expeditions are running, our UK operations team provides continuous support, oversight and backup, ensuring leaders are never operating in isolation.
THE WAY WE WORK
We take on a small number of expeditions each year and focus on delivering each one exceptionally well.
Our role is to remove uncertainty from complex journeys. That means taking responsibility early, planning carefully, and making sound decisions as conditions and circumstances evolve. We work calmly and deliberately, allowing expeditions to unfold with purpose rather than urgency.
We are selective about the environments we operate in, the partners we work with and the projects we take on. Expeditions are designed with care, led with confidence and supported quietly in the background so that the experience itself remains the focus.
This approach suits people who value judgement, preparation and discretion, and who want to feel they are in very capable hands.
Who this region suits
Southern Africa suits people drawn to wide horizons, clarity of movement and journeys shaped by space rather than density. It appeals to those who value time outdoors in open landscapes, alongside the reassurance of well organised travel, sound judgement and calm daily structure.
It is particularly well suited to:
• Private groups seeking a shared experience shaped by landscape, movement and perspective
• Individuals commissioning a journey that balances physical engagement with time to observe and reflect
• Those who appreciate order, reliable logistics and thoughtful pacing in remote environments
• Teams who value clear leadership, preparation and deliberate decision making
It works equally well for expeditions that prioritise endurance and sustained travel, and for journeys that use comfort, access and careful support to make long days manageable and rewarding without rushing the experience.
begin the conversation
Start designing your Southern Africa expedition
Planning a serious expedition starts with a proper conversation.
If you are considering an expedition in this region, we invite you to get in touch and share a little about what you have in mind. This does not need to be fully formed. Many expeditions begin with nothing more than a rough idea or a sense of what you want to experience.
We will take the time to understand your objectives, how you want to travel, and the balance of challenge and support that feels right, before shaping an expedition designed specifically around you.
Prefer to get in touch directly?
If you would rather start the conversation by email, you’re very welcome to contact us at:
If a call would be helpful, we’re happy to arrange one once we understand a little more about what you’re looking for.
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