DESERT MEN
CHALLENGE
12 - 20 Oct 2026
This journey will test your limits. Are you ready to let go?
"This journey is not an adventure.
It's a decision!"
WATCH THIS VIDEO FIRST - TURN UP THE VOLUME
"Have you ever thought about what comes after success?"
THE
DESERT MEN CHALLENGE
This is not an adventure. It’s a decision.
120 kilometers across the world’s oldest desert - the Namib. On foot. No signal. No distractions. Just you, the vastness of the desert, silence in its purest form, the endless sea of sand, the sun – and the strength within.
This is not about hiking dunes. This is about walking through fire – and emerging forged.
The DESERT MEN CHALLENGE is designed for exceptional men from around the world: entrepreneurs, founders, decision-makers, high-level performers who are ready to face what comes after success.
What’s left when you strip away comfort, distraction, and noise?
Who are you when no one’s watching?
What happens when you step beyond the limits you thought defined you?
You will be challenged.
You will be confronted.
You will be changed.
Be aware: this isn’t therapy. It’s the truth within.
"It is not a men’s retreat.
It is a rite of passage for those who are ready."
YOUR HOST SONJA PIONTEK
Sonja Piontek doesn’t just inspire - she redefines what’s possible.
A SPIEGEL bestselling author, award-winning entrepreneur, and former Director of Marketing for BMW Asia, she now guides top-tier leaders to profound personal and professional breakthroughs. Her clients include international entrepreneurs and executives who refuse to settle for average.
Sonja is the founder of Sonnenkind Pte Ltd, creator of money-can’t-buy experiences, and a powerhouse of transformation. Having lived in six countries and spoken on stages in 49, she brings radical clarity, operational excellence, and emotional depth to everything she does.
German BUNTE magazine describes her as: "Powerhouse of inspiration – full of IQ and EQ"
Her deep love for Namibia - immortalised in her NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC book - led to the creation of the NAMIB DESERT EXPEDITION and the DESERT MEN CHALLENGE, acclaimed formats unparalleled in the world.
YOUR CO-HOST PASCAL FORSTER
An influential entrepreneur, board advisor, and founder of Switzerland’s most exclusive leadership circles, Pascal is the trusted confidant of CEOs, founders and top-tier decision-makers across Europe.
With his rare blend of strategic foresight and human depth, he challenges leaders to rise above noise, ego and old identities – and step into their highest expression.
As the founder of The Boardroom and co-creator of The LEADERSHIP CIRCLE, he has built powerful platforms where exceptional people connect, grow, and create meaningful legacy.
Pascal brings quiet strength, razor-sharp clarity, and a deep-rooted respect for nature into this challenge.
His ability to hold space makes him a powerful sparring partner. With Swiss precision and global vision, he co-leads the DESERT MEN CHALLENGE – a format reserved for men who are ready to go all in.
"You've conquered boardrooms.
Now face the terrain you can't control!"
YOUR BENEFITS
The DESERT MEN CHALLENGE might well be the most powerful investment you’ll ever make – in yourself.
Why?
Because this journey strips away the noise and reveals your deepest self.
It confronts you – physically, mentally, emotionally –
and shows you who you really are underneath the success, the roles, the expectations.
It’s not about performance.
It’s not about proving anything.
It’s about silently reclaiming yourself.
You do this for no one else but you!
Crossing the Namib Desert with Sonja Piontek and Pascal Forster by your side
means growing stronger with every step –
gaining clarity with every breath –
finding answers in the words not spoken -
and discovering what lies on the other side of success.
You will walk through heat, silence and resistance –
and come out with a renewed sense of self, purpose, and presence.
And sharing this once-in-a-lifetime experience with other
exceptional men from around the world creates a rare kind of bond:
Real. Raw. Respectful.
Not just friendships. Not just business partnerships.
A brotherhood.
WHY THE NAMIB DESERT?
Crossing the Namib on foot is not just a bucket-list adventure - it’s the ultimate money-can’t-buy experience.
Namibia is one of the most breathtaking countries on earth: raw, untamed beauty, vast skies, and a dramatic sense of scale that resets your perspective in an instant.
It is also one of the safest destinations in Africa – a place of peace, purity, and power.
The Namib is the oldest desert in the world – over 55 million years of silence, stillness, and sand.
Unlike the Sahara, it holds no oases, no caravans, no settlements. No distractions. No noise. No escape.
And that’s exactly where its magic lies.
In this emptiness, you will find everything that truly matters.
When you walk through this landscape - day after day, in the heat, with nothing but the dunes, the sun, the silence and your breath - you begin to hear again. You begin to feel again. And you begin to see with absolute clarity.
Together with a selected group of men from around the world, you will discover a level of connection, strength, and presence few ever access.
HOW IT STARTED
The idea for the DESERT MEN CHALLENGE was born out of demand - from high-performing men around the globe who had heard stories of the transformational power of the Namib Desert Expedition for women, and kept asking: “Why can’t we do this too?”
Sonja had developed one of the most profound and exclusive journeys in the world - a program so deep, so powerful, it rewires what participants believe is possible. But it was for women only. Until the Hahnenkamm Race in Kitzbühel.
That’s where Pascal and Sonja met. In one conversation, it became clear: they shared the same vision, the same relentless standard of excellence, the same obsession with depth, impact, and working only with a highly select group of international top performers. Both love the desert. Both live to challenge the extraordinary.
Pascal brings an exceptional global network and rare leadership energy. Sonja bring the intellectual property, experience and soul of the program. Together, the two have created something that’s tougher - but as deep, as selective, and as radically transformative as anything they’ve ever led.
This is not a retreat. This is not a bootcamp. This is the DESERT MEN CHALLENGE - and it changes everything.
"More than any bucket list experience could ever be."
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DESERT MEN CHALLENGE -
A FORMAT UNIQUE IN THE WORLD
DAY 1 - WELCOME TO AFRICA
- Early morning arrival at Windhoek International Airport
- Airport pickup and scenic drive to Okapuka Safari Lodge
- Settle into your spacious safari cottages
- Enjoy a refreshing lunch on the terrace as ostriches roam by
- During our private safari game drive we will see giraffe, rhino, oryx, zebra, etc.
- First joint sundowner drinks in the bush as the golden African sun sets
- Welcome dinner and final briefing for the DESERT MEN CHALLENGE
- Overnight at Okapuka Safari Lodge
DAY 2 - LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN
- As the wild bush awakens we start our second day in Africa
- We head south on an overland drive towards the edge of the desert
- Our first camp will already be set up near the dry riverbed of the Kuiseb river
- It is here that we meet the entire desert team supporting this unique Challenge - including our medical doctor
- For dinner a special treat awaits - an invitation by the local tribal queen
- You will be surprised how comfortable your tents and beds are as you lie down for the first night before the adventure begins
DAY 3 - FIRST DAY IN THE NAMIB
- Day one of our desert crossing starts with a hearty breakfast in camp
- The first kilometres in the desert are especially exciting as we find our rhythm, check our gear and the first navigation team finds our way (yes - we navigate ourselves - this is an integral part of the challenge)
- As we are go deeper into the desert we start to understand the magnitude of the desert, it's vastness and raw beauty
- En route we have two "pit stops" every day to replenish, eat, drink and have a check in with the medical doctor and a laugh with the support team
- After an eventful first day we are thrilled about the freshly cooked dinner and the stunning location of our camp
DAY 4 - SECOND DAY OF CROSSING THE DESERT
- We go deeper into the endless sea of sands and climb our first big dunes
- The vastness of the desert is as impressive as it's solitude
- The lack of noise as unreal as the regular change in scenery
- We are taken by the beauty, the solitude and what these do to us
- During our two pit stops we replenish on electrolytes, snacks and fruits and have a chat with the support team that prepares these stops and our camp but is otherwise nowhere to be seen during the day
- As we finish our hike another stunning camp location awaits us
- We take our dinner by the bonfire before we retreat under a million stars
DAY 5 - THIRD DAY IN THE HEART OF THE DESERT
- Another unique day of crossing one of the harshest yet most spectacular places on earth awaits us as we head further west towards the Atlantic Ocean
- As we cross the majestic landscapes, we find answers in the stillness, power in the solitude and clarity in the vastness
- Our strength grows with every step we take
- As we reach tonight's camp, we are at awe with the petrified rock formations that shine in the golden light of the setting afternoon sun
- The resident desert fox curiously explores our group and the camp - she is barely afraid as we are probably the first guests to ever stay at her "home"
DAY 6 - FORTH DAY OF CROSSING THE MIGHTY DESERT
- On we go on our epic quest to cross the oldest desert in the world
- Navigating the vast desert and finding the best path across the dunes has become a familiar routine, yet something that is carefully monitored as a team, to ensure we safely get to the next stop or the final destination of each day
- As we reach our camp for the night our chefs spoil us with the most incredible meals after a long day's hike
- We share experiences around the bonfire and get ready for another comfortable night with a million stars shining from above
DAY 7 - CELEBRATING THE ARRIVAL AT THE ATLANTIC
- We set out to cross the oldest desert in the world on foot - the Namib
- Five of the most indescribably days lie behind us
- We have grown as individuals - and as a team
- Most importantly we have achieved something bold and deep for ourselves
- As we reach the point where the mighty Namib Desert meets the roaring Atlantic Ocean we celebrate a breakthrough that will have an effect on the rest of our lives
- We celebrate in style - with seals, pelicans, jackals, oysters and champagne
- Our final camp is set up right on the beach
DAY 8 - BACK TO CIVILISATION
- Our last day in the desert is quite an adventure, too
- In order to get back to civilisation we go on a several hour long 4x4 drive along the Atlantic coast, through the endless sea of sands and across massive dunes where we take some some more rather amazing photo stops
- Along the drive we encounter colonies of seals, flocks of flamingoes, pelicans and possibly even oryx who calmly roam the dunes
- The popular ocean resort of Swakopmund welcomes us back to civilisation, a weird feeling at first
- We celebrate our success in the town's most popular seafood restaurant before we withdraw into our comfortable beds
DAY 9 - FAREWELL
- Today, it is time to say our farewells to a spectacularly beautiful country, to wonderful new friends from around the world and to an amazing team
- We might part ways but in our hearts we will forever be linked
- What we are going to take home from this unique all women expedition is manyfold: clarity, strength, a powerful sisterhood, an incredible feeling of achievement, unforgettable memories, a once in a lifetime experience, deep gratitude, million dollar shots and the most awesome stories to be shared
- And: the feeling that this one was for no-one else but us!
"If you need a reason not to do this -
stay home."
LET'S HAVE THE TOILET TALK...
This expedition is not about "roughing it" - it is about and incredibly deep personal experience. That's why we sleep well, eat well, and... pee in style :-)
We set up proper sit down toilets at the pit-stops and the camps. As these are in the most spectacular places, we call them "loo with a view".
We will also have warm water camping showers - with 10 litres of warm water per day per person - an incredible wow moment after a long day of hiking.
There is also no need to sleep on thin yoga mats and wake up cold, miserable and with a stiff back. That's why we bring comfortable beds, warm bedding and pillows so you rest well!
And last but not least, there is no need to have bad food in the desert, that's why our spectacular kitchen crew prepares awesome fresh meals, including fresh bred and hot chocolate cake cooked on the open fire!
But don't be fooled, it will still be dusty, hot during the days and cold at night. You will sweat, you might swear, sand will be all over your equipment and at times it will be pretty challenging and tough. It's called the DESERT MEN CHALLENGE after all!
"Some experiences change your location.
This one changes your life!"
HOW TOUGH IS IT?
Let’s be clear: Yes, this is tough. It’s called the DESERT MEN CHALLENGE for a reason.
But it’s not an ultramarathon. And it’s definitely not a race. You don’t need to be a beast - but you do need to be fit, focused, and mentally strong.
This is a physical challenge, yes - but more than that, it’s a mental and emotional challenge - and a reset.
You will be hot. You will be pushed. You might be uncomfortable. And at times… you might even sigh.
Some sections are soft sand. Others are hard-packed or flat. You’ll walk for hours, day after day, through heat, vastness and resistance. And with every step, you’ll shed what no longer serves you.
Temperatures in the Namib can reach over 40°C in a heatwave. But October is the ideal month to cross — with crisp mornings and daytime highs typically in the mid to high 30s °C.
Still, if your body doesn't cope well with heat… this might not be your journey.
Because this isn’t about comfort. It’s about choosing challenge. And walking through it.
THE TEAM BEHIND
Let’s be clear: Yes, this is tough. It’s called the DESERT MEN CHALLENGE for a reason.
But it’s not an ultramarathon. And it’s definitely not a race. You don’t need to be a beast - but you do need to be fit, focused, and mentally strong.
This is a physical challenge, yes - but more than that, it’s a mental and emotional challenge - and a reset.
You will be hot. You will be pushed. You might be uncomfortable. And at times… you might even sigh.
Some sections are soft sand. Others are hard-packed or flat. You’ll walk for hours, day after day, through heat, vastness and resistance. And with every step, you’ll shed what no longer serves you.
Temperatures in the Namib can reach over 40°C in a heatwave. But October is the ideal month to cross — with crisp mornings and daytime highs typically in the mid to high 30s °C.
Still, if your body doesn't cope well with heat… this might not be your journey.
Because this isn’t about comfort. It’s about choosing challenge. And walking through it.
THIS EXPEDITION IS FOR YOU IF...
You’ve achieved a lot - but you know there’s still more in you.
You’re craving depth and a challenge that breaks patterns and builds clarity.
You’re ready to walk 120 kilometers through one of the harshest and most spectacular landscapes on Earth.
You’re done with distraction - and ready to face the next level with deep honesty.
You’re no longer willing to postpone what truly matters.
You can handle heat, discomfort, and intensity - because you’re not here for ease.
You’re here for transformation.
You want to walk beside other accomplished men - not for ego, but for evolution.
You’re not looking for an escape.
You’re looking for a breakthrough.
You don’t need another peak.
You need a defining moment.
THIS EXPEDITION IS NOT FOR YOU IF...
Let’s be honest — this expedition isn’t for everyone.
And that’s exactly what makes it powerful.
This is not for you if...
You’re out of shape - and have zero interest in changing that.
You need daily Wi-Fi, notifications, or digital noise to feel relevant.
You’re not open to discomfort, challenge, or the unexpected.
You resist connection - and prefer to stay surface-level.
You crack under pressure - or heat.
You need to control every detail, every outcome, every moment.
You bore easily - or worse, you are a bore.
This experience is sacred territory - forged for the few who dare greatly,
not the many who pretend.
THIS IS WHAT YOU RECEIVE
This is not another vacation.
This is a statement. A transformation. An investment in yourself, your future, your life.
When you say yes to the DESERT MEN CHALLENGE, you step into a once-in-a-lifetime experience - designed for high-performing men from around the globe who are ready for themselves.
HERE IS WHAT'S INCLUDED
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS
Your exclusive place in a carefully curated, small group of international executives and entrepreneurs
Personally hosted by Sonja Piontek - award winning entrepreneur, executive coach, and SPIEGEL bestselling author
Personally co-hosted by Pascal Forster - visionary entrepreneur, board advisor, and founder of Switzerland’s most exclusive leadership circles
A 100% unique, money-can’t-buy desert crossing through one of the world’s harshest and most spectacular landscapes on earth
A powerfully curated overall experience aimed at becoming the journey of your life
Unique experiences no tourist ever gets to experience like a private dinner invitation to the local tribal queen
STRATEGIC PREPARATION AND SUPPORT
Several month long virtual preparation with Sonja and Pascal to set intention, align energy, form first bonds and prepare mind + body
Private WhatsApp group for connection and exchange with the global participants
Detailed equipment list and personal recommendations for ideal preparation
LEADING DESERT TEAM
Accompanied by Namibia’s most experienced expedition crew - professionals with decades of experience in the desert
Accompanied by one of Namibia’s top emergency medical doctors
Daily logistical mastery, safety, and care - so you can focus on your journey
COMFORT IN THE WILD
Spacious single occupancy tents in the desert for privacy and comfort
Comfortable beds with warm blankets and pillows to ensure you get all the sleep you need
War showers (10 litres of warm water per person per day), seated toilets with breathtaking views (yes, really)
Phenomenal food including anything from vegan to gluten free that you might want
Single-room accommodation at select safari lodges / hotel before and after the desert expedition
UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES
Highly emotional expedition video that you can share with family and friends
Million dollar shots capturing your quest through one of the most unique landscapes on earth - taken by our international photographer
A specially designed expedition T-Shirt
A powerful token of achievement once you reach the Atlantic Ocean
A personalised certificate honouring your successful crossing of the Namib Desert
NOT INCLUDED
Flights to/from Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport
Personal travel & health insurance
Visa (if applicable)
Souvenirs, tips
Your personal expedition gear (e.g., poles, water bladder, boots)
PARTICIPATION FEE 2026
The fee for the DESERT MEN CHALLENGE is not a cost. It’s a strategic investment - in your clarity, your growth, your power, your next chapter - in yourself!
If you're ready to explore this rare opportunity, click the button below and apply for an evaluation call.
Spots are limited. And the desert won't wait.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHO ARE THE PARTICIPANTS?
Accomplished men from around the world - mostly entrepreneurs and executives who are ready for the next step of their lives. Carefully selected, this isn’t a group. It’s a tribe, a brotherhood.
HOW TOUGH IS IT REALLY?
Yes, it’s challenging. And yes, you can absolutely do this. The desert will stretch you – physically and mentally – but you don’t need to be a total beast. Good fitness, good overall health and a strong mindset, that’s what it takes. We go step by step. This is not a race - but it is a challenge.
WHAT TEMPERATURES CAN I EXPECT IN OCTOBER?
October is one of two months that are ideal for crossing the desert: warm to hot during the day (up to 35°C), but thanks to the dry air, it’s surprisingly pleasant. Nights can be cold, even down to single digits. Bring layers for warmth – and know that the crisp desert mornings are simply magical.
IS IT SAFE?
Your safety is our absolute priority. You’ll be supported by Namibia’s most experienced expedition team – true experts who know the desert inside out. We also travel with a highly trained medical doctor, carry radios, satellite phones, and have detailed emergency protocols. Everything is prepared. You are in the best possible hands.
DO I NEED A VISA?
As of 2025 most nationalities need a visa to enter Namibia. This can be easily obtained online and our team are happy to support you.
WHO IS BEHIND THIS EXPEDITION?
This once-in-a-lifetime experience is organised by Sonja Piontek and her multi-award-winning boutique travel agency Sonnenkind Pte Ltd, based in Singapore. Sonja – who will be personally hosting the expedition – is a SPIEGEL bestselling author, executive coach to international leaders, and creator of transformational experiences that are unique in the world. She is joined by co-host Pascal Forster – a visionary entrepreneur, board advisor, and founder of Switzerland’s most exclusive leadership circles, known for guiding top-tier decision-makers through powerful breakthroughs and bold transitions.
WHEN EXACTLY DOES THE DESERT MEN CHALLENGE START AND END?
Arrival at Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport: no later than midday on 12th October 2026.
Departure from Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport: anytime after 5pm on the 20th October 2026.
WHICH AIRPORT SHALL I FLY TO?
Please book your flights to and from Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport.
WILL THERE BE CELLPHONE COVERAGE IN THE DESERT?
No – and that’s the gift. You will be fully unplugged. No emails, no distractions, no notifications. Just you, the silence, and the vastness of the Namib. Of course, we carry a satellite phone for emergencies and send daily updates to loved ones back home. You’re safe – and truly offline.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I CAN'T KEEP WALKING?
We’ve got you. Our expedition doctor is always nearby, and our support vehicles are never far. If you can’t continue walking, you’ll simply ride along for however long it takes. You are supported every step of the way. Just bare in mind - you won't be allowed to ride in the support vehicles just because you're done walking. It's a challenge and unless you truly have to from a medical perspective, you will walk!
WHEN CAN I BOOK?
You don’t simply book your slot. You apply - and if selected, you’re invited to join. The DESERT MEN CHALLENGE is strictly by application only, and places are highly limited to preserve the depth, intimacy, and exclusivity of the group. If this speaks to you - if something deep in you knows it’s time - don’t wait. Apply early. Be ready. Because not everyone gets in - and we intend to keep it that way..
CAN I BRING A FRIEND?
Absolutely - if you know someone who’s equally driven, open, and ready for this level of challenge,
you’re welcome to apply together. Some participants choose to join with a close friend, business partner, or trusted peer - and sharing an experience this profound can create a bond that lasts a lifetime. Just note: each participant must apply individually and be accepted through the selection process. This isn’t about who you know. It’s about who’s truly ready.
CAN I BRING MY SON?
Yes, if he’s at least 18. We love seeing father-son duos step into their power together.
HOW DO I SECURE MY SPOT?
Simple. Click one this line or one of the links on this page to book your Discovery Call with Sonja Piontek and Pascal Forster personally.
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?
Book your personal Discovery Call with Sonja Piontek and Pascal Forster. This is our joint chance to explore if this journey is the right fit – for you, and for the group. We’ll dive into your questions, your intentions, and what you're hoping to gain from this experience. Because this isn’t for everyone. It’s for the right men, at the right time, for the right reasons. The brotherhood that forms in the desert is deep, real, and rare. Let’s make sure you belong in it.
