NAMIB DESERT
EXPEDITION
14-24 May 2026
Unique in the world.
For women ready to break limits,
unlock clarity and redefine what's possible.
Because now is the time for you!
"I never thought I was going to make it.
But now that I have conquered the Namib Desert
I know that I can achieve anything in life!"
Ivy Russel, Investor, Singapore
WATCH THIS VIDEO FIRST
TO SEE WHAT THIS WOMEN ONLY
SELF-DISCOVERY JOURNEY IS ABOUT
"Doing this expedition with Sonja was the
best gift I could have given to myself."
Dr. Carolina Batista Medical Doctor, Brazil
IS THIS EXPEDITION FOR YOU?
You’ve achieved a lot — but something inside whispers it’s time to do something bold just for YOU.
You long for space to breathe, reset and reconnect — far away from pressure, people and performance.
You’re ready to challenge your limits and uncover the version of you that’s been waiting to rise.
You want to stand at the edge of the world and say:
“I did this. For me.”
You feel it in your gut — the desert, the sisterhood, this expedition is calling your name.
Yes? Then don't hesitate, book your personal discovery call with expedition leader Sonja Piontek now and see if you qualify to join the team of select ladies from around the globe.
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 world’s only all-female expedition across the Namib Desert. A life-changing journey for women ready to rise.
"The Namib strips away all noise and shows you who you truly are and what you're capable of."
Martina Manich, Entrepreneur, Germany/Austria
YOUR BENEFITS
This expedition might well be the most powerful gift you will ever give yourself.
Why?
Because this journey is deeper than one might image.
It will challenge you - physically and mentally - and open wings you never believed you had.
It is something you do just for yourself.
Crossing the Namib Desert with Sonja Piontek by your side means growing stronger with every step -
going deeper within while moving further than you ever imagined.
And sharing this once-in-a-lifetime experience with likeminded ladies from around the globe
creates bonds and friendships on eye-level that last a lifetime.
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 — dramatic landscapes, raw beauty, and a sense of space that is almost limitless. It is also considered the safest country to visit in Africa.
The Namib is the oldest desert in the world — vast, silent, untouched. Unlike the Sahara, it holds no oases, no caravans, no settlements. Nothing but endless sand, dunes, and sky.
And it is precisely in this emptiness where its power lies: here, far away from the noise of everyday life, you strip everything back to what truly matters. Together with extraordinary women from around the world, you will discover clarity, strength, and connection at a level few ever experience.
HOW IT STARTED
Sonja's first trip to Namibia was in 2008. She instantly fell in love with the beauty and vastness of the country, the cultural depth of the local tribes, the spectacular safari experiences and the transformative power of the mighty Namib Desert.
Over the years she has come back fifteen times.
"Never in my wildest dreams would I have considered to one day cross the Namib Desert on foot!"
But here we go: In September 2023 Sonja organised the first all female expedition to conquer the Namib on foot: 17 women, 12 nationalities, 5 days of hiking, 120 kilometres!!!
The rest, as they say is history...
For the forth time now, Sonja and her team offer this unique expedition to a hand-full of ladies from around the globe. If this sounds like you, do get in touch!.
WHAT PAST PARTICIPANTS SAY ABOUT THIS TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY
"I had my doubts wether I could do it...
I have achieved a lot more than I have ever thought,
and it has really made me grow as a person."
Dr. Roma Patel, Dentist, UK
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THIS
WOMEN ONLY EXPEDITION
DAY 1 - WELCOME TO AFRICA
- Early morning arrival at Windhoek International Airport
- Scenic drive to Okapuka Safari Lodge
- Settle into your spacious safari cottages
- Enjoy a fresh salad 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 Expedition briefing at Okapuka Safari Lodge
- Overnight at Okapuka Safari Lodge
DAY 2 - LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN
- As the bush awakens we start our second day in Africa
- We head south on a scenic drive towards the edge of the desert
- Tonight, our first camp will be set up by the dry riverbed of the Kuiseb river
- It is here that we meet the entire team supporting this unique Expedition
- For dinner a special treat awaits - an invitation by the queen of the local Topnaar tribe
- You will be surprised how comfortable your mattress and sleeping bag are as you lie down in your cosy tent
DAY 3 - FIRST DAY IN THE NAMIB
- Day one of our desert crossing starts with a healthy breakfast in camp
- The first kilometres in the desert are especially exciting as we find our rhythm, check our gear and get to know better our travel companions
- As we are go deeper into the desert we start to understand the magnitude of the desert, it's vastness and prehistoric 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 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 guarding us 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
- The celebration takes place by the epic shipwreck of the Eduard Bohlen - nestled on the beach - with seals, pelicans and jackals guarding its peace
- 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 one of the town's famous restaurants before we withdraw into our comfortable beds
DAY 9 - MEETING THE LADIES OF PENDUKA
- Over the past days life has given us so much that it is now time to give back
- Instead of staying in another fancy safari lodge around Windhoek we head to the township of Katatura, one of the country's poorest settlements and stay at the women's initiative Penduka
- The ladies welcome us with open arms
- New friendships form as we dance together and dive deep into their world
- We hand over the many gifts we brought along (clothing, toys, phones, etc)
- Gratitude and tears flood the women's eyes just as much as they flood ours
- A joint dinner amongst new found friends ends a truly unique day
DAY 10 - HELPING WHERE IT MATTERS MOST
- On our last full day in Namibia we get to experiencing something most visitors will never even come close
- The ladies take us deep into the township, into their families, their homes
- It is here that we can help most - be it by taking the handicapped 8 year old Depandula and her mother Ester to town and buying her a trolley, thus allowing the little girl to take part in everyday life for the first time. Or be it by arranging prescription glasses for a lady that can merely work any more
- Our transformative expedition comes to an end in the most powerful way - by giving back to the beautiful ladies and being blessed with their gratitude and love
DAY 11 - 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!
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 mattresses, warm sleeping bags 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 vegan, gluten free options, etc... and hot chocolate cake!
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. That's what an expedition is all about after all!
HOW TOUGH IS IT?
Most people imagine a desert crossing to be tough.... and it is. It is an expedition after all. However, it is neither an ultra marathon nor a desert race.
You do obviously need to have a good level of fitness, but you don't need to be a beast - overall it is do-able.
There are moments that are rather challenging (mentally as well as physically), like hiking up soft sand dunes like in this photo.
Many parts we hike however are solid, hard sand and others parts completely flat!
Do bear in mind however, that it can get pretty hot in the Namib, if a heat wave hits temperatures could rise to more than 40°C. May and October however, are the perfect months to cross the desert and temperatures should mostly be crisp in the mornings and in the mid to high 30s °C during the days.
If your body does not handle heat well, then this might just not be your journey to take.
THIS EXPEDITION IS FOR YOU IF...
You’ve achieved a lot — but now, it’s finally time for you
You’re craving depth, silence, and a challenge that shakes you awake
You’re ready to walk 120km through one of the most remote and most spectacular landscapes on Earth
You want to step out of the noise — and into your next chapter
You’re done postponing your dreams
You can handle heat and dust — because you’re here for transformation
You’re inspired by powerful, like-minded women from around the globe
You long to feel fully alive again — raw, real, and unstoppable
You don’t just want a bucket list moment — you want a life-defining shift
THIS EXPEDITION IS NOT FOR YOU IF...
Let’s be honest. This expedition isn’t for everyone. And that’s one of the reasons that makes it so special. This is not for you if...
You’re out of shape — and have zero interest in changing that
You need daily Wi-Fi or constant digital connection to feel alive
You’re not open to adventure, or unexpected magic
You dislike people, community, or deep connection
You melt under pressure — and heat
You need to control every detail, every moment, every outcome
You bore easily, and frankly, you are a bit of a bore
This experience is sacred. It’s for the few who dare greatly, not the many who play small.
THIS IS WHAT YOU RECEIVE
This is not just a trip. This is a transformational investment in yourself, your future, your life.
When you say yes to the Namib Desert Expedition, you step into a once-in-a-lifetime experience - designed for high-performing women who are ready for more.
HERE IS WHAT'S INCLUDED
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS
Your exclusive place in a carefully curated, small group of female executives and entrepreneurs from around the world
Personally hosted by Sonja Piontek - award winning entrepreneur, executive coach, and Spiegel bestselling author
A 100% unique, money-can’t-buy desert crossing through one of the world’s most sacred landscapes
A powerfully curated overall experience aimed at becoming the journey of your life
Unique experiences tourists rarely get to experience like a private dinner invitation to the local tribal queen or a 1.5 day stay with the ladies of Penduka in Namibia's largest township at the end of the journey
STRATEGIC PREPARATION AND SUPPORT
Monthly virtual prep sessions with Sonja to set intention, align energy, and prepare mind + body
Private WhatsApp group for connection and exchange with the global participants
Detailed gear guide and personal recommendations for optimal 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
Single occupancy tents in the desert for privacy and comfort
Comfortable ‘bedroll’ mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows provided
Hot showers, seated camping 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
A specially designed expedition T-Shirt
A powerful token of achievement once you reach the Atlantic Ocean
A personalised certificate honoring 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)
Any gifts you’ll bring to support the women at Penduka
EXPEDITION FEE 2026
The fee for this expedition is not a cost. It’s a strategic investment — in your clarity, your growth, your power, your next chapter.
If you're ready to explore this rare opportunity, click the button below and apply for an evaluation call.
Spots are limited. The desert won't wait.
SONJA PIONTEK's UNIQUE NAMIB DESERT EXPEDITION IS REGULARLY FEATURED IN THE MEDIA
Below is a selection of articles published in magazines around the world.
Click on the image to see the full articles.
If you are from the media and interested in running a feature on this unique expedition, please get in touch via [email protected]
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHO ARE THE PARTICIPANTS?
Women from around the world - mostly entrepreneurs and executives who are done putting themselves last and ready for something that’s just for them. Carefully selected, this isn’t a group. It’s a tribe, a sisterhood.
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 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 - it’s an expedition. And that makes all the difference.
WHAT TEMPERATURES CAN I EXPECT IN MAY?
May 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 Piontek - who will be personally hosting the expedition - is a Spiegel bestselling author, executive coach to international leaders, and creator of transformational experiences that simply don’t exist elsewhere else in the world.
WHEN EXACTLY DOES THE EXPEDITION START AND END?
Arrival at Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport: no later than midday on 14th May 2026
Departure from Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport: anytime on the 24th May 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 at every step.
WHEN CAN I BOOK?
When you are ready to say yes to yourself! Please note that places are strictly limited to keep the experience exclusive - and they fill fast. If this speaks to you, don’t wait too long.
CAN I BRING A FRIEND?
Absolutely. Some amazing women joined our last expedition together with their best friend - what an unforgettable experience to share.
CAN I BRING MY DAUGHTER?
Yes, if she’s at least 18. We love seeing mother-daughter 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 personally.
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?
Book your personal Discovery Call with Sonja Piontek. This is your 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 women, at the right time, for the right reasons. The sisterhood that forms in the desert is deep, real, and rare. Let’s make sure you belong in it.