PIONTEK
Expedition Host
Globale Keynote Speaker
Executive Coach
"I didn't think 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
IS THIS FOR YOU?
Would you like to do something so unreal, you can't even believe you're considering it?
Would you like to go on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition together with award winning thought leader Sonja Piontek?
Would you like to be one of only few women who can say they crossed the oldest desert in the world?"
Would you like experience this transformative journey together with likeminded women from all over the world?
And last but not least... do you think that it is finally time to do something just for yourself?
YES? THEN THIS EXPEDITION IS THE RIGHT THING FOR YOU!
SONJA PIONTEK
German BUNTE Magazin calls her a 'powerhouse of inspiration - full of IQ and EQ'. She works with the most successful leaders and brands globally and is known for her transformative work and money-can't-buy expeditions.
Sonja Piontek is a SPIEGEL bestselling author, executive coach, international thought leader and founder of the award winning boutique travel agency Sonnenkind Pte Ltd (Singapore).
The dynamic German looks back on an international executive career with BMW and has lived in six countries. End of 2017 she left the corporate world as the Director of Marketing for BMW Asia to properly spread her wings and pursue what she is most passionate about: to help 6-8-figure executives and entrepreneurs reach success way beyond sheer monetary realms. She does this through her powerful coaching programs and transformative travel experiences.
„Namibia is one of my favourite countries in the world. I have come here thirteen times and have even published a NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC book on this stunning country.“
HOW IT STARTED
Sonja's first trip to Namibia was in 2008. She instantly fell in love with the beauty and vastness of the countryside, the incredible cultural diversity, the deep traditions of the local tribes, the spectacular safari experiences and the transformative power of the mighty Namib Desert.
Over the years she has come back thirteen 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 third 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!
YOUR BENEFITS
This expedition might well be the best thing you have ever done - for yourself!
Why? Because it is deeply transformative, unforgettable as well as indescribably. It will push you - both physically and mentally - and help you spread your wings wider than you ever deemed possible.
IT IS SOMETHING YOU DO JUST FOR YOURSELF!
Conquering the Namib Desert with Sonja Piontek by your side allows you to grow while you go deep as well as far!
And experiencing this unique money-can't-buy experience with likeminded female leaders from all over the world is the beginning of friendships and bonds on eye-level that will last a lifetime.
WHY NAMIBIA AND WHY THE NAMIB DESERT?
Crossing the Namib on foot is the ultimate money-can't buy experience - far beyond what most bucket lists will ever entail!
Namibia is one of the most amazing countries in the world.
Namibia is considered the safest country to visit in Africa.
The Namib Desert is the oldest sand desert in the world and one of the last untouched places on earth (unlike the Sahara the Namib is totally empty, no oasis, no caravans, no people... just sand).
There is something incredibly powerful about being in a place as remote as the desert and experiencing this together with likeminded ladies from across the globe.
KARINE MOGE
Photographer, France
Our expedition was magnificent and something quite powerful and unique.
TESTIMONIALS
IVY RUSSEL
Investor, Singapore
I didn't think I was going to make it... But now that I have conquered the Namib Desert I know that I can achieve anything in life!
AUDREY BRANDT
Award winning Interior Designer, USA
My expedition to Namibia with Sonja was one of the best trips of my life!
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Namib Desert Expedition is unique in many ways and a true money-can't-buy experience!
On top of the opportunity to cross the world's oldest sand desert with Sonja Piontek in a group of powerful, likeminded ladies from all over the world, you will experience an exclusive African game drive safari, go on an exciting 4x4 off-road drive, see the picturesque historic town of Swakopmund and spend a day and a night with the ladies of Penduka. Penduka is a charity helping women in need and is located in Katatura - Windhoek's largest local township.
The trip has deliberately been curated like this to give you a full "Namibian experience" and let you see different aspects of this beautiful country.
DAY 1 - SAFARI LODGE
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Early morning arrival at Windhoek International Airport
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Scenic drive to the impressive Okapuka Safari Lodge
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Settle into your spacious safari cottages
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Enjoy a fresh salad on the terrace as ostriches roam by
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During our exclusive private afternoon safari game drive we will see giraffe, rhino, oryx, zebra, springbok and many more antelopes
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First joint sundowner drinks in the bush as the African sun sets
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Welcome dinner and briefing at Okapuka Safari Lodge
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Overnight at Okapuka Safari Lodge
DAY 2 - LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN
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As the bush awakens we slowly start our second day in Africa
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After a hearty breakfast we say goodbye to Okapuka and head south on a scenic drive towards the desert
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For the first night of our expedition we will camp on the shores of the dry riverbed of the Kuiseb river
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For dinner we will be invited to their simple farmhouse by the widow of the late Topnar Chief ruling this area
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It is here that we meet the entire team that will be supporting us during our desert crossing, including the desert professionals, the medic as well as the phenomenal kitchen crew
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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 DESERT
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Day one of our desert crossing starts with a healthy breakfast to prepare us for the day
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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
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As we are go deeper into the desert we start to understand the magnitude of the desert, it's vastness and prehistoric beauty
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En route we have two "pit stops" every day to replenish, eat, drink and have a laugh with the support team
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It is here that we check in with the medic to make sure we are fine - after all, in this extreme terrain it all comes down to prevention
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After an eventful first day we are thrilled about the freshly cooked dinner and the stunning location of our camp
DAY 4 - SECOND DAY IN THE DESERT
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We proceed further into the Namib desert, deeper into the sea of sands and climb our first big dunes
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The vastness of this place is as impressive as it's solitude, the lack of noise as unreal as the regular change in scenery
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We are taken by so many different things...
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During our two 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
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As we finish our hike another stunning camp location awaits us
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We take our dinner by the bonfire before we retreat under a million stars
DAY 5 - THIRD DAY IN THE DESERT
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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's coast
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Over and over again we witness the tiniest signs of life in this seemingly inhospitable habitat - from miniscule flowers to beatles or lizards
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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
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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 - FOURTH DAY IN THE DESERT
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On we go on our epic quest to cross the oldest sand desert in the world
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Navigating the vast desert and finding the best path across the dunes has almost become a 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
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As we reach our camp for the night it becomes clear that we have become the biggest fans of our chefs who spoil us with the most incredible dishes after a long day's hike
DAY 7 - ARRIVAL AT THE ATLANTIC COAST
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Our goal was to cross the Namib and make it to the place where two giants meet and the roaring Atlantic Ocean crashed into the mighty Namib Desert
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Today is a long walk and the salty plains seem to drag on for eternity
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At some stage however, we make out the silhouette of a boat - the Eduard Bohlen - a shipwreck that has become a symbol of the harsh, unforgiving nature of the desert and the Skeleton Coast
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A huge celebration starts as we realise that we have all made it safely across the oldest sand desert in the world
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Our last camp is right on the beach
DAY 8 - OFFROAD ADVENTURE TO SWAKOPMUND
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Our last day in the desert is quite an adventure, too
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In order to get back to civilisation we take a several hour long 4x4 drive along the Atlantic coast, through the endless sea of sands and across massive dunes
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Along the drive we encounter colonies of seals, flocks of flamingoes, pelicans and possibly even oryx and other desert antelopes
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The popular ocean resort of Swakopmund welcomes us with cafés, local markets and lovely craft shops
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We celebrate our success in one of the town's famous restaurants before we withdraw into our comfy beds
DAY 9 - SUPPORTING THE TOWNSHIP WOMEN
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Over the past days we have received so much that it is now time to give back
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Instead of staying in another fancy safari lodge near the capital Windhoek we head to the township of Katatura, one of the country's poorest settlement and stay at the women's initiative Penduka
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The ladies welcome us with open arms and new friendships are formed as we dive deep into their world
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We hand over the many gifts we brought along (clothing, stationary, toys, old cellphones, etc) and tears flood every eye
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Our last night in Namibia is filled with heartfelt hugs, deep gratitude and never ending smiles
DAY 10 - FAREWELL
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It is time to say our farewells to an amazing country, new friends from around the world and a cracker team
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We are going to take home from this expedition: wonderful new friends, an incredible feeling of achievement, unforgettable memories, once in a lifetime experiences, deep gratitude, million dollar shots and the most awesome stories to be shared
LET'S HAVE THE TOILET TALK... AND MORE
"These have to be the coolest toilets I have ever used on any trip. A proper loo with a view!"
There is no need to "rough it" unnecessarily, so we bring camping toilets on this unique expedition and set them up near our pit-stops throughout the day and at our camps at night.
We will also have warm water camping showers - with 10 litres of warm water per day per participant - an incredible wow moment after a long day of hiking through one of the most arid places on earth.
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 crap food in the desert, that's why we bring a spectacular kitchen crew that prepares awesome fresh meals, including vegan, gluten free options, etc.
But don't be fooled, it will still be dusty, pretty hot during the days and rather 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 a triathlon nor a desert race. You do obviously need to have a good level of fitness, but you don't need to be a total beast. There are moments that are rather challenging (mentally as well as physically, like in the video) but overall it is extremely rewarding and do-able as not every part of the hike is uphill on soft sand - some parts are solid, hard sand and others even flat! Do bear in mind however, that it can get pretty hot in the Namib, at times even more than 40°C. If your body does not handle heat well, then this might just not be your journey to take.
THIS EXPEDITION IS FOR YOU IF...
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You are ready to do something extraordinary
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You are excited to go on this unique experience with Sonja Piontek
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You are a successful lady
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You want to go on a true bucket list experience
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You are excited about diving deep into unknown territory
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You are keen to do something physical
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You are ok to sleep in a tent, get sandy, be hot during the days and push yourself physically as well as mentally
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You are excited about going on this expedition with likeminded ladies from all over the world
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You want to see the beauty of the Namib Desert first hand
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You are at a point in your life where you say: now is my turn!
THIS EXPEDITION IS NOT FOR YOU IF...
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You are totally unfit and hate to move
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You don't want to compromise on having 24/7 social media access
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You expect a super luxurious setup in the vastness of the Namib Desert
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You are not adventurous
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You don't like people
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You can't handle the heat
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You are a control frea
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You are a bore...
THIS IS WHAT YOU GET
Included in the expedition
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The unique opportunity to join the exclusive group of female executives and entrepreneurs on a transformative money-can't-buy-experience
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This expedition is developed by Sonja Piontek and will be personally hosted by the German powerhouse
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Monthly virtual prep sessions will be hosted before the start of the expedition by Sonja Piontek
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A private WhatsApp group where all members connect prior to the expedition
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Detailed expedition packing list and recommendation for gear
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Sonja will be supported by Namibia's leading desert expedition team who know the Namib better than anyone else
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Also joining us on this expedition will be one of Namibia's most experienced desert medics/emergency medical team with years of work in and around the Namib
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You will receive a highly emotional expedition video produced by one of Namibia's leading videographers
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Accommodation is in twin rooms for the first and the last two nights and single tents for better comfort while in the desert
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Tents will be equipped with comfortable 'bedroll' mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows
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Breakfast, lunch, dinner and heaps of snacks (special dietary requests like allergies, intolerances, vegetarian, vegan, etc. will of course be catered for despite the fact that we are deep in the Namib desert)
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Water, soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea
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All land transportation during the tour including airport shuttles
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Exclusive program including a safari game drive and overnight stay in one of Namibia's leading safari lodges, the desert expedition with the most experienced team the country has to offer, daily permits for the Namib Naukluft National Park, sleeping bags and pillows to ensure proper sleep at night, camping toilets with a stellar view, a thrilling 4x4 day excursion with off-road cars to get back out of the desert, a lovely stay in Swakopmund and last but not least the visit at Penduka, getting to know and supporting the ladies in the foundation in the country's poorest township
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A personalised certificate stating your achievement
Not included in the tour price
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Flight to and from Windhoek
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Insurances
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Visa (if needed)
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Alcoholic drinks, tips, souvenirs, etc
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Your personal desert gear like poles, drink bladder, electrolytes, etc.
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The gifts you are going to bring for the ladies at Penduka
Expedition price 2025
Consider this price an investment in yourself, your life, your connections and your growth!
Regular expedition price 24.800 EUR
Early bird price 18.800 EUR
Please note that the early bird price is limited to the first EIGHT bookings ONLY.
If you are ready to secure your slot - simply click the link below and off you go!
FAQs
Who are the participants?
This expedition is for high level female executives and entrepreneurs from all over the world. You will meet women that are on par in spirit and success. From experience these expeditions bring together the most wonderful ladies, creating powerful friendships, business partnerships and bonds that often last for life.
How tough is it going to be?
You might ask yourself: can I do it? Crossing the desert will at times be a mental and physical challenge, but it is definitely do-able as long as you are fit and in good health. You clearly don't have to be a beast as we will take it slowly, and take one step at a time. After all, it's not a race!
What will temperatures be like?
October is one of the best months to cross the desert as temperatures are reasonable during the days. Temperatures might go up to the high thirties during noon times but due to the arid climate it doesn't actually feel too bad. At nights it can however get rather cold in the desert, even down to single degree temperatures, so warm clothing is recommended. The cold nights make for beautifully crisp air in the mornings and comfortable starts into the days.
Will it be safe?
We want this expedition to be safe, just as much as you. We are therefore working with Namibia's leading expedition team with decades of experience in the desert. Accompanying this tour will also be a local medic and emergency doctor with years of experience up their sleeves, as in the desert it is all about prevention (blisters, dehydration, heat stroke) and professional response.
Will I need a visa?
Most nationalities do not need a visa to enter Namibia or can easily get a visa on arrival at the airport in Windhoek. To be on the safe side, please check the following website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Namibia
When exactly and where does the tour start and end?
This unique experience starts on the 15 October and ends on the 24 October 2025. You will have to arrive at Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport latest around noon on the 15 October. Return flights can be any time on the 24 October 2025 from Windhoek.
Will we have cellphone coverage and wifi?
The beauty of the expedition is that during the time in the desert you will not have any connection! We will of course carry a satellite phone in case of emergencies.
What if...?
We have an experienced medic in the team, during the walks we carry radios, the medic is never far from us. We also carry a satellite phone and if for whatever reason you cannot continue to walk, you can go in one of the support vehicles.
By when can I make my booking?
Whenever you are ready to make this commitment to yourself! Please note that the early bird rate is limited to the first eight participants that sign up.
Can I bring my friend(s)?
Most definitely yes! During the last expedition, some BFFs joined and it was wonderful to be able to experience something as spectacular as this together.
Can I bring my children?
If they are over 16 and girls then most definitely yes.
How can I secure my slot(s)?
Click on one of the links on this page and off you go!
I have more questions...
No problem, just send a message to petra@sonjapiontek.com and we will get in touch.
What are the next steps?
You can either directly secure your slot by clicking on this link. Alternatively you can arrange an evaluation/info call to find out if this is the right thing for you by clicking on this link.
