Namib Desert & Wildlife Explorer

After breakfast, depart Windhoek and travel south through the scenic Khomas Hochland towards the Namib Desert. The landscape gradually changes from mountainous terrain to wide-open plains and beautiful desert scenery. Arrive at Desert Quiver Camp during the afternoon and settle into your comfortable chalet. If time allows, visit nearby Sesriem Canyon or enjoy a relaxed sundowner overlooking the surrounding desert.

Accommodation: Desert Quiver Camp
Meals: Dinner, B&B

Depart early this morning to enter the Namib-Naukluft National Park shortly after sunrise. Drive through the spectacular dune corridor, stopping at viewpoints such as Dune 45 before continuing towards Sossusvlei. Explore Deadvlei, famous for its ancient camel-thorn trees surrounded by some of the world’s highest red dunes. Those feeling energetic can climb Big Daddy or one of the smaller surrounding dunes. Afterwards, visit Sossusvlei and enjoy the changing colours and immense scale of the Namib Desert. Return to Desert Quiver Camp during the afternoon for some time at leisure.

Accommodation: Desert Quiver Camp
Meals: Dinner, B&B

After breakfast, travel north through the Namib Desert. Pass through Solitaire, where you can stop for refreshments and a slice of its famous apple pie. Continue across the gravel plains of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn and passing through the impressive Kuiseb Canyon. The journey ends in Swakopmund, a charming coastal town situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert. Check in at Olive Tree Boutique Guesthouse and enjoy the evening at one of Swakopmund’s excellent seafood or German-inspired restaurants.

Accommodation: Olive Tree Boutique Guesthouse
Meals: B&B

Today is available to enjoy Swakopmund and its surrounding desert and marine attractions. Recommended experiences include a Full-Day Marine Dune Adventure, Living Desert Tour, Pelican Point kayaking, a dolphin and seal cruise, Sandwich Harbour 4×4, a scenic flight over the Namib Desert, or quad biking and sandboarding. Alternatively, spend a relaxed day exploring Swakopmund’s shops, cafés, museums and beachfront promenade.

Accommodation: Olive Tree Boutique Guesthouse
Meals: B&B

After breakfast, leave the coast and travel inland towards Spitzkoppe. These enormous granite peaks rise dramatically above the surrounding desert plains and are often called the “Matterhorn of Namibia.” Spend the afternoon exploring the area’s fascinating rock formations, natural arches and ancient San rock art. The changing afternoon light creates wonderful photographic opportunities, while sunset over the granite mountains is particularly beautiful. Enjoy dinner and an atmospheric evening beneath the clear desert sky.

Accommodation: Spitzkoppe Tented Camp
Meals: Dinner, B&B

Continue north through the rugged and sparsely populated landscapes of Damaraland. Along the way, enjoy views of imposing mountains, dry riverbeds and small rural settlements. Depending on your arrival time, you may visit the UNESCO-listed Twyfelfontein rock engravings, the Organ Pipes or Burnt Mountain. Alternatively, settle into Madisa Camp and enjoy the peaceful surroundings among striking rock formations. This region is also home to Namibia’s desert-adapted elephants, although sightings are never guaranteed.

Accommodation: Madisa Camp
Meals: Dinner, B&B

After breakfast, travel east towards Khorixas and continue north to Etosha National Park. Enter the park through Anderson Gate and begin your first game drive while travelling towards Okaukuejo. Etosha is famous for its open salt pan, productive waterholes and excellent wildlife sightings — elephant, giraffe, zebra, springbok, oryx, wildebeest and, with some luck, lion, leopard and black rhino. After checking in, spend the evening watching wildlife at Okaukuejo’s famous floodlit waterhole.

Accommodation: Okaukuejo Camp
Meals: Dinner, B&B

Depart after breakfast and enjoy a full-day self-drive safari through Etosha National Park. Travel eastwards, stopping at the numerous waterholes along the way. The central Etosha region offers excellent wildlife viewing, particularly around Okondeka, Nebrownii, Homob, Salvadora and the Halali area. Stop at one of the designated rest camps for lunch before continuing towards Namutoni and the eastern side of the park. Exit through Von Lindequist Gate and travel the short distance to Mushara Bush Camp.

Accommodation: Mushara Bush Camp
Meals: Dinner, B&B

Enjoy another full day devoted to wildlife viewing in the eastern section of Etosha National Park. Enter through Von Lindequist Gate and explore the waterholes surrounding Namutoni. This part of the park is known for its varied vegetation, birdlife and excellent sightings of giraffe, elephant, zebra and numerous antelope species. You can explore independently or reserve an optional guided game drive with the lodge. Return to Mushara Bush Camp during the late afternoon and enjoy a relaxed evening in the peaceful bush surroundings.

Accommodation: Mushara Bush Camp
Meals: Dinner, B&B

After breakfast, travel south through Tsumeb and Otavi towards the Otjiwarongo region. This is a more relaxed travelling day after your Etosha safari. Depending on the lodge’s programme and your arrival time, you may be able to participate in an optional cheetah-related or conservation activity. Spend your final evening enjoying the tranquil surroundings and reflecting on the many highlights of your Namibian journey.

Accommodation: Cheetah View Lodge
Meals: Dinner, B&B

Enjoy breakfast before travelling south through Okahandja towards Windhoek. Depending on your onward arrangements, return the rental vehicle in Windhoek or continue to Hosea Kutako International Airport. Allow sufficient travelling time and plan to arrive at the airport approximately three hours before an international departure. Your memorable Namibian self-drive journey ends upon arrival in Windhoek or at the airport.

Meals: Breakfast