12 Days Namibia In Plus | Self Drive Lodge

After an early departure from Windhoek, the journey heads north through changing landscapes and small towns that offer a first insight into everyday Namibian life. Along the way, a visit to a local craft market provides an opportunity to discover handmade artworks, wood carvings, and colorful fabrics created by local artisans. By early afternoon, you enter Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife sanctuaries. The afternoon game drive begins immediately, transforming the transfer into your first safari experience. As the sun softens over the vast salt pans and open savannah, wildlife sightings may include elephant, giraffe, zebra, springbok, and a variety of plains game gathering around waterholes. The day concludes with arrival at Okaukuejo area.

After an early breakfast, set out for a full-day safari across Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Your journey takes you through a rich variety of landscapes that define the park, including the vast shimmering salt pan, open savannahs stretching into the horizon, and patches of mopane woodland where wildlife often hides in the shade. The day unfolds at a relaxed pace, giving you the time to appreciate each sighting and enjoy the natural rhythm of the bush.

Throughout the day, you may encounter elephants moving gracefully between waterholes, lions resting after a night of activity, giraffes feeding on acacia trees, zebras crossing the plains in tight family groups, and many species of antelope grazing in the golden light. Your guide shares valuable insights into their behaviors, ecological roles, and the challenges of conservation in such a dynamic environment. Waterholes become focal points for life, offering close and unforgettable moments as animals gather to drink and interact. The afternoon continues with more exploration, ensuring a well-rounded discovery of Etosha’s ecosystems and wildlife.

After an early breakfast, you depart Okaukuejo and leave the open plains of Etosha behind, traveling westward into the rugged and scenic landscapes of Damaraland. The route gradually reveals dramatic mountains, dry riverbeds, and vast open spaces that define one of Namibia’s most visually striking regions. Upon arrival in Damaraland, you visit one of the area’s renowned rock engraving sites, where ancient petroglyphs etched into stone tell the story of early inhabitants and their deep connection to the land and wildlife. These engravings, some thousands of years old, offer a fascinating cultural perspective that contrasts beautifully with the wildlife focus of the previous day. The afternoon is spent settling into your accommodation, surrounded by raw wilderness and silence, creating a powerful sense of remoteness and timelessness.

Begin your day with an unforgettable morning elephant tracking experience. Accompanied by an experienced guide, follow these gentle giants on foot across the arid landscapes of Damaraland. Learn about their behavior, social structure, and habitat, while observing these remarkable animals up close in their natural environment. This unique encounter offers both insight and admiration for one of Africa’s most iconic species. In the afternoon, visit the Damara Living Museum, a cultural village that provides a fascinating window into the traditions, lifestyle, and crafts of the Damara people. Interact with local artisans, observe traditional dances, and gain a deeper understanding of Namibia’s rich indigenous heritage, making for a meaningful and culturally immersive experience.

Leaving the rugged landscapes of Damaraland behind, you travel west toward the Atlantic coast, crossing vast open plains and passing through dramatic desert scenery. The route showcases Namibia’s striking contrasts, with rocky formations and dry riverbeds gradually giving way to gravel plains and the cooler coastal climate as you approach Swakopmund. Upon arrival in Swakopmund, settle into your accommodation and enjoy free time at leisure. You may choose to explore the town on foot, stroll along the beachfront, visit local cafés and shops, or simply relax and take in the refreshing ocean air. The relaxed pace of the afternoon offers a pleasant transition from the remote wilderness of Damaraland to the lively atmosphere of Namibia’s coastal town.

Start the day with a delicious breakfast before heading to Walvis Bay for a memorable morning boat cruise. Glide across the calm waters of the bay, observing abundant marine life, including playful dolphins, seals, and a variety of seabirds. The cruise offers excellent opportunities for photography and a chance to enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery from a unique perspective. After the cruise, return to Swakopmund for a free afternoon to relax and enjoy the town at your own pace. Stroll along the beach, explore local shops, or simply unwind and reflect on the incredible experiences of your Namibia adventure. A variety of optional activities is available. Experience the thrill of quad biking across desert dunes, explore the stunning landscapes of Sandwich Harbour, or choose from other local adventures designed to make your final day unforgettable.

Departing Swakopmund, you travel inland toward the Namib Desert on one of Namibia’s most scenic routes. The journey leads through the dramatic Kuiseb Canyon, followed by the impressive Gaub Pass, where rugged mountain landscapes and deep gorges highlight the geological diversity of the region. Along the way, stop at the Tropic of Capricorn for a photo opportunity before continuing across vast gravel plains toward the desert heartland. A stop is made in Solitaire, a remote desert outpost known for its iconic setting and relaxed atmosphere, offering a chance to stretch your legs before continuing toward Sossusvlei. Upon arrival in the Sossusvlei area, settle into your accommodation and enjoy a free afternoon at leisure. This time allows you to rest after the long drive, absorb the quiet desert surroundings, or simply watch the changing colors of the landscape as the day draws to a close.

Wake up early to experience the sunrise over the Namib Desert, when the first light of the day transforms the dunes into a palette of deep reds and warm golden tones. After breakfast, continue toward the Sossusvlei area to explore some of the region’s most iconic dune formations, including Dune 45 and the surrounding dune belt. Those who wish may climb one of the dunes for sweeping views across the desert, where the vastness of the landscape becomes truly evident. Continue onward to Deadvlei, a striking white clay pan surrounded by towering dunes. The ancient, fossilized trees scattered across the pan create a surreal and unforgettable scene, offering exceptional opportunities for photography and quiet appreciation of this unique environment.

Afterward, visit Sesriem Canyon, a narrow gorge formed by thousands of years of erosion by the Tsauchab River. A short walk into the canyon reveals layered rock formations and cool, shaded passageways that highlight the geological history of the region.

Departing the Sossusvlei area, you travel south through remote desert landscapes toward the coastal town of Lüderitz. The journey unfolds across vast open plains and rugged terrain, highlighting the stark beauty of southern Namibia. This long but rewarding drive offers a deep sense of isolation and changing scenery as you move closer to the Atlantic coast. En route, pass through the small settlement of Aus, known for its wide desert views and historical railway links. A stop is made at Garub to observe the famous wild horses of the Namib, often seen gathering around the waterhole in this arid environment. These resilient animals provide a fascinating insight into life adapted to extreme desert conditions.

Upon arrival in Lüderitz, settle into your accommodation and enjoy a free afternoon at leisure. You may choose to explore the town’s distinctive colonial architecture, walk along the waterfront, or simply relax and take in the cool coastal air.

Departing Lüderitz in the morning, begin the day with a visit to Kolmanskop, the abandoned diamond mining town slowly reclaimed by the desert. Walking through its sand-filled buildings offers a fascinating insight into Namibia’s diamond history and the impermanence of human settlement in this harsh environment. Leaving the coast behind, continue your journey inland toward the south. En route, make a stop at Garub to observe the wild horses of the Namib, often seen at the waterhole and well adapted to the arid conditions. The drive then continues through wide open landscapes toward the Fish River Canyon, with the terrain becoming increasingly rugged as you approach one of Africa’s greatest natural landmarks.

Arrive at the Fish River Canyon area in the late afternoon, in time to experience sunset over the canyon. As the light softens, the vast chasm is illuminated in deep reds and warm earth tones, creating a dramatic and memorable scene. Take time to absorb the scale and silence of the canyon before continuing to your accommodation for the evening.

Departing the Fish River Canyon area in the morning, you travel north toward the Kalahari Desert, crossing vast open landscapes that highlight the scale and isolation of southern Namibia. The route offers changing scenery, from rocky terrain and arid plains to the softer, sandier landscapes of the Kalahari. En route, visit the Quiver Tree Forest, a striking natural site dotted with aloe trees uniquely adapted to the harsh environment. This area is particularly atmospheric, offering excellent photo opportunities among the sculptural trees set against wide desert skies. Continuing toward the Kalahari, arrive at your accommodation in time to settle in before heading out on an afternoon sunset game drive. This safari experience introduces the desert-adapted wildlife of the region, with the chance to encounter species such as oryx, springbok, and giraffe. As the sun sets, the red dunes glow in warm tones, creating a peaceful and memorable end to the day.

The drive retraces scenic desert and savannah landscapes, offering one last opportunity to enjoy Namibia’s open spaces and possibly spot wildlife along the route. Upon arrival in Windhoek, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. This marks the conclusion of your journey, leaving you with lasting memories of Namibia’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultural experiences.