Namibia Highlights Self-Drive Safari

Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha
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11 days from ZAR 44,840 pps

The Namib Desert spans more than 1,500km along the coastline from the southern border and extends roughly 200km inland. It is recognized as the world's oldest desert and its only true coastal desert system. The landscape contrasts the massive red sand dunes of Sossusvlei—among the tallest on Earth—against the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the coastal town of Swakopmund. Farther north, Damaraland features dramatic topography inhabited by desert-adapted elephants, while Etosha National Park offers big game viewing centered around a vast white salt pan visible from space.

Tour Details


  • 11 Days
  • From ZAR 44,840 pps
  • Luxury / Standard
  • Self-drive

Trip Summary


  • Day 1 Windhoek
  • Day 2 & 3 Sossusvlei
  • Day 4 & 5 Swakopmund
  • Day 6 & 7 Damaraland
  • Day 8 Etosha South
  • Day 9 & 10 Etosha East
  • Day 11 Windhoek (Departure)

* Meals and activities included depend on selected lodges. Contact us for details.

Tour Highlights


  • Discover giant sand dunes and endless desert landscapes in Sossusvlei
  • Explore Swakopmund and the Skeleton Coast — the world's only coastal desert
  • See rock engravings, granite boulders, and desert-adapted wildlife in Damaraland
  • Go on safari in Etosha National Park, one of Africa's premier game reserves

Day-to-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Windhoek

( 1 night )

Upon arrival, a representative from the car rental company will meet you and transfer you to their Windhoek offices to finalize all rental procedures. You will then meet with our representative to receive your travel documentation. Feel free to ask questions and take notes as you review your route together.

When you're there: Your arrival time will determine whether you have time to head into town for shopping or sightseeing. Alternatively, check in at your hotel and relax, particularly after a long-haul flight. Rest up; the main journey starts tomorrow. Eat at the hotel or enjoy a meal at a nearby local restaurant. Reservations are recommended; speak to reception for assistance.

Luxury Accommodation: The Weinberg Windhoek

Standard Accommodation: The Elegant Guesthouse

Day 2 & 3: Sossusvlei

( 2 nights )

Head south toward the Namib Desert for the next two nights. The drive takes roughly five hours and offers scenic views along the way.

On the way: If you need extra supplies, snacks, or drinks for the road, stop at a service station or shop before heading south—first toward Rehoboth, then choosing your preferred route from there. Every option passes through impressive mountain passes with opportunities for photos, leg-stretching, and a picnic lunch.

When you're there: Explore the main highlights inside the park. Aim to reach the Sesriem gate as it opens at sunrise. Entry fees can be settled at the office upon leaving. The first section is a 60km paved road leading to the parking area. From there, you can walk the remaining 5km through deep sand, drive your own vehicle (4WD required), or take a shuttle (additional fees apply). Visit Deadvlei first, where a short walk over the dunes reveals a white clay pan dotted with 900-year-old camelthorn trees. Afterward, proceed to Sossusvlei and consider climbing Big Daddy or Dune 45. On your way out, explore Sesriem Canyon. If the midday heat becomes intense, return in the late afternoon.

Your lodge also offers guided excursions, sunset drives, nature walks, and packed breakfasts for the dunes.

Our tip: Book a hot air balloon flight over the dunes.

Luxury Accommodation: Namib Outpost

Standard Accommodation: Desert Homestead Lodge

Day 4 & 5: Swakopmund

( 2 nights )

A five-hour drive north brings you through changing terrain as mountain ranges and sand dunes yield to open gravel plains approaching the coastal fog line of Swakopmund, where you will spend the next two nights.

On the way: Stop at Solitaire for fuel and fresh baked goods. Continue via the Kuiseb and Gaub Passes, stopping at the Tropic of Capricorn sign. Look out for wildlife like oryx, springbok, and ostrich across the plains. Drive onward to the coast via Walvis Bay or direct to Swakopmund alongside the dune belt or coastal highway. To view the ancient Welwitschia mirabilis plants, detour through Ganab and the Moon Landscape (a permit is required, available at the NWR office at Sesriem prior to departure).

When you're there: Swakopmund offers numerous activity options alongside local restaurants and coastal walks. Review our Swakopmund Activities list to select additions for your stay.

Luxury Accommodation: Strand Hotel

Standard Accommodation: Swakopmund Luxury Suites

Day 6 & 7: Damaraland

( 2 nights )

Leave the coast and travel inland toward Damaraland.

On the way: Head north along the Skeleton Coast National Park before turning east at the Springbokwasser Gate. An early departure is recommended, particularly if visiting the Cape Cross seal colony along the way. Alternatively, drive inland via Henties Bay past the Brandberg Massif toward Uis and the Twyfelfontein area as the terrain transitions into granite outcrops and dry riverbeds.

When you're there: A full day is dedicated to exploring the region. Key sights include the Twyfelfontein rock engravings, Burnt Mountain, and the Organ Pipes. You can search for desert-adapted elephants or visit the Damara Living Museum.

Our tip: Book guided excursions directly through your lodge.

Luxury Accommodation: Mowani Mountain Camp

Standard Accommodation: Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp

Day 8: Etosha National Park - South

( 1 night )

The journey to Etosha National Park takes approximately three hours to Anderssons Gate through Damaraland.

On the way: Optional brief stops include the Petrified Forest, a rest stop in Outjo, or views of the Ugab Terrace. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge outside the park gate before entering for an afternoon game drive. Maps and basic supplies are available at the Okaukuejo shop. Refuel at the stations located inside or just outside the park gates before embarking on long drives.

Etosha features high densities of wildlife centered around prominent waterholes, allowing observation of multiple species throughout the day.

Luxury Accommodation: Ongava Lodge

Standard Accommodation: Etosha Village

Day 9 & 10: Etosha National Park - East

( 2 nights )

Drive east through Etosha National Park toward your next lodge. The journey takes 2 to 5 hours depending on game viewing stops along the route.

When you're there: Take advantage of guided game drives into the park or walking safaris within the private reserve.

Luxury Accommodation: Onguma The Fort

Standard Accommodation: Mushara Bush Camp

Day 11: Windhoek

( Departure / End of Tour )

A 5 to 6-hour drive on paved roads returns you to Windhoek for your onward flight or an extra night.

On the way: Okahandja features a large woodcarvers' market for souvenir shopping.

Ensure your departure flight is scheduled late enough to allow for vehicle return and airport transfer, arriving at least 2 hours prior to international departure.

Includes

  • Accommodation

  • Meals (details on request)

  • Vehicle hire (with camping equipment if applicable)

  • Meet and Greet service

  • Airport transfers

  • 24/7 in-country support

  • Comprehensive travel diary with detailed itinerary, map, route descriptions, vouchers, contacts, and general information

Excludes

  • International flights

  • Personal travel insurance

  • Visas and application fees

  • Optional activities

  • Fuel

  • National park entry fees

  • Gratuities

Pricing 2026

LUXURY

1st January – 30th June 2026 – Low Season

  • 2 guests: ZAR 113,480 pps

  • 4 guests: ZAR 103,575 pps

  • Single supplement: ZAR 36,305

1st July – 31st December 2026 – High Season

  • 2 guests: ZAR 121,295 pps

  • 4 guests: ZAR 110,150 pps

  • Single supplement: ZAR 38,440

STANDARD

1st January – 30th June 2026 – Low Season

  • 2 guests: ZAR 44,840 pps

  • 4 guests: ZAR 36,940 pps

  • Single supplement: ZAR 10,455

1st July – 31st December 2026 – High Season

  • 2 guests: ZAR 48,440 pps

  • 4 guests: ZAR 39,305 pps

  • Single supplement: ZAR 10,905

All prices are approximate and based on per-person sharing rates (ZAR for Namibia/South Africa). Solo traveler rates are calculated separately upon request.