Day-to-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Windhoek

( 1 night )

Arrive in Windhoek to commence your itinerary. An NTS representative will meet you upon arrival and facilitate your transfer to the vehicle rental depot in the capital to complete administrative formalities, hand over your route maps, and review your travel pack.

When you're there: Spend the remainder of the afternoon resting following your arrival flight. For evening dining, choose between on-site lodge meals or ask reception to reserve a table at one of Windhoek's city center restaurants.

Luxury Accommodation: The Weinberg Windhoek

Standard Accommodation: The Elegant Guesthouse

Day 2: Kalahari

( 1 night )

Depart Windhoek following breakfast for a 3 to 4-hour drive south along paved roads to the red dunes of the Kalahari Basin.

On the way: Time permits brief local shopping in Windhoek before departure to secure drinks, snacks, and travel supplies for the road.

When you're there: Settle into your lodge and select from available late-afternoon activities, including guided nature trails, game-viewing drives, or a Bushman cultural walk to learn about indigenous survival skills in the sandveld.

Luxury Accommodation: Zebra Kalahari Lodge

Standard Accommodation: Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge

Day 3: Fish River Canyon

( 1 night )

Drive approximately 500 km south via paved and gravel roads toward the Karas region and the Fish River Canyon—one of the continent's major geological features, measuring 160 km in length, up to 27 km in width, and 550 m in depth.

On the way: Route detours along the way include the volcanic crater at Brukkaros, the Quiver Tree Forest near Keetmanshoop, and the dolerite rock formations at Giant's Playground.

When you're there: Access various viewpoints along the canyon rim, particularly around late afternoon for sunset views over the ravine. Optional lodge-operated activities include guided canyon rim excursions, scenic flights, and horseback trails.

Luxury Accommodation: Fish River Lodge

Standard Accommodation: Canyon Roadhouse

Day 4 & 5: Lüderitz

( 2 nights )

Traverse the edge of the Namib-Naukluft Park westward toward Aus and the Atlantic coast (approximately 5 to 6 hours driving time).

On the way: Capture early morning photographs of the canyon before heading west. The drive transitions from Kalahari dunes to open desert plains near Aus, where wild desert-adapted horses are frequently sighted near Garub waterhole.

When you're there: Dedicate your full day to exploring Lüderitz and its surroundings. Key attractions include guided historical tours of the sand-filled Kolmanskop ghost town, trips out to Diaz Point, coastal excursions to Halifax Island, or visits to the Bogenfels rock arch.

Luxury Accommodation: Luderitz Nest Hotel

Standard Accommodation: Alte Villa Boutique Guest House

Day 6 & 7: Sossusvlei

( 2 nights )

Head north along one of the country's most scenic gravel routes, flanked by the Namib-Naukluft Park boundary to the west and rugged mountain escarpments to the east.

On the way: Observe massive weaver bird nests built in roadside trees, as well as desert plains game such as gemsbok, springbok, and ostrich. Travelers can take an optional detour near Maltahöhe to view Duwisib Castle.

When you're there: Enter the park through the Sesriem Gate at sunrise. Allocate the day to visiting Sossusvlei, Deadvlei's petrified trees, Dune 45, Elim Dune, and the narrow rock walls of Sesriem Canyon. Ensure adequate water, sun protection, and proper footwear for sand hiking.

Luxury Accommodation: Namib Outpost

Standard Accommodation: Desert Quiver Camp

Day 8 & 9: Swakopmund

( 2 nights )

Drive approximately 5 hours (350 km) north from the dune fields across the gravel plains to the coastal towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.

On the way: Stop at Solitaire (80 km from Sesriem) to refuel and purchase refreshments. The route crosses the Tropic of Capricorn, traverses both the Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons, and offers an optional detour to view ancient Welwitschia mirabilis plants and the Moon Landscape before reaching the foggy Skeleton Coast.

When you're there: Swakopmund serves as the central hub for regional adventure and coastal activities. Guests can independently book scenic flights, catamaran dolphin cruises, quad biking in the coastal dunes, sea kayaking, or 4x4 tours to Sandwich Harbour.

Luxury Accommodation: Strand Hotel

Standard Accommodation: Swakopmund Luxury Suites

Day 10: Damaraland

( 1 night )

Leave the Atlantic coast and drive inland toward the arid, boulder-strewn terrain and dry river courses of Damaraland.

On the way: Route options include driving north along the Skeleton Coast to Cape Cross to inspect the breeding colony of Cape fur seals, then turning inland at Henties Bay or via the Springbok Water Gate. If arriving in the afternoon, visit local geological and historical sights around Twyfelfontein.

When you're there: Join morning or afternoon lodge excursions along dry riverbeds (such as the Huab River) in search of desert-adapted elephants, black rhinos, and plains game. Cultural stops include the Twyfelfontein rock engravings, Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes, and the Damara Living Museum.

Luxury Accommodation: Mowani Mountain Camp

Standard Accommodation: Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp

Day 11: Kaokoland

( 1 night )

After a brief early morning activity or breakfast, continue driving north into the Kunene Region toward Opuwo.

When you're there: Opuwo functions as an intermediate transit stop before traveling further north to Epupa Falls. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel or taking a lodge-guided visit to a nearby Himba village during late afternoon hours when daily domestic routines take place.

Luxury & Standard Accommodation: Opuwo Country Hotel

Day 12 & 13: Kaokoland

( 2 nights )

Travel north from Opuwo toward the Angolan border, where dry desert scrub gives way to the palm trees and riverine vegetation surrounding Epupa Falls on the Kunene River.

On the way: Monitor the gradual landscape change while driving directly to the falls area. Arrive in time for late-afternoon viewpoints over the river cascade.

When you're there: Use your full day for guided Himba village visits, riverside hiking trails along the Kunene, scenic drives through the Kaokoland hills, and bird watching.

Luxury Accommodation: Omarunga Epupa-Falls Camp

Standard Accommodation: Epupa Camp & Campsite

Day 14: Etosha National Park - West

( 1 night )

Retrace your route south from Epupa Falls through Opuwo, turning east toward the Galton Gate into the western sector of Etosha National Park.

On the way: This driving leg focuses on transit between the far northern border and the western gates of Etosha.

When you're there: Arrive at your lodge or park camp for late-afternoon game viewing. Western Etosha and bordering private reserves (such as Hobatere) feature lower vehicle traffic and open grassland plains populated by elephant, lion, rhino, giraffe, zebra, and various plains species.

Luxury Accommodation: Dolomite Camp

Standard Accommodation: Hobatere Lodge

Day 15: Etosha National Park - South

( 1 night )

Spend the day game driving through the interior of the park from the western sector to the southern exit at Anderssons Gate.

When you're there: Navigate between secluded waterholes to observe game concentrations. Upon reaching your accommodation outside the gate, opt for independent relaxation or book additional evening guided game drives offered by neighboring private reserves.

Luxury Accommodation: Ongava Lodge

Standard Accommodation: Etosha Village

Day 16 & 17: Etosha National Park - East

( 2 nights )

Traverse the park from Anderssons Gate eastward toward the Von Lindequist Gate, utilizing the journey as a full-day self-drive safari.

On the way: Stop at established waterhole sites bordering the main Etosha Pan to photograph wildlife and waterbirds.

When you're there: Take advantage of open safari vehicle drives conducted by your lodge, or arrange guided bush tracking walks and open-air dinners under the stars if staying on a private reserve adjacent to the park boundary.

Luxury Accommodation: Mushara Outpost

Standard Accommodation: Onguma Bush Camp

Day 18: Central Namibia

( 1 night )

Depart Etosha and drive south via Tsumeb, Otavi, and Otjiwarongo toward the Waterberg district in Central Namibia.

On the way: Conduct a final early morning game drive in Etosha if desired, or detour to visit regional geological landmarks such as the Ghaub Cave and Hoba Meteorite. Plan to arrive at your lodge by early afternoon for tea prior to scheduled reserve activities.

When you're there: Explore the nature trails around the Waterberg Plateau, or join carnivore tracking and wildlife conservation tours at Okonjima (home of the AfriCat Foundation) or Otjiwa Safari Lodge.

*Includes 2 scheduled camp activities when staying at Okonjima Bush Camp.

Luxury Accommodation: Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp

Standard Accommodation: Otjiwa Safari Lodge

Day 19: Windhoek

( Departure / End of Tour )

Complete a final 3 to 4-hour drive south along paved highway (B1) back to Windhoek for your international flight connection.

On the way: Recommended stops include the open-air timber craft markets in Okahandja.

When you're there: Return your vehicle to the rental depot with sufficient time allocated for vehicle check-in procedures, followed by a transfer to Hosea Kutako International Airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure flight.

Includes

• Accommodation

• Meals (details on request)

• Vehicle hire

• Meet and Greet service

• Airport transfers

• 24/7 in-country support

• Comprehensive travel diary with detailed itinerary, map, route descriptions, booking vouchers, contact numbers, and practical information

Excludes

• International flights

• Personal travel insurance

• Visas and application fees

• Optional extra activities

• Fuel

• National park entry fees

• Gratuities

Pricing 2026

LUXURY

1st January – 30th June 2026 – Low Season

• 2 guests: ZAR 161,120 pps (per person sharing)

• 4 guests: ZAR 145,665 pps

• Single supplement: ZAR 50,970

1st July – 31st December 2026 – High Season

• 2 guests: ZAR 172,840 pps

• 4 guests: ZAR 155,655 pps

• Single supplement: ZAR 54,280

STANDARD

1st January – 30th June 2026 – Low Season

• 2 guests: ZAR 82,545 pps

• 4 guests: ZAR 67,090 pps

• Single supplement: ZAR 19,540

1st July – 31st December 2026 – High Season

• 2 guests: ZAR 87,850 pps

• 4 guests: ZAR 70,670 pps

• Single supplement: ZAR 20,285

CAMPING

1st January – 30th June 2026 – Low Season

• 2 guests: ZAR 54,990 pps

• 4 guests: ZAR 38,525 pps

• Single supplement: ZAR 6,795

1st July – 31st December 2026 – High Season

• 2 guests: ZAR 59,235 pps

• 4 guests: ZAR 41,050 pps

• Single supplement: ZAR 7,115

All prices are approximate and based on per-person sharing rates (ZAR for Namibia/South Africa, USD for Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia). Solo traveler rates are quoted separately upon request.