Discover Etosha National Park on a guided excursion, where a vast salt pan visible from space contrasts with plains teeming with springboks and zebras.
We Love —
- Traversing Namibia’s ever-changing landscapes at your own pace, thanks to your included car hire, from ochre deserts to rugged mountain plateaus.
- Watching the first rays of dawn illuminate Sossusvlei’s iconic red dunes, a breathtaking moment etched in the silence of the desert.
- Experiencing the thrill of a safari through Etosha National Park, spotting lions, giraffes, and rhinos around shimmering salt pans.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
From the red dunes of Sossusvlei to the Atlantic coast of Swakopmund, from the mineral landscapes of Damaraland to the endless plains of Etosha... This 12-night self-drive tour takes you to the heart of Namibia's most beautiful horizons, between deserts, ocean and wide open spaces.
The perfect combination of the freedom of travelling in a 4x4 and carefully planned activities to discover Namibia in the best possible conditions.
Welcome to Namibia —
Vast landscapes, desert wonders, and untamed wildlife - Namibia is a journey through a land of striking colours and captivating wonders.
From the glowing dunes of the Namib Desert to the savannahs roamed by giraffes, elephants, and big cats, and the wild Atlantic coast lapping against Swakopmund, Namibia enchants with its dramatic scenery and extraordinary biodiversity. Here, the elements converge: the stark beauty of desert terrain gives way to the lush forests of the northeast, where Namibia’s Zambezi region reveals another side of the country – rivers teeming with life, traditional villages, and untouched wilderness.
At Sossusvlei, the Namib unveils some of the world’s tallest dunes, cascading into white clay pans. Nearby, Deadvlei mesmerises with its surreal expanse of scorched earth and centuries-old petrified acacia trees, frozen in silence. Northward lies the enigmatic Skeleton Coast - a stretch of coastline filled with shipwrecks and patrolled by colonies of sea lions.
Inland, Etosha National Park showcases the Big Five amid salt pans and open savannah, while in the south, the immense Fish River Canyon - the second largest in the world - stuns with its ancient, carved landscapes.
Swakopmund, set between ocean and dunes, charms with its thrilling vast array of activities: catamaran cruises, sandboarding, and 4x4 desert drives. Further afield, Damaraland offers otherworldly scenery and desert-adapted elephants, while Mount Brandberg shelters ancient rock art, including the famed “White Lady.” In the south, the ghost town of Kolmanskop tells the story of Namibia’s diamond rush, slowly reclaimed by sand. To the north, Epupa Falls provides a serene, sacred retreat within the Himba territory.
Whether soaring above the dunes at dawn, tracking wildlife at dusk, or stargazing beneath one of the clearest skies on Earth, every moment in Namibia is truly unforgettable. It’s a destination for those who seek adventure and the true spirit of the wild.
Your itinerary in brief —
This tour of Namibia invites you on an unforgettable adventure, taking in majestic deserts, wildlife and coastal towns with unique charm. From Windhoek to Sossusvlei, you will travel through spectacular landscapes of glowing red dunes and endless plains. In Swakopmund, the sea air and colonial architecture offer a contrasting interlude before continuing on to Brandberg and its rock art treasures.
Finally, Etosha National Park will welcome you for exceptional safaris to encounter iconic animals. Each stage combines wonder, discovery and excitement for a deeply inspiring and memorable journey to the heart of Namibia.
Your itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Windhoek
Day 2: Windhoek - Namib Desert
Day 3: Excursion to Sossusvlei, Dodevlei and Sesriem Canyon
Day 4: Leisure day
Day 5: Namib Desert - Swakopmund
Day 6: Adventure in the marine desert and visit to Sandwich Harbour
Day 7: Leisure day
Day 8: Swakopmund - Damaraland
Day 9: Leisure day
Day 10: Damaraland - Etosha National Park
Day 11: Safari in Etosha National Park
Day 12: Leisure day
Day 13: Departure
You can add an extra day in Windhoek before your departure to this tour, available as an option at an additional cost.
Your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.
Please note that your hotels may be located inside or outside cities and towns. You may park your car inside or outside the hotels (subject to availability). Additional charges may apply on-site.
Your itinerary in detail —
Days 1 to 4
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN WINDHOEK
- Upon arrival at Windhoek Airport, you will be welcomed by one of our advisors, who will present the tour programme and accompany you to collect your vehicle.
- You can settle into your accommodation, rest and begin to feel the excitement of a journey that will introduce you to the natural and cultural wonders of Namibia.
Breakfast included.
DAY 2: WINDHOEK TO THE NAMIB DESERT
- After breakfast, you will leave Windhoek and head to the Namib, one of the oldest and most spectacular deserts in the world.
- Along the way, the landscape gradually changes from savannah to the majestic aridity of the desert.
Breakfast and dinner included.
DAY 3: EXPLORATION OF SOSSUSVLEI, DEAD VLEI AND SESRIEM
- You will wake up early to fully enjoy the beauty of the Sossusvlei dunes.
- You will go on an excursion to Dead Vlei, famous for its fossilised trees contrasting with the surrounding red dunes, and discover the Sesriem Canyon.
- Every step reveals the magic and tranquillity of this impressive desert, a place where time seems to stand still.
Breakfast and dinner included.
DAY 4: LEISURE DAY
- This day is dedicated to relaxation or discovery, depending on your preferences.
- You can enjoy the optional activities offered by the lodge or simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the desert. The vast, silent landscapes provide the ideal setting for contemplation and photography.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Read more
Days 5 to 7
DAY 5: DRIVE THROUGH NAUKLUFT PARK TO SWAKOPMUND
- After breakfast, you will drive through Naukluft Park, a spectacular mix of canyons, mountains and deserts, before arriving in Swakopmund.
- This coastal town with its German charm will seduce you with its picturesque streets, colonial architecture and the invigorating air of the Atlantic Ocean.
Breakfast included.
DAY 6: ADVENTURE IN THE MARINE DESERT AND SANDWICH HARBOUR
Today, you will enjoy a unique experience with the Marine Dune Day, including an exploration of Sandwich Harbour. The golden dunes plunge into the ocean, offering a breathtaking natural spectacle, and you will discover the unique flora and fauna of this marine desert.
Day in the marine dunes, adventure in the marine desert:
The desert sea adventure offers the ultimate combination of marine life viewing on a pleasure cruise on the Atlantic Ocean and wildlife discovery on an excursion to the breathtaking Sandwich Harbour area in Namib Naukluft Park. We set sail between 8:45 and 9:00 a.m. (check-in at 8:30 a.m.) each morning with our sister company Catamaran Charters from our pier on the Walvis Bay waterfront for an educational sailing excursion in the bay in search of the five large marine animals: whales, dolphins, mola, leatherback turtles and seals. While serving you hot coffee and tea, our initial itinerary takes us past oyster farms as we approach Pelican Point, with its iconic lighthouse and 60,000 Cape fur seals. During the season (July to November), larger mammals such as southern right whales and humpback whales are often sighted, while other whale species such as grey whales and minke whales have also been spotted. Bottlenose dolphins, Heaviside's dolphins and dusky dolphins are regularly seen, as well as sunfish and leatherback turtles. Our four sailing catamarans are accompanied throughout the journey by a wide variety of seabirds, such as the Dominican gull, Hartlaub's gull, pelican, skua and Cape cormorant.
We hoist the sails of our four catamarans as soon as possible, cut the engines and let our guests discover the joys of sailing. Passengers can even help hoist the sails and rig the ropes. Our journey from Pelican Point takes us past some of the bay's most interesting ships and oil rigs, while we serve fresh oysters accompanied by sparkling wine, savoury snacks and desserts, as well as light refreshments, cold drinks and water. We return to the Waterfront around 12:30 pm, where your Sandwich Harbour 4x4 guide will be waiting for you for your afternoon excursion to Sandwich Harbour.
Half-day Sandwich Harbour 4X4:
Departing from Walvis Bay's waterfront, we make a short stop at Walvis Bay Lagoon to observe the many flamingos and other coastal birds that live in and around the lagoon at different times of the year.
From there, we first head to the Kuiseb River Delta, a dry riverbed where we may spot springboks, oryx or jackals. As this area is part of our Kuiseb Delta concession, we are the only operator authorised to access it.
Weather and tide permitting, we will drive along the beach to Sandwich Harbour Lagoon, one of the richest and most unique wetlands in southern Africa and one of five RAMSAR sites (Ramsar site No. 743) in Namibia. Sandwich Harbour has two distinct wetlands and associated mudflats. One is fed by groundwater and supports typical emergent vegetation, but is slowly disappearing for natural reasons.
Breakfast included.
DAY 7: LEISURE DAY
- This day is yours to explore Swakopmund at your own pace.
- You can choose from a variety of optional activities (at additional cost), such as quad biking in the dunes, a boat trip to watch dolphins, or simply strolling around the town and enjoying its peaceful and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Breakfast included.
Read more
Days 8 to 9
DAY 8: SWAKOPMUND TO DAMARALAND AND BRANDBERG
- You will leave the coast behind and head to Damaraland, a region known for its wild landscapes and unique rock formations.
- You will have the opportunity to visit the famous rock engravings at Twyfelfontein (optional, at an additional cost), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- At the end of the day, a sundowner drive at the lodge will allow you to admire the sunset over these magnificent landscapes.
Sunset excursion:
In the late afternoon, we leave the lodge and head for the unusual rock formations of the granite kopjes, where we briefly explore the area and its majestic landscapes. We may visit a Bushman painting, or if elephants are in the vicinity, we may even catch a glimpse of these majestic beasts. We then head to one of our unique spots to watch the sunset, with views of Damaraland and the open wilderness. While sipping your favourite drink, accompanied by local snacks, you can contemplate the Ugab River Valley and the Brandberg. Departure at 5:00 pm.
Breakfast and dinner included.
DAY 9: EXPLORING DAMARALAND
- This day is dedicated to discovering the natural wonders of the region.
- An optional excursion (at an additional cost) offers you the chance to explore a private concession and follow the ephemeral Ugab River in search of the mysterious desert elephants.
- The panoramic views and local wildlife offer memorable moments for nature and photography enthusiasts.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Days 10 to 13
DAY 10: DAMARALAND TO ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
- You will set off for the famous Etosha National Park.
- On the way, you can visit the Himba village of Omapaha (optional, at an additional cost) to meet this fascinating community and discover their traditional way of life.
- In the afternoon, an optional safari outing (at an additional cost) will give you a first glimpse of Etosha's rich wildlife.
Breakfast and dinner included.
DAY 11: SAFARI IN ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
- This day is entirely devoted to a full safari in Etosha National Park.
- You will have the opportunity to observe the iconic lions, elephants, giraffes and rhinos in their natural habitat, while enjoying the park's varied landscapes.
- The experience of a whole day spent encountering wildlife will remain etched in your memory.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 12: LEISURE DAY
- Another day is yours to explore Etosha at your leisure.
- An optional safari outing (at an additional cost) will allow you to discover different areas of the park and observe other animal species.
- The diversity and density of wildlife make Etosha a must-see for all nature lovers.
Breakfast and dinner included.
DAY 13: DEPARTURE
- After breakfast, you will head to the airport for your return flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of magnificent landscapes, authentic encounters and magical moments spent in the heart of Namibia.
Breakfast included.
Important information about your tour and visits:
The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotels —
Just for you:
Hand-picked just for you
During your tour, you will stay in carefully selected accommodation to ensure a comfortable stay (or similar):
- Windhoek: Avani Hotel Windhoek
- Sossusvlei: Hammerstein Lodge
- Swakopmund: Ocean House Guest House
- Brandberg: Ondjamba Hills Camp
- Etosha National Park: Etosha Omusati Lodge
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Your dining choices
You will stay on a bed and breakfast basis during your stays in Windhoek and Swakopmund and on a half-board basis (breakfast and dinner - excluding drinks) in Sossusvlei, Brandberg and Etosha National Park.
Your optional excursions —
Guided excursion to Etosha (half-day or full day)
Your included services —
Post-tour night in Windhoek (for the 13-night tour only)
Enjoy an extra night in Windhoek after the basic 12-night tour.
Your journey to Namibia —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Please note: Outbound flight: no arrivals after 6:00 pm Return flight: no departures before 2:00 pm
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destination —
Namibia
Namibia, located in southwestern Africa, is an exceptional destination offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Known for its vast, untouched landscapes, it is a perfect haven for those seeking adventure, tranquillity, and wildlife encounters. The country boasts modern infrastructure, making travel accessible and comfortable, while the well-preserved traditions of its indigenous people remain a key part of its appeal.
Must-sees:
- Etosha National Park: A world-renowned wildlife haven, home to four of the Big Five and a variety of endemic species.
- Fish River Canyon: One of the largest canyons on earth, offering dramatic vistas and geological marvels.
- Swakopmund: A charming coastal town that showcases the lingering German influence through its architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
Culinary culture:
Namibia’s culinary offerings are a reflection of its diverse cultural heritage. Traditional dishes, such as kapana (street food-style grilled meat) and bobotie (a spiced minced meat dish), are popular in urban areas. The influence of German settlers is apparent in baked goods like kuchen and hearty sausages. Fresh fish and game meat are also common, with biltong (dried cured meat) being a favourite snack.
Dive deeper:
Beyond the iconic sights, Namibia offers a wealth of lesser-known cultural experiences. In Swakopmund, explore the remnants of German colonial architecture, or visit the Himba people in the north, known for their red ochre body paint. For a truly unique experience, take a 4x4 adventure through the ancient Namib Desert, where some of the tallest sand dunes in the world await.
Good to know:
The currency in Namibia is the Namibian dollar (NAD), which is pegged to the South African rand. Ideally visited between April and October, the dry season offers the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Transport is well-served by local airlines and a network of paved roads. Public transport is limited, so hiring a car is recommended for more remote areas.
