Upon arrival and check-in, you’ll have the option of either a restful afternoon to unwind or a guided city tour of Windhoek, depending on your preference and arrival time. Windhoek offers a mix of colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and cultural sights, making it a charming introduction to Namibia. Dinner plans are flexible and can be tailored based on your guide's recommendations. He can help you reserve a table at one of Windhoek’s popular restaurants, allowing you to enjoy local cuisine and get a taste of Namibian hospitality.
Accommodation Basis: Bed & Breakfast
The first leg of your journey takes you to the Kalahari Desert, famous for its striking rusty-red dunes and unique landscape. The name “Kalahari” comes from the Tswana word Kgalagadi, meaning “a waterless place.” This Kalahari experience offers a blend of tranquility and adventure, immersing you in one of nature’s most remarkable landscapes.
Once you arrive, you’ll have the option of a game drive on the property to observe wildlife specially adapted to this arid environment like oryx, giraffe and springbok roaming this area. You’ll also likely spot suricates (meerkats) standing guard. Alternatively, you can enjoy a peaceful sundowner experience among the dunes, where the sunset paints the sky in mesmerizing colors.
Accommodation Basis: Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Your journey continues southward to the Fish River Canyon, a geological marvel and the largest canyon in Africa. It’s also Namibia’s second most visited attraction. Spanning approximately 160 kilometers in length, up to 27 kilometers in width, and reaching depths of nearly 550 meters, the canyon offers breathtaking vistas of sheer cliffs and rugged rock formations shaped by millions of years of erosion.
Guided walks along designated viewpoints allow you to take in the immense scale and raw beauty of this vast ravine. The Fish River Canyon is a place where geology and time are etched into every layer of rock, creating a truly awe-inspiring spectacle.
Accommodation Basis: Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
As you enter the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Africa's largest conservation area, one of your stops is Kolmanskop; a hauntingly beautiful ghost town that stands as an evocative reminder of Namibia’s diamond-mining history, with sand-filled buildings that echo a bygone era. It is located about 10 kilometers inland from the port town of Lüderitz. This area was first encountered by Bartolomeu Dias in 1487. Visit the town of Lüderitz which experienced a rapid surge in prosperity in 1909 when diamonds were discovered in Kolmanskop, sparking a full-blown diamond rush.
Nearby, you’ll have a chance to see the Garub Desert horses, one of only two feral horse herds in Africa. These resilient horses have a mysterious origin, likely descending from a mix of German cavalry horses and riding horses released in the early 20th century, particularly around World War I. Adapted to the harsh desert environment, these horses embody the spirit of survival, a fascinating sight amid the sweeping Namib sands.
Accommodation Basis: Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Next, you’ll journey to Sossusvlei, found in the heart of the Namib Sand Sea, a designated UNESCO World Heriatge site. Sossusvlei captivates visitors with its stunning desert landscapes, especially the towering red dunes that can reach nearly 400 meters in height—some of the tallest in the world and the favourite to climb, "Big Daddy".
Deadvlei is a striking white salt and clay pan set against the vibrant orange-red dunes and the deep blue sky. It is dotted with ancient, blackened camel thorn trees, which create a surreal, almost timeless atmosphere. The area is a photographer's paradise and is accessible year-round, providing an unforgettable experience of the stark beauty and immense scale of the Namib Desert.
Accommodation Basis: Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Your journey then takes you to Swakopmund, a charming coastal town nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the vast Namib Desert, along the coastal dune belt. Known for its distinct German colonial architecture and laid-back atmosphere, Swakopmund offers a unique blend of European and African cultures. Founded in 1892 as the main harbor for German South West Africa, the town retains much of its heritage, with colorful buildings, bakeries, and cafes lining its streets.
Swakopmund serves as a base for both relaxation and adventure, offering activities such as sandboarding, quad biking, and dolphin cruises. The town’s cool coastal climate is a refreshing change from the desert, and it’s also a prime spot to explore Namibia's vibrant marine life. Whether you’re looking to dive into adrenaline-pumping activities or simply unwind by the ocean, Swakopmund provides a delightful contrast to Namibia’s desert landscapes.
Accommodation Basis: Bed & Breakfast
One of Etosha’s defining features is the Etosha Pan, a vast, shimmering expanse of green and white that spans approximately 4,800 square kilometers, covering nearly a quarter of the park. At 130 kilometers long and up to 50 kilometers wide in some areas, it is the largest salt pan in Africa. The pan, a remnant of an ancient lake, attracts numerous animals, especially in the dry season when it transforms into a critical water source for wildlife. With its surreal beauty and diverse fauna, Etosha offers a game-viewing experience unlike any other in Africa.
Accommodation Basis: Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
As your journey winds down, you’ll head south through Namibia’s central highlands on a scenic, leisurely drive back to Windhoek or its surrounding areas. The landscape transitions from rugged terrain to rolling hills, dotted with acacia trees and far-reaching savannas. This relaxing drive offers a final chance to take in Namibia’s expansive beauty, with opportunities to stop for photos or enjoy a last taste of the Namibian countryside. Arriving in Windhoek, you’ll end your unforgettable adventure, enriched by the diverse landscapes, unique wildlife, and cultural experiences that make Namibia so extraordinary.
Accommodation Basis: Bed & Breakfast
As your incredible journey through Namibia concludes, you’ll carry home not only countless photos but also unforgettable memories of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and warm encounters with local cultures. With a “trunk full” of these memories, you’re sure to relive the magic of Namibia long after you return home, keeping its beauty and spirit close for a lifetime. Safe travels!
Departure from Hosea Kutako International Airport.