To discover Namibia, must be one of life’s ambitions – experience the towering sand dunes at Sossusvlei, the marine life at Walvis Bay, the rock art at Twyfelfontein, Damaraland and the wildlife at Etosha National Park.
The uniqueness of this country can only be believed when experience for yourself!
Highlights
The Iconic Red Dunes of Sossusvlei
Watch as the first rays of the morning sun paint the mountains of sand in rich colour, and take the opportunity to walk up one of the dunes to capture the vast desert landscape below.
Damaraland
The wonderful mountainous landscapes of Damaraland provide a dramatic backdrop to some of the most underappreciated wildlife regions in Namibia. Additionally, the region is rich in both natural and anthropological history.
Etosha South
Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise.
Etosha East
Located in Northwestern Namibia, Etosha East is a protected sanctuary in the eastern part of the world-renowned Etosha National Park, known as one of the most accessible game reserves in Southern Africa.
A Self-Drive Expedition Built for the Bold
This is Namibia unfiltered, untamed, and unforgettable. Over twelve immersive days, you’ll take the wheel and navigate from the otherworldly dunes of Sossusvlei to the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha, with stops that include the raw beauty of Damaraland and the coastal energy of Swakopmund.
Walk with San hunters in the Kalahari, track elephants, and witness a marine spectacle off Walvis Bay that still surprises even us. Each lodge is handpicked for its character and comfort. This is a trip for those ready to drive, discover, and own the adventure.
The Wildlife Escapes Team
At Wildlife Escapes, between us all, we have sampled all types of safaris and this has allowed us to experience some incredible life changing opportunities. We have travelled with our families, on our honeymoons, trekked the forests and sat with gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, travelled across Namibia, flown over the Okavango Delta in Botswana as well as a walking safari in the Moremi Game Reserve, embarked on a self drive along the Garden Route, experience the Victoria Falls and the Zambeizi river by light aircraft, white water rafting and on a sunset cruise. We have even managed to laze on many of the Indian Ocean Island beached – what a lucky team we are!
This all goes to prove that you are truly in the right hands when it comes to planning your safari in Africa. Give the Africa experts a call and let us share some suggestions with you.
Highlights
Red dunes of the Sossusvlei
The Iconic Red Dunes of Sossusvlei
Watch as the first rays of the morning sun paint the mountains of sand in rich colour, and take the opportunity to walk up one of the dunes to capture the vast desert landscape below.
Damaraland
The wonderful mountainous landscapes of Damaraland provide a dramatic backdrop to some of the most underappreciated wildlife regions in Namibia. Additionally, the region is rich in both natural and anthropological history.
Etosha South
Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise.
Etosha East
Located in Northwestern Namibia, Etosha East is a protected sanctuary in the eastern part of the world-renowned Etosha National Park, known as one of the most accessible game reserves in Southern Africa.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1 – Travelling
Depart from London Heathrow for your flight to Johannesburg.
Day 2 – Windhoek
Staying at: The Elegant Guesthouse
Early this morning you will arrive into Johannesburg Airport where you will transit through to your flight to Windhoek Airport.
On arrival into Windhoek you will be greeted by a representative for your road transfer to your hotel. The remaining part of the afternoon/evening is at leisure.
Day 3 – Kalahari Desert
Staying at: Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge
This morning your rental car will be delivered to your hotel and you will make your way to Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge.
We highly recommend a walk with the San people. It is so interesting seeing how they survived such arid conditions over the years and how they use the earths resources to find food and water in the unrelenting desert conditions. They are hunter-gatherers, hunting with bows and arrows, trapping small animals and eating edible roots and berries and they eagerly demonstrate this to guests.
What makes this phenomenal experience is the click language that the San use to express themselves and with dramatic illustrations, guests are able to communicate with and understand the interesting information the San people share.
Days 4 & 5 – Sossusvlei
Staying at: Elegant Desert Lodge
Today you will drive from Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge to Elegant Desert Lodge. At the lodge, animals regularly visit to enjoy a well earned drink from the waterhole after walking the arid land through the heat of the day.
There are tours that you may book on to at the Elegant Desert Lodge, such as a scenic drive with sundowner drinks, a half day Sossusvlei excursion and for the more adventure seeking among you there are 4×4 quad biking trips.
Days 6 & 7 – Swakopmund
Staying at: Cornerstone Guesthouse
After breakfast you will drive from Elegant Desert Lodge to Cornerstone Guesthouse in Swakopmund for your two night stay. There are many activities to take part in at Swakopmund; 4×4 quad biking trip, sand boarding, museums, historical houses as well as a marine cruise that departs from Walvis Bay. The marine cruise is a highlight for us – we saw many pelicans, dolphins and a BIG surprise visitor when we were out at sea!
Day 8 – Damaraland
Staying at: Ugab Terrace Lodge
After breakfast you will drive from Elegant Desert Lodge to Cornerstone Guesthouse in Swakopmund for your two night stay. There are many activities to take part in at Swakopmund; 4×4 quad biking trip, sand boarding, museums, historical houses as well as a marine cruise that departs from Walvis Bay. The marine cruise is a highlight for us – we saw many pelicans, dolphins and a BIG surprise visitor when we were out at sea!
Days 9 & 10 – Etosha South
Staying at: Taleni Etosha Village
After breakfast you will head to Etosha for your two night stay at Taleni Etosha Village. Over the next few days enjoy game viewing in the Etosha National Park – either by self drive or you may book on to a National Park vehicle and be guided. Etosha National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife including herds of elephant, giraffe, lions, the elusive leopard and cheetah. Etosha National Park is also home to around 340 bird species and it is not uncommon to see flamingos and pelicans huddles around a waterhole. We are always impressed by the vibrant colours of the lilac-breasted rollers that can also be seen in this area.
Day 11 – Etosha East
Staying at: Mushara Bush Camp
Today you will travel east to Mushara Bush Camp for your last night in Etosha. No doubt you will see plenty of wildlife on your travels and again you may opt to be guided on a game drive from Mushara Bush Camp with their qualified and knowledgeable guides.
Day 12 – Greater Windhoek
Staying at: Na’An Ku Se Lodge
From Etosha you will travel south to Windhoek for your final night in Namibia. This important Wildlife Sanctuary has so many optional excursions on offer such as Rhino Feeding, Cheetah Experience, Meerkat Experiences or Carnivore Feeding excursion to name but a few.
Day 13 – Departure
After breakfast you will drive back to Windhoek Airport where you will drop off your rental car and check in for your flight to Johannesburg where you will connect for your flight home to London Heathrow.
A selection of where you’ll stay during this Safari
The Elegant Guesthouse
Situated in the up-market residential area of Klein Windhoek, corner of “von Eckenbrecher – Ziegler Street” in Klein Windhoek, 5 minutes walk to Joe’s Beerhouse (Africa’s most famous Pub/Restaurant.
Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge
The 12 rooms are styled the with crisp white linen on comfortable beds. The San-inspired décor compliments this stylish yet rustic style. The en-suite bathrooms are fitted with a large shower, air conditioning and a tea and coffee station.
Elegant Desert Lodge
Situated on the border of the World Heritage site of the Namib Desert and only 37 kilometers from the gate to Sossusvlei, the Elegant Desert Lodge offers accommodation in 29 tastefully furnished, air conditioned rooms. All en-suite, the stylish and comfortable rooms invite you to recline in the soulful yet liberating atmosphere of the world’s oldest desert.
Cornerstone Guesthouse
Escape to Cornerstone Guesthouse, a charming boutique B&B tucked away in a peaceful corner of Swakopmund. Just moments from the seafront, Palm Beach and the National Marine Aquarium, you’ll enjoy stylish comfort in the heart of town — surrounded by vibrant cafés, restaurants, pubs, shops and local markets.
