Namibia's Road Trip & Fly-In Sossusvlei (12 Days)
Overview
Spend 12 days discovering Namibia’s stunning diversity on this self-drive journey. This carefully planned itinerary takes you through breathtaking deserts, ancient rock art sites, the rugged Atlantic coast, and thrilling big game safaris.
Your adventure begins and ends in Windhoek, Namibia’s vibrant capital. Start by exploring the Waterberg Plateau and Okonjima, where the Africat Foundation offers remarkable encounters with Africa’s large carnivores. Then, head to Etosha National Park for unforgettable game drives in one of Namibia’s premier conservation areas.
Continue to the unique landscapes of Damaraland, where desert-adapted wildlife and ancient San Bushman rock art await. From there, visit the picturesque town of Swakopmund on the Atlantic coast, perfect for adventure activities and relaxation.
Conclude your journey in the Sossusvlei region, surrounded by vast dune fields featuring some of the tallest sand dunes on Earth. Climb these iconic dunes and explore the NamibRand Nature Reserve, home to fascinating desert-adapted wildlife. This 12-day tour is a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
Highlights
- Go on a big game safari in Etosha Park
- Climb the world’s highest sand dunes
- Search for desert wildlife in NamibRand
- Admire ancient rock art in Damaraland
- Enjoy Swakopmund’s many activities
Day 1: Start Your Namibian Journey | 1 Night Windhoek
Your Namibian journey kicks off as you arrive at Windhoek International Airport and pick up your rental car. Your first stop is The Weinberg Hotel, an ideal retreat to unwind and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Take advantage of the outdoor swimming pool or indulge in some well-deserved pampering at the hotel’s world-class spa. Enjoy the thermal spring-fed flotation pool, steam room, or the unique Middle Eastern Rasul mud chamber for a rejuvenating experience.
Dining at The Weinberg is a treat, with seasonal menus crafted from the freshest local produce. Choose to dine in the sophisticated Sky Lounge, the cozy Library Lounge, or the elegant Wine Lounge, each offering a memorable culinary experience.
Day 2: Visit the Home of the Big Cats | 1 Night
From Windhoek, drive north to the breathtaking Omboroko Mountains on the Waterberg Plateau, a striking block of red sandstone that towers over the surrounding landscape. Your destination is Okonjima Plains Camp, a comfortable safari retreat nestled in this scenic region and renowned for its big cat and large carnivore conservation efforts.
Okonjima is home to the Africat Foundation, an organization dedicated to the preservation of Namibia’s lion, leopard, and cheetah populations. Visit the foundation to learn about their crucial work rehabilitating injured animals and protecting their habitats.
Explore this rugged and beautiful environment on guided or self-guided walking trails, offering a chance to encounter wildlife up close and soak in the natural beauty. During the warmer hours, relax at the lodge, take a refreshing dip in the secluded pool, or wander through the gardens. Bird enthusiasts will delight in spotting various species, including many local and regional endemics.
Day 3-5: Explore Etosha National Park | 2 Nights
Head north to the renowned Etosha National Park, a stunning wilderness that offers a unique blend of savannah and desert animals, diverse birdlife, and a notable elephant population.
Arrive at The Mushara Outpost, a sophisticated safari camp nestled along a dry riverbed near the park’s border. Here, you’ll enjoy morning, afternoon, and evening game drives, guided safari walks, and the chance to observe big game and remarkable bird species. The camp’s tents are designed with glass fronts, allowing you to take in the breathtaking sunrises and starlit skies of Namibia.
You can also explore the Okaukuejo area of Etosha, known for its abundant game and regular sightings of elephants, black rhinos, lions, and cheetahs. One of the simplest yet most rewarding ways to experience the park is by parking near a waterhole and watching as the drama of nature unfolds before you.
Day 6-7: Ancient RockArt in Damarland| 2 Nights
After a relaxed breakfast, depart from Etosha Safari Lodge and continue your self-drive journey to Damaraland, a semi-arid yet breathtakingly beautiful region of Namibia.
Arrive at Mowani Mountain Camp, perched high among towering red granite boulders in the heart of Damaraland, offering expansive views and a surprising abundance of wildlife.
Settle into your comfortable tent before heading out to discover the ancient San Bushman rock art at Twyfelfontein, where you can marvel at these extraordinary, centuries-old creations.
In the late afternoon, embark on a scenic nature drive to further explore this rugged landscape. As the day winds down, return to the camp’s lookout point to enjoy a drink while watching the sun set over one of Namibia’s most dramatic and captivating destinations.
Day 8: Enjoy your stay at Swakopmund | 1 Night
prepare to experience a whole new side of Namibia as you head west to the coast and the charming town of Swakopmund, nestled between desert dunes and the Atlantic Ocean.
Explore the town’s warm, colonial-era atmosphere as you browse shops, local jewelry stalls, and German-style cafes. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets and perhaps enjoy an evening drink at one of the pubs before returning to the Swakopmund Guesthouse for a peaceful night.
While the town may seem calm at first glance, it offers an exciting array of desert adventures. Scale towering dunes, try quad biking or dune boarding, or even go skydiving for an unforgettable desert thrill. Alternatively, take a scenic boat ride along the coastline to discover the abundant marine life thriving in this cold yet fertile ocean.
Day 9-11: Travel to Namib Desert | 3 Nights
Today, leave Swakopmund behind as you head south to the stunning Namib-Naukluft National Park, a pristine wilderness at the heart of the vast Namib Desert. Drop off your rental car and board a light aircraft for a scenic flight to your next destination. Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your camp.
Arrive at the eclectic and luxurious Kulala Desert Lodge, nestled in the midst of breathtaking scenery. Settle into your accommodation before venturing out on a guided nature walk or an excursion to the iconic Sossusvlei Dunes, home to some of the tallest sand dunes in the world.
Next, explore the nearby NamibRand Nature Reserve, located south of Sossusvlei. This area offers some of Namibia’s most striking landscapes, from towering dunes to vast grassy plains and rugged mountain passes.
Keep your eyes peeled for desert-adapted wildlife such as elephants, oryx, and, if you’re fortunate, even lions. Despite the harsh environment, life thrives here, and you’ll gain insight into how these animals have evolved to survive in such extreme conditions.
Day 12: Farewell to Naimbia
After a final hearty breakfast at Kulala Desert Lodge, make your way back to the airstrip for your light aircraft transfer to Windhoek International Airport. Upon arrival, you’ll connect with your onward travel arrangements, concluding your unforgettable Namibian adventure.
Package includes:
- Transport: vehicle, fuel, and driver
- Gorilla permit
- Full board accommodation for the
- Entrance fees.
- All activities.
- Bottled drinking water
Package excludes:
- Visas
- Air ticket
- Personal expenses.
- Cost for anything that is not mentioned in the itinerary.
We use 4×4 safari cars for our safaris and therefore every traveler is guaranteed a window seat, bellow are photos of the cars.
Do you need assistance with planning your safari? Talk to our specialists
Call: +256 772 867 943
WhatsApp: +447 466004 653
Email: info@jewelsafaris.com
