9-Day Self-Drive Adventure Along Namibia Coast

What to Expect

Namibia’s landscapes and wildlife will constantly surprise you. Start your adventure in Namib-Naukluft Park, Africa’s largest national park, nestled in the Namib Desert. Then, swap the desert for Swakopmund, a coastal town brimming with thrilling activities. Experience the haunting beauty of the Skeleton Coast and the serene views of Terrace Bay, before concluding your journey in Damaraland, home to unique desert-adapted species and ancient San rock art.

2 Nights in Namib-Naukluft National Park

Spanning nearly 50,000 km², Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft National Park is the largest game park in Africa and the fourth largest in the world, covering parts of the Namib Desert, the Naukluft mountains, and the marine sanctuary of Sandwich Harbour. Explore jagged gorges, challenge your driving skills on rugged 4×4 trails, or capture unique plants along the Welwitschia Trail. Glide down the rolling sand dunes at the beach, marvel at the wildlife surge after summer rains, or birdwatch at Sandwich Harbour. Unwind beneath the sparkling Namibian night sky. The towering dunes of Sossusvlei, some of the tallest in the world, stretch across the park, feeding into bird-rich water sources. Home to rare wildlife and captivating landscapes, the park’s diversity includes blind moles, sidewinding adders, otherworldly terrains, and vivid granite outcrops. Located just 4 hours from Windhoek and 1.5 hours from Swakopmund, this park is a must-see.

Highlights

• Africa’s largest national game park, larger than Switzerland
• Home to iconic attractions like Sossusvlei
• A range of accommodations from lodges to campsites
• Diverse wildlife, including rare and endemic species

1 Night in Swakopmund

Swakopmund, Namibia’s seaside treasure, is renowned as the “adventure capital” of the country. Visitors are drawn to its temperate climate, charming German architecture, and the swaying palm trees that line the streets. With its scenic coastline, the town offers endless opportunities to stroll along the seaside promenade. Swakopmund’s reputation as an adrenaline hotspot is well-earned—thrill-seekers can indulge in skydiving, quad biking, sand-boarding, and shore angling, or take part in ‘living desert’ tours and relaxing catamaran cruises that offer close encounters with local marine and birdlife.

Rich in history, the town boasts numerous historical buildings and museums, while its cosy cafés and warm beaches provide a haven for those seeking relaxation. Accommodation options range from hotels and B&Bs to self-catering options, ensuring something for everyone. Dining is a treat, with spots like the Lighthouse Pub, The Tug, Jetty 1905, and Swakopmund Brauhaus offering fresh seafood, game, and traditional German dishes. Cafés and delis serve freshly baked goods and aromatic coffee in vibrant settings. Don’t miss the town’s craft markets, jewellery stores, and the unique Crystal Gallery.

Swakopmund is located on Namibia’s West Coast, a 4-hour drive from Windhoek, and is easily accessible from Walvis Bay’s domestic airport, just 35km away.

Highlights

• Located on Namibia’s stunning West Coast, a top holiday destination
• A modern town catering to the tourism industry
• “Adventure Capital” of Namibia, offering numerous thrilling activities
• Wide range of accommodations from hotels and B&Bs to self-catering options

3 Nights in Skeleton Coast

Once, the term ‘Skeleton Coast’ referred to Namibia’s entire coastline, but today it specifically designates the stretch protected within the Skeleton Coast National Park. Spanning over 500km of shoreline from the Ugab River in the south to the Kunene River in the north, this eerie expanse is steeped in history and natural wonder. The park’s name hails from the old spice trade routes, where sailors navigating the foggy coastline met their doom, leading to a ‘graveyard’ of shipwrecks scattered along the shore—an unforgettable sight for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Scenic flights offer a stunning aerial view of this maritime cemetery, while the waters teem with seasonal wildlife such as whales, seals, and sea lions. Inland, the riverbeds are home to lions, giraffes, springboks, rhinos, and baboons. The diverse and rugged landscape is a striking mix of towering dunes, ancient Welwitschia plants, vast deserts, lichen fields, flowering stones (lithops), and the clay hills near the Hoarusib River.

Accommodation options range from campsites to lodges and bungalows, allowing visitors to experience the wild beauty of this remote region.

Highlights

• Skeleton Coast National Park preserves one-third of Namibia’s coastline
• Home to fascinating marine life and rare desert-adapted wildlife
• Excellent fishing, particularly at Torra Bay
• Coastal shipwrecks best explored on a fly-in safari or scenic flight

2 Nights in Damaraland

Nestled between the Skeleton Coast to the west and Etosha National Park to the east, Damaraland is a captivating destination offering a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. One of the most intriguing attractions is the Petrified Forest near Khorixas, where visitors can marvel at massive tree trunks that have turned to stone over time. This surreal site is just one of many highlights in the region, making it an ideal stopover on any Namibian journey.

In addition to the forest, Damaraland boasts numerous must-see attractions. Track wild rhinos, hike up the iconic Brandberg Mountain to see the famous “White Lady” Bushman painting, and explore the rock formations at Twyfelfontein, home to a rich collection of Bushman engravings. For outdoor enthusiasts, early morning and sunset game drives offer prime opportunities to witness the area’s desert-adapted wildlife, including black rhinos, lions, and elephants. The geological wonders of Spitzkoppe and Vingerklip are also not to be missed.

Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Damaraland offers something for every traveler. You can unwind at luxurious lodges equipped with soothing spas or opt for more rustic camping experiences. The region’s desert-adapted wildlife thrives in this arid landscape, where water is scarce and survival is a constant challenge.

Highlights

• A fascinating region that deserves a few days of exploration
• Rhino and elephant tracking available at several lodges
• Home to rare desert-adapted species
• Rich in ancient San rock paintings and engravings