Namibian Desert Discovery

Namibian Desert Discovery Overview

Unique landscapes abound in Namibia, home to towering dunes and vast salt pans. This self-drive itinerary lends itself to travellers comfortable with long distances in the car, but you'll be richly rewarded for your patience. Expect excellent Big 5 game-viewing, as well as optional activities such as sand-boarding and quad-biking.

Upon arrival in Windhoek collect your hire car or transfer to your hotel for your first night. After breakfast, set off for Sossuslvei (approx. 5 - 6 hours) where you'll spend your first 2 nights. Rise early on your full day to witness the changing colours of the tallest dunes in the world at sunrise. Optional activities include hot-air ballooning and quad-biking, whilst after the sun goes down, the stars put on a spectacular display for romantics! Next, depart for Swakopmund (approx 5 - 6 hours), encompassed by the Namib desert and facing the wild Atlantic Ocean. This charming oasis town retains touches of its Germanic roots, both in terms of architecture, food and beer! Spend 2 nights here - opportunity to try desert activities such as sand-boarding or perhaps kayaking with the seals at Walvis Bay. We also recommend a Living Dunes Experience where the guides will introduce you to a wealth of life including lizards, sidewinder snakes and scorpions! For the next part of your adventure, head north to to Damaraland (approx 5 - 6 hours) for 2 nights - one of the most desolate and pristine wilderness areas in Namibia. Although the arid landscape can't support a great concentration of game, it's home to a wide range of intriguing desert-adapted species in the area, including the famed elephants and rhino. Finally, move on to world renowned Etosha, Namibia’s premier National Park (approx 4 - 5 hours), for your Big Five game-viewing experience over the next 3 nights. Depending on the time of year, the high concentration of animals around the water holes can be a wonderful sight to behold. For your journey home, return to Windhoek (approx 7 hours) to connect with your flight to Johannesburg and then home. As it is a long journey we recommend an additional night in Windhoek before your flightor a stop at Okonjima and the Africat Foundation.