Package Overview
This 11-day self-drive grand tour captures the breathtaking contrasts of Namibia—from the towering orange dunes of Sossusvlei and the Atlantic adventures of Swakopmund to the ancient rock art of Damaraland and the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha National Park. Designed for small groups of 2–4 adults, it blends independent exploration with curated excursions, offering a perfect balance of adventure, scenery, and comfort.
Highlights
- Blue Pearl of Chefchaouen: Wander cobbled, powder-blue streets in the Rif Mountains.
- Ait Benhaddou: Explore a UNESCO-protected ksar (fortified village) straight out of Lawrence of Arabia.
- Tizi n’Tichka Pass: Cross the High Atlas at 2,270 metres for breathtaking mountain views.
- Jemaa el-Fna Square: Experience Marrakech’s chaotic, magical souks and storytellers.
- Sunrise over the Sahara: Walk the crimson sands of Erg Chebbi at dawn.
Itinerary
Arrive at Windhoek International Airport before 13h00 to collect your self-drive Toyota Fortuner. From there, you’ll set off on a scenic drive to Sossusvlei, deep within the Namib Desert. After checking into your lodge and freshening up, enjoy a relaxing dinner as the desert night settles around you. You’ll overnight in Sossusvlei, ready for an early adventure.
An early breakfast prepares you for a sunrise excursion into Namib-Naukluft National Park. Traveling in a custom-built all-terrain game viewer with a trained guide, you’ll journey 60 kilometres through a dramatic dune corridor. You’ll stop at the famed Dune 45 and take a guided 2.6-kilometre round-trip walk to Dead Vlei. For the energetic, climbing the ridge of Big Daddy Dune—one of the tallest in the area—is a must. Afterwards, return to your lodge for dinner and another overnight stay in Sossusvlei.
After breakfast and check-out, drive towards the coastal town of Swakopmund, known for its German colonial architecture and seaside promenade. Along the way, you can stop for sightseeing at the Kuiseb Canyon, Solitaire Town, and the Gaub Pass. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and take the rest of the day to relax. Overnight in Swakopmund.
Start your day with breakfast before heading out for a Seal & Dolphin Cruise in the Atlantic waters. Later, you’ll embark on the Sandwich Harbour 4x4 Scenic Excursion, driving along the beach to a breathtaking RAMSAR wetland where the desert dunes plunge straight into the sea. The lagoon supports thousands of wading birds and several endangered species. After the tour, return to your hotel for a free evening and overnight in Swakopmund.
Following breakfast and check-out, drive to Spitzkoppe, the “Matterhorn of Namibia”—a dramatic cluster of granite peaks. En route, you can visit the Zeila Shipwreck at Henties Bay. After checking into your lodge, the afternoon is yours to explore. You may opt for a self-guided walk to the famous rock arch, ideally during sunset or sunrise for the best light. Dinner and overnight are at Spitzkoppe.
After breakfast and check-out, drive into the rugged region of Damaraland, known for its towering granite mountains and ancient riverbeds. Along the way, you have the option to visit Brandberg Mountain or the Living Museum of the Damara to learn about the daily life of the Damara tribe. Check into your lodge, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight are in Damaraland.
Breakfast is followed by a free morning to relax or explore on your own. In the afternoon at 15h00, you’ll proceed on a Rock Engraving Tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein, where you’ll see one of Africa’s largest collections of ancient rock engravings. The tour also takes in Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes, lasting about two hours. After returning to camp, enjoy dinner and another overnight in Damaraland.
After breakfast and check-out, drive to Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. The park’s vast salt pan, the Etosha Pan, draws thousands of animals and birds, especially in the rainy season. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and freshen up. The rest of the day is free to relax before dinner and an overnight stay in Etosha.
A full breakfast fuels you for a full-day game drive inside Etosha National Park. You’ll explore the park’s waterholes and plains, searching for lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and a variety of antelope. A packed lunch is provided so you can stay out among the wildlife. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and another overnight in Etosha.
Begin the day with a final morning game drive in Etosha National Park. Afterwards, return to the lodge for breakfast and check-out. You’ll then drive back to Windhoek, where you check into your accommodation. The remainder of the day is free at leisure. Overnight in Windhoek.
Enjoy one last breakfast at your lodge before checking out. Drive to Windhoek Airport, where you will drop off your vehicle and catch your return flight home.
Inclusions
- 10 nights’ accommodation as per the itinerary (2 nights Sossusvlei, 2 nights Swakopmund, 1 night Spitzkoppe, 2 nights Damaraland, 2 nights Etosha, 1 night Windhoek)
- Daily breakfast
- 2 dinners at Etosha Village Lodge
- 2 dinners at Sossusvlei Lodge
- 2 dinners in Damaraland
- 1 dinner at Spitzkoppen Lodge
- Seal & Dolphin Cruise in Swakopmund
- Sandwich Harbour 4x4 Scenic Excursion in Swakopmund
- Sossusvlei & Dead Vlei excursion (minimum 2 pax)
- Rock Engraving Tour in Damaraland
- 1 full day game drive in Etosha National Park (packed lunch included)
- 1 morning game drive in Etosha National Park
- Self-drive Toyota Fortuner (automatic or similar) from Day 1 to Day 12, including unlimited kilometres, premium cover, contract fee, tyre & glass damage, 1–2 spare tyres, unlimited additional drivers, handheld radio, and one-way drop-off fees
- 24/7 personal customer service
Exclusions
- International & domestic airfare
- Visa charges
- Local tourist guide where not specified above
- Any golfing-related fees
- Mineral water on vehicles (available at ZAR 30 per person per day)
- Tips & gratuities for drivers and guides
- Porterage fee
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks (with meals, on vehicles, or during tours, unless otherwise indicated)
- Personal items such as telephone bills, room service, laundry
- Waiting or additional transfer fees if clients miss scheduled transfers
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