11 Days Namibia Tribes And Desert Safari

You will be met by the car rental company representative on arrival and transferred to their offices in Windhoek to complete all rental procedures. You will then meet with our representative to hand over your travel package. Feel free to ask questions and take notes as you talk through your route.

When you're there: Your time of arrival will determine whether there is time to head into town, go shopping or see some of the sights. Alternatively, check in at your hotel and simply relax, it may well have been a long day especially if you came off a long-haul flight. Rest up, tomorrow the real adventure begins. Dine at the hotel for dinner or grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant nearby. Either way, it's best to make a reservation. Speak to reception for assistance.

Lodging: The Weinberg Windhoek

Meals: Full board

Travel south to the Namib Desert for the next two nights. The drive takes about five hours and, while that may sound like a long time to be on the road, it's a scenic drive.

On the way: If you still need supplies, snacks, and drinks for the road, stop at a fuel station or shop before departing south. First to Rehoboth and then from here decide which route you want to take. Every option takes you via some incredible scenic passes. Stop for photos, to stretch your legs and enjoy a picnic lunch with a view. Why not? It's all about the journey in Namibia with much to see along the way.

When you're there: Visit the highlights inside the park. Plan to enter the park when the Sesriem gates open at sunrise. The earlier the better. Pay your entry fee at the office on the way out. The first stretch is 60km on a tarred road to the parking area. From here you can walk the last 5 km in thick sand, drive with your own vehicle (engage 4WD) or take a shuttle (additional costs apply). Go see Dead Vlei first. A short climb up the dunes reveals the beauty of a cracked white pan scattered with 900-year-old trees. In shadow before the sun comes up, you'll have the perfect shot with the red sand of the dunes a backdrop. On to Sossusvlei, climb Big Daddy or go climb Dune 45. On the way out go explore Sesriem Canyon. By now it's getting hot. If it's too hot, which it often is, return in the afternoon for more.

Your lodge will offer guided excursions. Join in if you prefer not to go it alone. Take a breakfast pack and enjoy it in the dunes. Nature walks and drives at sunset. Take it all in. Find some time to relax at the pool too. Splendid.

Our tip: Book a hot air balloon safari over the dunes. It's spectacular.

Lodging: Le Mirage Desert Lodge

Meals: Full board

Today a five-hour drive north will reveal a whole new take on Namibia's beautiful landscapes as the mountains and giant sand dunes become open plains as you approach the foggy coast and Swakopmund where you will spend the next 2 nights.

On the way: Stop in at Solitaire to refuel and sample their legendary baked goods. Continue on via the Kuiseb and Gaub Pass and take a photo at the Tropic of Capricorn. Look out for oryx, ostrich and springbok across the gravel plains. Stretch your legs at a viewpoint and marvel at the grandeur of the endless landscape. Head to the coast and take a drive through Walvis Bay or head straight to Swakopmund, either along the coastal road or via Dune 7 on the back road along the dune belt. If you want to see the ancient welwitschia plants, the detour via Ganab and the Moonlandscape. For this you'll need a permit which you can get at the NWR (Namibia Wildlife Resooffice inside the Sesriem gate before you depart Sossusvlei.

When you're there: Options are limitless. There are plenty of activities to choose from. Take a look at our list of Swakopmund Activities to decide which you'd like to include during your stay on top of relaxing, strolling through town and enjoying the many restaurants and eateries.

Lodging: Strand Hotel

Meals: Full board

Leaving the coast today, you will make your way inland to Damaraland.

On the way: Head north along the desolate coast into the Skeleton Coast National Park then east and exit via the Springbok WaterGate. This calls for an early start, especially if you wish to stop at Cape Cross Seal Colony on the way. For an alternative but equally beautiful route, head inland at Henties Bay, past the Brandberg Massif near Uis, and on to the Twyfelfontein area. Watch as the open plains become rocky outcrops and dry ephemeral riverbeds.

When you're there: One full day is set aside to explore the beauty of the area. Go see the sights: The Twyfelfontein rock engravings, Burnt Mountain, and Organ Pipes. Go in search of the desert-adapted elephant and other wildlife. Visit the Damara Living Museum for an insight into the local culture.

Our tip: Book activities with a lodge guide.

Lodging: Mowani Mountain Camp

Meals: Full board

The drive to Etosha National Park is a scenic few hours through more of Damaraland's singular beauty. The Andersons Gate is much closer to Damaraland and will take about three hours.

On the way: Today's drive is not as long and barely warrants a stop, barring a quick stop at the Petrified Forest, a comfort stop at Outjo and a picture of the Ugab Terrace. Depending on your departure time and therefore your arrival time, check in at your lodge, just outside the park entrance gates, grab a bite to eat and then head into Etosha for an afternoon game drive. Purchase a map of Etosha at the shop at Okaukuejo. They also have some basic supplies, drinks, and snacks. There is a fuel station inside the park gates and one just outside before you enter. Make sure the tank is full. You can easily drive 200km inside the park and you wouldn't want to get stuck.

Etosha is one of Africa's greatest parks with good reason. Not only is it scenic and beautiful, the large number of animals make this a game-viewing extravaganza. Keep your eyes peeled. Sit at a waterhole and watch the animals come and go. You're likely to see numerous species at any given moment.

Lodging: Mokuti Safari Lodge

Meals: Full board

The drive through Etosha National Park to your next lodge on the eastern side of Etosha is a scenic few hours of game driving. The drive can take anything from 2 hours depending on how often you stop for game viewing.

When you're there: Your lodge will offer guided game drives into Etosha and game walks in the private reserve. Wildlife. Wildlife. Wildlife.

Lodging: Onguma Bush Camp

Meals: Full board

You have a long drive ahead of you today: up to six hours. The roads are all paved so it's a comfortable ride to arrive in time for your onward flight or a night in Windhoek.

On the way: Okahandja has the largest wood carvers' market in Namibia, stop here for some last-minute souvenirs.

Plan a late departure flight as you still need to drop the vehicle and transfer to the airport. Leave enough time to ensure you are at the airport well within 2 hours of your departure flight.