NAMIBIA

NAMIBIAN DESERTS SAFARI

11 days: Discover the wonders and beauty of Namibia

Windhoek – Kalahari Desert – Namib Desert – Swakopmund – Damaraland – Etosha National Park – Windhoek

TRIP OVERVIEW

Journey to Namibia, where the very name means ‘Vast Place’ in the local Nama language. Embrace the essence of the Kalahari and Namib as you explore this stunning country.

Discover both renowned highlights and hidden gems, from meeting the San of the Kalahari to marveling at the second largest canyon in the world. Walk atop Dune 45, seek out wild horses, and venture into the ancient desert. Experience the exhilarating cold air and adventure in Swakopmund before delving into Damaraland’s ancient rock engravings.

Finally, conclude your journey with a wildlife safari in Etosha National Park.

11 days
Windhoek to Windhoek

From

$$$

TRIP DETAILS

Day 1: Windhoek (Arrival day)

Travel distance: 47km, approx. 45min.

Arrival day. Arrive at any time.
After your arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport get your transfer to your lodge in the capital for your welcome meeting, dinner with your travel companions and a well deserved rest.

Welcome dinner:
Meet your guide and your fellow travelers, learn about the tour and enjoy the excitement of the first day before heading out to a few days full of adventure.

Accommodation: 1 night Premium lodge (Arebbusch Travel Lodge or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Windhoek to Kalahari Desert

Travel distance: 275km, approx. 3.5 hours including stops.

We hit the road bright and early to the Kalahari Desert – you will soon see why Namibia is named the vast place as you see the landscape change form city to bush and to the red dunes of the Kalahari.

Optional Activities:

  • Desert Night Walk (guided): N$250.00
    Prepare to be amazed by the sight of nocturnal desert creatures on a short, guided night walk (±45 min) after dinner.
  • Afternoon Nature Drive: N$810.00
    These drives are the perfect way to getting acquainted with the Kalahari Desert. The drive with panoramic views across the Kalahari dunes is something to remember forever. Refreshments and a light snack will be provided. The sundowner dune drive includes a +- 30 to 40 minutes sundowner on a dune.

Accommodation: 1 night Premium lodge (Kalahari Anib Lodge or similar)
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 3: Kalahari Desert to Fish River Canyon

Travel distance: 400km, approx. 6 hours including stops.

Rise and get ready for the exciting dune walk experience and continue the journey to one of Namibia’s iconic stops – the Fish River Canyon.
Afternoon visit to the Fish River Canyon with drinks and light snacks.

Enjoy the drive and pay close attention to how the landscapes change dramatically once again.

Included activity: Fish River Canyon visit
Visit the stunningly beautiful Fish River Canyon, it features a gigantic ravine, in total about 160 kilometres long, up to 27 km wide and in places almost 550 metres deep.

Accommodation: 1 night Premium lodge (Canyon Road House or similar)
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 4: Fish River Canyon to Namib Desert

Travel distance: 500km, approx. 8 hours including stops.

Today we might just beat the sunrise as we set off on the longest travel day of the trip, but not to worry as it is well worth it. We are headed to the Namib Desert, the highlight where the country derives its name from. Also the oldest desert in the world estimated at between 55-80 million years old.

Drive past desertscapes, and dramatic curved dunes while keeping an eye out for the astonishing creatures that call these arid lands home—the oryx, springbok, jackal, hyena, and more. Settle in to our lodge and relax poolside, watching a fiery crimson sunset over the desert.

After arrival at the lodge there is time to relax to prepare for the amazing day planned for tomorrow as we explore the Namib: Dune 45, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei and Sesriem Canyon.

Accommodation: 1 night Premium lodge (Desert Camp Lodge or similar)
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 5: Namib Desert

Travel distance: 150km, full day trip.

At the break of dawn we are ready to go, Dune 45 awaits. As the Namib Desert never moves, the dunes are numbered and this is literally the 45th row of dunes and coincidentally also 45km from the park entrance gate.

After the climb we head towards Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Ask your local guide about the significance and how these incredible natural phenomena formed.

Included activity: Sossusvlei Dunes, Dune 45 and Deadvlei visit
This area is famous for its high, red sand dunes. This clay and salt pan is surrounded by the dunes, making it a spectacularly beautiful sight with a remote and isolated feel.
Climbing to the top of Dune 45 will reward you with a spectacular perspective of the surreal desert landscape.
Included activity: Sesriem Canyon
Visit Sesriem Gorge, a tranquil natural corridor that you can walk through and explore.

Accommodation: 1 night Premium lodge (Desert Camp Lodge or similar)
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 6: Namib Desert to Swakopmund

Travel distance: 350km, approx. 6 hours including stops.

Back to civilisation as Swakopmund is next, however not before we enjoy the ever changing landscape and drive through Naukluft National Park – you will see where it derives its name from.

We pass through Walvisbay, make a quick stop at the lagoon to see if we can spot some flamingos before continuing with the drive.

Swakopmund is an old German colonial town established in 1892, it has kept some of the colonial landmarks while the architecture and settings give it a unique charm. Often also referred to as the adventure capital of Namibia, there is more to do here that can be fit into your stay.

Accommodation: 1 night Premium hotel (Hansa Hotel or similar)
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch
Day 7: Swakopmund

Swakopmund is known as the adventure capital of Namibia. Here you have another free day to enjoy of exciting optional activities like quad-biking in the desert or if you are feeling brave: skydiving.

Explore the town’s unique mix between German and African legacy, visit the many curio shops, museums and restaurants.

Optional activities:

  • Township Tour
  • Skydiving
  • Sand-boarding
  • Quad biking
  • Scenic Flights
  • Swakopmund Museum

Accommodation: 1 night Premium hotel (Hansa Hotel or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Swakopmund to Damaraland

Travel distance: 460km, approx. 8.5 hours including stops.

After breakfast we, once again, embark to visit yet another desert and Namibia’s first UNESCO heritage site which is a must: Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings.

Home to Namibia’s highest peak, ancient rock paintings and petrified forests, the harshly beautiful and sparsely populated Damaraland region is a land of extraordinary contrasts. Depending on the time of year, you might be lucky enough to see the desert elephants that roam the area.

In the afternoon arrive at the lodge for some time to relax by the pool with some refreshments. Don’t miss the lookout view point for a sundowner.

Included activity: Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings
One of Africa’s largest concentration of petroglyphs, Twyfelfontein has one of the largest concentrations of ancient rock engraving in southern Africa and is a fascinating insight into the past.

Accommodation: 1 night Premium lodge (Damara Mopane Lodge or similar)
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Day 9: Damaraland to Etosha National Park

Travel distance: 210km, approx. 3 hours including stops.

‘The Great White Place’ – Etosha National Park. The Etosha salt pan is massive and can even be seen from space. Estimated at a 100 million years, 130km long and up to 50km wide in certain places. What is more impressive is the variety of wildlife that thrives there, waiting for us to see.

Settle into our lodge, located outside of the park.

Accommodation: 1 night Premium lodge (Etosha Safari Lodge or similar)
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Day 10: Etosha National Park

Travel distance: 180km, approx. 7 hours including stops.

Spend a full day on safari in Etosha National Park, where open grasslands converge on a massive salt pan. Etosha harbours some of the largest populations of lions, elephants, and other endangered species, so keep your camera on the ready as you explore in your open vehicle. Enjoy lunch at one of the park’s rest areas, where you can also take a swim; and sit back and watch all manner of creatures—including hundreds of species of birds—flock to the nearby watering hole.

In the afternoon return to the lodge and scroll over the pictures of the day’s sightings.

Included activity: Full Day Game Drive in Etosha National Park
Make haste for Etosha is waiting. Bright and early we jump into the open 4×4 vehicle for our full day Wildlife Safari Drive in Etosha. Enjoy the herds of Plains zebra, springbok and wildebeest that often congregate at the watering holes. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive big cats and other endangered species. 

Accommodation: 1 night Premium lodge (Etosha Safari Lodge or similar)
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Day 11: Etosha National Park to Swakopmund

Travel distance: 500km, approx. 9 hours including stops.

The last day of the tour, it always goes too fast. The drive gives you one last opportunity to stare out the window and watch the bush veld scenery fly by. Stop at the Cheetah Conservation Fund to have a tour of the facility and lunch. After lunch you will continue to Windhoek.

In the evening explore town for a night dinner.

Accommodation: 1 night Premium hotel (Arebbusch Travel Lodge or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12: Departure day

Enjoy breakfast and say goodbye to the group. Tour ends after breakfast.

This is not goodbye, but see you next time!

Depart at any time.

Meals: Breakfast

INCLUDED FOR THIS TRIP:

ARRIVAL TRANSFER:
Your Arrival Transfer is ALWAYS included with Inspired Routes (arrival to start hotel)
ACCOMMODATION:
9 nights in Premium hotels/lodges
MEALS:
9 breakfasts, 5 lunches,  7 dinners
ACTIVITIES:
Fish River Canyon Visit
Dune 45 Visit
Sossusvlei Dunes Visit
Deadvlei Visit
Sesriem Canyon Visit
Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings Guided Tour
Etosha National Park Game Drive
Cheetah Conservation Fund Visit
TRANSPORTATION:
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Air-conditioned touring vehicle
Safari 4×4 vehicles
Walking
GUIDED ADVENTURE:
Local Tour Guide
Safari guides
Airport transfer:
ALWAYS INCLUDED

We take care of the stress of arriving to a new destination and not knowing where to go. A great first impression!
Trip Type:
GUIDED ADVENTURE

Service level:
PREMIUM

Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
Group size:
SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE

Min 2, max 12.
Physical Rating:
MODERATE

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, or other similar activities in addition to walking.

ROOM DETAILS:

Please note, room options and availability differs for each trip.

Single-room:
If you’re travelling solo, please book a single-share room, as this trip doesn’t allow you to share a room with other travellers.

Twin-room:
Share a room with someone you’re travelling with.

2024 Pricing

Single room occupancy:
ZAR xxxx.xx or USD xxxx.xx

Twin room occupancy (per person):
ZAR xxxx.xx or USD xxxx.xx

2025 Pricing

Single room occupancy:
ZAR xxxx.xx or USD xxxx.xx

Twin room occupancy (per person):
ZAR xxxx.xx or USD xxxx.xx

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