trip overview
Discover Namibia, the hidden gem of Southern Africa!
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.
Highlights:
From meeting the San of the Kalahari to marvelling at the second largest canyon in the world.
Climb 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.
MAKE IT PRIVATE: Book this tour as a private departure with all the benefits of a Inspired Routes group tour.
11 days:
Cape Town to johannesburg
From
US$6070
inclusions & ACTIVITIES
PREMIUM TRAVEL INCLUDES
TRIP ITINERARY
DAY 1: WINDHOEK | Welcome to Namibia

Welcome to Namibia!
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.
DAY 2: WINDHOEK TO KALAHARI DESERT

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.
Free afternoon to opt. for some local activity or relax by the pool.
Optional activities:
- Guided Desert Night Walk:
Prepare to be amazed by the sight of nocturnal desert creatures on a short, guided night walk (±45 min) after dinner. - Afternoon Nature Drive:
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.
DAY 3: KALAHARI DESERT TO FISH RIVER CANYON

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.
DAY 4: FISH RIVER CANYON TO NAMIB DESERT

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 desert scapes, 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.
DAY 5: NAMIB DESERT

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.
DAY 6: NAMIB DESERT TO SWAKOPMUND

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.
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
DAY 8: SWAKOPMUND TO DAMARALAND

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.
DAY 9: DAMARALAND TO ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

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.
DAY 10: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

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.
DAY 11: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK TO WINDHOEK

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.
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.
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