Desert Dunes
Marvel at Sossusvlei’s 300m high dunes and the alien landscape of Dead Vlei.
This classic journey takes you through Namibia’s relentlessly dramatic scenery, exploring at your own pace and at the wheel of a 4×4. Drive across this relaxed country, combining landscapes, wildlife and activities on a route that takes in Etosha, Damaraland, Sossusvlei and the coast.
Marvel at Sossusvlei’s 300m high dunes and the alien landscape of Dead Vlei.
Track desert-adapted black rhinos, which only survive in Namibia’s wild northwest.
Drive through Etosha National Park, home to plains game and predators.
Visit the ancient petroglyphs of Twyfelfontein, created by the predecessors of the Namibian Bushmen.
Self-driving through Namibia evokes a sense of exploration and discovery, free from the risks that usually accompanies such intrepid journeys. There is something both relaxing and exhilarating about driving across this Mad Max landscape. Yet, in spite of this sense of seclusion, Namibia is not short of activities. Fill your time searching for desert wildlife, hiking up dunes, kayaking beside seals, visiting rock art sites and riding horses through the desert.
Day 1
Windhoek
Day 2
Windhoek - Sossusvlei
Day 3
Sossusvlei
Day 4
Sossusvlei - Swakopmund
Day 5
Swakopmund - Damaraland
Day 6
Damaraland - Palmwag Reserve
Day 7
Palmwag Reserve
Day 8
Palmwag Reserve - Etosha National Park
Day 9
Etosha National Park
Day 10
Etosha National Park - Okonjima Nature Reserve
Day 11
Okonjima Nature Reserve
Day 12
Okonjima Nature Reserve - Windhoek
Day 1
Windhoek
Day 2
Windhoek - Sossusvlei
Day 3
Sossusvlei
Marvel at Sossusvlei’s 300m high dunes and the alien landscape of Dead Vlei.
Day 4
Sossusvlei - Swakopmund
Day 5
Swakopmund - Damaraland
Day 6
Damaraland - Palmwag Reserve
Visit the ancient petroglyphs of Twyfelfontein, created by the predecessors of the Namibian Bushmen.
Day 7
Palmwag Reserve
Track desert-adapted black rhinos, which only survive in Namibia’s wild northwest.
Day 8
Palmwag Reserve - Etosha National Park
Day 9
Etosha National Park
Drive through Etosha National Park, home to plains game and predators.
Day 10
Etosha National Park - Okonjima Nature Reserve
Day 11
Okonjima Nature Reserve
Day 12
Okonjima Nature Reserve - Windhoek
Namibia is perfect for self-driving. With little traffic and good roads (even the gravel ones), it is a stress-free destination for driving. We include a modern 4×4 as standard, giving you that extra comfort and the freedom to tackle more challenging terrain if you want.
Navigation is simple, with long straight roads a feature of Namibia. But we always include detailed maps, an emergency mobile and two spare tyres – just in case. You will also have a briefing on arrival, with a few tips and tricks for driving here.
Head south to the Namib Desert and Sossusvlei – a place of awe-inspiring beauty and spectacular scenery. Burnt orange dunes contrast against the endless blue skies, rising 300 metres above the desert floor.
This desolate wilderness is made for exploring, with hiking trails going up the ridges of some of the biggest dunes. For an aerial perspective, take a hot air balloon flights. Or set out into the desert on a horse-riding trail.
Head north through desert scenery to the coastal oasis of Swakopmund, a small, Germanic-style coastal resort that faces the Atlantic. Its colonial architecture lends a quaint feeling to it, but it acts as a base for adventures on land and sea.
Visit the marine sanctuary at Sandwich Harbour or take a boat cruise to see dolphins, fur seals and many species of marine birds. In the desert, set out on a guided 4×4 drive through the dunes, try dune boarding or spot ancient Welwitschia plants.
Damaraland is scenically magnificent with vast desert landscapes, granite kopjes, deep gorges and open plains. Colourful rock formations brighten this desolate landscape, contrasting wonderfully with deep-blue Namibian skies.
Visit the famed ancient petroglyphs of Twyfelfontein, created by the predecessors of the Namibian Bushmen, as well as the nearby petrified forests. If you’re feeling more energetic, there are also spectacular walking trails to follow.
Set out in search of the desert wildlife of Damaraland. This arid region is home to one of the last populations of black rhinos in Namibia, as well as desert-adapted elephants. Track these rhinos on the Palmwag Reserve, approaching on foot in the company of an expert guide.
Situated in northern Namibia, Etosha – meaning ‘Great White Place’ – is dominated by a massive shimmering mineral pan, which is flat, rugged and, for much of the year, dry and dusty. Here, all kinds of wildlife thrive, including big cats, giraffes, elephants and countless antelope species.
Take game drives through the nearby Ongava Reserve, as well as the national park. Wildlife can be spotted roaming this arid landscape, but it is the waterholes that attract the best sightings. Spend some time waiting beside one of these drinking spots, waiting to see if a thirsty leopard, rhino or hyena appears.
Located midway between Windhoek and Etosha National Park, the Okonjima Nature Reserve is a protected area where rescued predators can be rehabilitated. Covering a vast area of wild savannah, it is home to leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas and wild dogs.
Track cheetahs or leopards alongside AfriCat’s experts. Set out on foot or in a 4×4, depending on which carnivores are known to be in the area. The big cats within the reserve have all been fitted with radio collars, allowing them to be closely monitored.
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
It is the peak of summer, with hot and humid conditions broken most afternoons by thundery downpours. Quiet season with lower visitor numbers and a good time to spot flamingos.
The wettest month in many parts, especially in the north of the country. Wildlife is spread out so game viewing is not at its best, with plenty of vegetation. There is, however, the chance of spotting newborns.
The wettest month in many parts, especially in the north of the country. Wildlife is spread out so game viewing is not at its best, with plenty of vegetation. There is, however, the chance of spotting newborns.
The end of the wet season, with vegetation at its most lush, and cooler temperatures. A fantastic time to enjoy Namibia, with lower visitor numbers, flowers bursting through, and mainly dry weather.
The beginning of winter. Almost every day is dry now, and water sources are drying up. Therefore wildlife is starting to congregate around water holes, but the landscapes are still colourful and nights aren’t chilly just yet. A great time to visit.
Namibia’s winter runs from June until September. This is the most popular time to visit, as temperatures during the day are cool and the skies are clear. However, temperatures can drop close to freezing at night, particularly in the south.
Namibia’s winter runs from June until September. This is the most popular time to visit, as temperatures during the day are cool and the skies are clear. However, temperatures can drop close to freezing at night, particularly in the south.
Namibia’s winter runs from June until September. This is the most popular time to visit, as temperatures during the day are cool and the skies are clear. However, temperatures can drop close to freezing at night, particularly in the south.
Namibia’s winter runs from June until September. This is the most popular time to visit, as temperatures during the day are cool and the skies are clear. However, temperatures can drop close to freezing at night, particularly in the south.
From October to December, temperatures start to rise as summer arrives. In the heat of the day, it can be very hot, but mornings and evenings will still be cool. Showers start to become more frequent, but the weather is still mainly dry for most of the country.
From October to December, temperatures start to rise as summer arrives. In the heat of the day, it can be very hot, but mornings and evenings will still be cool. Showers start to become more frequent, but the weather is still mainly dry for most of the country.
From October to December, temperatures start to rise as summer arrives. In the heat of the day, it can be very hot, but mornings and evenings will still be cool. Showers start to become more frequent, but the weather is still mainly dry for most of the country.
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