Duration
10-Day
Etosha National Park, Namibia
10-Day Whirlwind Wanderlust Namibia Self Drive
Overview
The Whirlwind Wanderlust self-drive safari is designed for travellers with limited time available. It's packed with incredible highlights that give a tantalizing insight into the beauty and diversity of Namibia. Watch a fiery sunset over the Kalahari Desert. Let the towering dunes of Sossusvlei take your breath away. Relax and have fun in the laid-back coastal towns. Wander amongst ancient artwork etched in stone. Marvel at the diversity of game on the vast plains of Etosha National Park.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Windhoek to Windhoek (City)
Via Kalahari Region, Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes), Swakopmund (City)
Country & park
Namibia / Etosha National Park
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
1 years
Activities
game drives
Accommodation
Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge - Mid-range lodge in Kalahari Region – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Meals
Breakfast & Dinner Included; Breakfast Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
NAD
Rates
Rates Per Person
NAD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Nov 1, 2025 - Jun 30, 2026
N$41,580 NAD
N$28,215 NAD
Jul 1, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026
N$47,025 NAD
N$32,819 NAD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in Namibian dollars (NAD).
This tour accepts children who are 1 year and older. Children under 12 receive a discount and children under 3 are free.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Namibia
Start
Windhoek (Day 1)
Day 1
Kalahari Region
Day 2-3
Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes)
Day 4-5
Swakopmund (City)
Day 6
Twyfelfontein (Rock Art)
Day 7-8
Etosha NP
Day 9
Okonjima NR
End
Windhoek (City) (Day 10)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses lodges and guest houses.
Self-drive tour
Drive a vehicle yourself and travel without a tour guide. Rental vehicle is included.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
1
Minimum age of 1 year
The minimum age for this tour is 1 year.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle & self-drive
Getting around: self-drive & normal 4x4 vehicle
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Kalahari Region – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 2-3
The Elegant Desert Lodge
Mid-range lodge 1-2hr drive from Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 4-5
Namib Guesthouse
Mid-range guest house in Swakopmund (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 6
Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp
Mid-range tented bush camp near Twyfelfontein (Rock Art) – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 7-8
Okaukuejo Resort
Mid-range chalet inside Etosha NP – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 9
Okonjima Plains Camp
Luxury lodge inside Okonjima NR – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 10
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Windhoek - Kalahari Desert
On arrival, you will be met by the car rental company representative and transferred to their offices in Windhoek to complete the rental procedures. Once done, we'll arrange for you to meet with our representative to hand over your travel documents and travel package, including your map. Our whirlwind safari starts with the long linear dunes of the Kalahari Desert. Undulating inter-dune valleys are dotted with camelthorn trees, golden grasses and hardy desert game. Fiery sunsets are a prelude to a star-studded display of the southern skies. It's an easy drive of roughly three hours, almost all on good tar roads. This gives you the chance to get used to your vehicle before you reach the gravel roads. Mid-range lodge located in Kalahari Region Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Kalahari Region Stay: Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Kalahari Region Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 2
Kalahari - Sossusvlei
After a hearty breakfast you continue your journey south west to the Namib Desert. You travel via Mariental to Maltahohe, a small farming settlement on the edge of the escarpment. Heading down the escarpment mountains you reach your overnight accommodation on the edge of the Namib dune sea later this afternoon. Arrive in time for a sundowner and enjoy dinner under the dark night sky. The drive takes about 5 to 6 hours with stops along the way. Mid-range lodge located 1-2hr drive from Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) Stay: The Elegant Desert Lodge Mid-range lodge located 1-2hr drive from Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 3
Sossusvlei and Sesriem
Wake up early and leave your lodge, heading for the Sesriem entrance gate to the Namib Naukluft Park. This gate only opens at sunrise, so there is no point arriving earlier. Driving the 60 kilometres from Sesriem through the dunes toward Sossusvlei while the sun rises is a real pleasure. The first major dune you will encounter goes by the imaginative name of Dune 45. Many people choose to stop and climb this dune but we suggest you continue onwards towards Sossusvlei. Park at the 2x4 car park (unless you have a 4x4 vehicle, this is as far as you can drive). Sossusvlei is a further 4km from here but you are already amongst fairly large dunes. The walk along the dry riverbed into Sossusvlei is lovely, but for the very unfit or terminally lazy, there are 4x4 shuttles from the car park to Sossusvlei. Deadvlei, so named because it is a large pan with sculptural dead trees, is close by and definitely worth a visit. Mid-range lodge located 1-2hr drive from Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) Stay: The Elegant Desert Lodge Mid-range lodge located 1-2hr drive from Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 4
Sossusvlei - Swakopmund
A fairly long but interesting drive today. The fascinating drive takes you northwest through the awesome and ever-changing desert landscapes of the Namib Naukluft National Park, including the impressive Gaub and Kuiseb canyons. Stop in Solitaire to refuel (where the bakery is pretty good too). Skirting around the edge of the Namib Dune Sea (a World Heritage Site) to reach the Atlantic Ocean, you witness the many faces of the Namib, petrified dunes, deep canyons, wind-sculptured outcrops and desert plains that stretch into infinity. The cool mists of the coastal desert offer a respite from the inland heat while the dunes and calm waters of the bay offer a superb variety of sand and water-based activities. Mid-range guest house located in Swakopmund (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Swakopmund (City) Stay: Namib Guesthouse Mid-range guest house located in Swakopmund (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 5
Swakopmund
A full day to relax and explore this quaint desert town. Swakopmund has made a name for itself as the activity center of Namibia, but the town offers so much more than just something for adrenaline junkies. Sandwiched between the hot, arid desert and the cold waters of the Atlantic, Swakop is one of the most fascinating colonial towns in Africa. It is an eclectic mix of South African, Namibian and German cultures, architecture, languages and cuisine. Both locals and foreigners love the laid-back atmosphere, good restaurants, many activities and the temperate climate. A great variety of activities are available to explore the coastal dune fields, the rocky desert and the rich Atlantic waters. Activities range from seal and dolphin cruises, kayaking with the seals, exploring the coastal dunes and meeting the desert adapted creatures that live here, scenic flights, desert walks, quad biking. The list is long. We can advise you on some excellent excursions to pre-book. Mid-range guest house located in Swakopmund (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Swakopmund (City) Stay: Namib Guesthouse Mid-range guest house located in Swakopmund (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 6
Swakopmund - Twyfelfontein
History and art combine to offer an incredible outdoor museum at Twyfelfontein (another World Heritage Site). Continuing on your safari, today the road takes you north and east into the wonderful and diverse region of Damaraland. You'll pass Namibia’s highest mountain, the Brandberg, which peaks at 2,573m above sea level. Take time to view the game and absorb the vastness of the scenery along the way. Damaraland is typified by displays of colour, magnificent table-topped mountains, rock formations and bizarre-looking vegetation. Book an activity with the lodge to search for the elephants. They know the area well and when and where the elephants were spotted last. Mid-range tented bush camp located near Twyfelfontein (Rock Art) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Twyfelfontein (Rock Art) Stay: Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp Mid-range tented bush camp located near Twyfelfontein (Rock Art) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 7
Twyfelfontein - Etosha National Park
Bidding farewell to Damaraland you head east to the game filled plains of Etosha. En route you can visit the petrified forest, with its ancient stone logs lying alongside Welwitchia plants. Local guides will show you around the area and explain the origin of the trees. Continue east to Outjo where you might want to stock up on some snacks and drinks for the coming days in Etosha. The game-rich plains of Etosha offer some of the best game viewing available. By day, visit the waterholes and artesian springs scattered along the edge of a pan so large it is visible from space. By night, sit quietly at the floodlit waterhole and witness the interactions between different game species, mere meters away. Mid-range chalet located inside Etosha NP Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Etosha National Park Stay: Okaukuejo Resort Mid-range chalet located inside Etosha NP Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 8
Etosha National Park
It is really worth waking up early and heading out on your game drive as soon as the gates open at sunrise. Animals are most active in the cool of the day (early morning and late afternoon). In order to maximise your chances of good viewings, it is worth imitating their behaviour. The roads in Etosha have unsealed gravel but are in reasonable condition, and the general tourist behaviour is to drive between various waterholes searching for animals. As the day gets hotter, head for the shade and lunch at one of the park's 3 camps; Okaukuejo, Namutoni or Halali. When things start to cool down again, head out for another game drive. Mid-range chalet located inside Etosha NP Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Etosha National Park Stay: Okaukuejo Resort Mid-range chalet located inside Etosha NP Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 9
Etosha National Park - Okonjima AfriCat
Sadly, its time to bid farewell to Etosha and begin your journey back towards Windhoek. Our last night offers a chance to wind down and meet some of our shyer, seldom-seen game species before winging your way back home. Your destination is Okonjima and the AfriCat Foundation. Apart from the beautiful location, stunning accommodations and wonderful meals, the main reason for visiting Okonjima is to view cats. Activities here centre around viewing leopards and cheetahs, visiting a night hide and generally learning about what the AfriCat Foundation is doing to preserve these wonderful animals. Activities are not included in the package. Luxury lodge located inside Okonjima NR Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Okonjima Private Nature Reserve Stay: Okonjima Plains Camp Luxury lodge located inside Okonjima NR Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 10
Okonjima - Windhoek
Depart from Okonjima and drive via Okahandja to Windhoek. In Okahandja, you can stop at the Kavango Woodcarvers Market, have a look around or buy some last souvenirs. You will arrive in Windhoek at around noon. Head back to the car rental agency for the vehicle drop-off. One of our drivers will take you to the airport. Thank you for booking with us. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Windhoek (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
Rental vehicle
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Windhoek
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
Fly to/from Hosea Kutako Airport (WDH - Check price) near Windhoek
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Great Explorations Namibia
4.9 operator rating
82 reviews
Great Explorations Namibia will help you plan & book your self-drive accommodation in Namibia & Botswana, organize the rental car you require, and generally take all the hassle out of the planning process. Planning self-drive itineraries is the favorite part of our job, as it gives us an outlet for all the knowledge we have accumulated. Our services range from booking a single nights accommodation to complex itineraries for Namibian self-drives.
Office In
Namibia
Size
1-5 employees (Founded in 2021)
Tour Types
Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5A journey of a life time!!!
Family of 4 travelling around Namibia with a quick stop to Victoria falls and Botswana for 32 days. I didn’t know where to start!! I am glad Great Explorations Namibia was there and did all the planning + we were very last minute and they make it happen. Anja was so helpful and so patient with all my questions and respect our budget. She reply quickly to all my requests. Lili was also very helpful and Peter at the car rental. Anja met us on the 1st day and went through the itinerary with us. We had 2 roof top tents and we camped every night. Namibia is now our number 1 country (for it’s beautiful scenery, for the people, for the experience and amazing campsite/lodge). Highly recommended!!!
Tildesley/Dorval family · Australia
Excellent service for a wonderful experience
We found Great Explorations after receiving several answers that indicated that it was too late to plan the trip (2 months before). The team not only answered positively but inmediately understood our expectations, type of experience we wanted and respected our budget. Replies were quick and detailed and the first programme was complete and very well explained. We requested to make slight adjustments that were inmediatly done. The accommodation proposed throughout the trip was excellent and most of the lodges were simply exceptional. Upon arrival, the staff took to time to personally welcome us, review the programme day by day and gave valuable advice. We felt that we had a reliable support for anything we might need along a road trip of many kilometers often in remote areas, Overall a perfect partner for a unique experience. Special thanks to Anja who was extremely professional, available and helpful.
Sandrine · Spain
A Namibian experience that was more than just a journey
The precision and professionalism of Anja allowed the creation of a perfect trip. Thanks to her help and patient everything was organized in an amazing way, starting from the car rental to the choice of the lodges and the interlocking of activities that allowed us to not miss anything of what this incredible country has to offer. We highly recommend them!
Carolina Testa · Netherlands
maximun attention to everything!
my assistant Anja was fantastic, in everything. Very quick in contact, already during the planning she gave me advice but also followed my instructions on what I wanted. And she's nice as well as competent. But above all, during the trip he solved various problems for me (not regarding reservations, we didn't have any problems with this!) that I would not have been able to handle alone. This was very important. I will never thank her enough. I would recommend Great Exploration Namibia to everyone.
Teresa · Italy
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in Namibian dollars (NAD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children who are 1 year and older. Children under 12 receive a discount and children under 3 are free.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge - Mid-range lodge in Kalahari Region – Breakfast & Dinner Included. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Windhoek
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Great Explorations Namibia, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
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