Skip to main content
Wenyeji na waendeshaji waliothibitishwa Maeneo na uzoefu wa Afrika wa kiwango cha juu Weka nafasi sasa au omba safari maalum
9-Day The Essence of Namibia Scheduled Tour

Damaraland, Namibia

9-Day The Essence of Namibia Scheduled Tour

5.0 / 5 · 582 reviews Offered by Discover Africa Safaris 9-Day

Overview

This captivating scheduled tour begins and ends in Windhoek, taking you deep into the heart of Namibia's most iconic landscapes. You'll journey from the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei to the charming coastal town of Swakopmund. You'll continue into the rugged beauty of Damaraland, home to desert-adapted elephants and rock formations. Your adventure ends with unforgettable wildlife encounters on a private concession in Etosha Heights Private Reserve, for a personalized safari experience.

Plan snapshot

Quick Facts

Tour details

Duration

9-Day

Route

Windhoek to Windhoek (City)

Via Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes), Swakopmund (City), Damaraland

Country & park

Namibia / Damaraland

Style

Mid-range shared safari

Group size

1-12 travelers

Starts

On request

Minimum age

16 years

Activities

game drives & nature hikes/walks

Accommodation

Dead Valley Lodge - Mid-range lodge near Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes)

Meals

Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 2: All Meals Included; All Meals Included

Pickup

Airport transfer included

Booking

Request quote

Currency

ZAR

Solo travelers

Can join this group tour

9-Day The Essence of Namibia Scheduled Tour
Damaraland visual context for this itinerary.

Rates

Rates Per Person

ZAR

Start datesSingle2+ people
Jun 20, 2026 n/a* ZAR R 99,425 ZAR
Jun 27, 2026 n/a* ZAR R 99,425 ZAR
Jul 4, 2026 n/a* ZAR R 99,425 ZAR
Jul 11, 2026 n/a* ZAR R 99,425 ZAR
Jul 18, 2026 n/a* ZAR R 99,425 ZAR
Jul 25, 2026 n/a* ZAR R 99,425 ZAR
Aug 1, 2026 n/a* ZAR R 99,425 ZAR
Aug 8, 2026 n/a* ZAR R 99,425 ZAR
Aug 22, 2026 n/a* ZAR R 99,425 ZAR
Aug 29, 2026 n/a* ZAR R 99,425 ZAR
Sep 1, 2026 n/a* ZAR R 99,425 ZAR
Sep 8, 2026 n/a* ZAR R 99,425 ZAR
Sep 22, 2026 n/a* ZAR R 99,425 ZAR
Sep 29, 2026 n/a* ZAR R 99,425 ZAR
Oct 6, 2026 n/a* ZAR R 99,425 ZAR
Oct 13, 2026 n/a* ZAR R 99,425 ZAR
Oct 20, 2026 n/a* ZAR R 99,425 ZAR
Oct 27, 2026 n/a* ZAR R 99,425 ZAR
Nov 7, 2026 n/a* ZAR R 99,425 ZAR
Nov 17, 2026 n/a* ZAR R 99,425 ZAR
Dec 8, 2026 n/a* ZAR R 99,425 ZAR
Click a Rate to Request a Quote ZAR - ZAR

Before booking

Important To Know

This tour is not available to single travelers or groups larger than 2 people.
This group tour requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in South African Rand (ZAR).
This tour accepts children who are 16 years and older.

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
Request a Quote

Route

Tour route map
country Namibia
Start Windhoek (Day 1)
Day 1-2 Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes)
Day 3-4 Swakopmund (City)
Day 5-6 Damaraland
Day 7-8 Western Etosha NP
End Windhoek (City) (Day 9)

Tour Features

Mid-range tour

This mid-range tour uses lodges and private villas.

Shared tour

On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 7 people per vehicle.

Scheduled departures

This tour starts on fixed start dates only.

Cannot be customized

The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.

Not for single travelers

Single travelers cannot join this group tour and it requires a minimum of 2 people to run.

16
Minimum age of 16 years

The minimum age for this tour is 16 years.

Activities & Transportation

Activities: game drives & nature hikes/walks
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle & pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle & normal 4x4 vehicle
This operator can book your international flights
A transfer from and back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost

Accommodation & Meals

Dead Valley Lodge

Day 1-2

Dead Valley Lodge

Mid-range lodge near Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes)

Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 2: All Meals Included

Dead Valley LodgeDead Valley LodgeDead Valley Lodge
The Delight Swakopmund

Day 3-4

The Delight Swakopmund

Mid-range hotel in Swakopmund (City) – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

The Delight SwakopmundThe Delight SwakopmundThe Delight Swakopmund
Camp Kipwe

Day 5-6

Camp Kipwe

Mid-range lodge inside Damaraland – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Camp KipweCamp KipweCamp Kipwe
Safari House

Day 7-8

Safari House

Luxury private villa just outside Etosha NP – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Safari HouseSafari House

Day 9

End of tour

No accommodation

(No accommodation)

Breakfast & Lunch Included

Day By Day

Tour step

Arrival

A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

From Windhoek to the Dunes

Day 1

From Windhoek to the Dunes

This morning, your guide will collect you from your Windhoek accommodation. You'll travel southwest through the rolling Khomas Hochland and descend the striking Great Escarpment into the vast Namib Desert. You'll stop en route for a scenic picnic lunch before reaching Dead Valley Lodge, set within the heart of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. You'll settle in and, time permitting, enjoy a visit to Sesriem Canyon or climb Elim Dune—or simply relax and soak up the lodge’s desert serenity. The tour starts early morning: we recommend a pre-night in Windhoek, contact us for options. Mid-range lodge located near Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinks not included

Destination: Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) Stay: Dead Valley Lodge Mid-range lodge located near Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) Meals: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinks not included
Sossusvlei Dunes

Day 2

Sossusvlei Dunes

You'll rise early for a soul-stirring morning among the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, entering the park gates before sunrise for perfect photographic light. You'll discover how life survives in this ancient desert, from fascinating flora to adapted creatures. After exploring, you'll enjoy a peaceful picnic beneath a camel thorn tree before returning to the lodge for a late lunch and a restful afternoon, or choose to venture out again with your guide. Mid-range lodge located near Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) Stay: Dead Valley Lodge Mid-range lodge located near Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Drive to the Coast

Day 3

Drive to the Coast

You'll journey northwest through spectacular desert scenery and dramatic canyons, crossing the Gaub and Kuiseb passes en route to the Atlantic coast. You'll reach Swakopmund, a charming town with German-colonial character, where you can stroll along the waterfront and take in the fresh sea air. You'll enjoy dinner at a favourite local restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and welcoming atmosphere. Mid-range hotel located in Swakopmund (City) All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Swakopmund (City) Stay: The Delight Swakopmund Mid-range hotel located in Swakopmund (City) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Coastal Adventure

Day 4

Coastal Adventure

You'll head south to Walvis Bay for a kayaking adventure at Pelican Point. You can choose to battle or take part in a boat trip. You'll paddle among inquisitive Cape fur seals and watch for dolphins, pelicans, and flamingos as you glide along the calm lagoon waters. Afterward, you'll enjoy time at the waterfront or return to Swakopmund for an afternoon at leisure, either relaxing at The Delight or exploring the town’s shops and cafés. Your meals are included today. Your guide will guide you as per the group's requests. Mid-range hotel located in Swakopmund (City) All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Swakopmund (City) Stay: The Delight Swakopmund Mid-range hotel located in Swakopmund (City) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Damaraland Wonders

Day 5

Damaraland Wonders

Today’s journey takes you northeast into the wild and remote landscapes of Damaraland. You'll pass Namibia’s highest peak, the Brandberg, and travel through starkly beautiful terrain defined by dramatic geology and wide-open skies. If time allows, you'll visit the nearby UNESCO-listed Twyfelfontein rock engravings this afternoon, or look forward to exploring them tomorrow. Mid-range lodge located inside Damaraland All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Damaraland Stay: Camp Kipwe Mid-range lodge located inside Damaraland Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Damaraland Wildlife

Day 6

Damaraland Wildlife

You'll set out on an exciting 4x4 safari through the ephemeral riverbeds of Damaraland in search of elusive desert-adapted elephants. With luck, you may encounter these incredible giants alongside a giraffe or even a black rhino. You'll enjoy a picnic under the shade of a towering Ana tree or return to camp for lunch. You'll explore Twyfelfontein if you didn’t visit yesterday, or unwind with a peaceful walk or sundowner in this extraordinary wilderness. Mid-range lodge located inside Damaraland All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Damaraland Stay: Camp Kipwe Mid-range lodge located inside Damaraland Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Etosha's Wildlife

Day 7

Etosha's Wildlife

After breakfast, you will continue north toward the legendary Etosha National Park, entering via Anderson’s Gate. You'll stop for a picnic lunch and enjoy wildlife viewing at waterholes along the way. In the late afternoon, you'll arrive at Safari House on the Etosha Heights Private Reserve, your base for the next two nights. Luxury private villa located just outside Etosha NP All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Destination: Western Etosha National Park Stay: Safari House Luxury private villa located just outside Etosha NP Meals: All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Etosha Heights Wildlife

Day 8

Etosha Heights Wildlife

You'll enjoy a morning game drive in an open vehicle across Etosha Heights’ private wilderness, home to lion, elephant, and a variety of plains game and birdlife. You'll return to the lodge for a relaxing lunch and perhaps a dip in the pool, before heading out on another game drive in the golden light of late afternoon. Luxury private villa located just outside Etosha NP All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Destination: Western Etosha National Park Stay: Safari House Luxury private villa located just outside Etosha NP Meals: All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Drive to Windhoek

Day 9

Drive to Windhoek

After an early breakfast, you'll depart Etosha and journey south through changing landscapes and charming towns toward Windhoek. You'll enjoy a final lunch en route, with arrival in Windhoek by mid-afternoon. You’ll be transferred to your hotel or to the international airport (please ensure flights depart after 7:00 pm, or book an additional night in Windhoek if required). 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. A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.

Included

Park fees (For non-residents)

All activities (Unless labeled as optional)

All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)

A professional driver/guide

All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)

All Taxes/VAT

Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Excluded

International flights (From/to home)

Roundtrip airport transfer

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

Getting There

This tour starts and ends in Windhoek
This operator can book your international flights
Fly to/from Hosea Kutako Airport (WDH - Check price) near Windhoek
A transfer from and back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Discover Africa Safaris
Discover Africa Safaris logo

Offered by

Discover Africa Safaris

5.0 operator rating 582 reviews

At Discover Africa, we are passionate about Africa! We partner with lodges and operators that are committed to conservation and community upliftment, ensuring your trip contributes to protecting Africa's wildlife and supporting local communities. At Discover Africa, we offer expert guidance to refine every detail of your journey to create one that feels just right for you. Our team is always ready to assist you before during and after your safari, so you can relax and enjoy every moment

Office In

South Africa

Size

20-50 employees (Founded in 2002)

Member Of

ATTA, SATSA & IGLTA

Tour Types

Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day

Destinations

Botswana, Congo (Brazzaville), Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Traveler feedback

Reviews

5.00 average

Overall

5.0/5

Communication

5.0/5

Accuracy

5.0/5

Value

5.0/5

Safety clarity

5.0/5

Cultural value

5.0/5
Verified

Susan is efficient and set up a great tour package for us.

My daughter who is 27 and I (her mom)have been dreaming of this trip for a few years. It was everything we wanted July seemed to be the best month to visit South Africa. Weather is comfortable, better opportunity for seeing the wildlife , no mosquitos or bugs due to it being winter at that time. Our trip started in Cape Town which was beautiful. We stayed at the Victoria and Alfred for 4 nights. Service and food there was really good. Lots to do in CT. Then we went to the Kambuka River Sands private nature reserve for 4 nights. We rated it 10. Everything about it was great. We then went to Sabi Sabi little Bush reserve for 2 nights. It was great as well. We saw all the animals we wanted to see except for the cheetahs. We also saw lion cubs and baby elephants. End of trip was Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe for 3 nights at the Shongwe Oasis. All transfers and domestic flights were pretty much on time. Service was great everywhere. Definitely got your money’s worth.

Inside our room at Kambaku
Family of elephants walking by our lodge in Kambaku
Morning trek at Kambuka watching sun rise
Inside lodge at Sabi Sabi Sands

Laura W · Canada

Verified

She made my dream come true

Was the Safari of lifetime. We spended one week between Zimbabwe for the Victoria Falls and Botswana. Amazing. The river cruse in the Zambezi river is a dream. We saw also Chobe national park and the Delta of Okavongo: a dream. Everything was well organized. The transfer/The Lodge/the Game drive. Chrizaan was super. She provide us the best organization and also assistence during the trip.

Gaia · Italy

Verified

Nailed the brief

We had been thinking about a Southern Africa safari trip for a few years and had some valuable input from Zimbabwean friends who had been on tour many times. So we had a general idea of when and where, but needed guidance on the finer details and options, as well as someone to put it all together once we’d agreed on an itinerary (South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana). This was possibly going to be our one and only trip of this type so we wanted to get it right! I saw an ad for a tour similar to what I had in mind so contacted Discover Africa (DA). Devryn was able to clearly outline his preferences that would meet the brief. He suggested the order of travel, how long at each place, what type of accommodation (generally getting better as we progressed), how to get from A to B etc, via several email conversations. We had a Zoom meeting with him before finalising the plan, where we were able to ask further questions which he was able to answer confidently and competently given he had been to these places himself. We felt confident enough with his recommendations to lock it in, 12 months ahead of the trip. Naturally, you anticipate some things will go wrong on tour eg a missed connection, guide not turning up, accommodation not as described, and we were mentally prepared for that. However every connection was made on time and the accommodation exceeded our high expectations! The Safari experience itself (which Devryn obviously couldn’t guarantee) was superb. The guides from the lodges we used were experienced, informative, respectful of the animals, considerate of what we had and hadn’t seen previously and so every day (twice a day!) was another trip into the unknown. Everyone hopes to see the Big 5, which we did early on. After that it was a matter of literally sitting back in the jeep and seeing what would turn up. The birdlife was better than I expected (lilac-breasted roller was a favourite), and seeing small animals like mongooses (4 different species), a chameleon and steenbok were unexpected highlights. The food was varied at the various lodges with usually a buffet of 3 main courses of western style cuisine (although I ate wildebeest, crocodile, kudu and springbok when it was offered). We finished off with 3 nights in Cape Town to let the Safari experience sink in, which was a very good move. So in summary, we did some initial research, worked out a plan with Devryn, and he nailed the brief. We’ll never know if it could have been even better, but I seriously doubt it.

Wild dog and pups
Lilac breasted roller
Lions and ex- buffalo
Leopard

Garry · Australia

Verified

Very well organized and great tour itinerary

I was in a group of 8 other travelers that we were very well suited to each other. Everyone including the guide was knowledgeable and very interested in all aspects of the tour. The tour guide was also the driver and had very pertinent knowledge of the areas we went to. The itinerary was fairly well paced. Most days we were at our hotel by mid-afternoon. The lodge accommodations were unique and quite rustic in some cases. Staff at those accommodations were very dedicated and pleasant.

Bernice · Canada

Practical answers

Tour FAQs

8 answers

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 South African Rand (ZAR).

Can children join this tour?

This tour accepts children who are 16 years and older.

Can the itinerary be customized?

The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.

Where do travelers stay during this tour?

Dead Valley Lodge - Mid-range lodge near Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes). Meals: Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 2: All Meals 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 can be arranged for an extra cost

How does the quote request work?

We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators () Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly

Operator policy

Terms and Conditions

Booking terms

Disclaimer

This tour is offered by Discover Africa Safaris, not SafariBookings.

This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.

This group tour requires a minimum of 2 people to run.

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.

This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Discover Africa Safaris.

Keep comparing

Similar Tours

View more
15-Day Windhoek to Victoria Falls

Damaraland

Botswana · 15-Day

Safaris & Nature 5.0

15-Day Windhoek to Victoria Falls

Damaraland, Botswana · 15-Day · Africa Zim Travel & Tours

Duration15-Day From$6,105 pp (USD) ModeQuote
Custom quote route Verified provider Cultural notes

From

$6,105 pp (USD)

13-Day Highlights of Namibia Tour

Damaraland

Namibia · 13-Day

Beach & Island 5.0

13-Day Highlights of Namibia Tour

Damaraland, Namibia · 13-Day · Wayfairer Travel

Duration13-Day From$9,599 to $9,899 pp (USD) ModeQuote
Custom quote route Verified provider Cultural notes

From

$9,599 to $9,899 pp (USD)

From

$5,523.61