Duration
12-Day
Accra, Namibia
12-Day Namib Desert & Wildlife Explorer Self-Drive
Overview
This self-drive journey offers an exploration of Namibia's most iconic landscapes, beginning in Windhoek before heading south to the red dunes of Sossusvlei for two tranquil nights. You'll then enjoy coastal charm in Swakopmund, followed by the dramatic granite peaks of Spitzkoppe and the rugged beauty of Damaraland. The adventure continues with exceptional wildlife encounters during three nights in Etosha National Park. The trip winds down with a stay at Cheetah View Lodge.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Windhoek to Windhoek
Via Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes), Swakopmund (City), Spitzkoppe (Damaraland)
Country & park
Namibia
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
1 years
Activities
game drives
Accommodation
Villa Violet Guesthouse - Mid-range guest house in Windhoek (City) – Breakfast Included
Meals
Breakfast Included; Breakfast & Dinner Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
NAD
Rates
Rates Per Person
NAD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Dec 1, 2025 - Jun 30, 2026
N$46,753 NAD
N$31,848 NAD
Jul 1, 2026 - Nov 30, 2026
N$48,733 NAD
N$33,553 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.
Rates include a local payment in US dollars (USD). This means that part of the rate must be paid upfront in NAD and part on location in USD. Move your mouse over a rate to see the local payment.
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 2-3
Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes)
Day 4-5
Swakopmund (City)
Day 6
Spitzkoppe (Damaraland)
Day 7
Twyfelfontein (Rock Art)
Day 8
Western Etosha NP
Day 9-10
Eastern Etosha NP
Day 11
Cheetah Conservation Fund (Otjiwarongo)
Day 12
Hosea Kutako Airport (Windhoek)
End
Windhoek (Day 12)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses lodges and tented camps.
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: 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
Villa Violet Guesthouse
Mid-range guest house in Windhoek (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2-3
Desert Quiver Camp
Mid-range self catering accommodation less than 1hr drive from Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 4-5
The Alternative Space Bed and Breakfast
Budget guest house in Swakopmund (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 6
Spitzkoppe Tented Camp
Budget tented camp on Spitzkoppe (Damaraland) – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 7
Madisa Camp
Mid-range tented camp inside Damaraland – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 8
Okaukuejo Resort
Mid-range chalet inside Etosha NP – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 9-10
Mushara Bush Camp
Mid-range tented camp just outside Etosha NP – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 11
Cheetah View Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Cheetah Conservation Fund (Otjiwarongo) – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 12
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
Arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport - Windhoek
On arrival at Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport, proceed through immigration and customs, collect your luggage and enter the arrivals hall. A representative of your car rental supplier will be waiting for you - please look for a signboard with your name on it. The remainder of the afternoon/evening is at leisure. You might want to spend some time exploring our small but attractive capital. Windhoek city centre is quite compact. Most attractions are within easy walking distance of each other. You might want to visit the historic parliament buildings and wander through the Independence Museum to learn more about the history of Namibia. Next door to this very modern structure is one of the oldest buildings in Windhoek, the Alte Feste (old fort). Mid-range guest house located in Windhoek (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Windhoek (City) Stay: Villa Violet Guesthouse Mid-range guest house located in Windhoek (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 2
Windhoek - Desert Quiver Camp - Sossusvlei
After a hearty breakfast, you begin your journey to the Namib Desert. We recommend stocking up on some essentials before leaving town. Always carry water and snacks (fresh and dried fruit, nuts, biscuits and maybe try our biltong and droewors) in your vehicle as distances can be long and facilities few and far between. It's a fairly long drive of 4 to 5 hours, depending on which route you take. We suggest the Spreetshoogte Pass. With gradients between 1:4 and 1:6, it is the steepest pass in Namibia, as well as the one with the biggest elevation difference, descending almost 1,000 metres over 4 kilometres. It offers spectacular views down the escarpment to the desert plains below. Continue via the small settlement of Solitaire and on to your overnight stop on the edge of the Namib dune sea. Mid-range self catering accommodation located less than 1hr drive from Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) Stay: Desert Quiver Camp Mid-range self catering accommodation located less than 1hr drive from Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 3
Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
Wake up early and leave your lodge, heading to the Sesriem entrance gate of Namib-Naukluft National 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 4 kilometres 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 self catering accommodation located less than 1hr drive from Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) Stay: Desert Quiver Camp Mid-range self catering accommodation located less than 1hr drive from Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 4
Desert Quiver Camp - Swakopmund
A fairly long but interesting drive awaits 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 (the bakery here is pretty good). 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. Budget guest house located in Swakopmund (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Swakopmund (City) Stay: The Alternative Space Bed and Breakfast Budget guest house located in Swakopmund (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 5
Swakopmund
You have a full day to relax and explore this quaint desert town. Swakopmund has made a name for itself as the activity centre 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, and quad biking. The list is long. We can advise you on some excellent excursions to pre-book. Budget guest house located in Swakopmund (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Swakopmund (City) Stay: The Alternative Space Bed and Breakfast Budget guest house located in Swakopmund (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 6
Swakopmund - Spitzkoppe
Departing Swakopmund, you take the B2 west towards Arandis, Usakos and Karibib. This road can be fairly busy with lorries en route to/from the port at Walvis Bay. Before Usakos, you will see the Spitzkoppe rising above the desert plains to the north of the road. The Spitzkoppe, often referred to as the "Matterhorn of Namibia", is a huge granite inselberg which rises to approximately 1,728 metres above sea level. Explore the famous Spitzkoppe Arch, relax in the shade of giant boulders, or visit ancient San rock art sites with a local guide. The heat makes this a slower part of the day — great for scenic drives or enjoying a picnic surrounded by desert views. Budget tented camp located on Spitzkoppe (Damaraland) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Spitzkoppe (Damaraland) Stay: Spitzkoppe Tented Camp Budget tented camp located on Spitzkoppe (Damaraland) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 7
Spitzkoppe - Twyfelfontein
A drive from Spitzkoppe to Twyfelfontein takes you through some of Namibia’s most striking desert and Damaraland scenery. Leaving the granite peaks of Spitzkoppe behind, the route follows wide gravel roads past open plains, dry riverbeds, and clusters of dramatic inselbergs. Small Herero and Damara settlements appear along the way, and mountain ranges rise and fall on the horizon as the landscape becomes increasingly rugged. Approaching Twyfelfontein, the scenery shifts to deep rust-coloured sandstone, basalt formations, and the iconic rocky valleys that define this UNESCO World Heritage area. It’s a quiet, beautiful drive full of big skies and geological contrasts. Mid-range tented camp located inside Damaraland Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Twyfelfontein (Rock Art) Stay: Madisa Camp Mid-range tented camp located inside Damaraland Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 8
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: Western 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
You have a full day for game viewing in Etosha today as you cross the park from south to east. As the crow flies, it is a distance of 200 kilometres; however, this journey will take most of the day as you will be game viewing en route. The park speed limit is 40 kilometres per hour, but at times you will be driving even slower as you search for game. The park gates are open from sunrise to sunset. Plan your day to allow enough time to exit the park at least one hour before sunset, so that you can settle in at Mushara Bush Camp before it gets dark. It is easy to lose track of time in the park; be aware of how far you have to go. Mid-range tented camp located just outside Etosha NP Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Eastern Etosha National Park Stay: Mushara Bush Camp Mid-range tented camp located just outside Etosha NP Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 10
Etosha National Park
Undoubtedly one of the great parks of Africa, Etosha covers more than 22,300 square kilometres and is synonymous with big game and wide open spaces. The name Etosha means “great white place”, referring to the massive (130-kilometre-long and 50-kilometre-wide) dry saline pan in the middle of the park, believed to have been formed over 100 million years ago. Etosha is home to a staggering amount of wildlife, both common and rare, including several threatened and endangered species. The mammal list is at over 110 species, including 4 of Africa’s Big Five, cheetah, giraffe, spotted hyena, zebra, greater kudu, springbok, gemsbok/oryx (Namibia’s national animal), warthog, honey badger and many more. Etosha also has a bird list of more than 350 species. The park is also home to smaller mammals like banded and yellow mongoose, scrub hare and springhare, as well as rare ones like pangolin, aardvark, aardwolf and Cape porcupine. Mid-range tented camp located just outside Etosha NP Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Eastern Etosha National Park Stay: Mushara Bush Camp Mid-range tented camp located just outside Etosha NP Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 11
Mushara Bush Camp - Cheetah Conservation Fund
Sadly, it's time to bid farewell to Etosha and begin your journey back towards Windhoek. Heading south, you travel via the mining town of Tsumeb. Apart from copper, the mine is world-renowned for the quality and variety of mineral specimens that it has produced. Mined for a century, the Tsumeb mine has produced over 240 minerals. Many of the minerals discovered here have never been found anywhere else. Continuing south, you meander through the beautiful hills between Tsumeb and Otavi. Continue south to Otjiwarongo, a much larger farming town appropriately named "the place of fat cows". Tonight you stay at the Cheetah Conservation Fund, a world-renowned conservation, research, education and rehabilitation centre. Namibia has the largest population of cheetah in the world, many of which live on farmlands and not in our national parks. You have the opportunity to join several cheetah-based activities like the cheetah drive and the cheetah run. Mid-range lodge located in Cheetah Conservation Fund (Otjiwarongo) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Cheetah Conservation Foundation (Otjiwarongo) Stay: Cheetah View Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Cheetah Conservation Fund (Otjiwarongo) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 12
CCF - Windhoek International Airport
It's time to meander back to the main road through the reserve. It is an easy 3 to 4-hour drive back to the city on good tar roads. One must just re-adjust to the faster-paced city traffic as you get closer to Windhoek. You will need to drop your vehicle off at Windhoek International Airport. Thank you for booking with us. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek) 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.
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?
Villa Violet Guesthouse - Mid-range guest house in Windhoek (City) – Breakfast Included. Meals: Breakfast 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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