9 Day Namibia Adventure

Windhoek Airport - Windhoek

Day 1: Welcome to Namibia!

Welcome to Windhoek!

Upon arrival at Windhoek International Airport, you will be met by a representative of the car rental company who will take you to pick up your 4x4 vehicle and the required travel documents. Climb in and get comfortable behind the wheel, your self-drive journey has begun!

Start by heading to your hotel in Windhoek, Namibia's capital city. About 40 km west of the airport, Windhoek is a charming city with several examples of typical German colonial architecture. Some of the highlights include the Tintenpalast, the Christuskirche, and the Alte Feste, a former fort, which now houses a history museum.

Windhoek - Rehoboth - Sossusvlei

Day 2: Journey to the Namib Desert

Your first morning in Namibia begins with breakfast at your hotel followed by a drive to the spectacular Namib Desert. Known as Namibia's "Dune Wonderland," this dazzling landscape is one of the oldest deserts in the world, dating back at least 80 million years.

A vast expanse of golden sand, this iconic landscape extends south to South Africa and north to Angola, crossing two rivers. But the largest portion of the Namib Desert lies within Namibia, hugging the coast of the Atlantic Ocean for nearly 1,500 km.

Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Sesriem - Sossusvlei - Namib Desert

Day 3: Explore Namibia's Dazzling Terrain

One of Africa's most unique landscapes is on the agenda for today. You will set out early this morning for a visit to Sossusvlei, in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. One of Namibia's most spectacular sites, the area features towering sand dunes that reach heights of 300 meters.

Shades of orange and apricot sweep across their undulating curves. At the center of this magnificent terrain lies an immense salt flat. Later, you can venture to Sesriem Canyon, where centuries of erosion have created a narrow gorge about 1km in length.

Deep pools of water fill the gorge, which plunges to a depth of 40 meters. Return to your lodge to enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.

Namib Desert - Walvisbay - Swakopmund

Day 4: Cross the Desert to the Sea

After breakfast this morning, you will check out of your hotel and begin the journey to Swakopmund on the Atlantic Coast. En route, you will encounter several intriguing sights. The first stop is Solitaire, a small settlement situated in the middle of the Namib Desert.

Here you will find a gas station, post office, general store, and a restaurant renowned for its apple pie. The drive continues to Walvis Bay, Namibia's largest harbor city, and fastest growing holiday resort area. Here, a wide lagoon attracts a diverse array of birds, including flamingos and rare white pelicans.

In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Swakopmund. Here you can check in to your hotel and enjoy the distinctive German colonial atmosphere of this seaside town. 

Swakopmund

Day 5: Cruise Across a Stunning Lagoon

Today's itinerary is wide open. Spend the day doing exactly what you want to do. Swakopmund offers a variety of activities which can be booked upon arrival.

One option is a 3-hour boat cruise in the lagoon of Walvis Bay. As you venture across this calm waters, keep an eye out for pelicans and flamingos. 

Dolphins and seals may even swim up alongside the boat, and a seal or two may even jump up inside the boat to be fed. Lunch with snacks, oysters, and champagne will be served in the lagoon.

Swakopmund - Omaruru - Etosha Region

Day 6: Drive North Past Historical Settlements

Today you will drive to the north of Namibia, stopping along the way at little towns like Usakos. This sun-baked village lies near the Trekkopje Battlefield, a historic site where one of the most important battles of the 1915 campaign involving South Africa and German forces took place.

Later, you can visit Omaruru. Established by a Swedish traveler and hunter in 1870, Omaruru became the headquarters of his trading ventures as well as a mission station. Today, the mission house is the oldest house in the town and is home to a local history museum.

Continue your drive to Toshari Lodge, which lies at the doorstep of Etosha National Park. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of your African safari hotel.

Etosha Nationalpark

Day 7: Embark on an African Safari

Wake up early this morning! Today you will see an exquisite variety of wildlife in their natural habitat, the African savannah. You may take your own car into the park, or book an open vehicle game drive at the lodge. 

Consisting of 22,270 square-kilometers of saline desert, savannah, and woodlands, Etosha National Park is one of the largest parks in Africa. It offers a magical experience, witnessing vast herds of game within an eerie, arid setting.

A total of about 114 mammal species are found in the park, including several rare and endangered animals such as black rhino and black-faced impala. Many bird species also build their nests here, including the European bee-eater and several types of waders.

Before sunset, head back to the lodge to relax for the rest of the evening.

Etosha - Otjiwarongo - Okahandja Region

Day 8: Witness Wildlife in their Natural Habitat

Today's adventure brings you south, through the towns of Outjo and Otjiwarongo as you make your way to your last stop on this awe-inspiring tour. Depending on the tour level you booked, you will drive to the Okapuka Ranch or the Erindi Game Reserve. 

After checking in and freshening up, you can book an open vehicle game drive and continue your exploration of the diverse wildlife of this Namibian wonderland.

Witness the wealth of mammals that reside here such as giraffes, zebras, antelope, and rhinoceroses. Depending on availability, you may have the opportunity to see a lion feeding.

Departure - Windhoek International Airport

Day 9: So Long, Namibia!

Enjoy your last morning in Namibia with a leisurely breakfast, and soak up the extraordinary setting of the African savannah.

At the appointed time, you will return your car to the rental car company. You will receive a transfer to Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek to catch your onward flight.

Safe travels, and visit again soon!