Highlights of Namibia

We begin our holiday as we travel to Windhoek, Namibia.

Welcome to Windhoek! Let’s meet our guide/driver—now our holiday truly begins. We’re heading to Otjiwa, a scenic 260km drive (about 3.5 hours) in our overland safari truck, one of the best ways to take in Namibia’s rugged and stunning landscapes. So, let’s sit back, relax, and enjoy the changing scenery as we go! 

We have arrived. 

Let’s settle in and unwind for the evening and savour the sounds of Africa as we soak up our first evening in Namibia.

Join us for dinner! Dinner is included tonight, and breakfast is included for each day of our stay in Namibia.

Please note holiday groups may be made up of single travellers and larger parties travelling together.

• This tour is operated by an overland Safari truck, designed for off road experience, while on tour. The roads in Namibia can often be rough and bumpy, and the robust safari truck is an ideal way to travel in this unique terrain, through the national parks, where it is more difficult for coaches to go and for optimal game viewing.
• Air-conditioning is very rare in Safari trucks in Namibia, it is mostly a dry climate; opening windows can help, however there may be heat and dust due to the desert environment.
• There will be stops for comfort breaks, and some days can be long with early starts, especially for safari experiences. The truck is small and depending on its size can fit 8 or 15 people max, offering a better safari experience through the vistas and changing contrasts that makes Namibia unique.

We begin the day with a relaxed breakfast before setting off for our first wildlife encounter at the AfriCat Foundation in Okonjima. This remarkable centre is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating carnivores, giving them a second chance to thrive in the wild. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see big cats up close! After this unforgettable experience, we’ll enjoy lunch (included) before returning to the hotel.

Let’s see more! We’re setting off on a two-hour safari drive through a private game reserve in an open truck, passing water dams that serve as natural bird habitats. Along the way, we’ll be on the lookout for white rhinos, giraffes, and other incredible wildlife.

Otjiwa Safari Lodge, one of Namibia’s oldest game farms, is home to around 25 species—including the magnificent white rhino. Keep your eyes peeled—you never know what amazing creatures we might encounter!

After an exciting day, take the evening to relax and soak up the magic of the African wilderness.

Dinner is included tonight.

This morning, we pack up and set off on our next journey. Get comfortable in our safari truck as we travel towards Etosha National Park—one of Africa’s largest savannah conservation areas, covering an astonishing 22,270 km², even larger than Kruger National Park in South Africa!

Etosha is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise, home to elephants, black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the vast Etosha salt pan—so large it can be seen from space!

Our scenic drive takes around four hours (321km), so sit back, relax, and soak up Namibia’s breathtaking landscapes. Keep your eyes peeled—there’s always something incredible to spot along the way!

On arrival, we settle into our new hotel for the evening. Take a moment to unwind, embrace Namibia’s unique charm, and enjoy your surroundings.

Lunch and dinner are included today.

Join us for an unforgettable day as we journey to South Etosha, enjoying a safari en route in search of free-roaming wildlife. The drive takes around four hours (approximately 300km, depending on the route), giving us plenty of opportunities to explore near waterholes, where animals often gather—especially during the dry season.

Bird enthusiasts are in for a treat, with over 340 species recorded in Etosha National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, lions, giraffes, and the elusive leopard, perfectly camouflaged within the landscape. We may also spot black rhinos—Namibia boasts one of the highest concentrations in the world—as well as free-roaming cheetahs.

Cameras at the ready! There’s nothing quite like the excitement of scanning the horizon, waiting for that perfect wildlife moment. Along the way, we’ll pause for a simple lunch (included) with a stop in the park.

After our exhilarating drive we arrive at our new hotel. Check in and enjoy free time at leisure, relax and unwind after an adventurous day.

Dinner is included tonight

Today, we embark on a half-day guided game drive, exploring the breathtaking beauty of this remarkable landscape. From vast open grasslands to towering camel thorn and Mopani trees, Etosha offers one of Africa’s most spectacular safari experiences. The park’s diverse vegetation supports an abundance of wildlife, making every moment truly unforgettable.

Sit back, soak it all in, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the wild. Lunch is included today.

After the excitement of your safari, take time to relax and enjoy your African surroundings.

Dinner is included tonight

This morning, we say goodbye to Etosha National Park and fall in love with the new landscapes on our way to Damaraland. Our journey takes just over four hours (around 300km), with a stop along the way to stretch our legs and enjoy lunch (included).

We arrive in the afternoon, check into our new hotel, and take the rest of the day to relax. This evening, we come together to enjoy dinner (included).

This morning, enjoy a relaxing breakfast and a sleep in.

For those who want to see more, there is the possibility to book an optional excursion (depending on availability) to the Rock Engravings of the San Bushmen including the Burnt Mountain and the Organ pipes (very similar to the Giants causeway). The rock engravings depict animals and their spoor more than human images. 

Please ask the guide for assistance and information on booking this locally, subject to availability.

After a leisurely morning, we enjoy lunch at the lodge before heading out on our safari excursion. Next, we visit the Damara Living Museum, where you can experience a traditional way of life firsthand—watch a blacksmith craft weapons and tools, see leather being tanned for traditional clothing, admire beautifully handcrafted jewellery, and enjoy dancing, singing, and traditional games.

Then, we venture out in search of the elusive Desert Elephant—found only in Namibia and Mali. These magnificent animals have uniquely adapted to their dry, semi-desert habitat with a smaller body mass, longer legs, and larger feet than other elephants. They are a top conservation priority for the International Union for Conservation of Nature, making every sighting truly special. Keep your eyes peeled and cameras at the ready!

After an exciting day, we return to our hotel to relax and recharge. Lunch and dinner are included today.

We bid farewell to Damaraland and set off towards our next destination, Swakopmund. It’s a full-day journey—435km, taking around five and a half hours—so sit back, relax, and take in the ever-changing scenery. From rugged mountains to the dry veld, the landscapes are stunning as we make our way to Cape Cross.

Here, we stop for lunch (included) and visit one of the world’s largest fur seal colonies, where thousands of seals can be seen from the walkway—a truly unforgettable sight.

Afterwards, we continue to Swakopmund, one of Namibia’s top tourist destinations. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert, this charming coastal town was founded by German settlers in the late 1800s. With its historic buildings, landmarks, and museums, there’s plenty to discover in your free time.

We arrive in the evening, check in, and unwind for the night.

This morning, we have time to explore Swakopmund at our own pace. Take a leisurely stroll to the jetty, enjoy the views from the pier, and soak up the town’s unique coastal atmosphere. Browse local markets and souvenir shops, or admire Swakopmund’s charming German colonial architecture, fascinating museums, and cosy cafés. Whether you choose to unwind by the ocean or delve into the town’s rich history, there’s plenty to see and do!

There may be the possibility to join in some optional tours sold locally:

See more, with a three-hour optional Living Desert tour which takes place just outside Swakopmund in the coastal dune belt.  Learn about some of the life forms that are not always so easy to spot with the naked eye; from Track Palmato Geckos, sand diving lizards, fog basking beetles, Chameleons, snakes, and spiders, during this three-hour exploration. End the tour with a short dune drive.  Our guide will be happy to provide additional details and help book this optional excursion locally, subject to availability.

Please note - Swakopmund is known for various adventurous excursions. These excursions are not pre bookable with Travel Department and our guides will not be selling these excursions locally.

Discover more of Swakopmund with a guided tour of Mondesa township. Meet local people, learn about their community projects, and gain insight into daily life in the township. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience Namibia’s rich cultural diversity and hear stories from the many different tribes that have shaped the country’s unique traditions and heritage.

Let’s see more of Namibia’s breathtaking landscapes as we say goodbye to Swakopmund and set off towards the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei. Located in the heart of Namib-Naukluft Park, this extraordinary landscape is home to some of the world’s tallest sand dunes, creating an incredible sense of isolation and tranquillity.

As we travel, watch the dunes grow taller and redder, a striking contrast against the vast desert plains. Today’s journey covers 364km and takes around five and a half hours, offering endless opportunities to take in Namibia’s stunning scenery. From bustling towns and open veld to rugged mountains and towering dunes meeting the Atlantic Ocean, the dramatic shifts in landscape are simply mesmerising.

Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, including the majestic oryx, Namibia’s national symbol. We’ll stop for lunch (included) in the quirky desert outpost of Solitaire, a fascinating spot filled with old trucks, vintage petrol pumps, and classic Namibian charm. And of course, don’t miss the chance to try their famous apple pie

We arrive in the evening and settle into our new surroundings, taking in the raw beauty of the desert. Tomorrow, we have an early start for more adventure—let’s see what awaits!

Dinner is included

Let’s see more of this incredible country—and fall in love with its breathtaking landscapes! We set off early this morning for a guided excursion into Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, making the most of the cooler temperatures before the midday heat. Arriving in time for sunrise, we’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture stunning photos as the golden light transforms the landscape.

Deadvlei is truly awe-inspiring, with its striking contrast of deep orange dunes, cracked white salt pan, and 900-year-old Camelthorn trees—one of Namibia’s most iconic sights! It’s impossible not to fall in love with this otherworldly scenery.

For those up for a challenge, there’s the option to climb Big Daddy, the highest dune in the area at 325 metres. It’s a tough ascent, but the reward is an unforgettable panoramic view over Deadvlei. If climbing isn’t for you, simply take your time exploring and soaking in the raw beauty of this extraordinary landscape

After this morning’s early morning start to see the sunrise, we depart the Deadvlei in time for a well-deserved lunch (included).

The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy our surroundings.

Dinner is included this evening

This morning, we begin our journey back to Windhoek.

Sit back, relax, and soak up the final glimpses of Namibia’s ever-changing landscapes on this scenic drive of around five and a half hours (339km). From vast open plains to rugged mountains, it’s one last chance to take in the beauty of this remarkable country.

We’ll stop along the way to stretch our legs and enjoy lunch (included) before continuing to our hotel in Windhoek, arriving in the evening just in time for dinner (also included).

As our unforgettable journey through Namibia comes to an end, we depart from our hotel in Windhoek and make our way to the airport for our return flights home. We say goodbye to our guide/driver, taking with us incredible memories of breathtaking landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and the special moments shared along the way.