Namibia

Khomas

Kunene

Karas

Hardap

Erongo

Hosea Kutako International Airport, Namibia

Meet and greet your booked transfers upon arrival at the Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek. Proceed to your hotel for check-in. Depending on your arrival time, you can also leave your luggage in the concierge to explore the city or the vicinity of your hotel.

Christuskirche

Start your short city tour of Namibia by visiting Christuskirche, a historic landmark and Lutheran Church in Namibia. Aside from appreciating its unique architecture, believers should not forget to give thanks, ask for guidance, and pray for a safe road trip to Namibia.

Independence Museum

Around 150 meters from the Christuskirche is the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.museums.com.na/museums/windhoek/independence-museum">Independence Memorial Museum</a>. It is Namibia's central repository of material and memorabilia related to Namibia’s anti-colonial resistance and the armed liberation struggle.

National Museum of Namibia: Curation and Admin Building

Not far from the Christuskirche and Independence Memorial Museum is the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.museums.com.na/museums/windhoek/national-museum-of-namibia">National Museum of Namibia</a>. It is Namibia's oldest museum which features historical and zoological displays.

Explore other parts of the city, pick up some necessities, and try local cuisine before returning to your hotel.

Arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport and check in to your hotel. Take a short city tour if you still have time, or buy your necessities in preparation for your epic road trip adventures the next day. Make sure to rest early on your first night.

Arrival in Windhoek Airport

Mariental

Drive around three hours south, going to the Kalahari. Prepare your camera to capture all the scenic views along the way. Drop by your camp or lodge.

Depending on your arrival time in the Kalahari Desert, below are the possible activities you can take:<ol><li>Avail some of the activities offered by your lodge or camp.&nbsp;</li><li>Explore the Kalahari Desert on foot with or without a guide.</li><li>Take an afternoon nature drive of the Kalahari Desert.</li></ol>Take as many photos with the stunning sunset of the desert.

Start your day early. Check out from your hotel, drive south to Mariental City en route to the Kalahari Desert, and commence your safari adventures.

Drive to Kalahari  Desert

Mariental, Namibia

Go for a whole-day nature drive in the Kalahari Desert and see excellent sightings of antelope species, big cats, and incredible birdlife.&nbsp;

Spend your whole day on a nature drive in the Kalahari Desert; it is always best to do it with a local guide.&nbsp;

Kalahari Day 2 - Nature Drive

Early morning walk to the nearby San/Bushmen ethnic group village. Make sure to be back before the temperature gets so hot.The Kalahari Desert is home to the San ethnic group of Namibia. Visiting one of their villages will give you insights into the nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle of the San/Bushmen culture and their sedentary lifestyle.

Keetmanshoop

Fill your tank with gas and refill your supplies before driving three hours south to Keetmanshop City. Rest early for the night to prepare for an early start the next day.

With your guide, go for an early morning walk to a nearby village of the San ethnic group before leaving the Kalahari Desert and driving to Keetmanshop City.

Kalahari - Keetmanshop

Quiver Tree Forest

Wake up early and capture the best sunrise photo in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.quivertreeforest.com/home">Quiver Tree Forest</a>, a National Namibian Monument, and a photographer's paradise. The forest and dolerite rock formations look stunning during sunrise or sunset.&nbsp;Walk around the “giant's playground,” and hike the short tail in the Quiver Tree Forest and dolerite rock formations.

Ais-Ais

Drive to the Fish River Canyon for about an hour and a half and proceed to your camp or lodge in the Ai-Ais Hot Spring area to park your rented vehicle. Prepare your bags and necessities for an epic 5-day hike of the Fish River Canyon.

Hobas (Fish River Canyon trailhead)

Karas Region

Take a shuttle to Hobas, the trailhead for the Fish River Canyon. Bring a map of the route with you from NWR Hobas Office.&nbsp;

Start your descent to the Fish River Canyon no later than 3:00 PM. Walk further for around 4 kilometers to the first overnight spot.

Capture the best sunrise photo of the Quiver Tree Forest in the morning, and take the short trail exploring the dolerite rock formations. Start your first day of hiking the Fish River Canyon in the afternoon.Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail is the world's second-largest canyon. It takes backpackers on a journey through spectacular scenery, solitude, and wilderness of the canyon walls as high as 549 meters above the river. The trail runs between the Fish River Canyon's northernmost viewpoint in Hobas and the Ai-Ais Spa's thermal hot spring.Note:&nbsp;<ol><li>The hiking trails in the Fish River Canyon are open only from April 15 to September 15 due to extreme temperatures beyond this period.</li><li>Contact the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nwr.com.na/">Namibia Wildlife Resorts</a> or email them at <a href="mailto:ct.bookings@nwr.com.na">ct.bookings@nwr.com.na</a> at least 1-month before the hike to book a spot. Hikers are limited to only 30 people daily, and at least three people per group can hike.</li><li>Bring a medical certificate issued within the last 40 days. This trek is ideal for fit and experienced hikers.</li><li>Check out the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zRa59vb1vnOFDxAUcupqO8OI70dzDbko/view?usp=sharing">map</a> for possible shortcuts.</li><li>Check the latest water level information of the canyon, and monitor recommendations from the FB page <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2379312609/">I Hiked the Fish River Canyon</a>.</li></ol>

Quiver Tree Forest and Fish River Canyon Hike Day 1

Fish River Canyon

&nbsp;Start your walk at 7 AM and take advantage of the morning sun. Hike for at least an hour before taking a short rest for breakfast. Hike until the Sulphur Spring, rest for lunch, take a dip in the water, and wait until 3 in the afternoon (when the sun is not too hot) before continuing your walk to the next overnight spot at the 23-kilometer mark.&nbsp;Again, do not forget to top up some fresh water along the way.

Aim to reach and end your Day 2 at the 23-kilometer mark, the overnight spot area. You will pass through boulders and walk on sand. But do not forget to enjoy the adventure and dip in the Sulphur Spring.

Fish River Canyon Hike Day 2

Start your walk at 7 AM and hike for at least an hour before taking a short rest for breakfast. Continue your trek to reach the pool and overnight spot after the 40-kilometer sign by lunch. Swim and take a nap before continuing your walk at 3 PM. Hike until your next camp, aiming at the Camelthorn Rest area. Enjoy the moonlight at night. Top up water along the way.

&nbsp;Aim to end your Fish River Canyon Hike Day 3 at kilometer 50, at the Camelthorn Rest area.

Fish River Canyon Hike Day 3

Walk at 7 AM, and hike for at least an hour before taking a short rest for breakfast. Continue your walk, aiming to rest and have lunch at Pink Palace by noon. Nap and swim before walking again when the sun is bearable at 3 PM. Hike until your next camp, aiming at the kilometer 75 overnight spot. Enjoy your last night at the canyon, and do not forget to top up fresh water along the way.

Aim to end your Fish River Canyon Hike Day 4 at kilometer 75 overnight spot. Check your map, and do not miss the three significant shortcuts.

Fish River Canyon Hike Day 4

Ai Ais Resort (Fish River Canyon trail end)

Start walking at 7 AM, aiming to rest for breakfast at Bikini Beach. Resume walking, aiming to reach the end of the Fish River Canyon Trail by noon at the Ais-Ais Hot Spring. Proceed to your camp, pamper yourself, and rest.

Reach the end of the Fish River Canyon Trail at the Ais-Ais Hot Spring by noon.&nbsp;

Fish River Canyon Hike Day 5 

Sesriem, Namibia

From the Fish River Canyon, drive less than 7 hours to Sesriem. Proceed to your camp and rest for the night. Note that guests staying inside the Sesriem campsite has the advantage of entering the Namib-Naukluft National Park an hour before the main gate opening time.

The day will be spent driving to Sesriem in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nwr.com.na/namib-naukluft-park/">Namib-Naukluft National Park</a>. It is sandwiched between Namib in the east, the world's oldest desert, and the Kalahari in the west. The park is Namibia's most versatile conservation area that offers breathtaking landscapes - dunes, clay pans, rugged mountainous regions, and various birds and wildlife.

Drive to Sesriem in the Namib-Naukluft National Park 

Dune 45 Sossusvlei

Wake up early and enter the Namib-Naukluft National Park through the Sesriem entrance. Drive 45 kilometers from the entrance to reach <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sossusvlei.org/attractions/dune-45/">Dune 45</a>, climb to the top, and catch the sunrise at the peak. Do not forget to take lots of pictures!

Sossusvlei

Walk around and explore the Sossusvlei and Deadvlei clay pans. Watch out for ostrich, springbok, and gemsbok, each well adapted to live in their dry surroundings. before returning to your camp and staying overnight.

Book a hot air balloon ride during sunrise or sunset, and have a magnificent view over the endless rustic-red dunes and the clay pan of the Namib Desert.

Sesriem

Take an afternoon nature drive around the Naukluft area and spot some of the wildlife such as zebra, gemsbok, klipspringer, duiker, steenbok, leopard, baboon, jackal, fox, African wild cat, caracal, and aardwolf.Drive back to your camp before the park closing time.

Start your day early and catch the sunrise at the top of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sossusvlei.org/attractions/dune-45/">Dune 45</a>, a gigantic 5 million-year-old star-shaped dune. Explore Sossusvlei and Deadvlei clay pans, or book a Hot Air Balloon ride to catch a stunning view of the rustic-red sand and the desert. Sossusvlei is home to one of the world's tallest dunes, Dune 7 and Big Daddy.&nbsp;

Exploring the Dunes and Clay Pans in Sossusvlei and Deadvlei

Walvis Bay, Namibia

Drive 4 hours from Sossusvlei to Walvis Bay, head to the lagoon for a birding experience, and find abundant flamingoes, pelicans, and Damara terns. There are also sightings of dolphins, whales, and seals around the Pelican Point Lighthouse in Walvis Bay.

Swakopmund, Namibia

Drive to Swakopmund and spend your night in the city. Refuel, and refill your necessary supplies.

Drive from Sossusvlei to Walvis Bay Area and enjoy your birding experience before driving to Swakopmund.Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are the adventure capital of Namibia. Do not miss trying out some of their activities, like sandboarding, paragliding, skydiving, and catamaran tours for dolphin and whale watching.

Drive to Walvis Bay and Enjoy Birding Experience

Swakopmund

Drive around and take a short city tour. Visit the Swakopmund Museum, the Lighthouse and the Mole, and the jetty area (old port).&nbsp;

Book some of the adventure activities, such as sandboarding, ATV riding, paragliding/skydiving, and boating. A must-try will be dolphin and whale watching in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay areas.

Swakopmund is a coastal city facing with sandy beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean. The city is an example of German colonial architecture as seen in its landmarks - Swakopmund Lighthouse and the Mole, an old sea wall. Next to the lighthouse, the Swakopmund Museum documents Namibian history. Inland, the elegant Swakopmund Railway Station, now a hotel, also dates to the colonial era.&nbsp;Do not miss to book some of the activities this Swakopmund and Walvis Bay adventure capital offers.

Cape Cross Seal Reserve

Drive more than an hour from Swakopmund to Cape Cross Seal Reserve and see a colony of thousands of seals. Drop by the Cape Cross Seal Reserve office to secure your permit and pay the admission fees.&nbsp;Note: Do not forget to bring a face mask, as you might not like the smell.&nbsp;

Ugab River

Drive about an hour north of the Cape Cross to Skeleton Coast National Park, entering through the Ugab River, and see the numerous shipwrecks swept along the bay. The park is also a sanctuary for desert-dwelling elephants, rhinos, and lions.Note that admission fees are collected at the entrance.

Twyfelfontein, Namibia

Drive 3 hours from Skeleton Coast to Twyfelfontein. Proceed to a nearby camp and stay for the night.&nbsp;

Visit the colony of thousands of seals at the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, drive along the Skeleton Coast, and see some of the shipwreck's remains.

Cape Cross Seal Reserve & Skeleton Coast National Park

Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes

Drop by the visitor's center in Twyfelfontein and pay the admission fees. The fees include a guide who will lead you to your chosen rock art routes from among the four. Additionally, some routes are self-guided, meaning you can walk alone.

Palmwag, Namibia

Drive around an hour and a half to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://namibian.org/lodges/damaraland-north/palmwag-lodge">Palmwag Lodge and Camp</a>, the entrance to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://namibian.org/parks/namibia-parks-west/palmwag-concession">Palmwag Concession</a>. Secure your permit, and start your self-drive game and nature drives in the Palmwag Concession. The area is a habitat for black rhinos, elephants, and lions.Overnight on the nearby campsite.

Explore the 6000-year-old Rock Art in Twyfelfontein. It is a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1255/">UNESCO World Heritage Site</a>, showing rock engravings representing the incredible Namibian landscapes and wildlife. Start your self-drive game and nature safari in Palmwag Concession.

Rock Art Painting in Twyfelfontein and Game Drive at Palmwag Concession

Palmwag Concession

Continue your self-drive safari in Palmwag Concession in the morning. You can come across the largest population of desert elephants, rhinos, lions, oryx, springbok, and hundreds of bird specie. Palmwag is in northern Damaraland, close to Etosha National Park.

Otjikandero Himba Orphan Village

Book ahead for your Otjikandero Himba Orphan village tour.&nbsp;Drive less than two hours to Kamanjab. With a guide, tour and witness their culture and way of life. The guide will help you communicate with the locals to translate and explain their traditions, customs, and culture.

Etosha Village

Drive less than two hours to Etosha Village and stay overnight.

Take a morning drive safari of Palmwag Concession before visiting a Himba Village in Kamanjab.

Palmwag Concession Safari and Otjikandero Orphan  Himba Village Tour in Kamanjab

Etosha National Park

Head to Etosha National Park through the Anderson Gate. Secure your permit/tickets, familiarize the <a href="rules and regulations">rules and regulations</a>, and do not forget to download or secure a copy of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.etoshanationalpark.org/map">Etosha Map</a>.Following the map, start your afternoon self-drive safari of the Etosha National Park. Remember that various wildlife are frequent at the waterholes, so stay nearby.

Overnight at your chosen campsite or lodge.

Leaving the best for the last part of the tour, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.etoshanationalpark.org/">Etosha National Park</a> is the highlight of this 3-week long Namibia adventure. Etosha National Park is Namibia's number one tourist destination and the country's flagship park. It is home to 114 large and small mammal species, more than 400 recorded bird species, reptiles, and even fish species.Note:<ol><li>Guests can enter through one of the four entrance gates: Anderson Gate in the south, Von Lindequist Gate in the east, Galton Gate in the southwest, and King Nehale Lya Mpingana Gate in the north.</li><li>Subject to change, the admission fee is $8 per adult daily and another $3-36 daily for the vehicle, depending on the seating capacity.</li><li>The gate opening and closing schedule depends on sunrise and sunset.</li><li>All visitors must show proof of accommodation upon entering the park.</li><li>Make sure to follow the park's <a href="rules and regulations">rules and regulations</a> at all times.</li><li>If your budget is not tight, staying at least one night in Dolomite Camp inside Etosha National Park is recommended. The camp opens up the restricted park area with only a few guests. &nbsp;Moreover, the area is abundant in waterholes&nbsp;that attract elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions, springboks, gemsbok, and red hartebeest. The birdlife is prolific, and the seasonal flowers of Dolomite Hill are a highlight for botanists.</li></ol>

Etosha National Park Day 1

Using your map, drive to the areas you have not covered on your first day. &nbsp;Check the waterhole's location from your map, and look for the numerous wildlife in the area.

Etosha Pan

Pass-by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.etoshanationalpark.org/etosha-pan">Etosha Pan</a> which comprises a quarter of the Etosha National Park. It is Africa's largest salt pan, with little mounds of clay and salt used by some of the park's wildlife as salt licks.&nbsp;During the wet season, parts of the pan form rainwater pools drawing thousands of migrating flamingos.

Dolomite Resort

Check-in at Dolomite Camp and enjoy the benefit of exploring the many waterholes around this restricted area for camp residents. The area is rich in biodiversity due to the absence of mainstream tourism. Around the camp are dolomite formations, providing a lush vista. With more than 15 waterholes, wildlife sightings in Dolomite Camp are very common, even from the comfort of your cottage, and provide excellent photography opportunities. Black and white rhinos are often spotted at the Klippan waterhole.

Day 2 of the self-drive safari in Etosha National Park. Check in at Dolomite Camp and access the park's restricted area.

Etosha National Park Day 2 at Dolomite Camp

Enjoy your last day of wildlife safari in Etosha National Park. Walk around and check out the nearby waterhole from your cottage.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Book a specially arranged game drive to fully maximize your trip. The guide will bring you to the most exclusive areas of the park, generally known only to conservationists.

Overnight in the camp outside the park, preferably at the nearest Etosha Village campsite.

Avail of a specially arranged game drive to visit the most exclusive areas of Etosha National Park.

Etosha National Park Day 3 

Windhoek

Drive five hours from Etosha Village back to Windhoek. Enjoy the scenery along the way.

Check in to your hotel and take a good rest after a long drive.

If you still have time, go for a city tour, and maybe go for a sundowner.

Leisurely driving back to Windhoek

Drive back to Windhoek

Hosea Kutako International Airport

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy your free time on your last day in Namibia before heading to the airport and returning your hired vehicle.

Free time until hotel check out for your flight

Fly out of Windhoek

Namibia is rich in natural beauty, wildlife, exciting history, and unique culture. The country's jewels are a dream experience for adventure seekers – from its endless horizons of dunes and deserts, picturesque views, and thrilling canyons to its abundant wildlife encounters.&nbsp;Join us as we discover the Best of Namibia Adventures and embark on a 21-day self-drive circuit journey that starts and ends in Windhoek airport. We will explore the Namibian side of Kalahari, hike the Fish River Canyon, Sesriem and Sossusvlei in Namib-Naukluft National Park, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Skeleton National Park, Damaraland, and Etosha National Park.

21

Title:

Owner:

Areas of Travel:

Seasons:

Updated:

Budget Range:

Arrival in Windhoek Airport

OPTIONAL

OPTIONAL

OPTIONAL

Drive to Kalahari Desert

OPTIONAL

Kalahari Day 2 - Nature Drive

Kalahari - Keetmanshop

Quiver Tree Forest and Fish River Canyon Hike Day 1

Fish River Canyon Hike Day 2

Fish River Canyon Hike Day 3

Fish River Canyon Hike Day 4

Fish River Canyon Hike Day 5

Drive to Sesriem in the Namib-Naukluft National Park

Exploring the Dunes and Clay Pans in Sossusvlei and Deadvlei

OPTIONAL

Drive to Walvis Bay and Enjoy Birding Experience

Swakopmund

Cape Cross Seal Reserve & Skeleton Coast National Park

Rock Art Painting in Twyfelfontein and Game Drive at Palmwag Concession

Palmwag Concession Safari and Otjikandero Orphan Himba Village Tour in Kamanjab

Etosha National Park Day 1

Etosha National Park Day 2 at Dolomite Camp

Etosha National Park Day 3

Drive back to Windhoek

OPTIONAL

Fly out of Windhoek

The Best of Namibia Adventures

21

Title:

Owner:

Areas of Travel:

Seasons:

Updated:

Budget Range:

Arrival in Windhoek Airport

OPTIONAL

OPTIONAL

OPTIONAL

Drive to Kalahari Desert

OPTIONAL

Kalahari Day 2 - Nature Drive

Kalahari - Keetmanshop

Quiver Tree Forest and Fish River Canyon Hike Day 1

Fish River Canyon Hike Day 2

Fish River Canyon Hike Day 3

Fish River Canyon Hike Day 4

Fish River Canyon Hike Day 5

Drive to Sesriem in the Namib-Naukluft National Park

Exploring the Dunes and Clay Pans in Sossusvlei and Deadvlei

OPTIONAL

Drive to Walvis Bay and Enjoy Birding Experience

Swakopmund

Cape Cross Seal Reserve & Skeleton Coast National Park

Rock Art Painting in Twyfelfontein and Game Drive at Palmwag Concession

Palmwag Concession Safari and Otjikandero Orphan Himba Village Tour in Kamanjab

Etosha National Park Day 1

Etosha National Park Day 2 at Dolomite Camp

Etosha National Park Day 3

Drive back to Windhoek

OPTIONAL

Fly out of Windhoek