11 days - Etosha, Damaraland, the coast and the Namib
Private and guided,Etosha to the coast,and the Namib
Eleven private guided days from Windhoek north to Ongava and Etosha, west through Damaraland to Swakopmund on the Atlantic, then south through the Namib Desert and back to Windhoek.
1Country
6Stops
10Nights
LuxuryService level
01Namibia
The storyThe headline tells the journey in a few lines, one after another.
At a glanceThe figures beneath it are the essential facts of the trip.
The journey
When to go
Etosha game viewing
Sossusvlei and the Namib
Swakopmund and the coast
Damaraland and desert elephants
Etosha game viewing
Sossusvlei and the Namib
Swakopmund and the coast
Damaraland and desert elephants Avoid
May Primary window
Etosha dries out and game starts to gather at the waterholes. Clear, mild days and cool dawns, ideal for the Dune 45 and Deadvlei walks. Mild days and quieter streets as the fog thins at the start of the dry season.
Windhoek north to Ongava and Etosha, west through Damaraland to Swakopmund, then south through the Namib, by private guided road transfer.
On arrival at Windhoek International Airport, our guide will meet you and transfer you through to Windhoek. After checking in to our hotel, you can then head out to get your first taste of the Namibian capital on a 3hr City & Township Tour (time permitting), exploring with our local guide and learning all about the history and the people of Windhoek. After our tour, we will be dropped off at our hotel, where we can relax by the pool or take an early dinner (own expense) at either of the two excellent restaurants on site.
An early departure is recommended today as we leave Windhoek no later than 8h00 heading north through to the Ongava Reserve, bordering Etosha National Park, Namibia’s. Both the Ongava Reserve and Etosha National Park are home to 4 of the big 5. On arrival at Ongava, we game drive our way through to our camp where we can check in to our rooms, where we can enjoy lunch before heading out with a local guide in an open vehicle for a game drive on the reserve.
A full day of game driving today as we spend the day exploring Etosha National Park. One of the biggest attractions for Etosha is driving from waterhole to waterhole where the animals congregate out of desperation to quench their thirst. Starting the day early we go in search of predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, etc. In the hope that they are on their way home from their evening hunt, and if you are lucky then you can catch them lazing by a waterhole washing down their dinner. Etosha is also home to a variety of megaherbivores including giraffe, black and white rhinos, and elephants. You return to camp for lunch and to relax during the heat of the day before heading out for the afternoon on the Ongava Reserve in search of predators.
A leisurely start this morning, or instead opt for a morning game drive in Etosha National Park before heading west into Damaraland. We can enjoy stops at the Petrified Forest, a fascinating geological phenomenon, before arriving at Mowani Mountain Camp, set perfectly amongst the boulders of Damaraland.
This afternoon we can enjoy a guided nature walk, a chance to learn more about the geology, flora, and fauna of the area before taking in a spectacular Damaraland sunset.
We start the morning with an early breakfast before heading out on our morning adventure along the ephemeral rivers to explore this remarkable area and search for some animals, including the elusive and amazing desert-adapted elephants. These animals have amazingly found a way to become accustomed to this semi-arid area, and this opportunity to find free-roaming desert elephants is a unique one, with these incredible creatures only found in Namibia and Mali.
In addition to the desert elephants, this unique environment offers spectacular landscapes and with a local guide, we will have some unbelievable landscape photographic opportunities.
We return to camp during the heat of the day to enjoy a siesta, a dip in the pool and lunch before heading out to Twyfelfontein (literally translated means ‘doubtful spring’), a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to over 2500 rock etchings, making it one of the worlds largest collections of rock petroglyphs.
We depart Damaraland after breakfast heading south west through the communal areas of Damaraland to the Skeleton Coast. This drive takes us through the communal area of Damaraland where we can meet the local tribes including the Herero, Himba & Damara people. This is an amazing chance to interact with the local people, learn a little about life in rural Namibia and buy some local souvenirs directly from the makers. Continuing on, on arrival on the Skeleton Coast we make a stop at the Zeila Shipwreck, the latest victim on the rough Benguela current, wrecking back in 2007. We then continue on to Swakopmund where we can get settled into our accommodation, located in the centre of Swakopmund, before taking a stroll through town or along the jetty.
Swakopmund is the adventure capital of Namibia and there is certainly something to satisfy everyone. The town itself, an unusual mix of German and Namibian culture offers a relaxed and walkable town centre to enjoy at our own pace. There are good restaurants in both towns, with seafood of course being a specialty.
This morning is a chance to explore at your own pace. Alternatively enjoy a morning of sandboarding before exploring the dunes on a quad bike, or enjoying a scenic flight before skydiving, and for others, it might be something a little more calm as a leisurely breakfast, a visit to the aquarium before an afternoon scenic flight along the Skeleton Coast.
We then head south to Walvis Bay around midday where we take a private 4x4 adventure to Sandwich Harbour, traversing the natural rollercoaster, the sand dunes and taking in the spectacular views where the dunes tumble into the ocean.
Enjoy a lie-in and a leisurely breakfast this morning before hitting the road and heading south east through the Namib Desert, crossing the gravel plains before passing the Gaub & Kuiseb Passes and stopping at the Tropic Of Capricorn and then at Solitaire. We aim to arrive at the Kulala Reserve in mid-afternoon where we can settle into our accommodation before enjoying an afternoon nature drive or for the more adventurous, a fat bike ride on the reserve.
Today we spend the day exploring the Namib Desert, the world's oldest desert, and part of Africa’s largest conservation area. Departing before sunrise, we travel through Dune 45 where we can scale the massive sand dune and watch the sunrise from the top. We then continue along the Tsauchab River, stopping to enjoy countless photographic opportunities as the sun rises and the dunes change colour. The low lying sun provides spectacular light on the dunes and the addition of an oryx, springbok or ostrich bringing the desert to life. Spend the morning exploring the dunes, wandering through Deadvlei and Sossusvlei and for the energetic climbing Big Daddy, the highest dune in the area. Returning to camp mid afternoon for some much deserved lunch and some respite from the midday sun, we can have a siesta before enjoying an afternoon visit to Sesriem Canyon or a nature drive on the Kulala Reserve.
Another early start this morning to experience the Namib Desert from the air in a hot air balloon complete with champagne breakfast in the desert. We depart the Sesriem area and make our way back to Windhoek passing the Naukluft Mountains.
Depending on flight times today, we may have time to enjoy a sunrise nature drive, or just relax before being transferred to Windhoek International Airport in time for our outbound flight. End of services
Choose your Swakopmund morning
Sandboarding and quad biking · Morning in the dunesSandboard down the dunes and ride quad bikes over them before lunch.
The detail
About this trip
In our 11-Day Luxury Private Namibia Tour, you will visit Namibia's most iconic places, such as Damaraland, Skeleton Coast, and Sandwich Harbor.
You will see and feel the power of the Namib Desert. Visit the place where the desert meets the ocean and see the ships that made their last fateful stop off the Namibian coast. This country is famous for its sunrises and sunsets. When you see them for the first time, you will find it's the most beautiful thing you've ever seen. You'll have a sunrise balloon flight at the end of the tour. It's a chance to see the beauty of Namibia from a bird's eye view and a grand finale to your adventure on this 11-Day Luxury Namibia Private Guided Tour.
What is included
Transport in a 4×4 vehicle with air-conditioning
English-speaking guide
10 nights’ accommodation as above
Meals & drinks (no premium spirits or champagne) as above
Activities as above
Mineral water in a vehicle
What is not included
Drinks, snacks & meals not stated above
Optional activities
Items of a personal nature
Tips/gratuities
Personal travel (medical) insurance - this is compulsory
Anything else not stated above
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How does the route run from Windhoek through Namibia and back?
The route is a loop by road. After Windhoek, day 2 heads north to Ongava Reserve and Etosha. Day 4 goes west to Damaraland, with a stop at the Petrified Forest. Day 6 continues to Swakopmund via the Skeleton Coast and the Zeila shipwreck, and day 8 heads through the Namib Desert to Kulala for Sossusvlei. On day 10 you drive back to Windhoek past the Naukluft Mountains.
When is the best time for this Namibia journey?
May to October score highest across Etosha, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Damaraland. Etosha waterhole viewing is most reliable in July, the coldest month with near-freezing dawns, and October brings the densest waterhole crowds with hot afternoons. April is an alternative. November to March is hot and green, with scattered game and very hot dunes.
What does a typical day look like on this itinerary?
Days usually start early, with an early breakfast or a pre-dawn departure, then activities before the midday heat and a siesta or pool break. On day 9 you leave before sunrise to climb Dune 45 and explore Deadvlei and Sossusvlei, returning to camp mid-afternoon for lunch. Afternoons bring a nature drive, a canyon visit or a guided walk.
Where can this Namibia trip be adjusted?
Several mornings offer choices. On day 4 you can start leisurely or add a morning game drive in Etosha, and on day 7 in Swakopmund you can choose from sandboarding, quad biking, a scenic flight, skydiving or a relaxed morning. On the last day, a sunrise nature drive is possible if your flight time allows. Dates and lodges are confirmed in your proposal.
Can you combine more than one country in a single trip?
Yes. Many of our journeys cross borders, for example Botswana with Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, or Cape Town with a safari and the Falls. Tell us the places you have in mind through the enquiry form and we will plan the route and transfers as one itinerary.
What meals are included on safari?
Meals depend on the camp or lodge and are set out in your itinerary. On safari they are usually taken at camp, with a picnic or packed meal on some days. Tell us about any dietary needs when you enquire.
Do I need vaccinations or medication before an African safari?
Health requirements depend on where you are travelling from and where you are going, and they change. Check your country's official travel health advice or TravelHealthPro (travelhealthpro.org.uk), and see a travel clinic well before you depart. Ask about malaria prevention early.
What should I pack for an African safari?
Lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your arms and legs helps against sun and insects, in neutral colours. Bring comfortable closed shoes (boots if you will walk), a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards. Your itinerary lists any luggage limits for charter flights.
How do I stay safe on safari?
Your guides brief you on how to behave around wildlife. Follow their instructions, stay in the vehicle or camp area as told, and never approach or disturb animals. Conditions differ by country and change over time, so check your government's current travel advice before you book and again before you travel.
On this trip
Photographs from the route, not stock library scenery.
Book it in this order
Work down the list. Each step depends on the one above it.
Field notes
The practical detail that decides whether a trip runs smoothly.
Early starts
Day 2 leaves Windhoek no later than 08:00, and the desert days start before sunrise, so plan on early breakfasts.
Desert-adapted elephants
Damaraland’s elephants roam the dry riverbeds, so the morning drive follows the rivers. Namibia and Mali are the only two countries where this kind of elephant lives.
Twyfelfontein
The UNESCO engravings are one of the largest rock-art collections in Africa. Wear sturdy shoes for the walk over the rocks.
Coast and fog
The drive from Damaraland to the Skeleton Coast passes the Zeila shipwreck. The coast is cooler than the interior and fog is common in the mornings, so bring a fleece.
Namib days
Dune 45 and Big Daddy are climbed at sunrise, and the heat of the day is for rest at camp. The day 10 balloon flight needs calm wind.
Tipping
Tip your guide and camp staff at the end of each stay. Our final documents set out a general guide.
Plan this journey
Make this trip your own
Every journey is planned around your dates and your party. Tell us who is travelling and when, and a specialist will come back with a tailored itinerary and a quote. Payment is by invoice.
