Welcome to Namibia – Drive from Windhoek to the Kalahari Desert
Upon arrival at Windhoek Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by an English-speaking driver. He will take you directly to the Craft Centre in the city centre, where you can take in your first impressions of Namibia. If you land before 10 a.m., a light breakfast will be waiting for you there to get your day off to a pleasant start. Arrivals are possible until 1 p.m. at the latest; afterwards, the entire group will meet at the Craft Centre.
Together with your German-speaking tour guide and the other participants, the journey to the Kalahari begins at 2 p.m. – and with it, the Namibian adventure! The journey takes you south into the vast, reddish-gold landscape of the Kalahari Desert, a fascinating ecosystem that stretches across several countries in southern Africa. Despite its name, the Kalahari is not a classic desert, but rather a semi-arid savannah landscape characterised by red sand dunes, grassy plains and scattered camel thorn trees. In the late afternoon, you will reach your lodge in the middle of the Kalahari. Here you can arrive in peace, enjoy the silence and take in the magnificent expanse.
Sunrise in the Kalahari & onward journey to Sesriem
Early in the morning, you will set off on an unforgettable sunrise drive into the red dunes of the Kalahari. When the first rays of sunlight sweep across the endless waves of sand and bathe the landscape in warm light, the desert magically comes to life. You may even spot the first animals taking advantage of the cool morning hours to go about their business.
After breakfast, you will continue towards the Namib Desert, more precisely to Sesriem, the gateway to the famous Sossusvlei. On the way, you will stop at the charming desert village of Solitaire – a quirky place with cult status that seems to have fallen out of time. Here you will have the opportunity to try the legendary apple pie – a real insider tip among Namibia travellers.
Your accommodation in Sesriem is picturesquely located on the edge of the dune belt. After checking in, you can enjoy the sweeping views of the desert landscape from the terrace before enjoying a delicious dinner under the clear starry sky.
Morning magic in Sossusvlei & Sesriem Canyon
You set off at sunrise and drive to Namib-Naukluft National Park to experience the glowing sand dunes in the best light. The unique colour palette of dawn, ranging from delicate pink to deep orange, gives the landscape an almost surreal beauty – a paradise for photographers.
A walk through the famous Dead Vlei takes you past centuries-old, dead acacia trees that look like works of art from another world. If you wish, you can climb the dune crest – at 350 metres, ‘Big Daddy’ is one of the highest sand dunes in the world. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with an unforgettable view over the endless sea of sand. Enjoy breakfast as a picnic at the foot of the dunes – with freshly brewed coffee and the silent vastness of the desert as a backdrop.
Afterwards, visit Sesriem Canyon, a gorge up to 30 metres deep that the Tsauchab River has carved into the sedimentary rock over millions of years. The walk through the narrow gorge reveals fascinating rock formations and exciting insights into the geological history of the region.
Through the Namib to Swakopmund – between desert and history
Today you continue your journey – the route takes you through the impressive desert landscape of the Namib, past geological highlights such as the Kuiseb Canyon and the winding Ghaub Pass. The vastness, colours and rugged rocks of this region make the drive itself an experience.
In the afternoon, you will reach Swakopmund, a charming coastal town with a multicultural flair and unmistakable German colonial heritage. During an orientation tour of the town, you will discover important buildings such as the Rhenish Mission Church, the magnificent Hohenzollern House and the former district court, which still proudly reflects the architecture of bygone times.
A walk along the historic pier, which now houses a restaurant, rounds off the day. Afterwards, you can set off on your own – witnesses to the past stand on every corner here, silently telling their stories. Just follow your nose – Swakopmund will enchant you in its own unique way.
Optional activities in Swakopmund: adventure, enjoyment and nature experiences
Today, you can plan your day according to your personal preferences and enjoy optional activities in and around Swakopmund. How about a boat trip in Walvis Bay, for example? With a little luck, you will be able to observe seals and dolphins up close while enjoying fresh local oysters and other culinary delicacies served on board – a highlight for connoisseurs and nature lovers alike.
Those who prefer solid ground under their feet can take part in an exciting Living Desert Tour. Here you will discover the ‘Little Five’ of the desert – including the colour-changing chameleon and the light-sensitive desert gecko, which even has to be shaded when observed, as direct sunlight can be dangerous for it. Your guide will inspire you with his knowledge, humour and obvious love of nature, making this tour an unforgettable experience.
A very special tip for the adventurous: a scenic flight over the impressive dune landscape of the Namib. From the air, the sheer endless expanse of this unique desert landscape reveals itself in all its glory – a sight that will give you goosebumps and will surely remain in your memory for a long time to come.
Whether on the water, on the ground or in the air – Swakopmund offers you a multitude of opportunities to make your day truly special.
On the way to Damaraland: visit to Spitzkoppe and the famous Rock Arch
On the way to Damaraland, we make a worthwhile stop at the famous Spitzkoppe – one of Namibia's most striking landmarks. The impressive granite rocks, up to 1,700 metres high, rise like island mountains from the flat plain and offer numerous photo opportunities. The famous Rock Arch, a natural rock arch, is particularly inviting for taking unforgettable souvenir photos. After this scenic highlight, we continue our journey and reach our hotel in Damaraland in the late afternoon.
Exploration of Twyfelfontein and onward journey to Etosha National Park
This morning, you will take an easy hike to the famous rock engravings of Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important sites of prehistoric rock art in Africa. Over 2,500 animal depictions and symbols carved into stone provide insight into the lives of early hunters and gatherers. Afterwards, admire the fascinating basalt columns of the so-called organ pipes – a geological feature created by volcanic activity. Your journey then continues towards Etosha National Park, where you will reach your lodge on the edge of the park. End the day relaxing around the atmospheric campfire and look forward to the safari experiences to come.
Safari in Etosha National Park: A day with the wildlife
Today, you will set off early on a full-day safari in an open off-road vehicle to experience the fascinating wildlife of Etosha National Park up close. The park's open vegetation allows for fantastic views of its animal inhabitants: herds of elephants, graceful antelopes, elegant giraffes and large groups of zebras are often seen. With a little luck, you may also catch a glimpse of lions or even a leopard, which like to stay close to the waterholes. Your experienced guide knows the best spots for wildlife viewing and, with his knowledge and intuition, will ensure that you can immerse yourself completely in the wilderness of Africa – an unforgettable experience.
Safari through Etosha National Park: wildlife viewing and onward journey to the east
Today, you will embark on an exciting safari through Etosha National Park. In a tour vehicle, you will cross the park to the east, where you can experience numerous waterholes and interesting wildlife sightings. You will stop frequently to observe the impressive wildlife and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. After this eventful drive, you will continue your journey to the vicinity of Tsumeb, where you can relax and unwind at the end of the day.
The history and beauty of Waterberg
Today, your journey takes you to the Waterberg region, a historic place associated with the Herero uprising against German colonial rule. On the Waterberg Plateau, which rises 200 metres above sea level, a national park has been created that has grown beyond this inglorious chapter in history. The former battlefield has been transformed into a paradise. After visiting Waterberg, you will arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon and can end the day in these impressive surroundings.
Unforgettable experiences: rhino tracking and return to Windhoek
This morning, those who wish to can take part in optional rhino tracking, where, with a little luck, you can observe these endangered animals up close. After this exciting experience, the return journey to Windhoek will include a stop at a beautiful woodcarving market, where you can admire and purchase local artwork. In the early evening, after an orientation tour of the capital, you will arrive at your accommodation. Your tour guide will bid you farewell after these eventful days and wish you a safe onward journey.
Farewell and transfer to the airport
Depending on your flight booking, you will be transferred to the airport today by an English-speaking driver to begin your journey home or the next leg of your trip.
