2025 NAMIBIA SAFARI

Day notes

Day 1: Arrival in Windhoek – Journey Begins

Welcome to Namibia!

Upon arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your local guides, who will accompany you throughout the trip. At the airport, you’ll receive a detailed vehicle briefing, giving you a chance to get comfortable with your Defender and the experience of driving on the left-hand side of the road.

From there, you'll head north to your first accommodation. After settling in and unwinding a bit, it's time for your first game drive, offering a glimpse of Namibia’s incredible wildlife and wide-open landscapes.

As the day draws to a close, enjoy a sundowner beneath the African sky, soaking in the sights and sounds of the bush.

Gather for a relaxed dinner with your guide and fellow travellers—an ideal setting to connect, share stories, and look ahead to the adventure that awaits.

Day notes

Day 2: Into the Wild – Journey to Etosha National Park

After breakfast, we depart the lodge and travel north toward Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. As the terrain shifts between bushland and vast open plains, we may encounter herds of zebra, springbok, oryx, and other iconic animals along the way.

Etosha, meaning “place of dry water,” is known for its scattered waterholes, which serve as vital lifelines and gathering points for a rich variety of wildlife—offering incredible opportunities for observation.

We arrive at our lodge in the afternoon, giving you time to unwind, soak in the surroundings, or take a refreshing dip in the pool as you absorb the peace of this magical place.

As the sun begins to set, we gather for a sundowner—a cherished tradition in southern Africa—accompanied by a tasting of local Namibian gins. It’s a moment to savour the view, share stories, and feel the stillness of the bush as the day fades.

After dinner, take a seat near the waterhole, where the night comes alive. If you're lucky, you may witness the majestic rhinos emerging from the shadows—an awe-inspiring and humbling encounter that captures the raw magic of Namibia.

Day notes

Day 3: Across Etosha – Into the Wild West

Today, we continue our journey through the heart of Etosha National Park, heading westward into one of its most pristine and remote regions. This area is a sanctuary for rare and endangered species such as the elusive black rhino and the distinctive black-faced impala, which have found a safe haven here to raise their young in undisturbed wilderness.

As the landscape unfolds, you'll enjoy stunning views over the endless Etosha plains, a reminder of Namibia's vast and rugged beauty.

Our accommodation for the night is perched on a hilltop, offering breathtaking panoramic views across the savannah—an ideal vantage point to take in the golden hues of the sunset. After dark, listen closely… you might hear the distant roar of a lion, echoing across the plains and adding a thrilling note to your stay in this truly wild place.

We aim to arrive before sundown, as vehicle movement is prohibited at night—just in time to unwind and let the magic of Etosha’s western wilderness take over.

Day notes

Day 4: Into Damaraland – Through Dust and Canyon

Today we bid farewell to the Etosha region and begin our journey into the rugged beauty of Damaraland. After exiting Galton Gate, we follow the Kamdesha route, a path well-known for its incredibly dusty roads and adventurous spirit.

As we pass through the Kamdesha Veterinary Control Point, the terrain opens up into the vast Mopane savannah plains, where the air becomes thick with fine dust—so much so that it seems to rise like mist with every turn of the wheel.

We cross the infamous “dust holes” and continue into the dramatic Khowarib Canyon. This is where our Land Rovers truly come into their own—gliding through the soft sand that kicks up clouds of dust like water splashing from a stream.

By the afternoon, we arrive at our tranquil lodge nestled in the wilderness—an inviting place to rest and reflect. As the day winds down, we come together for a relaxing dinner, surrounded by the silence and serenity of Namibia’s wild northwestern landscapes.

Day notes

Day 5: Through the Palmwag Concession to Twyfelfontein

We continue our adventure deep into the heart of the Palmwag Concession area, a vast and untouched wilderness that offers a true sense of remote Namibia. Along the way, the remarkable off-road capabilities of our Land Rovers will shine once again as we navigate the diverse terrain—from rocky tracks to wide-open desert plains.

This region is a haven for wildlife and dramatic scenery. The drive offers ever-changing views of rugged valleys and open savannahs, all bathed in rich desert hues.

In the late afternoon, we arrive at a traditional lodge perfectly positioned to take in the spectacular sunsets over the Etendeka Mountains and the striking red sandstone cliffs of Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in vivid oranges and purples, we settle in for a peaceful evening and dinner under the Namibian stars.

Day notes

Day 6: From Twyfelfontein to the Atlantic – Arriving in Swakopmund

We set off early this morning, embarking on a scenic drive that takes us from the rugged interior to the dramatic Skeleton Coast.

Our route leads us through a surreal and ever-changing landscape—winding through bizarre mountain formations and desert valleys with a good chance of spotting mountain zebras, springbok, and other desert-adapted wildlife along the way.

As we near the coast, the arid terrain gradually gives way to cooler breezes and expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean. The rough, untamed coastline stretches out before us with its endless beaches and striking contrasts.

By afternoon, we reach the charming coastal town of Swakopmund, nestled between towering sand dunes and the sea. A blend of adventure and history awaits, with German colonial architecture, palm-lined streets, and a fresh ocean breeze that brings welcome contrast to the desert heat.

Our day concludes with an exclusive gin tasting at the boutique distillery Stillhouse—an amazing venue known for its award-winning small-batch gins and warm, personal atmosphere. It's the perfect way to unwind and toast to the journey so far.

Day notes

Day 7: From the Dunes to the Highlands – Return to Windhoek

Your final day behind the wheel begins with an exhilarating dune drive in the Namib-Naukluft Park—a last opportunity to feel the thrill of navigating the sandy terrain and to fully appreciate the remarkable capabilities of your Defender.

After our morning adventure, we set off eastward, journeying through the dramatic Kuiseb and Khomas Highlands. The shifting landscape offers a striking farewell, as we transition from the raw beauty of the desert back into the rolling hills that lead us to Windhoek.

In the evening, we come together for a farewell dinner at our hotel—a moment to reflect on the journey, share stories, and celebrate the unforgettable memories we've made together in Namibia.

Day notes

Day 8: Farewell from the Land of Endless Horizons

After your final breakfast under the African sky, it’s time to begin saying goodbye.

Please ensure all your belongings are packed and ready for check-out by 10:00 AM. Depending on your flight schedule, you may still have a peaceful morning to enjoy the calm beauty of this extraordinary place.

The DEFENDER Experience team will personally transfer you to Hosea Kutako International Airport—your final journey with us before heading home. Until then, take one last moment to breathe in the Namibian air and let the silence settle in.

We hope you leave with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a piece of Namibia etched into your heart. This land has a way of calling people back—and when it does, we’ll be here to welcome you again for another adventure.

Tour Operator: DEFENDER Experience, c/o SDA (Pty) Ltd., PO Box 86566, Eros, Windhoek, Namibia
Please note: Itinerary timings are subject to change depending on availability.