Namibia Camp & Explore

Arrival at Windhoek International Airport. A driver will be waiting to take you to the car rental agency. After picking up your rental vehicle, you will check in at your hotel.

The rest of the day is at leisure after your long flight.

Windhoek, with around 350,000 residents and a skyline dotted with modern towers and colonial buildings, offers the perfect introduction to both the old and the new Namibia. Despite its name — Windhoek translates to “windy corner” — the city enjoys calm, clear weather for most of the year.

Start your discovery with Windhoek’s historic heart. The Alte Feste, dating back to 1890, is the city’s oldest building and stands beside the striking Independence Museum — a symbol of Namibia’s journey to nationhood. Nearby, the Tintenpalast (or “Ink Palace”) recalls the administrative days of the German protectorate, while the Christuskirche, with its elegant sandstone and marble façade, remains one of Windhoek’s most photographed landmarks.

A walk through Post Street Mall reveals vibrant street life, with open-air stalls showcasing handmade crafts, jewellery, and curios. For those with a taste for art, the National Art Gallery of Namibia highlights a dynamic collection of local contemporary works. Windhoek’s culinary scene is as diverse as its heritage. German bakeries serve fresh pretzels and strudels, while local favourites like kapana (spiced street-grilled beef) and potjiekos (slow-cooked stew) are easy to find. For a hearty meal and cold Windhoek Lager, Joe’s Beerhouse is a must-visit — offering everything from bratwurst to game meat platters in a lively, rustic setting.

You leave the capital and head south, passing through Rehoboth and Kalkrand before arriving in Mariental. Your destination for the day is Kalahari Farmhouse, located in Stampriet. Built in the charming Cape Dutch style, the manor house hosts both the restaurant and bar, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The farmhouse also features a swimming pool and a campsite, along with a large vegetable garden and a cheese dairy.

Nestled in the heart of the Kalahari Desert, this region covers a vast part of eastern Namibia, stretching about 500 km from north to south. Although the Kalahari is often called a desert due to its porous, sandy soil that doesn’t retain water well, it’s actually a lively wilderness. Vast grassy plains, dotted with sparse vegetation, are home to huge herds of antelope and other wildlife.

Later in the afternoon, you can choose to take an optional open jeep drive over the iconic red sand dunes, where you’ll experience the unique flora and fauna of the Kalahari Desert up close. End the day by enjoying the stunning sunset.

The Kalahari Desert stretches about 500 km from north to south and covers a large part of eastern Namibia. Although it’s often called a desert because of its porous, sandy soil that doesn’t retain water well, it is actually a vibrant wilderness. You’ll find vast grassy plains dotted with sparse vegetation, home to huge herds of antelope and other wildlife.

While staying at Kalahari Farmhouse, you can take part in a variety of activities offered by the lodge. These include memorable sundowners on the iconic red dunes, where you can relax with a drink while watching the sun dip below the horizon. There are also game drives that allow you to explore the unique flora and fauna of the Kalahari up close. In the late afternoon, you might choose to take an optional open jeep drive over the red sand dunes, experiencing the desert’s striking landscape and wildlife firsthand.

Today you leave the Kalahari behind and make your way to the Namib Desert. Along the route, the stunning landscapes of the Namib rim give you a glimpse of what lies ahead—the vast, breathtaking expanses of the Namib Desert, dotted with isolated inselbergs and iconic dune formations.

When you arrive, you’ll check in at the Sesriem campsite, nestled among towering camel thorn trees that provide plenty of shade. The peaceful surroundings offer a perfect base to relax and prepare for your ongoing desert adventures.

Early in the morning, you set out for the stunning sand dunes of Sossusvlei. On foot, you’ll climb up the towering dunes—some reaching up to 350 meters high—and walk through the famous “natural wonder” that is Sossusvlei. This vast, drain-less clay soil depression is surrounded by massive dunes, creating a surreal landscape. Most of the time, the depression is dry, but in rainy years, water from the Tsauch drainage fills it, forming a temporary lake.

From the top of the dunes, you’ll be rewarded with an almost unreal view across the endless sea of dunes that make up the Namib Desert.

Later, visit the impressive Sesriem Canyon. Here, the Tsauch River has carved a deep bed—up to 30 meters—through ancient layers of boulders deposited 15 to 18 million years ago during a wetter period. The canyon itself was formed between 2 and 4 million years ago, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s geological history.

After a day of exploration, you can relax by the pool, letting the incredible experiences and breathtaking scenery sink in. All activities are optional and independent, so you can tailor your day to suit your interests and pace.

During your journey from Sesriemi to Swakopmund, you can make several remarkable stops. A must-visit is Solitaire, an iconic desert settlement where you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and the famous apple pie from Moose McGregor’s Desert Bakery.

As you traverse the vast desert landscapes, you will pass the stunning Gaub Pass and Kuiseb Canyon. This dramatic terrain, shaped by ancient geological processes, offers breathtaking views that are well worth a photo stop.

Further along, you will cross the Tropic of Capricorn marker, a fun place to pause and take a picture of this unique latitude. As you approach the coast, you will reach the lagoon in Walvis Bay, where flamingos and other birds can be spotted. You can also relax at a terrace here, enjoying the fresh sea breeze before continuing your journey.

Arriving in the afternoon, you will discover this charming coastal town, known for its beautiful German colonial architecture. Highlights include the Hohenzollern House, Woermann Tower, the landing stage, the pier with its lighthouse, the Naval Monument, and several Art Nouveau buildings. Many residents speak German, while promenades, palm-lined avenues, and parks create a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere.

Enjoy a walk along the kilometer-long, secluded Atlantic beach or browse the woodcarvers’ market near the lighthouse. Optional visits include the maritime museum or the crystal gallery.

Today, spend the day at the coast with a variety of optional activities available in the morning. These may include dolphin cruises in Walvis Bay’s lagoon, kayaking among flamingos and pelicans, scenic boat trips, or exploring nearby sand dunes by quad bike or guided nature walks.

In the afternoon, explore either Walvis Bay or Swakopmund, which are located about 30 km apart.

Walvis Bay is renowned for its rich birdlife, especially the large flocks of flamingos that gather in the lagoon. The town offers a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful views of the bay and surrounding desert.

Swakopmund, a charming coastal town with strong German colonial influences, features historic buildings, palm-lined promenades, and a variety of shops, cafés, and restaurants. A visit to the local museum is highly recommended, where the history and diverse cultures of Namibia are vividly showcased. Additionally, the marine aquarium and snake park offer interesting and engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

Today’s drive takes you inland from the Atlantic coast at Swakopmund towards the striking granite peaks of Spitzkoppe. As you leave the ocean breeze behind, the landscape transitions into wide gravel plains dotted with rugged rock formations. The journey highlights the dramatic shift from coastal dunes to Namibia’s arid interior, with occasional glimpses of desert wildlife along the way. On arrival at Spitzkoppe, the towering inselbergs dominate the horizon, offering a preview of the remarkable scenery that awaits.

The rest of the day is at leisure for some independent exploration.

You leave the striking granite domes of Spitzkoppe and head north towards Twyfelfontein. The route passes through starkly beautiful desert landscapes, with small Herero and Damara settlements offering glimpses of traditional rural life. As you approach Damaraland, the scenery becomes even more dramatic: towering basalt formations, dry riverbeds, and the chance to spot desert-adapted wildlife. After around four hours, you arrive in the Twyfelfontein area, renowned for its remarkable rock engravings.

You stay at Mowani Campsite, a charming spot nestled in the heart of Damaraland, providing an ideal base to explore the surroundings. Optional activities include guided walks, a rock art excursion, a sundowner drive, or stargazing under the clear desert skies – each offering a unique way to experience this extraordinary landscape.

Today, you will journey into the heart of Namibia’s wildlife wonderland—Etosha National Park. Entering through the western gate, you will arrive at one of the park’s most famous and popular campsites, Okakuejo or a similar facility.

This campsite is renowned for its floodlit waterhole, which provides exceptional game viewing opportunities, especially at night. Here, you can often see elephants, rhinos, and a variety of other animals gathering to drink, creating unforgettable wildlife encounters right on your doorstep.

Your accommodation will be at the Okakuejo Campsite or a similar camping facility, offering basic amenities that allow you to experience the bush up close and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Etosha.

Spend the entire day on game drives in Etosha National Park, one of the most spectacular nature reserves in Africa. Established in 1907 by Governor von Lindequist as a protected area five times larger than the current park, Etosha today covers approximately 22,270 square kilometres.

The park is home to large herds of springbok, impala, zebra, and wildebeest, alongside iconic species such as elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and black rhinos. Birdlife and reptiles are also abundant, making it a truly diverse wildlife destination.

For a deeper experience, you may choose to join an optional guided game drive departing from the camp.

Today, your adventure in Etosha National Park continues as you make your way to the eastern side of the park. Along the route, you will cross vast open plains where herds of zebra, springbok, impala, and wildebeest graze. You may also encounter elephants, giraffes, and predators such as lions, cheetahs, and—with some luck—leopards gathered around the park’s key watering points.

As you travel toward Namutoni Camp (or a similar campsite), you will have frequent opportunities to stop, observe, and photograph the park’s rich and diverse wildlife. The eastern section of Etosha is well known for its high concentration of animals, offering excellent chances to capture memorable images of elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelope, and predators as they come to drink.

For a more immersive experience, optional guided game drives are available from the camp, giving you the chance to explore with a knowledgeable ranger.

Etosha East offers a distinctly different experience from other parts of the park. Known for its more rugged and less-visited landscapes, this area features salt pans and dense mopane woodlands that provide shelter to a variety of wildlife. The quieter environment here often allows for more intimate and tranquil wildlife encounters, away from the busier western and central regions.

Today, you have the last chance to photograph the park’s incredible animals in this unique setting. Optional game drives in four-wheel drive vehicles can be booked, giving you the opportunity to explore further with expert guidance.

The eastern section is also renowned for its diverse birdlife, including species unique to the region, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Seasonal water sources attract a variety of animals, offering excellent chances to spot rare and elusive species such as the black-faced impala and other antelope.

Exploring Etosha East is perfect for travelers seeking a more off-the-beaten-path safari experience, where patience and attentiveness are rewarded with exceptional wildlife sightings and a deeper connection to the natural surroundings.

Your journey today leads you southwards through the towns of Tsumeb, Otavi and Otjiwarongo. In Tsumeb, you have the option to visit the local museum (entry fee applies), which provides a fascinating insight into the region’s mining history. Located in a historic school building on the main street, the museum charts the development of copper and mineral extraction in the area and features an impressive collection of rare minerals. One of the highlights is the Khorab Room, displaying German weapons from World War I that were sunk in nearby Lake Otjikoto in 1915 and later recovered. In the afternoon, you will continue your drive to the Waterberg Plateau National Park.

The drive from Tsumeb to Waterberg is a scenic one, taking you through the heart of Namibia's cattle country. As you approach Waterberg, the landscape changes dramatically, with the distinctive red sandstone cliffs of the plateau rising 200 meters above the surrounding plains. The park is a haven for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts, with several walking trails and game drives available. The plateau itself, a place of historical significance, serves as a sanctuary for endangered species such as black and white rhinoceros, buffalo, and sable and roan antelopes. After settling into your accommodation, you can choose to relax and enjoy the spectacular views or embark on an optional guided game drive.

You will drive back to Windhoek. Upon arrival, check in at a beautiful lodge where you can relax and enjoy nature on your final day in Africa.

Windhoek Game Camp offers luxurious self-catering accommodation set amidst natural surroundings. Located in Brakwater, just a 20-minute drive from Namibia’s capital, this game farm within the city is home to free-ranging giraffe, oryx, springbok, waterbuck, impala, nyala, warthog, and more.

For your last evening, you may choose to take a short drive into Windhoek and enjoy dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants the city has to offer.

Your journey through Namibia comes to an end today.

You will drop off your rental car in Windhoek.

Depending on your schedule, there may still be time for some last-minute souvenir shopping. African handicrafts are widely available throughout the city, and a visit to the Arts and Craft Centre is highly recommended. Located on Talstrasse, which runs parallel to Independence Avenue, the centre offers a large selection of local arts and crafts.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Southern Africa soon!