Compare Discover Namibia - Lodges by Exodus Travels vs Southern Namibia self-drive explorer by Audley Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 13 days |
| Price From | $ 2,940 | $ 3,340 |
| Price Per Day | $ 226 | $ 257 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | All breakfasts, two lunches and four dinners are included. In the itinerary, we state which meals are included on which day. For each meal not included, allow approximately 225 Namibian dollars (US$15) per person. Meals are in restaurants or at the lodges. Vegetarians are well catered for on this trip though sometimes options might be more limited. | N/A |
| Description |
The scenic beauty of Namibia is only matched by the diversity. Deep canyons, towering dunes, otherworldly rock formations and vast salt pans merge seamlessly in an endlessly shifting landscape. The sky seems particularly big here with spectacular sunsets and, at night, billions of twinkling stars overhead. This is the backdrop for healthy wildlife populations and a mix of different communities.Experience desert dunes, coastal wilderness and wonderful game-viewing in Africa’s most underrated destination |
Namibia is completely different to any other African safari destination. Much of its wildlife has adapted to its dry desert landscape, including elephant and lion. It has the world’s highest dunes, where barking geckos, cartwheeling spiders and quick-tongued chameleons scuttle across sun-baked sand. And, it has a long coastline where you can kayak with seals and see the skeletal remains of ships sent awry by thick coastal fog. Our Africa specialists have explored the country in-depth, from Sossusvlei to the Skeleton Coast, and can help you plan a holiday to Namibia tailored to your interests. |
Day 1 Start Windhoek
The tour starts at Arebbusch Lodge in Windhoek. The afternoon can be spent exploring or relaxing, perhaps taking a dip in the pool or watching the many native birds that swoop overhead. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening to discuss the adventures to come. Accommodation: Arebbusch Lodge (or similar)
Day 2 Drive through Namib Nuakluft to Sesriem
Today we head southwest through the spectacular scenery of the Namib-Naukluft Park towards the Sesriem/Solitaire area. This national park, one of the largest in the world, is home to one of the driest and oldest deserts on Earth. It also has towering, jagged rock formations and an incredible lunar landscape, so be prepared for great photo stops. Driving: 186mi-217mi (300km-350km); seven hours Accommodation: Weltevrede Guest Farm (or similar)
Day 3 Sossusvlei and the Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre
Today we spend much of our time in the Namib Desert. Rising early, we visit the tallest dunes in the world and climb one of them in the early morning light for spectacular views. We can either walk to Hiddenvlei or catch a transfer (optional extra) to Deadvlei, where ancient acacia trees form an eerie desert scene. If we’re lucky, we may see gemsbok or ostrich among the dunes. In the afternoon, we visit Sesriem Canyon before joining a guide to see the cheetahs at the Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre (please see Responsible Travel section); depending on time, we may go tomorrow morning. Driving: 124mi (200km); three hours Accommodation: Weltevrede Guest Farm (or similar)
Day 4 To Swakopmund via Walvis Bay
We take a long but very scenic drive through the Namib-Naukluft Park to Swakopmund. En route, we visit Walvis Bay for lunch and to see flamingos. Swakopmund is a small German colonial resort town with quaint cake shops and coffee houses and a centre for adrenaline activities. Driving: 186mi (300km); 5hr 30min Accommodation: Prost Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 Free day for optional activities
Today is free to enjoy one of the many optional activities here. On the water, go deep-sea fishing; in the desert, try sandboarding and quad-biking; and in the sky, fly over the Skeleton Coast. Or spend the day enjoying the fantastic local Viennese-style cakes, walk along the beach or nearby dunes, or just watch the world pass in this town which seems strangely out of place in Africa. Accommodation: Prost Hotel (or similar)
Day 6 Brandberg
After a relaxing start, we leave the cool breeze of the Atlantic Ocean behind and head inland towards Brandberg, the highest mountain in Namibia, in Damaraland. The Damaraland area is best-known as being home to desert elephants that roam in the Ugab River. Stargazing is normally spectacular from this remote area. Driving: 149mi (240km); 3hr 30min Accommodation: Brandberg White Lady Lodge campsite (or similar)
Day 7 White Lady Painting and Vingerklip
We begin our day with a short drive to Brandberg, where we enjoy a walk through Valley 45 for approximately 90 minutes. Along the way, we view beautiful, granite formations and a variety of birdlife. The valley takes us to the White Lady rock painting which, along with several other small paintings and engravings, are thought to have been left by San hunter-gatherers at least 2,000 years ago (please note that if elephants walk into this area then it might be too dangerous to do the walk- in this case we will typically go on a game drive looking for elephants). After, we drive towards the Khorixas area, where we should pass various Himba and Herero women selling crafts from the roadside. We may also spot desert elephants and meerkats on the way. In the afternoon, we can view Vingerklip, a striking pinnacle of rock balancing vertically on its own. Driving: 155mi (250km); 4hr 30min Accommodation: Damara Mopane Lodge (or similar)
Day 8 To Etosha National Park
We begin with a short drive to Etosha, a huge national park of mixed forest and grassland centred around a large salt pan. We should arrive in time for a late afternoon game drive before reaching our accommodation for the night. The itinerary allows plenty of time to really enjoy this fabulous game park. Driving: 125mi (200km); three hours Accommodation: Okaukuejo Lodge (or similar)
Day 9 - 10 Two days game viewing in Etosha
Etosha is home to a great variety of species, which are generally easy to find as the animals congregate at different times around the waterholes. Wildebeest, zebras, impalas, springbucks, kudus, elephants, giraffes, lions and even rhinos are all common sights here. Bring plenty of camera memory and patience and you will be rewarded by one of the greatest game spectacles in southern Africa. Etosha is also a good place to spot birds, with plenty of water birds on the lakes (when filled with water), and weaverbirds and hornbills in the trees. In Etosha, we typically stay within the park on some or all the nights (subject to availability) and some of these are next to waterholes. These accommodations also offer optional night drives, which you can book and pay for on arrival. Accommodation: Namutoni Lodge (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast (x2), Lunch (x1)
Day 11 On to the Waterberg Plateau. Optional 4x4 game drive
Leaving Etosha behind, we head towards the Waterberg Plateau. This 656ft (200m) high plateau topped by bushveld is one of the most fertile areas in Namibia. There are several walking trails, including one leading to a spectacular viewpoint near the top of the plateau. You can also take an optional 4x4 game drive. Driving: 186mi (300km); five hours Accommodation: Waterberg Lodge (or similar)
Day 12 Waterberg Plateau and on to Windhoek
We have free time this morning to relax or explore the Waterberg Plateau a little further. Later, we head back to Windhoek stopping at a crafts market on the way. Driving: 199mi (320km); 4hr 30min Accommodation: Arebbusch Lodge (or similar)
Day 13 End Windhoek
The trip ends after breakfast. Free time before your flight can be spent relaxing at the accommodation or exploring Windhoek, where there are museums and shops. Alternatively, arrange a township tour of Windhoek or visit the nearby Daan Viljoen game reserve (see Optional Excursions section).
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Windhoek.
Day 2 : Windhoek
On arrival into Windhoek you will be greeted by a driver who will transfer you to your guest house in Windhoek. Your car will be dropped off direct to your guest house where a representative will also meet you with a welcome pack, cool box, phone and driving directions as well as answer any questions. The rest of the afternoon is then yours at leisure to relax.
Day 3 : Southern Kalahari
Leaving Windhoek today, start your journey south, driving towards the Southern Kalahari where you will spend the night.
Day 4 : Fish River Canyon
Today, after breakfast, drive to Fish River Canyon.Arriving at the lodge some time this afternoon you will have the chance to enjoy a sundowner drive or perhaps some walking in the area.
Day 5 : Fish River Canyon
Today you will have a full day to explore the dramatic Fish River Canyon. You may like to arrange some hiking down into the canyon with a guide.
Day 6 : Aus
From Fish River Canyon you will drive to the small town of Aus. Close by to your lodge are the wild horses the area is famous for.
Day 7 : Aus
Today you can explore Luderitz and enjoy a tour around the old mining town of Kolmanskopp. This is a great area for photography - the houses are the last remaining memory of 'Millionaires Avenue' which are now derelict and filled with sand.
Day 8 : Sossusvlei
You will head north towards the Namib Desert today. On your way to the lodge you will pass through the spectacular NamibRand nature reserve where the dunes change from light yellow to rich red.
Day 9 : Sossusvlei
Today you can visit the giant dunes at Sossusvlei and explore the area on foot. Excursions can be arranged through the lodge or you can drive yourselves to the dunes and then take a shuttle for the remaining distance on the sand.
Day 10 : Naukluft Mountains
Drive from Sossusvlei north to the Naukluft Mountains. Here you will be able to relax and enjoy some of the self-guided hiking trails in the mountains.
Day 11 : Naukluft Mountains
A day to relax and explore the Naukluft Mountains.
Day 12 : International return flight
You will drive from the Naukluft Mountains back to Windhoek today to meet your onward flights.
Day 13 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
