Day 1: Greater Windhoek
Airport - Windhoek (approx. 42 km / 0:30 h)
Upon arrival at Windhoek airport, you will be met by a representative from our agency. You will then be driven to the car rental station, where your booked camper will be waiting for you. Here, you will receive a thorough briefing on the vehicle, including how to set up and retract the roof tents, where all the camping equipment is stored, and everything else you need to know.
If needed, you can stop at one of Windhoek's many well-stocked supermarkets to pick up snacks, drinks, and anything else you might need for your upcoming adventure.
Your destination today is the Na'an ku se Lodge. This is your first taste of a true African safari experience. You can choose from a variety of activities here, all focused on animal welfare and conservation. We highly recommend the Carnivore Feeding Tour, where you can visit the big cats living on the property and watch them being fed up close.
Day 2: Okonjima Nature Reserve
Windhoek - Okonjima Nature Reserve (approx. 226 km / 2:33 h)
After breakfast, you will head north. You will drive along the well-maintained national road through vast landscapes dotted with farms on both sides. It is not just cattle you will see here; you will often encounter antelopes, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, and much more. This area is also dedicated to nature conservation, looking after animals that have come into conflict with farmers elsewhere. Ideally, they are released into the vast wildlife reserve to live a natural life. This is particularly true for leopards and cheetahs, which can often be spotted in their natural habitat during game drives. In addition to the big cats, you will of course find plenty of other animals native to this part of Africa.
Day 3: Otjiwarongo
Okonjima Nature Reserve - Waterberg Region (approx. 114 km / 1:32 h)
This morning, there is still time to participate in the morning activities at the nature reserve. Your journey then takes you through the charming town of Otjiwarongo, which still retains a distinctly German feel in many places.
The Waterberg region is already strongly defined by wild African nature. You will find many animals here that you would typically only expect to see in national parks. The mountains themselves have a permanent water supply, making them vital for this arid region.
Day 4: Etosha South
Waterberg Region - Etosha South (approx. 185 km / 1:55 h)
This morning, you have the opportunity to take part in the activities offered at your accommodation. Later in the day, you will head towards Etosha National Park. You should stop in Otjiwarongo or Outjo to restock your supplies for the days ahead in the national park.
Once you have passed Outjo, the landscape becomes truly remote. You will rarely encounter other cars here. Your accommodation for tonight is located near the Anderson Gate. There will be time to relax at your lodge before heading into the park itself tomorrow morning.
Day 5: Etosha East
Etosha South - Etosha National Park (approx. 120 km / 1:51 h)
You should set off early in the morning to begin your safari adventure. Once you have passed through the Anderson Gate, your first stop should be the Okaukuejo base camp to take care of the necessary formalities. You will surely have already spotted plenty of wildlife on your way there.
The rest of the day is dedicated to the breathtaking wildlife of Etosha. Today, you can use your 4x4 vehicle to visit the numerous waterholes, where a vast array of animals frequently gathers.
Make sure you don't arrive at your camp too late, so you have enough time to set up your (roof) tents.
Day 6: Etosha East
Etosha National Park
Today is an early start! The national park gates open at sunrise, and you will head out on a game drive in your 4x4. It is a busy time of day here; nocturnal animals are returning, and diurnal animals are emerging from their hiding spots. The bush glows in the beautiful light of the rising sun—a photographer's paradise! You can decide whether you want to spend the whole day out or retreat to your camp during the heat of the day.
There is always something to see; thirsty animals come to the lodge's own waterhole, colorful birds drink from the pool, and small antelopes roam around the accommodation, enjoying the safety of being near people.
Day 7: Etosha East
Etosha National Park
A safari routine begins to set in. At first light, you head out into the wilderness, whether into the dense bush away from the large salt pan or directly to the edge of the vast, flat plain, which is usually dry. Depending on the rainfall and the time of year, this is where you will find the largest number of animals gathering to drink at one of the few waterholes.
Day 8: Etosha West
Etosha National Park - Etosha West (approx. 243 km / 4:05 h)
In the morning, you will break camp for the last time and drive west through the national park. This area is a relatively new part of the park that was previously inaccessible as a restricted zone. The landscape has changed significantly, now characterized by lush, hilly terrain. The local wildlife can be observed particularly well at the numerous waterholes.
Day 9: Twyfelfontein
Etosha West - Twyfelfontein (approx. 297 km / 4:20 h)
In the morning, you will leave the park and head towards Damaraland. There is plenty to see along the way. The landscape here is dry and remote, yet it still supports a wealth of wildlife. With a bit of luck, you might spot the famous desert-adapted elephants. Other highlights worth a stop include various living museums where local communities showcase their way of life, a petrified forest, and much more. You will reach your camp for the night in the afternoon, where you can enjoy a magical evening surrounded by large red rocks in the heart of breathtaking nature.
Day 10: Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein
Time to explore the wonderful surroundings. Beyond the famous World Heritage site of Twyfelfontein, Damaraland offers many other attractions. Twyfelfontein is considered one of the richest rock art galleries in all of Africa. At the Burnt Mountain national monument, you can marvel at the intense variety of colors in the volcanic rock, and the nearby dolomite columns of the Organ Pipes are strikingly reminiscent of their namesake.
Day 11: Swakopmund
Twyfelfontein - Swakopmund (approx. 324 km / 4:14 h)
On the way to the coast, you will travel through the beautiful landscapes of Damaraland, with exciting sights to discover on every side. A stop at the Spitzkoppe, known as the Matterhorn of Africa, is well worth it. The red rocks rise steeply from the plains and are visible from afar, making it a wonderful place for hiking and climbing. Afterward, you will continue to Swakopmund, the most German city in Africa. Here, you can still see many relics from the German colonial era of over a century ago, and German is still spoken everywhere.
Day 12: Swakopmund
Swakopmund
Enjoy your time in Swakopmund, breathing in the fresh sea air, gazing out at the ocean, and simply unwinding. Swakopmund also has plenty to offer in terms of cuisine: you can find excellent fish everywhere here, which is quite rare in Namibia. Why not rent some fat bikes and ride them through the dunes and along the beach? It’s a fantastic experience!
Day 13: Swakopmund
Swakopmund
Another day on the coast, perfect for excursions and exploration. We recommend taking a boat trip to spot dolphins and seals. There are plenty of tours to choose from, and if you're in the mood, you can even get a closer look at the wildlife by canoe. Alternatively, you can join a guided desert expedition to marvel at the surprisingly diverse life in this rugged landscape. Or how about a skydive? There is so much to experience in Swakopmund.
Day 14: Sesriem
Swakopmund - Sossusvlei (approx. 347 km / 4:33 h)
Leaving the coast, you turn into the desert at Walvis Bay. For the next 100 km, you might think you're in the Sahara, with sand as far as the eye can see. Soon, however, the landscape becomes mountainous and greener overall. It remains remote, with only a few farms scattered along the way. You will pass through Solitaire, a small collection of buildings and a gas station. It’s a great spot for lunch before continuing to one of Namibia's most famous landmarks: the red dunes of Sesriem and Sossusvlei. The images of a majestic oryx antelope against the deep red dunes are world-famous. Today and/or tomorrow, you will have the chance to see this with your own eyes. Depending on your preference, you can take an afternoon tour today or head out tomorrow morning for sunrise. And perhaps you'll also find time for the Sesriem Canyon?
Day 15: Sesriem
Sossusvlei
You should set off at the first opportunity and head towards the great red dunes. In the morning light, these majestic sand mountains glow with a magical radiance. Since the temperatures are still bearable, you can set out to climb them. The view is breathtaking.
Other options for today include visiting the Sesriem Canyon, a deep gorge that you can hike through. The Naukluft Zebra Mountain Park is also not far away and could be the destination for an excursion.
Day 16: Aus
Sossusvlei - Aus (approx. 345 km / 4:50 h)
From Sesriem, you continue heading south. You will drive through the NamibRand Nature Reserve, where sand and gravel plains and savanna sections alternate with mountain ranges, inselbergs, and vegetated dune belts. Your destination today is the region around the small town of Aus, which lies in a magical desert and mountain landscape along the disused railway line to Lüderitz.
Day 17: Aus
Aus
The arid landscape in this region is known for its unique botanical diversity. Aus is an excellent base for exploring the area and visiting the main attraction: the wild horses of the Namib Desert, which roam free across the sparsely vegetated plains. Hiking through the beautiful landscape, with its fascinating native flora and fauna, is another potential highlight.
Day 18: Fish River Canyon
Aus - Fish River Canyon (approx. 281 km / 3:10 h)
The drive takes you east through the barren yet beautiful landscape toward one of the continent's greatest natural wonders. At approximately 160 km long, up to 27 km wide, and up to 550 m deep, the Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa. It is considered the second-largest in the world, after the Grand Canyon in the USA.
Day 19: Fish River Canyon
Fish River Canyon
Today you have the entire day to soak in the dramatic scenery. Numerous viewpoints offer constant vistas into the gorge. The most famous is undoubtedly the one at Hell's Bend. We strongly advise against descending to the riverbed, as it can get extremely hot and the paths are very steep. However, there is plenty to discover from the rim as well. The wildlife population has recovered very well, and with a bit of luck, you may see mountain zebras, springboks, ostriches, giraffes, oryx, hartebeests, and kudus.
Day 20: Mariental
Fish River Canyon - Mariental (approx. 401 km / 4:22 h)
From the Fish River Canyon, you now head north again. You will pass through Keetmanshoop, a small town that still bears many traces of German colonial history. Nearby, you will find a remarkable quiver tree forest and a multitude of bizarre rock formations at the Giant's Playground. Mariental, your destination for the night, is the regional capital and serves the surrounding communities and farms. Located in the immediate vicinity is the Hardap Dam, which enables irrigation farming in the region.
Day 21: Windhoek
Mariental - Central Namibia (approx. 312 km / 3:34 h)
Continue north to the capital, Windhoek. You can still feel the significant influence of the German colonial era here today. A walking tour will take you directly past most of the city's main attractions.
Day 22: End of the trip
Windhoek - Airport
After checking out, depending on your booked program or flight time, you will have some time to pick up last-minute souvenirs or take one final stroll through the streets of Windhoek.
Afterward, you will drive back to the rental car agency to return your vehicle. A staff member will then take you to the airport.
