Two hot air balloons during sunrise above the Namib desert

ADVENTURE

SELF-DRIVE SAFARI

LODGE

16-day self-drive safari in Namibia: The Greatest Hits – Silver

From $6,184 USD* / Nature, history, wildlife & more / 16 days

*price p.p. incl. rental car and hotels, excl. international flight (based on six persons)

16-day self-drive safari in Namibia: The Greatest Hits – Silver

Longing to do all the highlights in one big trip? Look no further! This 16-day journey through Namibia has it all. The Kalahari, Sossusvlei, and Swakopmund give you all the deserts and dunes you can handle. Etosha National Park and Okonjima Nature Reserve spoil you with some hard-earned safari game drives, while Twyfelfontein and Lüderitz throw a good dose of history in the mix. In between, you pass over the Tropic of Capricorn and cruise by the ocean to see some shipwrecks. And oh, did we mention the hot air balloon safari?

Petrified trees of Deadvlei in Sossusvlei national park in Namibia

Black rhino with long horn standing between two bushes in Etosha, Namibia

Close-up of a Dikdik shown from the side in Damaraland

A room with three doors in Kolmanskop with a sand dune inside of it

A pride of lion walking on a gravel road in Etosha National Park in Namibia

Huge, wavy sand dune from the front during sunset in Sossusvlei

Two Kudus in the high yellow grass of Okonjima Nature Reserve in Namibia

Discover all of this in your own car and at your pace. Occasionally, the road takes you through such remote areas that phones or Wi-Fi won’t work – typical adventure! But no worries: GPS equipment and maps on phones also work offline, and we provide you with an old-school paper map, clear directions and the GPS locations that take you straight to your hotels.

Please note that game drives in this itinerary are self-drive, meaning you do them by yourself and with your own rental car. You need to pay for the 24-hour entry pass at the gate of the parks (cash recommended) and follow the road signs to various waterholes, areas, and restaurants (or buy a park map at your lodge). You can order your lunch at your lodge and enjoy it at designated picnic areas or visit one of the parks’ restaurants.

: Yes, Namibia is a safe travel destination. In fact, it’s one of the safest countries in Africa with a stable economy and low rates of crime against tourists.

As in any other country, there are a few things to look out for. Don’t carry your valuables with you when you’re out and about, and keep your essentials close to you. If you travel to the Caprivi/Zambezi or northern Kavango regions, antimalaria medication is recommended.

The biggest risks are the roads and the distances. If you drive yourself, always carry extra water, tyres and fuel, drive slowly, watch out for wildlife, download offline maps and never drive at night.

Your travel consultant will give you more advice during your planning. But in general, if you stick to these few tips, you can enjoy a safe holiday in Namibia.
: In Namibia, Mother Nature shows off all her talents, creating landscapes that seem out of this world: from rock formations to endless salt pans and a thornbush savannah, from tropical floodplains to the bone-dry desert. On top of that, you encounter incredible wildlife that has perfectly adapted to the arid and semi-arid environments.

The coast awaits you with unparalleled beauty when the dunes of the Namib meet the ocean. Other highlights here are shipwrecks, seal colonies, and ghost towns along the Skeleton Coast.

Besides animals and nature, you meet cultures that go back thousands of years, like the San or the Damara. It’s important to note that the distances are long. Going from one highlight to the next can take hours, especially if you go to more remote areas.
: At Africa Safari Trips, we’re all about co-creating your perfect journey. When you plan your African adventures with us, you’re not just booking a trip; you’re embarking on a personalised experience. We start by understanding your wishes and preferences, and we won’t stop until every aspect of your journey aligns perfectly with your vision. Our team works closely with you to ensure that your entire trip is tailor-made to your satisfaction. And for added convenience, we offer a selection of our most popular African tours and safaris as a starting point for your consideration.
: Namibia’s north offers classic African wildlife with a desert twist. Damaraland and Kaokoland have desert-adapted rhinos, elephants, and lions, plus zebras, giraffes, and antelope. Etosha hosts nearly every major species, from black and white rhinos to lions, leopards, cheetahs, and more. The Caprivi Strip (Zambezi), bordering Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Angola, features hippos, crocodiles, wild dogs, and rare antelope like the red lechwe. The Skeleton Coast offers seals, hyenas, jackals, dolphins, and whales. The Namib Desert surprises with gemsboks, springboks, ostriches, and the ancient Welwitschia plant. Countless other species await wherever you explore.

16-day self-drive safari in Namibia: The Greatest Hits – Silver

Low season (March, April, May and 1st of November - 19th of December)

2 persons

$6,909.51 USD*

4 persons

$6,184.46 USD*

6 persons

$6,426.14 USD*

Mid Season (the rest of the year)

2 persons

On request

4 persons

On request

6 persons

On request

High season (January, July, August, September and 20th to 31st of December)

2 persons

On request

4 persons

On request

6 persons

On request

* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets

Here’s how your price comes together.

Included

24/7 service
16 days
All accommodations
Reservation costs
Fully accredited under SGR
Rental car

Excluded

Tips
Visas
Travel insurance
International flights (can be booked for you on request)
Fuel

Make your dream trip come true with Africa Safari Trips

At Africa Safari Trips, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!

Request this trip now

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek + Wonderful relaxing day in Windhoek
Day 2: The Kalahari + Sundowner drive in the Kalahari Game Reserve by Zebra Kalahari Lodge
Day 3: Fish River Canyon + Guided sundowner drive at Gondwana Canyon Park
Day 4: Lüderitz + Lüderitzbucht Museum (pay on site)
Day 5: Lüderitz + Excursion to 'ghost town' Kolmanskop (pay on site)
Day 6: Sossusvlei + Wonderful relaxing day in Sossusvlei
Day 7: Sossusvlei + Hot air balloon safari in Sossusvlei + Sossusvlei excursion with the Desert Homestead Lodge
Day 8: Swakopmund
Day 9: Swakopmund + Swakopmund City Tour + Seal Kayaking and Sandwich Harbour Dune drive
Day 10: Damaraland + Twyfelfontein rock engravings (pay on site) + Visit the stone Organ Pipes and the Burnt Mountain (pay on site)
Day 11: Damaraland + The Living Museum of the Damara (pay on site)
Day 12: Etosha National Park + Game drive in Etosha National Park
Day 13: Etosha National Park + Game drive in Etosha National Park + Etosha Pan Experience
Day 14: Okonjima Nature Reserve
Day 15: Okonjima Nature Reserve + Leopard tracking at the Okonjima Nature Reserve
Day 16: Flight back home from Hosea Kutako International Airport

Day 1

Arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek

Silver

As you step off the plane at Hosea Kutako International Airport, the dry desert air hits you right away - a quick taste of the landscapes that await. After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, you'll be met by a representative of our office. Whether you're spending your first night in Windhoek or heading straight to your next destination, today is all about settling into the country's rhythm. Namibia is made for self-drive travel: open roads, vast horizons and plenty of space to explore at your own pace. Over the coming days, you'll journey through some of Africa's most spectacular scenery, from towering dunes and rugged mountains to wildlife-rich national parks and dramatic coastlines.

Activities:

: Today is yours to enjoy Namibia's relaxed capital just the way you like it. If you'd rather take it easy, simply stay at your hotel, unwind by the pool or on the terrace, and enjoy a slow day before the next adventure begins. If you feel like exploring, Windhoek has plenty to offer. Join a guided Windhoek City Tour to discover the city's fascinating mix of German colonial heritage and modern Namibian culture, browse local craft markets, or settle into one of the many cafés or restaurants. Whether you spend the day sightseeing or simply recharging, Windhoek has got you covered.

Accommodations:

Silver The Elegant Guesthouse

Silver

Day 2

The Kalahari

Silver

Dating back 40 to 60 million years, Namibia’s Kalahari is a world of rust-red dunes, grassy plains and surprisingly abundant life. Unlike the towering dunes of the Namib, its lower, sweeping dunes are dotted with hardy vegetation and turn green after the rain. Oryx, giraffe, meerkats and even the black-maned Kalahari lion roam the region, while the San have called this ancient landscape their home for around 20,000 years. Add in spectacular sunsets, star-filled skies and an almost endless sense of space, and this quieter corner of Namibia makes a compelling detour from the desert classics.

Activities:

: Set out in the late afternoon with one of Zebra Kalahari Lodge's experienced guides and head into the red-sand landscapes of the Kalahari Game Reserve. Keep an eye out for giraffe, oryx, springbok, zebra and other wildlife moving through the dunes and grasslands. The open vehicle gives you a great vantage point, while your guide brings the landscape to life with his insights and stories along the way. Then comes the main event: climb a dune, settle in with a drink and a few snacks, and watch the Kalahari sunset paint the desert in ever-changing shades. No rush, just that wonderfully peaceful moment when nature seems to pause, before calling it a night. Once the sun has disappeared, hop back into the vehicle and head to the lodge, where dinner awaits.

Accommodations:

Silver Zebra Kalahari Lodge

Silver

Day 3

Fish River Canyon

Silver

Ancient and seriously impressive, the Fish River Canyon is one of Namibia’s great natural wonders. Stretching 160 kilometres through the arid south, it's the second-largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon, with sheer rock walls dropping up to 549 metres into the valley below. The canyon forms part of the Ais-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, and the main viewpoint is at Hobas. The Fish River Canyon certainly didn't appear overnight. Its story began more than a billion years ago... add tectonic forces, glaciers and millions of years of erosion by the Fish River, and you get the spectacular canyon we see today. Enjoy its spectacular viewpoints rather than walking down (which will take you 5 days) - after all, there’s plenty to admire from the top!

Activities:

: As the afternoon light starts to soften, head out with the experienced staff of Gondwana Canyon Park for a guided drive through the rugged landscape around Fish River Canyon. The route takes you across the reserve’s rocky plains and through its magical valleys. Oryx, springbok, zebra and other desert-adapted animals may be spotted along the way, while your guide shares insights into the landscape, its remarkable geology, and the creatures that have learned to thrive here. The real highlight comes as the sun begins its descent. Find a scenic viewpoint overlooking the canyon, settle in with a drink and watch the last rays light up the ancient rock formations in warm shades of gold and red. And once the sun has disappeared, your guide drives you back to the lodge in time for dinner.

Accommodations:

Silver Gondwana Canyon Village

Silver

Day 4 - 5

Lüderitz

At the end of the B4, where the Namib Desert meets the Atlantic, Lüderitz feels like Namibia’s wonderfully quaint little outpost. This harbour town is known for its German colonial architecture, the iconic Felsenkirche and its connection to nearby Kolmanskop, the diamond-rush ghost town. Founded in 1883 as a trading post, Lüderitz enjoyed a spectacular boom after diamonds were discovered - followed by the inevitable bust. Beyond its historic streets, the rugged coastline is well worth exploring. Head towards Diaz Point, passing bays, lagoons and islands along the way, and discover the stone cross erected here by Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias in the late 15th century. Sit down on the rocks, take in the wild scenery and keep an eye out for flamingos and seals.

Activities:

: The Lüderitzbucht Museum on Dias Street traces Lüderitz’s diamond-mining past, including the history of the restricted Sperrgebiet and the people who worked there. Exhibits also cover the indigenous communities of the coast, the German colonial period and the plants and animals of the Namibian shoreline. The museum is within walking distance of the harbour and old town, and a visit takes about an hour. Entrance fees are paid on site, so carry Namibian dollars or South African rand.
: Step into a town the desert never quite forgot. Just 15 kilometres from Lüderitz, Kolmanskop rose from a tiny railway station to one of Africa’s richest towns after diamonds were discovered here in the early 1900s. Diamond fever took hold, and within just a few years, fewer than 400 residents enjoyed an astonishing array of luxuries - think elegant stone houses, a casino, a theatre, a ballroom, a sports hall and even a hospital. But then the diamonds ran out, the residents moved on, and by 1956 Kolmanskop was completely deserted. Today, the desert is steadily reclaiming the town, with sand pouring through windows and filling once-grand rooms. Explore the fascinating ruins on a 45-minute guided tour, and hear stories of the times when diamonds could be picked from the ground like daisies.

Accommodations:

Silver Alte Villa Guesthouse

Day 6 - 7

Sossusvlei

Silver

A line of towering, rust-red dunes rising sharply from luminous white salt pans - this is Sossusvlei. It’s the most iconic and visited part of the 55 million-year-old Namib Desert, with Dune 45 and Big Daddy being the most photographed dunes in the world. Deadvlei adds a surreal twist, with 900-year-old tree skeletons frozen in time on a stark white pan. And yet, Sossusvlei is teeming with life, thanks to Atlantic mists and ingenious plants. This is desert theatre at its finest!

Activities:

: This day is for relaxing in Sossusvlei. If you like, you can spend the day at the lodge, take a swim, enjoy the views and slow down after your desert activities. If you’re feeling more energetic, there are other ways to spend your day in the Namib. Take a short walk around the lodge, explore the surrounding desert landscape, enjoy the sunset, or simply find a quiet spot and watch the dunes change as the light moves across them. Sometimes, doing nothing in the desert is an activity in itself!
: The desert wakes up long before breakfast! You leave before sunrise and head to the launch site in the dark, where the crew prepares the balloon with bursts of flame and streams of hot air. As the basket lifts off into the morning breeze, you drift above the dunes and mountain ranges of the Namib Desert for around an hour, watching the changing light sweep across the sands below. Imagine endless dunes, dry riverbeds, fairy circles and herds of oryx moving across the plains. After landing, the crew sets up breakfast in the open wilderness. Share stories with your pilot over coffee and pastries before taking a nature drive back to the meeting point. The full experience starts before sunrise and continues well into the morning.
: The half-day guided excursion starts early from Desert Homestead Lodge, before the desert heat builds, and takes you to Sossusvlei (located in Namib-Naukluft National Park). You drive through the dunes with your guide, who explains how wind shaped the landscape over millions of years and points out features of the desert along the way. The excursion includes a walk into Deadvlei, with the option to climb Dune 45 or Big Daddy if you want to tackle the soft sand. Your guide picks you up from the lodge and brings you back after the excursion.

Accommodations:

Silver Ondili Desert Homestead Lodge

Silver

Day 8 - 9

Swakopmund

Swakopmund is the most touristic coastal town of Namibia, which sits perfectly between the Namib Desert and the Skeleton Coast. Here, palm trees and colourful German-inspired houses border the coast while massive dunes dominate the other side of town. Museums, libraries and the Mondesa township retrace the history of the town, while the dunes and the ocean guarantee adventure, with possibilities to go sandboarding, quadbiking, fishing, or hiking.

Activities:

: Discover the highlights of Swakopmund on a relaxed guided city tour. Over the course of 4 hours, morning or afternoon, you'll explore the fascinating blend of German colonial architecture, colourful streets and seaside atmosphere that gives Swakopmund its unique character. Along the way, your guide shares interesting stories about the town's history, culture and its surprising place between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert. Depending on the route you choose, you'll pass landmarks such as the historic Swakopmund Jetty, the lighthouse, beautifully preserved colonial buildings and bustling local markets. There will also be time to browse local shops, enjoy the ocean views and stop for coffee - it's the perfect introduction to Swakopmund before exploring the town at your own pace.
: Start your day on the water and finish among towering dunes on this full-day adventure combining sea kayaking at Pelican Point with a 4x4 drive to Sandwich Harbour. After an early morning pick-up, pass the lagoon, flamingos, salt pans and striking pink lakes before reaching Pelican Point. Paddle for 2 to 3 hours along the shoreline, where thousands of Cape fur seals gather around the old pier – expect splashing and curious pups all around! Back on the beach, enjoy a light brunch before swapping paddle for 4x4. Then head south through the !Nara Valley towards the spectacular Sandwich Harbour, where enormous dunes tumble straight into the Atlantic. Keep an eye out for oryx, springbok, ostriches and jackals, and stop for lunch in the dunes. Two spectacular landscapes, one day to remember!

Day 10 - 11

Damaraland

Silver

Damaraland is one of Namibia’s most distinctive regions, stretching across a remote landscape of rocky desert shaped by ancient volcanic activity. Known for its desert-adapted wildlife, it offers sightings of elephants, rare black rhinos, giraffes, leopards, and even desert lions, all moving freely across open terrain. Places like Twyfelfontein reveal thousands of ancient rock engravings, while landmarks like Brandberg Mountain rise dramatically above the plains.

Activities:

: Step back thousands of years at Twyfelfontein, Namibia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's most important collections of ancient rock engravings. Hidden among the sandstone hills of Damaraland, this remarkable open-air gallery features more than 2,500 petroglyphs created by San hunter-gatherers and Khoikhoi herders between 2,000 and 10,000 years ago. Just pay the entry fee and join a 90-minute guided walk through a maze of red rock formations, while your guide reveals the stories behind the engravings. Look out for elegant giraffes, elephants, rhinos and ostriches, as well as the famous 'Lion Man' and the surprisingly detailed image of a seal, so far away from the ocean. Part history lesson, part outdoor adventure, Twyfelfontein offers a rare glimpse into Damaraland's distant past.
: Explore 2 of Damaraland’s most intriguing geological curiosities, just a short distance from Twyfelfontein. The Organ Pipes are a dramatic 100-metre-long wall of near-vertical dolerite columns, formed 120 million years ago. Set against Damaraland’s warm ochre and red sandstone, standing 4 to 6 metres high, they look like the pipes of a giant cathedral organ. Around 2 kilometres further on, Burnt Mountain looks rather ordinary from the road... until the light hits it. This low volcanic inselberg is streaked with layers of black, purple and fiery red, created by ancient heat and mineral-rich rock. Its colours are particularly impressive around sunset, when the final rays make the hillside appear to glow as though it has been set alight - as striking as its name!
: The Living Museum of the Damara sits 10 kilometres north of the Twyfelfontein rock engravings along the D2612. Get your entry ticket on site and join a 3-hour tour, during which a local guide walks you through the daily routine and traditions the community has rebuilt from memories - think of activities such as metal and jewellery forging and leather tanning, but there's also room for traditional games, singing and dancing. You also see the Holy Fire lit and tended (made by spinning a stick against dry tinder until it catches, without using matches!). Your visit helps support the community and its work to preserve Damara culture.

Accommodations:

Silver Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp

Silver

Day 12 - 13

Etosha National Park

Silver

Etosha National Park is Namibia's premier wildlife destination, built around a vast salt pan in the country's north. Four of the Big Five roam its 22,270 square kilometres, including one of Africa's largest black rhino populations, and the park's iconic floodlit waterholes deliver some of Africa's most reliable game viewing. The park divides into four distinct sectors, and no two visits are quite the same. Whether you visit in the dry season for intense waterhole action or the wet season for a flamingo-filled pan, Etosha rewards year-round.

Activities:

: You set off on a self-drive safari through Etosha National Park, where the open roads, mopane woodland and grassy plains are your background for an exciting day of wildlife spotting. Take your time at the waterholes, stop whenever something catches your eye and linger as long as you like. You never know what might block the road next. If you prefer a picnic over a sit-down lunch, your lodge can prepare a lunch pack for you - just make sure to order it in advance. There’s no set schedule, and that's the beauty of a self-drive safari. Just allow enough time to reach the gate before closing and stick to the speed limits... windows down, binoculars ready and absolutely no need to rush!
: Head out to experience Etosha’s famous salt pan from a different perspective. You'll find it about 20 kilometres from the Andersson gate - the road is bumpy but well worth the drive! This vast, white expanse stretches towards the horizon, creating one of those landscapes that makes you stop, stare and check that your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you. The pan is largely bare and dry for much of the year, with cracked salt and clay surfaces contrasting sharply with the surrounding grassland and woodland. Take your time to soak up the sheer scale and, of course, take a few photos – this is otherworldly Namibia at its best. Depending on the season, you may see wildlife around the waterhole, adding a little extra excitement to the scenery. But above all, this experience is proof that sometimes the landscape itself deserves top billing.

Accommodations:

Silver Etosha Village Lodge

Silver

Day 14 - 15

Okonjima Nature Reserve

Silver

Okonjima Nature Reserve covers 22,000 hectares in central Namibia between Windhoek and Etosha National Park, making it a popular stop for travellers. Once cattle farmland, it was fully fenced in 2010 and restored as a wildlife sanctuary featuring savannah, woodland, acacia thickets and rocky hills. Closely tied to the AfriCat Foundation, the reserve focuses on carnivore conservation (especially leopards and brown hyenas) while also offering rare chances to see pangolins. It supports giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu and other antelope, along with more than 250 bird species.

Activities:

: This 3-hour guided activity heads into Okonjima Nature Reserve to track radio-collared leopards with a telemetry device. The collars support the AfriCat Foundation’s long-running leopard research programme, active here since 1997. As the signals are followed, the guide shares insights into the leopards’ behaviour and related research, including work on brown hyenas. Sightings are never guaranteed, as the leopards are free to roam throughout the reserve.

Accommodations:

Silver Okonjima Plains Camp

Silver

Day 16

Flight back home from Hosea Kutako International Airport

As you board your flight home from Hosea Kutako International Airport, take a moment to look back on your time in one of Africa’s most striking countries. From endless dunes and dramatic desert landscapes to unforgettable wildlife encounters, Namibia leaves plenty of memories to take home. We hope you’ve enjoyed every kilometre of the journey. Safe travels!

Make your dream trip come true with Africa Safari Trips

At Africa Safari Trips, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!

Request this trip now

Why Africa Safari Trips?

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We offer private safaris
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No limit on driving distance
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