7-day self-drive safari in Namibia: dune & safari adventure

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7-day self-drive safari in Namibia: dune & safari adventure – all categories

Short, sweet and special, that’s the essence of this 7-day self-drive adventure! First, we let you settle into the Namibian pace with a relaxed arrival in Windhoek. The next day, you hit the road for two days on the salt pans of Etosha National Park, with a chance to see four of the Big Five. Then onwards you go to the leopards of the Okonjima Nature Reserve (with a bit of luck), only to end up on the dunes along the Atlantic Ocean near Swakopmund.

Close-up of a leopard's face in Okonjima Nature Reserve in Namibia

Sky in Okonjima Nature Reserve with mountains, clouds and the sun shining through from behind

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

Elephants crossing the road in front of a safari vehicle in Namibia's Etosha National Park

Black rhino walking at Okaukuejo waterhole in Etosha National Park, Namibia, with springboks in the backround

Zebras reflected while drinking at the waterhole in Namibia's Etosha National Park

View of Swakopmund Beach with the sea, the beach and the city in the backround and some rocks in the front

High yellow sand dunes of Sandwich harbour with the sea right next to it

Red-white lighthouse on a little hill with stairs in the front and two palm trees on the right and left

You get to explore these highlights in your own rental car, going through such remote areas that phones or Wi-Fi might not work – talking about adventure! Thankfully there are plenty of offline maps for your phone or GPS equipment, and we give you an old-school foldable paper map, clear directions and the GPS locations of your hotels.

Please note that game drives in this itinerary can be self-drive or guided, depending on the hotel you’ll be staying at. Self-driving in national parks means you enter with your car. You pay the 24-hour entry pass at the gate (cash recommended) and follow the road signs to waterholes, picnic areas, and restaurants for your lunch (or you buy a park map at your lodge). Guided game drives are organised by your all-inclusive lodge (platinum) and can be joined by other guests. The safari car is provided, and your guide takes care of everything. You just enjoy the view!

: 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.

7-day self-drive safari in Namibia: dune & safari adventure – all categories

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

2 persons

$1,872.17 USD*

4 persons

$1,554.97 USD*

6 persons

$1,660.70 USD*

Mid Season (the rest of the year)

2 persons

$1,604.28 USD*

4 persons

$1,387.58 USD*

6 persons

$1,459.81 USD*

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

2 persons

$2,014.99 USD*

4 persons

$1,673.57 USD*

6 persons

$1,787.38 USD*

* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets

Here’s how your price comes together.

Included

24/7 service
7 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!

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek + Wonderful relaxing day in Windhoek
Day 2: Etosha National Park + Game drive in Etosha National Park + Guided game drive in Etosha National Park
Day 3: Etosha National Park + Game drive in Etosha National Park + Guided game drive in Etosha National Park
Day 4: Okonjima Nature Reserve + Leopard tracking at the Okonjima Nature Reserve
Day 5: Swakopmund + Wonderful relaxing day in Swakopmund
Day 6: Swakopmund + Scenic Sandwich Harbour Dune Drive
Day 7: Flight back home from Hosea Kutako International Airport

Day 1

Arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek

Silver

Gold

Platinum

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

Gold

Platinum

Day 2 - 3

Etosha National Park

Silver

Gold

Platinum

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!
: Join an experienced ranger for a half-day guided game drive and discover why Etosha is considered one of Africa's finest wildlife destinations. The game drive is included in the price and may be shared with other guests. Your guide knows the park inside out and will help you spot animals, interpret tracks and share fascinating insights about life in the bush. Morning and late-afternoon drives are particularly rewarding, when cooler temperatures encourage wildlife to become more active. This is the perfect time to look for elephants, giraffes, antelope and, if luck is on your side, predators beginning their daily patrol. And if you're staying inside the park, you can even opt for a guided night drive. Armed with spotlights, your ranger ventures into the darkness in search of Etosha's secretive nocturnal residents, from hyenas and jackals to porcupines, owls and bat-eared foxes.

Accommodations:

Silver

Gold

Platinum

Day 4

Okonjima Nature Reserve

Silver

Gold

Platinum

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

Gold

Platinum

Day 5 - 6

Swakopmund

Silver

Gold

Platinum

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:

: You spend a full day at your own pace in Swakopmund, a coastal town where German colonial architecture meets the Atlantic Ocean. Take it easy with a walk through town or settle into a café and watch the waves. If you prefer to get moving, join a fat-bike tour and cycle across the dunes while learning about the desert from your guide. You can also visit the Swakopmund Museum, which covers the area's history, shipwrecks and natural world. Whether you choose to explore or take a break, the day offers a pause between your desert and wildlife activities.
: Few places in Namibia are as spectacular - or as difficult to reach - as Sandwich Harbour. Hidden within the Namib-Naukluft National Park, this extraordinary corner of the coast is where towering sand dunes plunge dramatically into the cold Atlantic Ocean. Your 4-hour guided 4x4 adventure begins in Walvis Bay and follows the coastline past flamingo-filled lagoons, remote beaches and the dry Kuiseb River delta, where springbok, oryx and jackal are often spotted. Your guide shares fascinating insights into the unique desert ecosystem, and fresh Namibian oysters, sparkling wine, beer and local snacks will be served with the Atlantic stretching out below. Whether you choose a morning, afternoon or golden-hour sundowner departure, this is a feast for all senses.

Accommodations:

Silver

Gold

Platinum

Day 7

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