Hartmanns zebra close up
Self-drive
SELF-DRIVE

8-DAY SELF-DRIVE SAFARI IN NAMIBIA: SAND, SALT, HISTORY & WILDLIFE_PLATINUM

From $3,014 USD* / 8 days

Having sunshine, sand and surf on your mind? Then Namibia is the place to be! Sun-filled deep blue skies (check!), sand as far as the eye can see (check!) and surf… well, yeah, but on sand rather than water!  In 8 days, we’ll take you from the massive dunes in Sossusvlei to where the dunes meet the ocean in Swakopmund. Add the ominous Deadvlei in the mix, sprinkle in some ancient history by visiting Twyfelfontein and top it off with an impressive number of wild animals and a massive salt pan in Etosha National Park.

It’s all there to be discovered by you, in your own car, driving through such remote areas that no cell phone or WiFi will work – talking about adventure! Luckily, maps on phones or GPS equipment also work offline, and we’ll provide you with an oldskool foldable paper map, GPS locations of your hotels and clear directions. And with this platinum itinerary, you’ll sleep in the most fancy hotels in glorious locations that make you wonder if you are even still on this planet!

Please note that upon arrival at your lodge near Etosha National Park, you pick two activities (per day) to add to your program. Think of a guided game drive, but it can also be a guided nature walk, sundowner or (drum roll) night game drive in the nearby Ongava Game Reserve. All these excursions are included in the price, take half a day max, are guided, and might be joined by other guests (unless you book a private excursion).

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 + Drive from Windhoek to Sossusvlei
  • Day 2: Sossusvlei + Hot air balloon safari in Sossusvlei + Scenic sunrise drive in Sossusvlei with the Dead Valley Lodge
  • Day 3: Swakopmund
  • Day 4: Swakopmund + Scenic Sandwich Harbour Dune Drive
  • Day 5: Damaraland + Twyfelfontein rock engravings + The Living Museum of the Damara
  • Day 6: Etosha National Park + Guided game drive in Etosha National Park
  • Day 7: Etosha National Park + Guided game drive in Etosha National Park
  • Day 8: Flight back home from Hosea Kutako International Airport

Day 1

Arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek

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.

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Day 2

Sossusvlei

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!

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Day 3 - 4

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.

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Day 5

Damaraland

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.

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Day 6 - 7

Etosha National Park

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.

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Day 8

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?

  • We are based in Nairobi (Kenya) and Kampala (Uganda)
  • We offer private safaris
  • We have world class safari guides
  • You get Expert advice
  • Best value for money
  • Own safari vehicles
  • No limit on driving distance
  • Worry-free Hakuna Matata package
Take a look at our excursions