Dune walking in the Namib Desert at Sossusvlei in Namibia

Namibia’s Northern Gems: Journey with an Expert Driver-Guide

11 Days from $8,590 USD / person

Discover Namibia on this luxury journey that allows you to take in the most spectacular landscapes. Travel through this magnificent country with your driver-guide. Marvel at the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, explore the charming coastal town of Swakopmund, uncover the ancient wonders of Damaraland, and enjoy exceptional safari experiences in Etosha National Park. Stay in exclusive lodges, savor world-class hospitality, and immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable moments in one of Africa’s most captivating countries.

Luxury Travel. Your Way.

This itinerary will be customized for you. Please reach out and our experts will work with you to create a journey so unique, it could only be yours.

Ideal For

Adventure & Outdoors

Nature & Landscapes

Wildlife & Safaris

Sample Itinerary

Day

Place

Hotel Opts

1 – 2

Windhoek
Highlights: Cultural History at Owela Museum, Township Tour, Joe's Beerhouse, Ink Palace

The Elegant Guesthouse
Galton House

2 – 4

Sossusvlei
Highlights: Highest Sand Dunes of the World, Spectacular Sunrises & Sunsets, Sesriem Canyon, Skeleton Coast

Desert Homestead Lodge
Dead Valley Lodge

4 – 5

Swakopmund
Highlights: National Marine Aquarium, The Tug Restaurant, Quad Biking in the Dunes

The Delight
The Strand Hotel

5 – 7

Damaraland (Twyfelfontein)
Highlights: Ruggedly Beautiful Rock Formations, Desert-Adapted Elephants, Ancient Rock Art

Vingerklip Lodge
Camp Kipwe

7 – 10

Etosha National Park (Anderson Gate)
Highlights: Intensive Safari Experiences, Open Bush Vegetation, Large Black Rhino Populations, Surreal Salt Pan

Okutala Etosha Lodge
Etosha Oberland Lodge

10 – 11

Okonjima
Highlights: Omboroko Mountains, Small and Beautiful Waterfalls

Okonjima Plains Camp
Okonjima Bush Camp

11 – 11

Windhoek
Highlights: Cultural History at Owela Museum, Township Tour, Joe's Beerhouse, Ink Palace

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Namibia's Northern Gems: Journey with an Expert Driver-Guide

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Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – 2

1 Night

Windhoek

Windhoek is Namibia’s capital city and its cultural and economic center. It lies in a beautiful valley bordered by the Eros Mountains to the north and the Auas mountains to the south. The mountains shield it from harsh winds, making it comfortable to visit year-round. The German colonial influence is evident in both the architecture and the food. The Tintenpalast (Ink Palace), which today houses Namibia’s parliament, combines classical European architecture with local materials. The 19th-century Lutheran Christuskirche (Christ Church), with its tall, pointed spire, is among the city’s most prominent landmarks. German food is readily available as well, with restaurants serving everything from traditional dishes to modern takes on old classics. Windhoek is also known as the art capital of Namibia. It is home to the National Art Gallery, National Theatre and the National Museum, as well as the Alte Feste, a former German fort that has been repurposed into a museum. The Dan Viljoen Game Reserve, located a few miles outside the city, offers the chance to spot giraffes, zebras and antelope.

Included activities

Explore Windhoek on your own

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting one or more of these attractions in Windhoek. Start by exploring the striking landmarks on Robert Mugabe Avenue by car or on foot. Visit the renovated State House, the erstwhile seat of former South West African administrators, and now the official residence of the country’s Prime Minister. Then, head to Christ Church, or the Evangelical Lutheran Church, which was built in 1910. See the influences of Neo-Gothic, Romanesque, and Art Nouveau styles in its architecture. Do not miss the stained-glass windows donated by Kaiser Wilhelm II. Later, walk east to the Tintenpalast, which means Ink Palace, housing the Namibian Parliament and overlooking the beautiful Parliament Gardens. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Visit Joe’s Beerhouse on your own

Stop by the legendary Joe’s Beerhouse in Windhoek in the afternoon or evening. The quirky restaurant is decorated with old trinkets, road signs, barrels, and bottles, and styled like a rustic village with thatched roofs, courtyards, and archways. Choose to sit around one of the makeshift barrel tables with wooden tops, and sip chilled Namibian or German beer from the bar. Relish Namibian cuisine with a German twist, including the tastiest cuts of game meat, in the partially open dining area. After your enjoyable meal, head back to your hotel. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included)

Hotel options

The Elegant Guesthouse – Opt 1

Room Standard Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Boutique

Galton House – Opt 2

Room Standard Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Boutique

Day 2 – 4

2 Nights

Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei is a striking salt-and-clay pan located in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the largest conservation area in Africa. It is roughly 185 miles long and 86 miles wide. The area is famous for its reddish-orange sand dunes that contrast sharply against the white of the pans. Their color is caused by the oxidation of iron over the centuries, so the older the dune, the darker the shade. The dunes are also among the tallest in the world. Many of them are over 650 feet high and the highest, nicknamed Big Daddy, rises 1,066 feet into the sky. However, Dune 45, the most photographed dune in the world, stands only 560 feet tall. It got its name by being 45 km from the Sesriem gate, and its fame from its shifting colors and shadows that change with the light throughout the day. Keep an eye out for wildlife as well. Antelopes such as oryx and springbok roam the pans, as do ostriches. You might also spot smaller animals, such as jackals. Other attractions near Sossusvlei include Sesriem Canyon and Dead Vlei.

Included activities

Explore Solitaire on your own

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting the settlement of Solitaire in the Khomas region, near the Namib-Naukluft National Park. It is situated at the junction of two major tourist routes C14 and C24. The area was originally owned by homesteader Willem Christoffel van Coller, and was made famous in the book ‘Solitaire’ by Dutch author Ton van der Lee. Visit the local bakery for freshly baked apple pie, cakes, and breads along with hot coffee. Or, you could relax with a drink at the bar, and opt for the set menu at the restaurant. After, explore the desert landscape and observe the native cacti growing amid the old, broken down vehicles, a disused gasoline pump and other vintage discarded items. Refuel your vehicle as this is the only gasoline station in the 210 miles between the Sossusvlei dunes and the Walvis Bay coast. There is also a general dealer, public restrooms, a laundry service, as well as internet facility in the main office. Secure parking is available as well. (Duration: 2 hrs; This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Explore Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon on your own

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend exploring the stunning natural beauty of the Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon. Located in the heart of Namibia’s ancient desert, Sossusvlei is captivating with its towering apricot-red dunes, some of the highest in the world. At a convenient time, drive to the dunes. Spend some time savoring their beauty. You can also opt for a guided excursion to the iconic Deadvlei clay pan. Then, travel to nearby Sesriem Canyon, a striking natural wonder carved by the Tsauchab River over millions of years. Tour the narrow canyon on a guided walk and discover dramatic rock formations, shaded pools, and fascinating geological history. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Fitness level: moderate; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Hotel options

Desert Homestead Lodge – Opt 1

Room Standard

Meals Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner)

Style Lodge

Dead Valley Lodge – Opt 2

Room Luxury Room

Meals Room only

Style Lodge

Day 4 – 5

1 Night

Swakopmund

Swakopmund lays claim to being Namibia’s best-loved holiday town. It is set on the coast where the Namib Desert meets the sea, and offers adventures on land and at sea. Desert tours take you into the Namib to show you the different plants and animals that live there. Ride up huge sand dunes on a quad bike or gently discover the sands on a camel ride. Catamarans will take you to Walvis bay lagoon to see seals, sun fish and turtles. You might also spot dolphins and whales. Evidence of the city’s German colonial past can be seen in its architecture. The Altes Gefängnis, a prison designed by Heinrich Bause in 1909, and the Woermannhaus, built in 1906, are two prominent examples. There are a range of cafes, bakeries and restaurants where you can find German-style cakes and German dishes too. The Swakopmund Museum, the largest privately run museum in the country, provides a deeper look into the history and culture of the Namibian people.

Included activities

Explore Swakopmund on your own

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting one or more of these attractions in Swakopmund. This historic coastal town, which means ‘Mouth of the Swakop’ in German, is sandwiched between the Atlantic ocean and the Namib Desert. Learn about the colonial history of the town that was founded in 1892 as the main harbor for German southwest Africa. Visit the National Marine Aquarium that features aquatic creatures from the cold Benguela Current in the south Atlantic Ocean. Drop by the Woermannhaus, with its prominent Damara tower, which is now a public library. Gain an understanding of Namibian history at the Swakopmund Museum. Admire incredible crystal formations, including the world’s largest quartz crystal cluster in the Kristall Galerie. You could also visit the lighthouse that was built in 1903 and the pier known as the Mole. Explore the Altes Gefängnis prison, designed by Heinrich Bause in 1909. End the day at the Swakopmund jetty, where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Enjoy the Catch of the Day at The Tug Restaurant

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend visiting the Tug Restaurant. Situated meters from the town center, the restaurant lies at the entrance of Swakopmund’s iconic jetty. Built around the original Danie Hugo Tugboat, it features indoor and outdoor dining areas that overlook the waterfront. Feast on a diverse menu of dishes, comprising locally sourced fruit and vegetables, seafood dishes and prime cuts of meat prepared on flavorful mopane wood charcoal. Pair your meal with a wide variety of fine South African wines, premium spirits and French champagne. Try John Dory goujons with tartar sauce, crispy kingklip burgers or garlic prawns in melted cheese. Sample three-week, wet-aged cuts of beef, which include rump steaks, springbok Cordon Bleu and panko and parmesan beef filet. For dessert, indulge in a chocolate fondant or a flaky pastry made with Marula nuts and dry fruits that is served with Greek yogurt ice-cream and Amarula liqueur. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Timings: 1700-2130 hrs (Mon-Fri), 1100-2130 hrs (Sat & Sun); Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Explore Cape Cross on your own

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting stunning Cape Cross. Located about 75 miles north of Swakopmund on the rugged Skeleton Coast, this protected reserve is home to one of the world’s largest colonies of Cape Fur Seals. While traveling from Swakopmund to Damaraland or vice versa, stop here for a one-of-a-kind experience. Walk to the viewing platforms, from where you can watch thousands of seals basking on the shore, nursing their pups, or playing in the Atlantic surf. Cape Cross is also rich in history, marking the site where Portuguese explorer Diogo Cão erected a stone cross (Padrao) in 1486 on behalf of King João I of Portugal. Along with its fascinating maritime heritage, the reserve offers excellent birdwatching, spectacular coastal scenery, and outstanding photography opportunities as well. (Duration: 2 hrs; This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; This activity can be done enroute from Swakopmund to Damaraland or vice versa; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Hotel options

The Delight – Opt 1

Room Standard Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Boutique

The Strand Hotel – Opt 2

Room Standard Room

Meals Bed & Breakfast

Style Lodge

Day 5 – 7

2 Nights

Damaraland (Twyfelfontein)

Damaraland, so-named because it is the former homeland of the Damara people, is a place of stunning geological formations, ancient rock art, and wild landscapes. The famous Brandberg site is home to roughly 45,000 San/Bushmen cave paintings. The majority of them are between 2,000 and 4,000 years old. The most famous painting is the White Lady. She appears to be walking purposefully with a bow and arrows in one hand and a flower in the other. Twyfellfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains an estimated 2,000 petroglyphs that date to 3,300 BC. Many of them depict the spiritual world that shamans claimed to visit when in a trance. The Petrified Forest near Khorixas is thought to be more than 250 million years old. Other geological attractions in the area include the Organ Pipes, Burnt Mountain, and Vingerklip (Finger Rock). The region is also home to a large population of free-roaming black rhinos and the rare desert elephant. Other animals include kudu, oryx, and Hartmann’s mountain zebra. Lions, hyenas, and leopards are present too but are rarely spotted.

Included activities

Explore the prehistoric art of Twyfelfontein on your own

Discover the pre-historic rock engravings at the ancient site of Twyfelfontein on this self-guided exploration. Reach the site of the petroglyphs, located on the banks of the Aba Huab River, at a convenient time. Join a guided tour once here. Walk down to the rocks that are located in a valley between the slopes of a sandstone table mountain. Marvel at some of the 2,500 engravings that have been discovered in this region as a guide shares interesting details about this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop to admire some of the unusual natural geological formations. After you are done, head back to your accommodation. (Duration: 2-3 hrs; Fitness level: moderate; Guide not included; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; It is compulsory to be accompanied by a local guide who will escort you to and from the site)

Explore Damaraland on your own

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend visiting two unusual geological attractions in the Damaraland region. Make your own way to the outskirts of Khorixas town near the Burnt Mountain. Follow the path that leads to a small gorge that is home to a 328 feet stretch of unique basalt rock formations that resemble organ pipes. Get a good look at the cluster that is believed to be 150 million years old. Afterward, travel to the petrified forest where you can find ancient tree trunks. Get a close up view of the unique tree trunks that are thought to be 260 million years old. Learn about how the trees are said to have been swept downstream to this spot in a massive flood. After you finish exploring, head back to your accommodation. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Hotel options

Vingerklip Lodge – Opt 1

Room Standard

Meals Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner)

Style Lodge

Camp Kipwe – Opt 2

Room Bungalow – HB

Meals Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner)

Style Camp

Day 7 – 10

3 Nights

Etosha National Park (Anderson Gate)

Etosha National Park is spread across a flat, semi-arid plain in northern Namibia, roughly 310 miles north of the capital, Windhoek. Its vast salt pan is all that remains of the ancient Lake Kunene, which dried up thousands of years ago, lending the park its name ‘great white place of dry water’ in the Ovambo language. Anderson Gate, the park’s southern entrance, honors the explorer Charles John Andersson, who documented the region in the 1850s. Over 100 mammal species roam the region, including rare black rhinos, elephants, zebras, wildebeest and cheetahs. Over 300 avian species, such as bee-eaters, falcons, vultures and herons, draw birding enthusiasts. Between Okaukuejo and the Charl Marais Dam, a stretch of open plain gives way to an otherworldly grove of African moringa trees, known locally as Sprokieswoud, the Enchanted Forest. A sunrise or sunset game drive around the pan’s waterholes is not to be missed, nor is a night drive in search of nocturnal wildlife.

Included activities

Explore Etosha National Park on your own

Book a game drive to explore the southern part of the Etosha National Park. Drive through the wildlife rich park and admire the natural landscape teeming with life. Spot big cats, herds of elephant, wildebeest, zebra, eland and springbok, as well as the national park’s resident rhino population, on your safari ride. Stop at one of the many waterholes dotting the park, where the animals congregate in the morning and evening. If you like, take a break at one of the government-run lodges within the park for a meal before you wrap up. (Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Hotel options

Okutala Etosha Lodge – Opt 1

Room Luxury

Meals Half Board

Style Lodge

Etosha Oberland Lodge – Opt 2

Room Suite – FB

Meals Room only

Style Lodge

Day 10 – 11

1 Night

Okonjima

Okonjima, the place of baboons, is a fenced off nature reserve cradled among the imposing Omboroko Mountains. Overlooking small waterfalls and vast wilderness, it is an ideal location for wild game viewing. Cheetahs, leopards, hyenas and wild dogs roam the wild freely within the reserve. Experience the delight and thrill of nocturnal life through guided night game drives. Caracals, Honey badgers and porcupines hop in and out of the bushes going about their night life. Hike the vast plains and forests identifying and trailing some of the over 250 recorded bird species, some endemic to Okonjima. The spectacular sceneries of nature are any photographer’s dream destination. Okonjima boasts of exceptional accommodation options ranging from private camp sites to exquisite safari lodges. A visit to the neighboring villages gives a feel of a rural life in the wild. This gives an opportunity to learn about art and buy traditional artifacts.

Included activities

Okonjima Bush Camp: Afternoon Nature Drive

Go on a nature drive through Okonjima Nature Reserve, regarded as one of the world’s best places to observe leopards, hyenas and pangolins. After afternoon coffee, hop into an open-sided 4×4 and head into the Namibian wilderness. Travel through rolling hills, grassy plains and groves of native acacia bush. Try to spot free-roaming wild cats radio-tracked by AfriCat’s conservation programs. You could even see leopards climbing trees. As you traverse the rocky shrubland, learn about AfriCat’s rehabilitation efforts and conservation initiatives. Explore sections of the restored landscape where waterholes and salt pans are being introduced to preserve the small game population in the reserve. Keep an eye out for wild dogs, giraffes, mountain zebras, Damara dik-diks, and a variety of endemic birds along the way. Finally, enjoy sundowner cocktails by the river as you take in views of the sandstone Omboroko Mountains. (Duration: half day; Time:1530/1600 hrs; Private activity & transfer; Fitness level: easy)

Okonjima Plains Camp: Afternoon Nature Drive

Embark on a nature drive through Okonjima Nature Reserve, regarded as one of the world’s best places to observe leopards, hyenas and pangolins. At the scheduled time, hop into an open-sided 4×4 and head into the Namibian wilderness. Travel through rolling hills, grassy plains and groves of native acacia bush. Try to spot free-roaming wild cats radio-tracked by AfriCat’s conservation programs. As you traverse the rocky shrubland, learn about AfriCat’s rehabilitation efforts and conservation initiatives. Explore sections of the restored landscape where waterholes and salt pans are being introduced to preserve the small game population in the reserve. Keep an eye out for wild dogs, giraffes, mountain zebras, Damara dik-diks, and a variety of endemic birds along the way. Finally, enjoy sundowner cocktails by the river as you take in views of the sandstone Omboroko Mountains. (Duration: half day; Time:1530/1600 hrs; Private activity & transfer; Fitness level: easy)

Hotel options

Okonjima Plains Camp – Opt 1

Room Standard Room

Meals Halfboard

Style Camp

Okonjima Bush Camp – Opt 2

Room Luxury Chalet – HB

Meals Full Board plus Activities

Style Camp

Day 11 – 11

Windhoek

Windhoek is Namibia’s capital city and its cultural and economic center. It lies in a beautiful valley bordered by the Eros Mountains to the north and the Auas mountains to the south. The mountains shield it from harsh winds, making it comfortable to visit year-round. The German colonial influence is evident in both the architecture and the food. The Tintenpalast (Ink Palace), which today houses Namibia’s parliament, combines classical European architecture with local materials. The 19th-century Lutheran Christuskirche (Christ Church), with its tall, pointed spire, is among the city’s most prominent landmarks. German food is readily available as well, with restaurants serving everything from traditional dishes to modern takes on old classics. Windhoek is also known as the art capital of Namibia. It is home to the National Art Gallery, National Theatre and the National Museum, as well as the Alte Feste, a former German fort that has been repurposed into a museum. The Dan Viljoen Game Reserve, located a few miles outside the city, offers the chance to spot giraffes, zebras and antelope.

What Our Guests Say

“We have travelled to three different countries with the assistance of Enchanting Travels, most recently to Namibia. Each experience has been positive. Namibia was wonderful to visit and our trip was enhanced with the help and coordination of Danielle and Meghan (and undoubtedly so many others who are behind the scene). Our itinerary was individualized and catered to what we value and request. Our trip coordinator, Meghan, is so professional, prompt, and very invested in us having a wonderful experience. The in country guides and excursion companies Enchanting Travels has connected us with have been top notch. The new Trip Agent app which details the trip itinerary is fabulous! We highly recommend Enchanting Travels and are already working with Danielle to plan a trip to Egypt!”

November 2024 Rating 5/5

“We had an incredible experience with Enchanting Travels! We worked with both Alison, our travel consultant, and Cyprian, our trip coordinator. Alison did a fantastic job in catering our itinerary to meet all of our requests, and we had a wonderful trip to Namibia, Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta, and Chobe National Park. Alison and Cyprian were a wealth of knowledge and provided recommendations and insights that helped make our trip magical. We felt reassured knowing we had assistance every step of the way and they made sure our travels between 3 countries were seamless and easy. All of our hotels and lodges far exceeded expectations. They helped us take a trip of a lifetime!”

May 2024 Rating 5/5

“”Safaris in Namibia and Botswana – Enchanting Travels provided sound recommendations on our travel itinerary, accommodations and activities. Our family was not familiar with either Namibia or Botswana but found the safari lodges and other accommodations to be good value, in some stunning locations. A good mix of luxury and bush experience. Activities were all well run, interesting but safe. Safari guides were motivated and competent.””

April 2023 Rating 5/5

“Our first experience with Enchanting Travels in South America was good; our second time with them in Africa was exceptional. Would never consider using anybody else for such epic journeys.”

April 2023 Rating 5/5

“Responsive, helpful team that created an itinerary favorable to our budget.”

September 2019 Rating 4/5

“Our trip co-ordinator made everything easier. Airport connections that without her would have been missed, luggage that was found! and happily bubbly encouragement from Catherine made our lifetime trip amazing! Booking yourself might save a dollar however Catherine’s extensive knowledge and attention to detail gave us the best guides, and premium service.”

September 2019 Rating 5/5

What our Guests Say

Namibia’s Northern Gems: Journey with an Expert Driver-Guide

Luxury Travel. Your Way.

Ideal For

Sample Itinerary

Thank You for Inquiring

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – 2

Day 2 – 4

Day 4 – 5

Day 5 – 7

Day 7 – 10

Day 10 – 11

Day 11 – 11

Windhoek

Sossusvlei

Swakopmund

Damaraland (Twyfelfontein)

Etosha National Park (Anderson Gate)

Okonjima

Windhoek

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

Option 2

Price Includes

Not Included

What Our Guests Say

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