Discover Namibia - Sossusvlei, Etosha Park & Safari
Your Guided Small Group Holiday To Namibia
Travel with us to Namibia, a land of incredible wildlife, rich culture, and captivating landscapes. Our journey begins in Windhoek, with some free time to explore the capital city before we travel to the world-renowned Etosha National Park for thrilling game drives, where you may encounter elephants, lions, and the rare black rhino. We’ll meet the Himba, a semi-nomadic indigenous people integral to Namibia’s cultural heritage, and gain insight into their unique lifestyles and traditions. In Damaraland, enjoy a picnic under the shadow of Brandberg Mountain, visit the dramatic Skeleton Coast, and explore the charming coastal town of Swakopmund, renowned for its German colonial architecture. Experience the mesmerising sand dunes of Sossusvlei, marvel at the ancient trees of Deadvlei, and uncover the wonders of Sesriem Canyon. This unique small group tour is perfect for those looking to capture the top sights of Namibia and immerse themselves in its diverse natural beauty.
Please note: Flights for Dublin, Glasgow will be via London and Johannesburg. London is via Johannesburg. Routes are subject to change.
Trip Itinerary
Activity Level: Busy
Day
Fly to Windhoek Namibia
Depart for Namibia
Depart for Windhoek Namibia for our Discover Namibia – Sossusvlei, Etosha National Park and Safari tour that takes in splendours of this unique and diverse country.
Arrival in Windhoek
Transfer to Hotel in Windhoek
We have arrived! Let’s meet our guide/driver and transfer by safari truck to our hotel in Windhoek. This robust safari truck will be our mode of transportation for the duration of our tour, perfect for exploring Namibia’s rugged landscapes and reaching those off-road spots that larger vehicles can’t access.
Arrive at our hotel relax and unwind for the rest of our day.
Let’s get together for dinner (included).
Please Note
Please note holiday groups may be made up of single travellers and larger parties travelling together.
- This tour is operated by an overland Safari truck, designed for off road experience, while on tour. The roads in Namibia can often be rough and bumpy, and the robust safari truck is an ideal way to travel in this unique terrain, through the national parks, where it is more difficult for coaches to go and for optimal game viewing.
- Air-conditioning is very rare in Safari trucks in Namibia, it is mostly a dry climate; opening windows can help, however there may be heat and dust due to the desert environment.
- There will be stops for comfort breaks, and some days can be long with early starts, especially for safari experiences. The truck is small and depending on its size can fit 6 to 10 people maximum, offering a better safari experience through the vistas and changing contrasts that makes Namibia unique.
Discover the Wonders of Etosha National Park
Transfer to Etosha National Park with Safari Full Day
This morning, we ease into our safari rhythm with an early start and a short pre-departure meeting at around 7am. Then, we’re on our way! Departing Windhoek, we head towards Otjiwarongo for a quick stop to pick up supplies. If we’re lucky, we might even catch our first glimpse of some Himba tribal people.
From Otjiwarongo, we journey onwards to Etosha National Park, where our safari adventure truly begins. Etosha’s vast landscapes and stark beauty are breathtaking, offering unforgettable moments. Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Four – elephant, rhino, lion, and the elusive leopard.
We’ll stop at waterholes along the way, perfect for spotting a variety of free-roaming wildlife, bird species, and more.
After a day of exploration, we arrive at our hotel in the evening. The drive today covers approximately 530km over six hours.
Once checked in, take a moment to refresh before enjoying dinner (included). A simple packed lunch is also provided for today.
Explore the vastness of Etosha National Park
Safari Experience Full Day
Up extra early today as we aim for the gate opening to the park when the sunrises. Early mornings are one of the best times for game viewing. We may even catch sight of some big cats returning from a hunt. Wrap up warm as it can often be chilly in the mornings, especially with the breeze of the open windows and the wind in your hair.
After our exhilarating drive looking for game, we return to our hotel for breakfast. We pack up our bags and make our way to our next hotel on our full day safari drive.
Let’s make the most of our safari time, keep your eyes peeled and keep a keen lookout for wildlife. Etosha has a unique desert landscape with a massive salt pan. The dazzling white mineral pan stretches over 4,700 square km and can be seen from space. We spend our day driving throughout the park looking for birds, reptiles, and various wildlife at different waterholes.
We exit Etosha at the Anderson gate close to sunset and take a short drive to our new hotel.
Refresh and join the rest of our group for dinner (included).
A simple light packed lunch is included today
Full Day Safari Drive Etosha National Park
Game Viewing Experience
Another early start as we head to the park gates shortly after sunrise. This morning is our last chance to spot Etosha’s incredible wildlife. The park is home to rare black rhinos, and we’ll keep a keen lookout for them. If we haven’t seen one yet, today might be our day! Leopards, often called the elusive leopard, are tricky to spot, blending seamlessly into their surroundings. Keep your eyes on the plains for roaming herds of elephants, especially in the dry season, where dust clouds might give them away. Around the waterholes, we’re likely to see oryx, impala, ostriches, and much more.
After our morning drive, we return to the hotel for breakfast. Once refreshed, we head out again for another full day of game viewing.
Enjoy the stark beauty of Etosha’s unique landscape and the tranquillity of the experience. With fewer safari vehicles in the park, wildlife sightings often feel even more special.
We return in the evening in time for dinner (included). A light packed lunch is also provided today.
Transfer from Etosha to Grootberg - Full Day
Discover the Himba tribe – Living Village visit
Today, we bid farewell to Etosha and head towards some of Namibia’s cultural highlights. Our journey is approximately 266km, taking around four hours through stunning scenery.
Our first stop is Otjikandero Himba Village, near the small town of Kamanjab. This working village blends traditional Himba culture with modern life. Learn about their customs, admire their unique dress, and feel free to take photos and ask questions.
After a short stop in Kamanjab, we continue our journey. Relax and enjoy the ever-changing landscapes, from flat plains to rugged mountains and rocky terrain.
We arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon. Take some time to unwind and soak in the beautiful surroundings.
A light packed lunch and dinner are included today.
Uncover the Wild Beauty of the Skeleton Coast - Full Day
Transfer from Grootberg to Swakopmund
Today, we embark on a scenic journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Damaraland. The route takes us past open grasslands, striking koppies (small hills) with pink granite boulders, and ever-changing terrain that highlights Namibia's contrasts. Our journey covers approximately 445km and takes around six hours. Sit back, enjoy the views, listen to a podcast, or simply take in the beauty around you.
We’ll pause for a simple picnic lunch with the stunning Brandberg Mountain as our backdrop. Along the way, we may stop to explore local Herero and Damara tribes selling handcrafted souvenirs.
As we approach the Skeleton Coast, the landscape transforms into dramatic scenes of shipwrecks and desolate beaches – perfect for a quick photo stop.
In the evening, we arrive in Swakopmund, a charming colonial German town on the coast. After check-in, relax and unwind after this long, scenic drive.
Swakopmund – Relax More – Full Day
At Leisure
Today is yours to enjoy the peaceful charm of this coastal town. Wander to the lighthouse and take in the views of the wild Atlantic Ocean, admire the colourful colonial architecture, or browse the local markets and shops for souvenirs. Take it slow and savour the relaxing atmosphere.
Our guide is available to help you make the most of your time in Swakopmund, offering tips and recommendations.
For those interested in adventure sports like hot air ballooning or skydiving, please note these activities are not organised by our guide. Ensure your travel insurance covers any such activities if you decide to partake.
Tropic of Capricorn and Solitaire – Full Day
Transfer from Swakopmund to Sesriem
Today, we leave Swakopmund and travel to Sesriem, covering approximately 264km (around five hours). Our route takes us through the scenic Kuiseb Pass, descending from the mountains and heading towards the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5 degrees south. We’ll pause here for a photo at the iconic sign.
Next, we stop in Solitaire, a quaint spot known for its famous apple pie and photogenic surroundings. Stretch your legs and enjoy the atmosphere before we continue to our lodge in the desert.
A simple packed lunch is included, and dinner are included. Arrive in the evening, check in, and relax.
Early Excursion into the Sea of Dunes
Soussusvlei – Deadvlei and Dune 45
We start the day very early, setting off towards the stunning sea of dunes in Sossusvlei. Entering the national park at sunrise, we drive 60km from Sesriem to the dunes' parking area. From here, we explore the iconic Deadvlei, a striking ancient pan surrounded by towering red dunes and dotted with skeletal Camel Thorn trees over 1,000 years old.
For the adventurous, there’s the option to climb "Big Daddy," a towering dune over 300 metres high – a challenge not for the faint-hearted!
Next, we visit the famous Dune 45, where you’ll have the chance to climb or simply admire its beauty and capture iconic photos.
We return to the lodge in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is yours to relax after an exhilarating adventure.
A simple packed lunch and dinner at the lodge are included.
Transfer to Windhoek
Solitaire Stop – Apple Pie – Transfer to Windhoek
Today, we bid farewell to the desert and head towards Windhoek, covering 222km (around three hours). Our first stop is in Solitaire, where you can enjoy a slice of the famous apple pie if you missed it last time. Take in the quirky surroundings, perfect for photos, with rusted old trucks, petrol pumps, cacti, and a desert backdrop. Keep an eye out for a mongoose or two near the café!
We continue our journey, transitioning from desert landscapes to the city, arriving at our Windhoek hotel in the late afternoon. Check in, relax, and unwind after the drive.
Dinner is included this evening.
Depart Windhoek Namibia
Fly Home
We depart our hotel and make our way to Windhoek airport for our flights home.
* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.
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Know before you go
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.