
Desert and Dune Self Drive
For the more independent and adventurous traveler, this self-drive Namibian exploration will take you to the famous red dunes of Sossusvlei and the quaint seaside town of Swakopmund. Further north you will see the desert-adapted wildlife and stone-age cave paintings of Damaraland and the Big 5 of Etosha. Begin at Kwessi Dunes Lodge at the famed Sossusvlei sand dunes. Quintessentially Namibia, these dunes are the most visually stunning part of the ancient Namib Desert, explorable from the air with hot air balloon rides and quad bikes and on foot. Without leaving the Namib desert, your next stop is Swakopmund, a little seaside oasis in the desert offering countless pursuits, including adventure activities such as sandboarding, parachuting, hot air ballooning, quad biking and deep sea fishing to name a few. With the feel of a small German village (Namibia was a German colony) you can also relax in one of the many restaurants, cafes, art galleries or museums.
Next Damaraland Camp in Damaraland, a rugged, untamed region of contrasting landscapes. The area is home to giraffe, ostrich, unique desert elephant, springbok and rare and critically endangered black rhino. Highlights of the area include The Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain and home to the famous 'White Lady' Bushman painting; the Petrified Forest, which is millions of years old and Twyfelfontein, a rocky outcrop of thousands of Bushmen engravings. Finally, at Etosha Mountain Lodge go out in search of big cats and watch for signs of elephant on the horizon; watch all the action at the waterhole in front of camp; hop on a night drive with your specialist guides; and, of course, track endangered rhino, the icons of the area.
Day by Day summary
- Starts - Catch your overnight flight from JFK to Windhoek International
- 1 night - Galton House, Windhoek & Surrounds, Namibia
- 2 nights - Kwessi Dunes, Sossusvlei & the Namib Desert, Namibia
- 2 nights - Villa Margherita, Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, Namibia
- 3 nights - Damaraland Camp, Damaraland, Namibia
- 3 nights - Etosha Mountain Lodge, Etosha & Surrounds, Namibia
- Ends - Transfer to Windhoek International for your international flight home
At a glance
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Namibia
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11 Nights
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City
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Safari
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Scenic
Tailormade itineraries
Every Mahlatini trip is tailored to your exact travel wishes—no readymade tours or set departures. Get in touch with our experts to start creating your bespoke itinerary.
Guide Price
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High Season from {: 10400|toCurrency :} per person



Highlights
- At-your-own pace self-drive adventure
- Endless spaces and many moments for quiet contemplation
- Far from tourist crowds and any other humans for that matter
- Hot Air Balloon over some of the highest sand dunes in the world
- Spot the Big 5 and track black rhino at a private game reserve
Day-by-day

























Our trips are unashamedly high-end but always deliver excellent value for money. Our guide price covers the majority of trip costs upfront, on a per person basis, including international flights and all transfers.
Includes
- Accommodation as specified
- Meals as specified
- Car hire, group R car (Rav 4 or similar) including full cover, unlimited km and taxes
- Carbon-offsetting with One Tree Planted
- Conservation donation to Save the Rhino
- Community projects with Uthando
Excludes
- Gratuities
- Personal travel insurance
- Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
- Visas and visa fees where relevant
- Petrol
- Beverages with the exception of all inclusive hotels
ACTIVITIES
This sample trip offers countless adventures and activities to ensure lifetime memories are made. From unforgettable thrills to indulgent relaxation, choose those that appeal most and we will curate your perfect itinerary.
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Big 5 Safari
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4WD Safari
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Birdwatching
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Boat Trip
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Guided Walking Safari
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Night Drive
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Rhino Tracking
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Helicopter Flights
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Quad Biking
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Cultural Experience
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Canoeing/Kayaking
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Fishing
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Hiking
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Horse riding
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Desert Tours
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Kids Bushcraft
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Food Experiences
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Photography Safari
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City Sights
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Star Gazing/Star Bed
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Natural Wonders
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Wellness/Spa
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Cycle Tours
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Guided Walk
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Cultural Excursion
ICONIC WILDLIFE
Whether you want to tick the Big Five off your bucket list or seek out specific safari species, our expert guides reveal the typical wildlife sightings to expect on this sample trip.
TRIPS TO INSPIRE
From exhilarating wildlife encounters to out-of-this-world natural wonders, echoes of ancient empires, and rose-gold beaches, every bespoke Mahlatini journey is designed to immerse you in the extraordinary. Whether it’s a bucket-list trip, marking a milestone, or a soul-stirring retreat, let this handpicked selection inspire your next escape.
- Bespoke itineraries
- Flights and transfers included
- Best rates guaranteed