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.
Ends - Transfer to Windhoek International for your international flight home
At a glance
Namibia
11 Nights
City
Safari
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
Low Season from {: 8800|toCurrency :} per person
High Season from {: 10700|toCurrency :} per person
Includes flights from JFK
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
Itinerary Details
Day-by-day
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Tailormake this itinerary to your exact wishes
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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
Indulge your passions
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.
Big 5 Safari
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat Trip
Guided Walking Safari
Night Drive
Rhino Tracking
Helicopter Flights
Quad Biking
Cultural Experience
Canoeing/Kayaking
Fishing
Hiking
Horse riding
Desert Tours
Kids Bushcraft
Food Experiences
Photography Safari
City Sights
Star Gazing/Star Bed
Natural Wonders
Wellness/Spa
Cycle Tours
Guided Walk
Cultural Excursion
Enriching encounters
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.
White Rhino
Springbok
Spotted Hyena
Southern Giraffe
Rock Hyrax
Ostrich
Beisa Oryx
Meerkat
Lion
Leopard
Kori Bustard
Flamingo
Elephant
Cheetah
Cape Fur Seal
Brown Hyena
Bottlenose Dolphin
Black Rhino
Southern Right Whale
Sample itineraries
TRIPS TO INSPIRE
From exhilarating wildlife encounters to out-of-this-world natural wonders, echoes of ancient empires, and rose-gold beaches, every bespoke journey is designed to immerse you in the extraordinary. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime safari, a milestone celebration, a soul-stirring retreat, or simply looking to travel well and with purpose, these itineraries offer a starting point for what’s possible. As a top tour operator in the world, as recognised by both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveller, we will guide you on how to shape the ultimate expedition.