07 Days Highlight of Namibia

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Tour Plan

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Experience the ultimate classic circuit on this 07-Day Highlight of Namibia Self-Drive Lodge Tour departing round-trip from Windhoek. Designed for independent travelers, this streamlined itinerary covers the country’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife destinations.

Travel through the scenic Namib Desert to explore the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, walk the ancient white clay pan of Deadvlei, and hike through Sesriem Canyon. Journey to the coastal town of Swakopmund, where Atlantic ocean breezes meet desert dunes, offering vibrant oceanfront dining and optional marine excursions.

Conclude your journey with self-drive game viewing across Etosha National Park, tracking lions, elephants, rhinos, and abundant wildlife around active waterholes. Complete with comfortable pre-booked lodge stays and the freedom of open-road travel, this 7-day tour delivers the essential Namibian experience.

*Fully Customizable Safari:* Your tour is 100% customizable to suit your preferences, interests and budget. We can adjust your route, activities, accommodation and travel pace to create your ideal safari.

*Accommodation Standard:* The advertised price is based on standard accommodation equivalent to approximately 3-star quality in Namibia. Luxury upgrades are available on request for travellers with a higher budget. All accommodation is subject to availability at the time of booking.

*Pricing:* All prices are quoted per person sharing. Travelling solo? Contact us for a personalized quotation, as single occupancy and private travel arrangements may increase the price per person.

*Flexible Installment Payments:* Secure your safari with a deposit, then pay the remaining balance in installments according to an agreed payment schedule.

*Personalized Professional Guidance:* Understanding an itinerary involves more than reading a programme. Our experienced safari consultants will explain your route, accommodation, activities and travel arrangements, helping you make informed decisions with confidence.

*Ready to Plan Your Adventure?* Contact your Motema Tours & Safaris consultant today to arrange a meeting and discuss your itinerary. Windhoek to Okaukuejo | First Encounter with Etosha WildlifeWe will answer your questions, clarify the details and help you prepare for an unforgettable journey through Namibia.

Included/Excluded

Road map or marked itinerary
Rental Vehicle with all Risk Insurance (according to Rental Terms and Conditions)
Accommodations as stated in the itinerary – Based on availability
Meals as stated in the itinerary
Activities as stated in the itinerary
First-aid kit
24/7 assistance during the trip
Meet-and-greet service with briefing on the itinerary and vehicle
Airport transfers
One Local Sim Card
Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa VAT and Tourism Levy

Professional Guide / Chauffeur - entirely self-driven
International and domestic flights
Fuel for the entire trip
Entrance fees to national parks and reserves
Personal Medical Insurance and Repatriation (mandatory but not provided)
Visa fees (if applicable)
Alcoholic beverages, Water and drinks
Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon rides, scenic flights)
Personal expenses like souvenirs, laundry, and tips
Satphone rental for emergencies
GPS Rental

Tour Plan

Day 01 Windhoek to Okaukuejo | First Encounter with Etosha Wildlife

Included Activity: Local craft market | Afternoon Game Drive in Etosha National Park
Optional Activity:
Distance: 415 km | 4H00
Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Toshari Lodge or Similar

After an early departure from Windhoek, the journey heads north through changing landscapes and small towns that offer a first insight into everyday Namibian life. Along the way, a visit to a local craft market provides an opportunity to discover handmade artworks, wood carvings, and colorful fabrics created by local artisans.

By early afternoon, you enter Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife sanctuaries. The afternoon game drive begins immediately, transforming the transfer into your first safari experience. As the sun softens over the vast salt pans and open savannah, wildlife sightings may include elephant, giraffe, zebra, springbok, and a variety of plains game gathering around waterholes. The day concludes with arrival at Okaukuejo, where you settle into your accommodation and absorb the unique atmosphere of the park, with the possibility of nocturnal wildlife activity near the famous waterhole.

Day 02 Etosha National Park | Full-Day Safari

Included Activity: Full-Day Safari in Etosha National Park with Own Vehicle
Optional Activity:
Distance: Surroundings
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodations: Toshari Lodge or Similar

After an early breakfast, set out for a full-day safari across Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Your journey takes you through a rich variety of landscapes that define the park, including the vast shimmering salt pan, open savannahs stretching into the horizon, and patches of mopane woodland where wildlife often hides in the shade. The day unfolds at a relaxed pace, giving you the time to appreciate each sighting and enjoy the natural rhythm of the bush.

Throughout the day, you may encounter elephants moving gracefully between waterholes, lions resting after a night of activity, giraffes feeding on acacia trees, zebras crossing the plains in tight family groups, and many species of antelope grazing in the golden light. Your guide book shares valuable insights into their behaviors, ecological roles, and the challenges of conservation in such a dynamic environment. Waterholes become focal points for life, offering close and unforgettable moments as animals gather to drink and interact.

Day 3 Okaukuejo - Damaraland | Himba Village & Rock Engravings

Included Activity: Himba Village Visit | Ancient Rock Engravings
Optional Activity: Petrified Forest
Distance: 320 km | 4H00
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodations: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge or Similar

Depart early in the morning from Okaukuejo and travel towards the spectacular landscapes of Damaraland, a region renowned for its rugged mountains, dry river valleys and fascinating geological formations.

Along the way, visit a Himba village for a cultural encounter with one of Namibia's most distinctive traditional communities. Take the opportunity to learn about their traditional lifestyle, customs, dress, family structure and relationship with the surrounding environment. The visit is an opportunity for respectful cultural exchange and interaction with the community.

Continue towards the Damaraland area and visit the impressive rock engravings, where ancient images carved into the rock provide an insight into the lives and beliefs of some of the region's earliest inhabitants. Your guide will explain the significance of the engravings and the surrounding landscape.

Continue to your accommodation in Damaraland and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this remote desert region.

Day 04 Damaraland - Swakopmund | Zeila Boat & Quad Biking

Included Activity: Route to Swakopmund | Skeleton Coast Zeila Boat | Quad Biking
Optional Activity: Scenic Flight of Namib Desert | Sandwich Harbour | Camel Riding
Distance: 330 km | 4H30
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Ocean GuestHouse or Similar

Depart from your accommodation and travel towards the Atlantic coast, following the dramatic landscapes of the Skeleton Coast. Along the way, make a stop at the famous Zeila shipwreck, one of the most recognizable shipwrecks along Namibia's coastline. Take some time to admire the stark contrast between the rusting vessel, the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding desert.

Upon arrival in Swakopmund, enjoy an exciting quad-biking experience on the dunes of the Namib Desert. Ride across the spectacular sand dunes while enjoying panoramic views of this remarkable coastal environment.

After the activity, continue to your accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 05 Swakopmund - Sossusvlei | Scenic Desert Drive and Free Afternoon

Included Activity: Route to Sossusvlei via Kuiseb Canyon and Gaub Pass, Tropic of Capricorn, Solitaire
Optional Activity:
Distance: 365 km | 5H00
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodations: The Elegant Desert Lodge or Similar

Departing Swakopmund, you travel inland toward the Namib Desert on one of Namibia’s most scenic routes. The journey leads through the dramatic Kuiseb Canyon, followed by the impressive Gaub Pass, where rugged mountain landscapes and deep gorges highlight the geological diversity of the region. Along the way, stop at the Tropic of Capricorn for a photo opportunity before continuing across vast gravel plains toward the desert heartland.

A stop is made in Solitaire, a remote desert outpost known for its iconic setting and relaxed atmosphere, offering a chance to stretch your legs before continuing toward Sossusvlei. Upon arrival in the Sossusvlei area, settle into your accommodation and enjoy a free afternoon at leisure. This time allows you to rest after the long drive, absorb the quiet desert surroundings, or simply watch the changing colors of the landscape as the day draws to a close.

Day 06 Deadvlei | Sossusvlei | Dune 40–45 | Sesriem Canyon

Wake up early to experience the sunrise over the Namib Desert, when the first light of the day transforms the dunes into a palette of deep reds and warm golden tones. After breakfast, continue toward the Sossusvlei area to explore some of the region’s most iconic dune formations, including Dune 45 and the surrounding dune belt. Those who wish may climb one of the dunes for sweeping views across the desert, where the vastness of the landscape becomes truly evident.

Continue onward to Deadvlei, a striking white clay pan surrounded by towering dunes. The ancient, fossilized trees scattered across the pan create a surreal and unforgettable scene, offering exceptional opportunities for photography and quiet appreciation of this unique environment.

Afterward, visit Sesriem Canyon, a narrow gorge formed by thousands of years of erosion by the Tsauchab River. A short walk into the canyon reveals layered rock formations and cool, shaded passageways that highlight the geological history of the region.

Day 07 Sossusvlei - Windhoek

Included Activity: Route to Windhoek
Optional Activity: Windhoek City Tour
Distance: 350 km | 4H00
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: NONE

After breakfast, depart from your accommodation in the Sossusvlei area and begin your journey back to Windhoek. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you travel from the vast Namib Desert towards the central highlands.

The journey offers one final opportunity to appreciate Namibia's dramatic desert scenery before reaching the capital. Upon arrival in Windhoek, transfer to your accommodation, marking the end of your journey.