Highlights of Namibia - Solo Traveller

We begin our holiday as we travel to Windhoek, Namibia.

Welcome to Windhoek! Let’s meet our guide/driver—now our holiday truly begins. We’re heading to Otjiwa, a scenic 260km drive (about 3.5 hours) in our overland safari truck, one of the best ways to take in Namibia’s rugged and stunning landscapes. So, let’s sit back, relax, and enjoy the changing scenery as we go! 

We have arrived. 

Let’s settle in and unwind for the evening and savour the sounds of Africa as we soak up our first evening in Namibia.

Join us for dinner! Dinner is included tonight, and breakfast is included for each day of our stay in Namibia.

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 and bumpy roads. Explore where coaches can't go and experience more on a safari in a smaller group.
• 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 8 or 15 people max, offering a better safari experience through the vistas and changing contrasts that makes Namibia unique.

We start the day with a leisurely breakfast before heading out for our first wildlife encounter at the AfriCat Foundation in Okonjima. This incredible center rescues and rehabilitates carnivores, giving them a second chance at life in the wild. It’s the perfect opportunity to see big cats up close! After an unforgettable experience, we’ll enjoy lunch (included) before making our way back to the hotel.

Let’s dive into more adventure!  After our relaxing time back at the hotel. We’re heading out on a two-hour safari drive through a private game reserve in an open truck, passing water dams with their own natural bird habitats. Along the way, we’ll keep an eye out for white rhinos, giraffes, and other incredible wildlife. Otjiwa Safari Lodge, one of Namibia’s oldest game farms, is home to around 25 species—including the majestic white rhino. Let’s see what we can find!

Relax and unwind for the evening, soak up the African atmosphere!

Dinner is included tonight.

This morning, we pack up and set off for our next journey. Get comfortable in our safari truck as we head towards Etosha National Park—one of Africa’s largest savannah conservation areas, spanning an incredible 22,270 km², even bigger than Kruger National Park in South Africa! Home to elephants, black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the vast Etosha salt pan (visible from space!), this park is a wildlife lover’s dream.

Our scenic drive takes around four hours (321km), so sit back, relax, and soak up Namibia’s beauty. Keep your eyes peeled—there’s always something to see!

On arrival, we settle into our new hotel for the evening. Take a moment to unwind, embrace the uniqueness of Namibia, and enjoy your surroundings.

Lunch and dinner are included today.

Join us for an exciting day as we make our way to South Etosha, enjoying a safari en route in search of free-roaming wildlife. The drive takes around four hours (approximately 300km, depending on the route), giving us plenty of opportunities to explore near waterholes, where animals often gather—especially during the dry season.

Bird lovers will be in for a treat, with over 340 species recorded in Etosha National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, lions, giraffes, and the elusive leopard, which blends perfectly into the landscape. We may also spot black rhinos—Namibia boasts one of the highest concentrations in the world—as well as free-roaming cheetahs.

Cameras at the ready! There’s nothing quite like the thrill of scanning the horizon, waiting for that special wildlife moment. We’ll also enjoy a simple lunch (included) with a stop in the park along the way.

After our exhilarating drive we arrive at our new hotel. Check in and enjoy free time at leisure, relax and unwind after an adventurous day.

Dinner is included tonight

Today, we set off on a half-day guided game drive, exploring the beauty of this incredible landscape. From vast open grasslands to towering camel thorn and Mopani trees, Etosha offers one of Africa’s most spectacular safari experiences. The park’s diverse vegetation supports an abundance of wildlife, making every moment unforgettable.

Sit back, take it all in, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the wild. Lunch is included today.

After the excitement of your safari, take time to relax and enjoy your African surroundings.

Dinner is included tonight

This morning, we bid farewell to Etosha National Park and set off through stunning new landscapes on our way to Damaraland. Our journey takes over four hours (around 300km), with a stop along the way to stretch our legs and enjoy lunch (included).

We arrive in the afternoon, check into our new hotel, and unwind for the rest of the day. This evening, we come together for dinner (included).

This morning, enjoy a relaxing breakfast and a sleep in.

Optional - Living Museum experience 

For those who want to see more, there is the possibility to book an optional excursion locally (depending on availability) to the Rock Engravings of the San Bushmen including the Burnt Mountain and the Organ pipes (very similar to the Giants causeway). The rock engravings depict animals and their spoor more than human images. 

Please ask the guide for assistance and information on booking this locally, subject to availability.

After a relaxing morning, we enjoy lunch at the lodge before setting off on our safari excursion. Next, we explore the Damara Living Museum, where you can experience a traditional daily routine: watch a blacksmith at work crafting weapons and tools, see the tanning of leather for traditional clothing, admire local jewellery and crafts, and enjoy dancing, singing, and traditional games.

Then, we set off in search of the elusive Desert Elephant – found only in Mali and Namibia. These majestic animals have adapted to their dry, semi-desert environment with a smaller body mass, longer legs, and larger feet than other elephants, and are a top priority for protection by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready!

 After an exhilarating day we return to our hotel, relax and recharge. 

Dinner and lunch are included today.

We say goodbye to Damaraland and set off towards our next destination, Swakopmund. It’s a full-day journey—435km, taking around five and a half hours—so sit back, relax, and enjoy the ever-changing scenery. From rugged mountains to the dry veld, the landscapes are breath-taking as we make our way to Cape Cross.

Here, we stop for lunch (included) and explore one of the world’s largest fur seal colonies, where thousands of seals can be viewed from the walkway.

Afterwards, we continue to Swakopmund, one of Namibia’s top tourist destinations. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert, this charming coastal town was established by German colonists in the late 1800s. With its historic buildings, landmarks, and museums, there’s plenty to explore in your free time.

We arrive in the evening, check in, and unwind for the night.

This morning, we have time to explore Swakopmund at our own pace. Take a leisurely stroll down to the jetty, enjoy the views from the pier, and soak up the town’s unique coastal atmosphere. Wander through local markets and souvenir shops, or discover Swakopmund’s charming German colonial architecture, museums, and cosy cafés. Whether you choose to relax by the ocean or explore the town’s rich history, there’s plenty to see and do!

There may be the possibility to join in some optional tours sold locally:

See more, with a three-hour optional Living Desert tour which takes place just outside Swakopmund in the coastal dune belt.  Learn about some of the life forms that are not always so easy to spot with the naked eye; from Track Palmato Geckos, sand diving lizards, fog basking beetles, Chameleons, snakes, and spiders, during this three-hour exploration. End the tour with a short dune drive.  Our guide will be happy to provide additional details and help book this optional excursion locally, subject to availability.

Please note - Swakopmund is known for various adventurous excursions. These excursions are not pre bookable with Travel Department and our guides will not be selling these excursions locally.

Discover more of Swakopmund with a guided tour of Mondesa township. Meet local people, learn about their community projects, and gain insight into daily life in the township. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience Namibia’s rich cultural diversity and hear stories from the many different tribes that have shaped the country’s unique blend of traditions and heritage.

We say goodbye to Swakopmund and set off towards the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei. Located in the heart of Namib-Naukluft Park, this stunning landscape is home to some of the world’s tallest sand dunes, creating an incredible sense of isolation and tranquillity. As we travel, watch the dunes grow taller and redder, a striking contrast against the vast desert plains.

Today’s journey covers 364km and takes around five and a half hours. Settle in and enjoy the ever-changing scenery—from bustling towns and open veld to rugged mountains and endless dunes meeting the Atlantic Ocean. The dramatic shifts in landscape are simply breathtaking.

Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, including the majestic oryx, Namibia’s national symbol. We’ll stop for lunch (included) in the quirky desert outpost of Solitaire, a fascinating spot filled with old trucks, vintage petrol pumps, and classic Namibian charm. Don’t miss the chance to try their famous apple pie!

We arrive in the evening and settle into our new surroundings—taking in the raw beauty of the desert. Tomorrow, we have an early start for more adventure!

Dinner is included tonight

Let’s see more of this incredible country! We set off early this morning for a guided excursion into Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, making the most of the cooler temperatures before the midday heat. Arriving in time for sunrise, we’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture stunning photos as the golden light transforms the landscape.

Deadvlei is truly breathtaking, with its striking contrast of deep orange dunes, cracked white saltpan, and 900-year-old Camelthorn trees—one of Namibia’s most iconic sights!

For those up for a challenge, there’s the option to climb “Big Daddy,” the highest dune in the area at 325 metres. It’s a tough ascent, but the reward is a spectacular panoramic view over Deadvlei. If climbing the dune isn’t for you, simply take your time exploring the area and soaking in the raw beauty of this unique landscape.

After this morning’s early morning start to see the sunrise, we depart the Deadvlei in time for a well-deserved lunch (included).

The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy our surroundings.

Dinner is included this evening

This morning, we start our journey towards Windhoek.

Sit back, relax, and soak up the final glimpses of Namibia’s ever-changing landscapes a scenic drive of around five and a half hours (339km). Take in the beauty of Namibia!

We will enjoy lunch along the way today and time to stretch our legs before continuing to our hotel in Windhoek. Arrive in the evening in time for dinner.

Lunch and dinner are included today. 

We depart from our hotel in Windhoek for our return flights home from Windhoek airport. We say goodbye to our guide/driver as our journey through Namibia comes to an end.