Exploring Namibia Tour (13 Days)

Map of 13 day Exploring Namibia Tour

The 13 days Exploring Namibia Tour is the ultimate Namibia experience. A tour that starts and ends in Windhoek and covers the highlights of this spectacular land of contrasts.

Travel to the Kalahari Desert, Fish River Canyon, Luderitz, the vast and desolate Namib Desert with Sossusvlei and other attractions; the coastal town of Swakopmund, the many highlights of Damaraland, the game-rich beauty of Etosha National Park, and surrounding areas; before returning to Windhoek; the capital of Namibia where your tour comes to an end.

This tour is available in 2 different ratings – Superior & Classic.
The Classic Package is on a Bed & Breakfast basis. While the Superior Tour is on a full board basis that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has more inclusions.

Skip to Exploring Namibia Tour Rates or Departure Dates and Special Offers

Exploring Namibia Tour Summary

Daily Itinerary for the 13 day Exploring Namibia Tour ↓

Day 1: Kalahari Desert

Leaving Windhoek, we travel into the Kalahari Desert. With its deep red dunes and endless grass plains interspersed with acacia and shrubs; it is still home to a surprisingly large amount of specially adapted wildlife. The Kalahari is a vast semi-desert of wind-blown sand. It is the most extensive continuous stretch of sand covering 9 African countries. Unlike other true deserts, the Kalahari does receive erratic rainfall. For many, therefore; “thirstland” is a more fitting description. Lacking permanent surface water, the Kalahari is a challenging place to live. Except for those who have adapted to not only survive. But flourish here. The Bushmen refer to it as the “Soul of the World”. An emotive description for this area!

Enjoy the opportunity to experience the red dunes, wildlife, and plants, in this desert environment. On an optional nature drive. On the Superior Tour, this nature drive is included.

Classic: Intu Afrika Collection
Superior: Intu Afrika Collection including a light lunch, Dinner & a Nature Drive in the Kalahari plus also selected beverages

13 day Exploring Namibia Tour
Kalahari Safari with giraffe

Day 2: Fish River Canyon

We continue south through arid and extensive rocky plains. Visiting the unique Garas quiver tree forest. You are welcomed by quirky human-made sculptures of scrap metal. These set a contrast to this serene, timeless space with Quiver trees and aloes. All nestled amongst huge dolerite boulders, stacked mysteriously. Also aptly referred to as “Giant’s Playground”.

We continue to our lodge, situated in close vicinity to the Fish River Canyon. Here we can explore the area on foot. Or on an optional guided nature drive in the later afternoon. This highlights the Quiver trees, rugged landscape, and impressive sweeping rock formations.

Classic: Canyon Village on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Superior: Canyon Lodge including Breakfast, light lunch, Dinner, and selected beverages

Quiver tree at Fish River Canyon on Exploring Namibia Tour
Quiver tree at Fish River Canyon

Day 3: Lüderitz

Our morning starts on the edge of the Fish River Canyon where we gaze into this magnificent geological phenomenon. The Fish River Canyon is located in the northern part of the Nama Karoo. It is the second-largest canyon on earth. Featuring a gigantic ravine; that measures in total about 160 km long, up to 27 km wide. In places almost 550 meters deep! The Fish River is the longest interior river found in Namibia. But its current flow is just a drop; compared with the immense volume of water that poured down its length in ages past.

We continue our journey past the Naute dam and enjoy a stop at the Naute Kristall Cellar and Distillery. Enjoy an optional tasting of their unique liquors, or simply enjoy a delicious cup of coffee. Proceeding on wards we head towards the coastal town of Lüderitz.

On the way to Lüderitz, we stop at Garub, a viewing point for the Wild Horses of the Namib Desert.

Wild Horses of the Namib Desert
Wild Horses of the Namib Desert

Classic: Obelix Guesthouse on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Superior: Lüderitz Nest Hotel including Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and also selected local beverages

Day 4-5: Kolmanskop and Namib Desert

After an early breakfast, our morning starts with a visit to Kolmanskop ghost town. Kolmanskop is a deserted Diamond Mining Town in the Sperrgebiet National Park. Once an opulent and decadent town. A monument to the diamond boom. It was built to last but the diamonds ran out. Today, Kolmanskop stands as a haunting monument to the thriving past. Offering visitor’s unique photo opportunities of a bygone era.

We continue across vast open plains; stopping for an optional light lunch (included in the Superior tour) in the countryside town of Helmeringhausen. Continuing further north along with the Tiras Mountain range to our lodge in the Namib Desert. We are staying close to Sesriem. The gateway to Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei, and Sesriem Canyon. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the sparkling pool, enjoying the vast open desert plains. Or taking part in optional activities offered at the lodge.

The following morning we enter the Namib Naukluft National Park shortly after sunrise. The first rays of sunlight paint the mountains of sand into a variety of apricot, red, and orange. This is contrasted against a crisp blue skyline and provides an opportunity to capture this impressive landscape on film. You will be captivated by the surreal Deadvlei. Surrounded by some of the highest dunes on earth and Sossusvlei.

Sossusvlei Tour
Towering Sossusvlei Dunes

Afterwards, you are rewarded with an unforgettable desert breakfast amidst the ancient camelthorn trees and endless dunes as a backdrop. Thereafter, we visit the Sesriem Canyon. A natural phenomenon in the heart of the Namib Desert before returning to our lodge. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Classic: The Elegant Desert Lodge on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Superior: Sossusvlei Lodge including Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and also selected local beverages

Sossusvlei Lodge view

Day 6-7: Swakopmund

After breakfast, we continue our journey approaching the little settlement of Solitaire. On the edge of the Namib Naukluft National Park. You feel like you have arrived in the middle of nowhere! Travel via the desolate, rolling hills of the Kuiseb Valley towards the Atlantic Ocean. We reach the coastal harbor town of Walvis Bay, where we visit the shallow lagoon. This is one of the most important wetland areas on the African continent and a RAMSAR World Heritage Site. Over 80% of Africa’s lesser flamingos breed in this lagoon and present a breathtaking picture when they appear in groups.

Continuing along the scenic route between the dune belt and the Atlantic Ocean we reach Swakopmund. With palm-lined streets and seaside promenades, Swakopmund is a popular holiday destination in Namibia. Its pleasant summer climate and long-stretched beaches attract anglers and surfers from all over Southern Africa. Swakopmund is a bohemian mix of German architecture and African rhythms. A laid-back attitude with adrenaline activities, misty mornings, and desert heat. It is colorful, it is vibrant, but most of all, it is pure fun.

Explore the rugged, sweltering desert on a day tour. Or view this awesome, environment from the air on a scenic flight. Find your inner child and push adrenaline to its limits with extreme adventures. These include skydiving over the desert or quad biking and sandboarding on the dunes. Take time to get the feel of this quaint town. With its historic buildings, museums, and shopping arcades. There is also a fabulous beach bar in Swakopmund.

Classic: Hansa Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Superior: Strand Hotel – Breakfast, lunch, and also selected local beverages

The Strand Hotel in Swakopmund
The Strand Hotel in Swakopmund

Day 8-9: Damaraland

Today we head back inland past the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain into Damaraland. This is one of the least populated and most geologically diverse areas in Africa. This harsh, rocky environment is home to the elusive desert elephant, the black rhino, and free-roaming antelope species. We visit the Living Museum of the Damara and the Petrified Forest. Once at the lodge, guests have the remaining afternoon at leisure.

Classic: Damara Mopane Lodge / Ondjamba Adventure Camp on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Superior: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge on a Breakfast, lunch, and dinner basis; plus also selected local beverages

Day 10: Etosha National Park

During the cooler hours of the morning we start our day in the company of a local Damara guide, who takes us to Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO heritage site. After a visit to the nearby Living Museum of the Damara, we proceed to the Petrified Forest. A geological phenomenon depicting the creation and metamorphosis of wood into stone. Amongst some of the oldest landmasses in the world. Here we also see the Welwitschia mirabilis plant. This is the oldest living desert plant.

Our onward journey takes us to the Etosha National Park. We check into our lodge located on the border of the Etosha National Park and can unwind after the adventure filled day alongside the pool.

Classic: Eldorado Lodge on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Superior: Etosha Oberland on a Breakfast, light lunch, and dinner basis; plus also selected local beverages

Day 11: Etosha National Park

The day is devoted purely to the abundant wildlife found in the Etosha National Park. Which surrounds a parched salt desert known as the Etosha Pan. The park is home to four of the Big Five. These are elephant, lion, leopard, and rhino.

Game viewing in the park is primarily focused around the waterholes. These are ideal places to sit and watch over 114 x different game species. Or for an avid birder; more than 340 bird species.

Popular game species such as giraffe, blue wildebeest, plains and mountain zebra, hyena, lion, leopard, and antelopes. Such as kudu, oryx, and eland. As well as some of the endangered species. Such as the black rhino, cheetah, and black-faced impala. An extensive network of roads links over 30 water holes. Allowing visitors the opportunity of a comprehensive game-viewing safari throughout the park. As each different area will provide various encounters.

Classic: La Rochelle Lodge on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Superior: Onguma Collection on a Breakfast, lunch, and dinner basis plus selected local beverages

Day 12: Etosha National Park

Today your guide again takes you on a game drive in the Etosha National Park. We may encounter animal species we have not seen the previous day. Look forward to any new surprises at the different waterholes visited. The Etosha Pan dominates the park. This salt pan desert is lined by numerous watering holes. Roughly 130 km long and as wide as 50 km in places.

Etosha safari tour
Elephants at Etosha Pan

During Etosha’s notorious dry spells the pan is a deathly place, lying parched and cracked under the molten African sun. It is claimed that game viewing is best during the dry periods. As animals will then congregate closer to water. But even in the rainy season, the park remains an abundant wildlife haven. This is when you have the pleasure of experiencing the rebirth of life. The young play with their parents and the sprouting of new green shrubs and grasses creates a pleasing green oasis. In the afternoon we travel back to our lodge where we enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Enjoy an optional open-vehicle game drive. Your guide will assist you with this booking.

Classic: La Rochelle Lodge on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Superior: Onguma Collection – Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and also selected local beverages

Day 13: Return to Windhoek

After breakfast, we travel back to Windhoek. Time permitting, en route, we may stop at the famous wood carvers market in Okahandja. Or the craft market on the main street in Windhoek to pick up the last few souvenirs. The tour ends at your accommodation of choice or at the airport for your outward flight.

Classic: Breakfast
Superior: Breakfast, lunch, and also selected local beverages

Exploring Namibia Tour Package Rates

Rates are in Namibian Dollars (N$) which is equivalent to South African Rand.

Exploring Namibia Tour Rates

1st November 2023 until 31st October 2024

Per Person SharingSingle Supplement
ClassicN$ 46 500N$ 5 350
SuperiorN$ 132 700N$ 13 650

Supplement to include dinner on the Classic Package is N$ 5 700 until 31st October 2024.

See selected departure dates with discounts below.

Exploring Namibia Tour Scheduled departure dates

The Exploring Namibia Tour departs on some Sundays on a scheduled basis (with other people). However, this tour can depart on any date on request on a private basis. The tour is available with an English or English and German speaking guide.

Min / Max people on the Classic tour: 2 / 16
Min / Max people on the Superior tour: 2 / 6

Exploring Namibia Tour Departure days

Bilingual Tours

English Tours

SundaysSundays
2023November5, 19, 2612
December3
2024January7, 21
February4, 18
March173, 31
April14, 28
May1226
June923
July7, 21, 28
August11, 18, 254
September8, 15, 221, 29
October6, 2013

The tour dates in red are at discounted prices as follows:
Classic Tour on a bed & breakfast basis: N$ 43 050 per person sharing
Classic Tour on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis: N$ 48 700 per person sharing
Both classic tours have a N$ 3 730 single supplement
Superior Tour: N$ 119 600 per person sharing and N$ 12 275 single supplement.

The tour dates in pink are dates when no single supplement is required.

Please note there is no pre or post-day in Windhoek included in this tour. We would recommend booking this too; due to the scheduled departure and arrival time of this tour.
The 1st day of the tour begins between 8 am and 9 am from Windhoek
On the last day of the tour; it’s advisable to book a flight departing Windhoek International at the earliest 7 pm; or later.

All accommodation is subject to availability.

Exploring Namibia Tour Includes:

Transport and meals as mentioned in the itinerary
Drinks: Selected beverages on the Superior / Upmarket Tour only
Included entrance fees: Fish River Canyon; Namib Naukluft National Park; Twyfelfontein; Petrified Forest; Living Museum of the Damara; Etosha National Park
General: Still mineral water on the bus, tourism levy and government taxes where applicable, 24hrs medical evacuation insurance
Accommodation and activities as specified

Exploring Namibia Tour Excludes:

Travel insurance, flights, airport transfers, gratuities, visa fees, optional activities, and personal expenses

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