Welcome in Namibia!

Upon arrival you will be met by the driver and taken to the 4×4 depot. Before setting off with your 4×4, you will get instructions of the vehicle, how to drive with the 4×4 mode, how to pitch the tent and much more. This might take up to 2 hours.

You can then drive to the accommodation to check in. The afternoon is at leisure. You will have some time to do some shopping for the next couple of days.

The first day takes you about 250 km south, out of the hills of Windhoek and past the town of Rehoboth towards Mariental. For those who want to try a more adventurous route for the last stretch, a gravel alternative to the asphalt road leads you through the countryside along small rolling sand dunes. Here you can take an afternoon walk through the dune landscape, rent bicycles, book a sunset drive, or simply relax.

Located on the edge of the southern Kalahari in the mixed tree and shrub savannah, the lodge is crisscrossed by huge red sand dunes. We attach great importance to the preservation of nature and its living beings, so you can experience numerous species of animals and plants up close with us. Watch antelopes, springboks, zebras, ostriches, meerkats or cheetahs up close. Or let the authentic Bushmen introduce you to their ancient traditions.

You can do sunset/morning drives, cheetah experience, bushmen walk and much more.

Start the day with an optional early sunrise drive in the dunes. Then, continue your journey south.

The Fish River Canyon in Namibia – the second-largest canyon in the world – beckons! Take the asphalt road south to Keetmanshoop, the capital of the Karas region, which has a small monument for Karakul sheep farmers and a museum in the old church. Another, more adventurous route takes you past Gochas and Koës, through hills and along memorials for fallen soldiers. From Keetmanshoop, take the dirt road near the Naute Dam, passing an emerald-green oasis of palm trees and vineyards. Stop at the Naute Kristall Distillery to taste a range of desert schnapps. The road now goes through the Gondwana Canyon Park, a private nature reserve of 130,000 hectares, past the old limestone kiln at Holoog, which is visible before the turnoff to the Fish River Canyon and Canyon Roadhouse. The renovated Roadhouse appears 16 km further with its stunning collection of classic cars. You have reached your friendly and colorful home for the next two nights, ready to rest, explore, enjoy a smile, and savor the famous Amarula cheesecake.

After breakfast you can explore the surroundings at a leisurely pace. A short drive from the Roadhouse leads to Hobas, where for a small fee, you can access the canyon’s viewpoints (a ten-kilometer drive from the gate). Stretch your legs by walking to Hikers’ Point along the edge of the canyon or drive along the rim roads to gain different perspectives on this awe-inspiring natural masterpiece.

Guides hikes, sunset drives and more are available.

Choose between the more adventurous route south following the Orange River before circling to Rosh Pinah and Aus. Alternatively, you can head north via Naute Dam and turn west on B4 towards the Namib Desert. Along the way, flattened mountains will accompany you as you cross small bridges over various seasonal rivers. A great place to have lunch is Alte Kalköfen Lodge, a short detour from the main road and an opportunity to visit the small lithoparium – a nursery specializing in lithops, the only place in Namibia authorized to propagate these “flowering stones.” A few kilometers past Aus lies the cozy family-run Klein Aus Vista Lodge. Celebrating the spirit of the wild horses, this lodge is the perfect base to explore the area and reconnect with your sense of freedom.

You will not have time to visit Kolmanskop unless you wake up very very early.

Today’s journey is over gravel, so depart after an early breakfast and head towards the beautiful desert landscape further north. Travel the route via Helmeringhausen (a good spot for a coffee break), Maltahöhe, and Büllsport (with an optional route from Maltahöhe via the Tsaris Pass), or the more scenic and sandy D707 that runs along the Namib Naukluft Park. Betta is a good place to make a stop for a snack and a drink before driving through the Namib Rand Nature Reserve. Slow down and keep your eyes open for wildlife along this section of the unfenced road.

Start the morning with a drive into the Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Release some air from the tires when entering deep sand.

Arrive at Namib Dune Star Camp and enjoy the luxury of a bed in the middle of the desert! You will arrive at Namib Dune Star Lodge and will be transferred with a shuttle to your cottage in the desert (15 minutes drive).

Namib Dune Star Camp is located atop ancient sand dunes with stunning views of the Namib Desert. This soft adventure camp offers the thrill of the desert with comforts like cozy beds and hot showers. The camp has nine private cabins, each with an en-suite bathroom, spacious deck, and a double bed that can be moved outside for stargazing.

The central area’s expansive balcony provides panoramic vistas, perfect for enjoying a sundowner while the sun casts a golden glow over the desert. After sunset, guests can indulge in a delicious dinner under the sparkling stars.

The eco-friendly camp uses solar panels and water from a nearby borehole, with limited electricity and no air conditioning or plugs. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the desert’s beauty, fresh air, and starry skies.

Leave Namib Dune Star Camp, but hold on to this beautiful experience! Drive towards Swakopmund via the Kuiseb Canyon – another dusty drive.

Continue on a desert drive through the fascinating scenery of the Gaub and Kuiseb canyons before you reach the palm trees of Walvis Bay. Once back on the tar, the 30km drive to Swakopmund takes you on a mesmerizing journey between the icy Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert dunes. Unwind and refresh at the end of the day in the warm and uplifting atmosphere of the lodge.

If you have time you can visit Walvis Bay Lagoon and spot some flamingos.
Swakopmund has a lot to offer and a day exploring the sand dunes, sea kayaking, sandwich Harbour tour or a dolphin cruise will be worthwhile.
Acitivties can be booked upon arrival or up front via us.

Book your Swakopmund tours via us or https://tinyurl.com/swakopmundtours & https://namibiadesertexplorers.com/

Day at leisure

Follow the salt road along the coast northwards towards Henties Bay, Cape Cross Seal Colony, and the Skeleton Coast. Rock art is on today’s agenda with a visit to Twyfelfontein, home to a treasure trove of ancient rock engravings. The area was once visited by groups of hunters and gatherers who gathered at rock pools during the dry season. Their shamans beseeched the gods for rain, healing for their people, and success in hunting, carving their prayers into the sandstone rocks. The dry desert environment has preserved these engravings for thousands of years. Other geological stops include the Organ Pipes, Burnt Mountain, and Petri Forest, evidence of the Earth’s intriguing geological history. For a taste of local culture, visit the Damara Living Museum.

Elephant tracking or rhino tracking is also possible.

Free day to spend as you like.

Damaraland is a beloved region among those exploring Namibia on a self-drive safari. Situated in the central to northwestern part of Namibia, the southern part of Damaraland is characterized by rock formations, dry riverbeds, and acacia trees. In contrast, the northern part consists of vast plains with occasional vegetation. This highland area is home to desert elephants and desert rhinos, among others. Due to its diversity, Damaraland is one of the most fascinating areas of Namibia.

Today, your journey continues to the first wildpark! Time for the safaris! Explore Etosha with your own 4×4 through Anderson gate, which is a 15 minute drive from the lodge. Buy a map with all the waterholes and explore them one by one or download the app. https://www.etosha-app.com/

Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park, located in northern Namibia, is one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. Known for its vast salt pan, the park is home to a diverse range of animals, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and numerous bird species. Visitors can explore the park’s numerous waterholes, where wildlife congregates, offering incredible opportunities for game viewing. The unique landscape, characterized by arid plains, savannah, and woodlands, creates a stunning backdrop for safaris, making Etosha a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

Your accommodation has two waterholes where you can spot hopefully some animals after sunset, whilst enjoying a drink at the bar!

Enter the gate and drive to Halali Campsite which is located in the middle of Etosha National Park. If you like to cook, please do shopping upfront before entering Etosha. There are several small towns with small supermarkets. The restaurants inside the park are very expensive. The shops do sell snacks, water and drinks.

You can either spend another day in your own 4×4 or book guided gamedrives at the reception.

Enjoy a full day of safari with your own 4×4 (or book a game drive via the lodge). Drive towards the Eastern side of the park and explore this area. You could also book an activity via the lodge.

Continue your journey to Timbila Game Reserve.

Timbila Game Reserve, located in the heart of Namibia, offers a peaceful and exclusive wildlife experience. The reserve is home to a variety of animals, including giraffes, zebras, and antelope, as well as a rich diversity of birdlife. With its mix of open plains and bushland, Timbila provides excellent opportunities for guided game drives and walking safaris, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. The reserve’s tranquil atmosphere and commitment to conservation make it a perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Day at leisure

Drive towards Windhoek and hand in your 4×4 rental car. You could stop in Okahandja for some last minute curio shopping.

Okahandja is known for its vibrant craft markets, particularly the Okahandja Mbangura Woodcarvers Craft Market and the Okahandja Open Air Market. These markets offer a wide variety of handcrafted items, including wooden carvings, jewelry, textiles, and traditional Namibian souvenirs.

Make sure you hand in the vehicle before 16/17 p.m. or earlier if you like to enjoy the beautiful setting and activities at the non profit Naankuse lodge.

A transfer will drop you off at Naankuse lodge.

After a leisure morning it is time to check out and drop of your 4×4 vehicle. We wish you safe travels back home!

Note: a day room is available on request at additional costing.