For those with a fairly short time to enjoy the sights of Namibia this 8 day self driven trip takes in some of the country's major highlights - the dunes at Sossusvlei, game viewing in the Etosha Park and the coastal town of Swakopmund. This itinerary is aimed towards the budget conscious traveler and accommodation establishments and excursions have been chosen accordingly - if you are looking for more luxury the self drive section of this site has many other alternatives aimed at more exclusive trips.

Although it is possible to book this itinerary 'as is', as with all our self drive trips this is entirely customisable, and we can add or delete days, change the accommodation used and generally design the tour to suit your individual requirements.

Day 1: Windhoek - Etosha Park

We recommend leaving Windhoek early this morning as you have a 435km drive to complete before reaching the park. Your route takes you due north of Windhoek via the towns of Okahandja, Otjiwarongo and finally Outjo (a popular lunch stop - before the final drive into the park). You will enter Etosha at the Anderson Gate from where it is only a short drive to Okaukuejo. The chances are that immediately on entering the national park you will start to see interesting wildlife - so covering even the shortest distance can be a rewarding and time consuming business. Do remember that you have to be inside the Okaukuejo gates before sunset - otherwise you face the prospect of a fine, or even having to sleep in your car with the animals as your companions.
Meals: None
Accommodation: Room at Okaukuejo

Day 2 & 3: Etosha Park

It is really worth waking early and heading out on your game drive as soon as the gates open at sunrise. Animals are most active in the cool of the day (early morning & late afternoon) and in order to maximise your chances of good viewings it is worth imitating their behaviour. The roads in Etosha are unsealed gravel roads but are in reasonable condition - and the general tourist behaviour is to drive between various waterholes searching for animals.
As the day gets hotter head for shade, and lunch, at one of the parks three camps, Okaukuejo, Namutoni or Halali. When things start to cool down again head out for another game drive. With two full days in the park you should have sightings of most of the parks inhabitants (although be warned the cats are notoriously hard to find - and of course what you see is determined by luck and more importantly your ability to spot wildlife)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:

Night 2: Room at Okaukuejo (this gives you 2 nights in the same room meaning you do not have to pack up and move)

Night 3: Room at Halali

Day 4: Etosha Park - Swakopmund

Pack up and head out of the park via the Anderson Gate, this drive offers you the opportunity to see more game, but don't stop and watch for too long as you have a long 560km drive ahead of you today. We suggest driving via Otjiwarongo to the town of Omaruru, which in recent years has become something of an artists retreat, there are several places here to stop and enjoy lunch before continuing via Karibib and Usakos and then across the Namib Desert to Swakopmund.

On arrival in Swakopmund check into your accommodation before heading out for a drink, dinner and a night on the town.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Alternative Space

Day 5: Swakopmund

There are a host of adventure activities to participate in while in Swakopmund. These range from sandboarding through quad biking to sky-diving. No activities are included in this package but they can be pre-arranged when you book this itinerary or left for you to arrange on arrival is Swakopmund
Being a German inspired town good food and beer is never hard to find, so we are sure you will find something productive to do!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Alternative Space

Day 6: Swakopmund - Sossusvlei

Leave Swakopmund towards the harbour town of Walvis Bay, the lagoon here attracts a lot of marine & birdlife and is well worth a visit to view the pink flamingoes. You may decide to take a catamaran cruise on the lagoon (not included in package price). Today you have a drive of around 300km's which will take you around 4-5 hours. Your route will take you across the gravel plains of the Namib Desert and through the Kuiseb & Gaub passes. Aim to arrive at your accommodation in the late afternoon, Desert Camp is a self catering establishment and no meals are included in this package but if you do not want to have the hassle of carrying and preparing your own food meals can be enjoyed at the nearby Sossusvlei Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sossusvlei Desert Camp

Day 7: Sossusvlei

Wake up early and leave your lodge, heading for the Sesriem entrance gate to the Namib Naukluft Park. This gate only opens at sunrise, so there is no point arriving earlier, but driving the 60km from Sesriem through the dunes towards Sossusvlei while the sun rises is a real pleasure. The first major dune you will encounter goes by the imaginative name of Dune 45 - many people choose to stop and climb this dune but we suggest you continue onwards towards Sossusvlei. Park at the the 2x4 car park (unless you have a 4x4 vehicle this is as far as you can drive), Sossusvlei is a further 4km from here but you are already amongst fairly large dunes. The walk along the dry river bed into Sossusvlei is lovely but for the very unfit or terminally lazy there are 4x4 shuttles from the car park to Sossusvlei.
Deadvlei, so named because it is a large pan with sculptural dead trees, is close by and definitely worth a visit. When you have had enough sand - head back to your vehicle (there really is no shame in taking the shuttle back - the sand is likely to be hot, and the walk less pleasant than the one in the cool of the morning)
On your way back to the lodge stop at the Sesriem Canyon - follow the signs from the Sesriem Campsite.
Meals: None
Accommodation: Sossusvlei Desert Camp

Day 8: Sossusvlei - Windhoek

If you are looking to completely blow your budget you could consider joining a balloon flight over Sossusvlei this morning. Otherwise after breakfast, pack up and head back to Windhoek.

 

Includes

All your meals and activities as specified.
A welcome pack including maps and vouchers for the places that you'll be visiting.
See the individual lodges for precise inclusions & exclusions
The Cardboard Box Travel Shop's own Namibia Guide Book
A 24 hour emergency assistance phone number

Excludes

Vehicle & Fuel
Park entrance fees (these need to be paid on arrival).
Tips and gratuities (which are optional).
Any meals or activities not specified.
See the individual lodges for detailed inclusions & exclusions.

Vehicles

Although we have excluded the cost of renting a vehicle from the quoted rate we are happy to advise you on the best possible vehicle and arrange a rental for you. For an idea of what is available have a look at our car hire in Namibia section

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