This 3 day self-drive trip departs from Windhoek with 2 nights at a lodge in the vicinity of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert - allowing you a full day to explore the dune fields. The accommodation used is in the budget range - elsewhere on these pages you will find mid- and up-market alternatives to this itinerary. Blackthorn acacia is a deciduous shrub or a single-stemmed tree from 2 to 8m high, V-shaped, with a rounded crown and widespread throughout Namibia.

Photography is best in the early morning or before the sun sets at Sossusvlei; the colours are magnificent and constantly changing at these times. Afterwards virtually everybody then drives to walk down the Sesriem Canyon. The Tsauchab River that stops flowing because of the enormous dunes at Sossusvlei, runs through this canyon.

While it is possible to book this itinerary 'as is', all our self drive safaris are customisable. We can add or delete days, change the accommodation used and generally design the tour to suit your individual requirements. If you do not like the idea of driving yourself the itinerary could easily be used as the basis for a guided safari.

Self Drive Namibia

Day 1: Windhoek - Sossusvlei

There is no reason to leave Windhoek particularly early today, you have a drive of around 300km's which will take you around 4-5 hours (although the majority of travel will be on unsealed gravel roads). There are several routes to take -however our favourite is via the Spreetshoogte Pass - which offers stunning views from the top of the escarpment over the desert plains below. The pass is so steep that it is only possible to traverse it from top to bottom - so you will need to use one of the other routes on your return journey.
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: None
Accommodation: Sossusvlei Desert Camp

Day 2: 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 3: 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. Although not as breathtakingly spectacular as the drive over the Spreetshoogte (there are not many views that are!) the route over the Remhoogte Pass is very scenic.

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