This 3 day self-drive departs from Windhoek and spends both nights at a campsite in the vicinity of the Sossusvlei dunes - allowing you to have a full day to explore the area. Sossusvlei is a clay-filled pan surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world, best viewed at sunrise or sunset. The 2nd attraction in the area is Sesriem Canyon; deep and sheltered it often holds water into the dry season. Keep an eye on the ground for the fast moving, black, long-legged Tok Tokkie beetles which are common in this part of Namibia!

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You will need to provide your own camping equipment for this trip as it is not included in the quote and can not be rented at the campsite - if you require we can assist in making arrangements for the rental of suitable equipment.

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.
On arrival at Sesriem Campsite, which is also the entrance to the Namib Naukluft Park and the dunes, check in at reception and set up your camp. This evening you could decide to have sundown drinks at the nearby petrified Elim dune
Meals: None
Camping: Sesriem Campsite

Day 2: Sossusvlei

If you are an early bird and are fascinated by the idea of being at Sossusvlei for sunrise have a word with the park staff to find out at what time the gate opens (normally about an hour before sunrise) and head out towards the dunes as early as you can. For those more inclined to sleep and less fussy about having to be in the dunes for sunrise still try to get an early start as the dunes are best experienced before the sun reaches it zenith.
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)
This afternoon you can relax around the campsite pool before heading to the nearby Sesriem canyon.
Meals: None
Campsite: Sesriem Campsite

Day 3: Sossusvlei - Windhoek

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