This short 3 day self-driven excursion from Windhoek to Swakopmund is the ideal get-away for those living or working in Windhoek. The coastline of Namibia is noted for its extreme conditions. The cold Benguela current of the Atlantic Ocean meets the hot Namib Desert here which in turn attracts a variety of sea mammals including dolphin. They are very sociable animals and can be found in large schools in the area, best visited on a dolphin cruise from Walvis Bay.

Swakopmund is great for a weekend break. Surrounded by sea and sand, adrenalin junkies, adventure seekers and those just wanting to relax love it here! Sand boarding, canoeing, quad biking and hot-air ballooning are amongst the exciting activities available. Relax after your adventure with coffee and cake in the Hotel Schweizerhaus's Cafe Anton, only a few minutes from the city centre.

Although it is possible to book this itinerary 'as is', as with all our self drive trips this is entirely 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, a guided safari could be arranged.

Self Drive Namibia

Day 1: Windhoek - Swakopmund

The main route from Windhoek to Swakopmund is around 350km's and takes around three and a half hours on a good tarred road. There are two other, more scenic routes, through the Khomas Hochland Mountains - either using the Bosua or Gamsberg Passes but both of these take considerably longer (around 7 hours) as they use windy gravel roads. If you are in no particular rush to get to Swakopmund using one of these routes is a pleasant, if somewhat dusty, experience.
On arrival in Swakopmund check into your accommodation before heading out for a drink, dinner and a night on the town.
Meals: None
Accommodation: Sea Breeze Guest House

Day 2: Swakopmund

There is plenty to do to occupy yourself while in Swakopmund. Adventure activities range from sandboarding to quadbiking and scenic flights, these can be pre-arranged when you book this itinerary or left for you to arrange on arrival is Swakopmund. Another excellent option is to head out into the desert on the Welwitschia drive - you do require a permit which can be obtained from the Ministry of Environment & Tourism offices in Swakopmund.
The more sedintary will easily find asuitable cafe or bistro or spend the day walking on the beach and generally soaking in the relaxed Swakopmund atmosphere.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sea Breeze

Day 3: Swakopmund - Windhoek

After breakfast you will need to drive the 30km's from Swakop to Walvis Bay as you will be joining a catamaran cruise on the Walvis Lagoon. While enjoying sparkling wine & oysters you are likely to be joined by Cape Fur Seals, Heavyside Dolphins and a cornucopia of marine & bird life. After the cruise it is time for lunch and then the drive back to Windhoek.
Meals: Breakfast

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