Early morning, you will depart the capital, embarking on a five-hour drive towards the vast Namib Desert, down to Sossusvlei for a 2-night stay. The journey takes you through scenic passes and across endless plains. A vital stop is the famous desert outpost of Solitaire, where you can refuel, grab supplies, and famously, try the legendary apple pie at Moose McGregor's Bakery. Arriving at a campsite near the Sesriem gate, you will set up your first camp, ready for an early start to explore the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei at sunrise.

Activities: Each action, from pitching your rooftop tent to preparing a meal using a portable stove, is done with a "leave no trace" ethos. You'll use designated fire pits and dispose of waste in marked bins, knowing that every effort helps preserve this fragile and pristine desert ecosystem.  

Camping: The campsite is one of only two camps inside of the Namib Naukluft Reserve and is also a mere four kilometers away from the Sesriem Canyon. Visitors to this camp have the advantage of being able to drive to the dunes before the sunrise. Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are 60 km from the campsite. Due to its position this campsite is in high demand, especially during the high season, and visitors should book in advance.

Activities: Rise before dawn for an unforgettable day exploring the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Your early start allows you to drive to iconic Dune 45 in time for a breathtaking sunrise climb, witnessing the desert come alive as the first rays of light illuminate the immense dunes. You will then continue to Deadvlei, where you can walk among ancient camel thorn trees and take in the powerful, haunting landscape. You will return to camp during the hottest part of the day to relax, before a final exploration of nearby Sesriem Canyon as the day cools.

The journey from Sesriem to Swakopmund is approximately 350 km drive that showcases the Namib Desert's changing faces. Leaving the red dunes behind, you'll head north on gravel roads, again stopping at the famous Solitaire for fuel and a slice of its legendary apple pie. The landscape transitions from arid plains to the rugged Tropic of Capricorn sign, a popular photo stop. As you near the coast, the dry, rocky terrain gives way to a mystical, foggy atmosphere as you approach the coastal town of Swakopmund.

Activities: Swakopmund is an adventure hub offering an array of activities. You can get your adrenaline fix by quad biking or sandboarding down massive dunes, or skydive for an incredible view of the desert meeting the ocean. Alternatively, explore the town's German colonial architecture, stroll along the historic jetty, or take a "living desert" tour to find unique, small wildlife. Swakopmund offers a chance to engage with its local community. One of the most insightful and impactful activities is a township tour of Mondesa.

Accommodation: The accommodation offers a tranquil “home away from home” experience with self-catering. Rooms are equipped with kitchenettes and private bathrooms. The accommodation is withing walking distance of the beach and driving distance from popular restaurants.

Activities: Walvis Bay offers a variety of marine and desert activities. Take a catamaran cruise to see seals, dolphins, and pelicans, or kayak alongside them at Pelican Point. For a thrilling adventure, join a 4x4 tour to the dramatic Sandwich Harbour, where towering dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean. You can also spot thousands of flamingos in the town's lagoon.

The drive from Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe is a relatively short and scenic journey of approximately 160km. The landscape gradually transforms from the cool, foggy coast to the harsh, sun-baked desert, with the iconic granite peaks of Spitzkoppe slowly rising from the horizon. The journey is a taste of the raw, untouched beauty that defines Damaraland. The drive takes about 2-3 hours, allowing plenty of time to explore upon arrival.

Activities: Activities at Spitzkoppe include hiking the unique granite formations, exploring the iconic Natural Rock Arch, and viewing ancient rock paintings with a local guide. It's also a paradise for stargazers, offering some of the clearest night skies in the world.

Camping: Campsites are nestled among ancient granite boulders, offering a raw, unforgettable wilderness experience. Each site has a braai area and a dry toilet, while a few have private ablution facilities. It's the perfect setting for stargazing and feeling completely connected to nature.

The journey from Spitzkoppe to your next camping experience is a full-day's drive, approximately 300km, offering a stunning cross-section of Namibia's rugged interior. You'll leave the dramatic granite peaks of Spitzkoppe behind and head northeast on a combination of gravel roads, passing through the small town of Uis. This route takes you through the heart of Damaraland, a region known for its unique and desolate beauty. The landscape will gradually shift to more open savannah as you approach the lodge, located near the town of Outjo, your gateway to the renowned Etosha National Park. It's a long journey, so be sure to refuel in Uis.

Activities: Game drives, sunset drive, rhino watching.

Camping: The campsite offers luxurious, private campsites nestled in the bush, each with its own bathroom and braai facilities. The camp provides a peaceful setting to relax after a long drive and is a perfect stopover before your Etosha National Park adventure.

Travelling to your next campsite is an approximately 146 kilometer journey that should take you around 1 hour and 25 minutes by car. The route is straightforward, and will take you to the doorstep of Etosha National Park. Protect Etosha's pristine wilderness. Pack out all trash, never disturb wildlife, and leave nothing but footprints to ensure its preservation for everyone.

Activities: Activities include self-drive game viewing, guided game drives, sundowner drives to watch the sunset, and guided walks to spot local flora and fauna. Stargazing is also available at night.

Camping: The campsite offers a comfortable and convenient experience. Each site has a private bathroom, braai area, and power point. The campsite provides a pool and a restaurant for relaxation after a long day of game viewing in the park.

Spend the day game viewing, guided game drives, sundowner drives to watch the sunset, and guided walks to spot local flora and fauna. Stargazing is also available at night.

Camping: The campsite offers a comfortable and convenient experience. Each site has a private bathroom, braai area, and power point. The campsite provides a pool and a restaurant for relaxation after a long day of game viewing in the park. Protect Etosha's pristine wilderness. Pack out all trash, never disturb wildlife, and leave nothing but footprints to ensure its preservation for everyone.

The journey from Etosha's south (Okaukuejo) to the east (Namutoni) is approximately 141km game drive, typically taking 3-5 hours. The route follows the main road, with numerous gravel side roads leading to different waterholes. It's a game-viewing opportunity in itself, as you drive along the edge of the vast, white Etosha Pan. Be sure to stop at Nebrownii, Kalkheuwel, and Halali waterholes to spot various wildlife. The landscape shifts from open plains to mopane woodlands.

Activities: Beyond the thrilling self-drive game viewing, Etosha's eastern side (near Namutoni) offers several guided activities. You can join a guided game drive into the park with an expert ranger, embark on a morning bush walk on the Onguma Reserve to learn about the smaller details of the bush, or relax at a hide to quietly observe animals coming to a waterhole.

Camping: Camping a luxurious and private experience. Each spacious campsite has its own private bathroom, power point, and kitchen area, all surrounded by beautiful mopane trees. Guests also have access to a communal swimming pool and the camp's restaurant.

The drive from Etosha's eastern gate to Okonjima Nature Reserve is approximately 250km and takes 2.5-3 hours. The journey follows a well-maintained tar road, offering a welcome change from the gravel roads of the park. You'll pass through the town of Tsumeb and Otjiwarongo before arriving at your next destination. This is one of the last long driving days, and a good opportunity to soak in the scenery of northern Namibia's bushland. It is a pleasant and easy drive.

Activities: Unique activities centered around its conservation efforts. You can join guided game drives and track leopards or brown hyenas. Day visits to the AfriCat Foundation's Carnivore Care Centre offer a chance to learn about and see cheetahs and other rescued carnivores. There are also self-guided hiking trails.

Camping: The campsite offers a pristine wilderness experience within a beautiful reserve. The campsites are private, well-equipped with their own shower, toilet and braai area. Guests can relax at the pool or bar and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before their guided activities.

Activities: A visit to Waterberg Plateau is a unique experience focused on hiking and history. The striking, flat-topped mountain provides spectacular views from the top. You can explore the plateau on guided or self-guided hiking trails, visit ancient San rock art, and learn about the historic Battle of Waterberg at a dedicated military cemetery. This is a must for those who want to experience the wilderness on foot. The distance from Okonjima Nature Reserve to Waterberg Plateau is approximately 124 km and takes about 1 hour and 49 minutes to drive. The route involves heading east on the B1 tar road before turning onto the C22 and then the D2512 gravel roads.

The final leg of your journey is a comfortable drive from Okonjima Nature Reserve back to Windhoek. Following the main tar road south for approximately 250km, this 2.5-hour drive provides a perfect opportunity to reflect on your incredible adventure.

Along the way, a must-stop is the Okahandja Mbangura Woodcarvers Craft Market. Located just outside the town of Okahandja, it's the largest roadside craft market in Namibia. It's the ideal place to browse and buy final souvenirs, from intricately carved wooden animals and baskets to jewelry and textiles, all while supporting local artists.

After a final breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to your rental car and head to the airport for your flight home.