Botswana, Namibia · Desert Adventure

12-Day Namibia and Botswana Desert Safari with Etosha and Sossusvlei

12 Days Round trip from Windhoek Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the landscapes of the Kalahari Desert
02 Join a guided bush walk with a Khoisan bushman
03 Enjoy a full-day game drive in Etosha National Park
04 Travel through Damaraland, the semi-arid Eden of Namibia
05 Look out for the Himba people and Herero women en route to Swakopmund
06 Take memorable picture stops along the Skeleton Coast
07 Experience camel rides, quad biking, and other desert excursions in Swakopmund

Embark on a 12-day journey through Namibia and Botswana, starting in Windhoek and travelling across the Kalahari Desert, the Okavango Delta region, Etosha National Park, Damaraland, Swakopmund, and Sossusvlei. Experience diverse landscapes and wildlife, enjoy a full-day game drive in Etosha, and take part in desert adventures such as camel rides and quad biking in Swakopmund. Along the way, meet the Khoisan people, join a guided bush walk, and witness traditional dances and storytelling in Ghanzi.

Experience diverse landscapes and wildlife, enjoy a full-day game drive in Etosha, and take part in desert adventures such as camel rides and quad biking in Swakopmund.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park, Khorixas, Sossusvlei, Ghanzi, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Mariental, Okavango Delta

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Windhoek to Ghanzi and Khoisan Cultural Experience

Meet your tour guide, who will pick you up from Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek.
Make your way to Botswana towards the Kalahari Desert. Spend the night in Ghanzi, a small town in Botswana populated by the indigenous Kalahari descendants called the Khoisan people. After dinner, they will perform their traditional dances and storytelling for you.

Day 02

Bush Walk and Journey into the Kalahari Desert

Join a local bushman from the Khoisan community for an early morning bush walk, during which he will explain the hunters' and gatherers' way of life.
Drive deep into the Kalahari Desert, where you will stay overnight.

Day 03

Kalahari Desert to Sepopa on the Okavango Delta

Leave the Kalahari Desert and make your way towards Namibia. Stay overnight at Sepopa Swampstop along the banks of the Okavango Delta.

Day 04

Sepopa to Grootfontein via the Kavango Region

Re-enter Namibia through the Kavango region and continue towards Etosha National Park. Spend the night at Roy's Camp in Grootfontein.

Day 05

Full-Day Game Drive in Etosha from Namutoni

Enter the northern side of Etosha and enjoy a full-day game drive. Stay overnight at Camp Namutoni.

Day 06

Game Drive to Okaukuejo via Halliburton Camp

Enjoy a game drive south towards Okaukuejo. Stop for lunch at one of the biggest camps in Etosha, called Halliburton.

Day 07

Etosha to Damaraland

Leave Etosha today and head towards the desert. Stay overnight in Damaraland, the semi-arid Eden of Namibia.

Day 08

Damaraland to Swakopmund via the Skeleton Coast

Leave the semi-arid Eden and travel deep into the desert via the Skeleton Coast. This route is rich in history and cultural diversity.
Be on the lookout for the Himba people, one of the oldest tribes in Namibia, and also watch for the Herero women in their old German-inspired dress.
Drive along the Skeleton Coast, making a few historical and picture stops before arriving in Swakopmund for your overnight stay.

Day 09

Desert Excursions in Swakopmund

Experience desert excursions ranging from camel rides and quad biking to skydiving and many more activities.

Day 10

Swakopmund to Sossusvlei via Scenic Desert Stops

Head towards the Namib Desert with exciting picture stops that include Walvis Bay, Kuiseb Pass, Moon Landscape, Gaub Pass, the Tropic of Capricorn, Solitaire, and more.

Spend the night in Sossusvlei.

Day 11

Dune 45, Dead Vlei, and Onward to Mariental

Wake up before sunrise, drive for nearly 60 km, and climb Dune 45 before the sun comes up.
Drive to the Dead Vlei area to view the wonders of creation there. After your time in the desert, make your way towards Windhoek and spend the night in Mariental.

Day 12

Return to Windhoek

Drive to Windhoek, where your tour ends. There is an option today to visit the township and mingle with the locals, as well as visit the city's historical sites.