9-Day Namibia | Small Group Etosha National Park, Damaraland, Swakopmund & Sossusvlei

Departing Windhoek, you’ll start your journey to Etosha National Park, entering through the southern Andersson’s Gate. The afternoon is spent exploring several waterholes and enjoying a scenic picnic lunch within the park. Later, you continue to your overnight destination—Etosha Private Heights Game Reserve—nestled along the park’s southwestern border. You’re expected to arrive by late afternoon or early evening, with time to unwind, refresh, and soak in the peaceful surroundings of Etosha Heights.

Your day kicks off with an exciting morning game drive through the wild terrain of Etosha Heights Reserve, aboard an open safari vehicle and guided by a seasoned local ranger. You’ll be keeping your eyes peeled for elusive predators, graceful antelope, and vibrant birdlife as you traverse this untamed landscape. After returning to the lodge for a well-earned lunch, take a moment to recharge by the pool before heading back into the bush for another thrilling afternoon safari across the private reserve.

After breakfast, your safari adventure continues as you journey deep into the rugged heart of Namibia—Damaraland. Traverse sweeping farmlands and remote towns, soaking in the ever-changing landscapes along the way. A delicious Magic Box picnic adds a touch of indulgence to the road, before you arrive in time to toast the day with fireside sundowners at the secluded Camp Doros. Be prepared for a long day of travel—but the reward is well worth it: a full three-night stay in this captivating wilderness.

Today, you’ll set off on an exhilarating morning of rhino tracking, guided by skilled local trackers. These black rhino are part of one of Africa’s only free-roaming populations, and the chance to follow their trail through an unfenced, untouched wilderness is a rare and profound privilege. You’ll return to camp for a freshly prepared lunch, with time to relax and recharge during the heat of the day. Later in the afternoon, you’ll head out once more—either on a scenic nature drive or a guided walk—to further explore this vast and awe-inspiring ecosystem.

Your adventure continues today with your private naturalist guide, venturing across rugged terrain both by vehicle and on foot. In this vast, unfenced desert wilderness, wildlife roams freely—and while sightings can be elusive, the thrill lies in the chase. This is true frontier safari territory, where patience and persistence are part of the adventure. Today’s quest focuses on tracking the remarkable desert-adapted elephant through the ephemeral river systems, a pursuit that will keep you out in the field for most of the day. Your guide will pack a delicious picnic lunch to enjoy en route, and you’ll return to camp by late afternoon, enriched by the day’s discoveries.

After an early breakfast, you set off on a journey that winds south past the towering presence of Namibia’s highest peak—the Brandberg, rising to 2,573 metres above sea level—before turning westward to meet the Atlantic coast at Henties Bay. From there, the adventure continues south to the charming coastal town of Swakopmund, where the crisp ocean breeze and seaside charm offer a refreshing contrast to the inland heat. Tonight, you’ll stay on the town’s eastern edge, with sweeping views over the Swakop River Valley and the hauntingly beautiful desert dunes beyond. Dinner is served at a popular local restaurant, renowned for its fresh, locally harvested seafood.

After breakfast, set off on a captivating journey southeast through Namibia’s dramatic and ever-shifting desert landscapes. Your route winds through the awe-inspiring Gaub and Kuiseb canyons—natural marvels carved deep into the earth—before reaching the remote outpost of Solitaire. A scenic picnic lunch is enjoyed en route, adding a touch of wilderness indulgence to the day. Continue into the heart of the Namib Tsaris Conservancy, where your final two nights are spent at the exclusive Sossus Under Canvas. Arrival is expected by mid-to-late afternoon, with time to settle in, soak up the desert solitude, and refresh with a classic hot bucket shower before dinner under the stars.

Today begins with an early rise for a truly magical adventure into the Namib-Naukluft National Park, departing before sunrise to witness the dunes bathed in soft morning light—when shadows carve dramatic contours into the towering sandscapes. Explore the surreal beauty of Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, and the surrounding dune fields at your own pace, immersing yourself in one of the world’s most iconic desert landscapes. A relaxed picnic brunch awaits beneath the shade of a camelthorn tree. You’ll return to camp for a late, freshly prepared lunch and some well-earned downtime. Venture out once more on a scenic nature drive or walk to delve deeper into this vast and awe-inspiring ecosystem—capped off with a magnificent final safari sundowner to toast your journey.

After a leisurely breakfast this morning, you will depart from Sossusvlei and return to Windhoek, driving northeast up the Great Escarpment and through the scenic Khomas Hochland highlands. A tasty picnic lunch will again be served en route, and arrival in Windhoek should be by the mid afternoon. Upon your arrival in Windhoek you will be transferred to your accommodation for your onward travel arrangements.