Guided tour from Windhoek

13 Days Explore Namibia Tour

Join our 13 Days Explore Namibia Tour and take in all the treasures of this expansive country and thrill your senses with a full-circle tour of Namibia from canyons & deserts of the South to the wildlife of the North.

Discover Namibia's best safari and wilderness attractions on the 13-Day Explore Namibia Tour, all in one guided tour. Visiting all the major highlights of this vast and beautiful country, there is a lot on offer!! You could spend a lifetime exploring Namibia, we have assembled the highlights in a 12-day journey, including the Kalahari, Fish River Canyon, Lüderitz, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland and Etosha National Park.

The Explore Namibia Tour is ideal for travellers looking to tour Namibia's greatest sights.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Enjoy a nature drive through the Kalahari Desert and learn how wildlife has adapted to this desert environment
  • Visit the unique quiver tree forest nestled among huge dolerite boulders
  • Gaze into the Fish River Canyon, second only to the Grand Canyon
  • Travel to the Succulent Karoo, the most specie diverse desert on Earth
  • Take a trip down to the Kolmanskop ghost town & other attractions in the area
  • Early morning excursion into Sossusvlei
  • View the most beautiful sunrise, painting the dunes with deep reds, apricot & purple
  • Oryx can be spotted wandering the reserve
  • Short drive & walking excursion into the Dead Vlei
  • Visit the gaping Sesriem Canyon
  • Visit the shallow lagoon near the Atlantic Ocean, a feeding ground for thousands of African Flamingos
  • Leisure time in Swakopmund to partake in some of the many activities on offer
  • Meet the Damara people in one of the least populated and geologically diverse areas in Africa
  • Twyfelfontein, home to over 2,500 Bushman paintings over 6,000 years old
  • Burnt Mountain & the Organ Pipes
  • Visit the age-old Petrified Forest & marvel at the oldest desert plant on Earth
  • Traverse the Etosha National Park in search of fascinating animal species

See also our 13 Day Untamed Namibia Tour

Summary

Meals Vary

13 Day
Minbus or Coach

Namibia

Day 1 - Kalahari Desert
Leaving Windhoek, we travel into the largest sand mass on Earth, the Kalahari Desert. The Kalahari is a vast semi-desert of wind-blown sand held by a sparse mantle of thorn scrub making it the most extensive continuous stretch of sand covering 9 African countries. Unlike other true deserts, the Kalahari does receive erratic rainfall. For many therefor "thirstland” is a more fitting description. Lacking permanent surface water, the Kalahari is a challenging place to live except for those who have adapted to not only survive but flourish here. The Bushmen refer to it as the "Soul of the World", an emotive description for this area! With its deep red dunes and endless grass plains interspersed with acacia’s and shrubs, it is still home to a surprisingly large amount of specially adapted wildlife.

Enjoy the opportunity to experience the red dunes, wildlife and plants, in this desert environment on an optional nature drive (On the Superior version this nature drive is included).
Classic Version: Intu Afrika Collection
Superior Version: Intu Afrika Collection (light lunch, Dinner, incl. selected beverages & Nature Drive in the Kalahari)
Note: Arrival flights on day of tour departure to be no later than 09h00.

Day 2 - Fish River Canyon
We continue south through arid and extensive rocky plains. Visiting the unique Garas quiver tree forest where you are welcomed by quirky human-made sculptures of scrap metal which set a contrast to this serene, timeless space with Quiver trees and aloes nestled amongst huge dolerite boulders, stacked mysteriously, the area is also aptly referred to as “Giant’s Playground”.

We continue to our lodge, situated in close vicinity to the Fish River Canyon. Here we can explore the area on foot or an optional guided nature drive in the later afternoon highlighting the Quiver trees, rugged landscape and impressive sweeping rock formations.
Classic Version: Canyon Village (Breakfast)
Superior Version: Canyon Lodge (Breakfast, light lunch, Dinner , incl. selected beverages)

Day 3 - Lüderitz
Our morning starts early on the edge of the Fish River Canyon where we gaze into this magnificent geological phenomenon. The Fish River Canyon is located in the northern part of the Nama Karoo and is the second largest canyon on earth, featuring a gigantic ravine that measures in total about 160 km long, up to 27 km wide and in places almost 550 meters deep. The Fish River is the longest interior river found in Namibia, but its current flow is just a drop compared with the immense volume of water that poured down its length in ages past. We continue our journey past the Naute dam, where we shortly stop at the Naute Kristall Cellar and Distillery, to taste some of their unique liquors (optional) or simply enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.

Proceeding onwards we head towards the coastal town of Lüderitz. On the way to Lüderitz, we stop at Garub, which is the viewing point for the Wild Horses of the Namib Desert. Arriving in Lüderitz we head towards the coastline and take a scenic route along the “Große Bucht”, enjoying the fresh see breeze, while stopping for a quick picnic. Returning to Lüderitz we check into our guesthouse.
Classic Version: Obelix Guesthouse (Breakfast)
Superior Version: Lüderitz Nest Hotel (Breakfast, light lunch, Dinner, incl. selected beverages)

Day 4 - Namib Desert
After an early breakfast, our morning starts with a visit to Kolmanskop ghost town. Kolmanskop is a deserted Diamond Mining Town in the Sperrgebiet National Park. Once an opulent and decadent town, a monument to the Diamond boom and built to last…until the diamonds ran out. Today Kolmanskop stands as a haunting monument to the thriving past, offering visitor’s unique photo motives into a bygone era.

We continue across vast open plains, stopping for an optional light lunch (included in the Superior tour) in the countryside town of Helmeringhausen before continuing further north along with the Tiras Mountain range to our lodge in the Namib Desert. We are located close to Sesriem the gateway to Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei and Sesriem Canyon, with some of the highest dunes on Earth towering over the white desert plains. The afternoon can be spent relaxing at the sparkling pool, enjoying the vast open desert plains, or taking part in optional activities offered at the lodge.
Classic Version: The Elegant Desert Lodge (Breakfast)
Superior Version: Sossusvlei Lodge (Breakfast, light lunch, Dinner, incl. selected beverages)

Day 5 - Namib Desert
The morning demands an early start. Entering the Namib Naukluft National Park shortly after sunrise, the first rays of sunlight paint the mountains of sand into a variety of apricot, red and orange, contrasted against a crisp blue skyline, enrapturing our senses, and providing an opportunity to capture this impressive landscape on film. You will be captivated by the surreal Deadvlei surrounded by some of the highest dunes on earth and Sossusvlei, where the dry Tsauchab River ends abruptly amongst dunes.

Take the opportunity to walk up one of these majestic dunes to admire the desert landscape beneath. After this thrilling experience we visit the Sesriem Canyon, a life-sustaining natural phenomenon in the heart of the Namib Desert before returning back to our lodge and cooling off along the swimming pool or with a refreshing drink at one of the quiet retreats located all around the lodge.
Classic Version: The Elegant Desert Lodge (Breakfast)
Superior Version: Sossusvlei Lodge (Breakfast, light lunch, Dinner, incl. selected beverages)

Day 6 - Swakopmund
After breakfast we continue our journey approaching the little settlement of Solitaire on the edge of the Namib Naukluft National Park, feeling like you have arrived in the middle of nowhere, before travelling via the desolate, rolling hills of the Kuiseb Valley towards the Atlantic Ocean. Reaching the coastal harbour town of Walvis Bay, we visit the shallow lagoon, one of the most important wetland areas on the African continent and a RAMSAR World Heritage Site. Over 80% of Africa’s lesser flamingos breed in this lagoon and present a breath-taking picture when they appear in groups.

Continuing along the scenic route between the dune belt and the Atlantic Ocean we reach Swakopmund, where the rest of the day is spent at leisure. With palm-lined streets and seaside promenades, Swakopmund is a popular holiday destination in Namibia. Its pleasant summer climate and long stretched beaches attract anglers and surfers from all over Southern Africa. For the international guest, Swakopmund is a bohemian mix of German architecture and African rhythms, a laid back attitude with adrenalin activities, misty mornings and desert heat. It is colourful, it is vibrant, but most of all, it is pure fun.
Classic Version: Hansa Hotel (Breakfast)
Superior Version:
Strand Hotel (Breakfast, light lunch, incl. selected beverages)

Day 7 - Swakopmund
Swakopmund is often fondly referred to as the "playground of Namibia", it has numerous activities ranging from, adventure to exploring the fascinating features of the Namib Desert and the animals and plants that occur and survive here. Embrace the relaxed pace of this idyllic coastal town while enjoying coffee and freshly baked pastries in one of the many café's. Alternatively explore the rugged, sweltering desert on a day tour, or view this awesome, environment from the air on a scenic flight. Find your inner child and push adrenaline to its limits with extreme adventures such as skydiving over the desert or quad biking and sand boarding on the dunes. Take time to get the feel of this quaint town with its historic buildings, museums, shopping arcades and beach bar that has transformed into its own personality by the vibrant use of colour and the bohemian lifestyle.
Classic Version: Hansa Hotel (Breakfast)
Superior Version:
Strand Hotel (Breakfast & Marine Cruise)

Day 8 - Damaraland
Today our journey continues through Uis past the Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain (2.579m), into the Damaraland, one of the least populated and most geologically diverse areas in Africa. This harsh, rocky environment is home to the elusive desert elephant, the black rhino and free-roaming antelope species. We arrive at our lodge in the afternoon, where we have the remaining day at leisure.
Classic Version: Ondjamba Hills (Breakfast)
Superior Version: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge (Breakfast, light lunch, Dinner, incl. selected beverages)

Day 9 - Damaraland / Brandberg
On an early morning scenic nature drive through, at times untouched wilderness area of the Otjimboyo Concession, we head out towards the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain. This is the best time to capture the perfect light of sunrise and catch the last mist engulfing the mountain. We continue down into the dry Ugab riverbed, which we follow back towards the camp. Stopping under one of the majestic camelthorn trees we enjoy a light picnic lunch. On our drive along the meandering river we might encounter the elusive desert elephant that roam the dry riverbeds of the Damaraland, feeding on the nutritious pods of the trees lining the riverbanks. Arriving back at the camp we have enough time left to enjoy the scenery or follow one of the walking trails (Classic Version).
Classic Version: Ondjamba Hills (Breakfast, Picnic Lunch)
Superior Version: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge (Breakfast, light lunch, Dinner, incl. selected beverages)

Day 10 - Etosha National Park
During the cooler hours of the morning, we start our adventure filled day in the company of a local Damara guide, who takes us to Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO heritage site where Bushman communities engraved and painted over 2.500 pictures some 6.000 years ago! After a visit to the nearby Living Museum of the Damara, we proceed to the Petrified Forest - a geological phenomenon depicting the creation and metamorphosis of wood into stone amongst some of the oldest landmasses on Earth. Here we also see the Welwitschia mirabilis plant – the oldest living desert plant on Earth. Our onward journey takes us to the wildlife heaven of Namibia - the Etosha National Park. We check into our lodge located on the border of the Etosha National Park and can unwind after the adventure filled day alongside the pool
Classic Version: Eldorado Lodge (Breakfast)
Superior Version: Epacha Game Lodge & Spa (Breakfast, light lunch, Dinner, incl. selected beverages)

Day 11 - Etosha National Park
The day is devoted purely to the abundant wildlife found in the Etosha National Park, which surrounds a parched salt desert known as the Etosha Pan. The park is home to 4 of the Big Five - elephant, lion, leopard and rhino. The Park was proclaimed as Namibia's first conservation area in 1907 by the then Governor, von Lindequist. Despite the size of the Etosha National Park, only the southern edge of the pan is accessible to visitors. Game viewing in the park is primarily focussed around the waterholes, some of which are spring fed and some supplied from a borehole, ideal places to sit and watch over 114 different game species, or for an avid birder, more than 340 bird species. Popular game species such as giraffe, blue wildebeest, plains and mountain zebra, hyena, lion, leopard, antelopes such as kudu, oryx,eland, as well as some of the endangered species such as Black rhino, cheetah and the black-faced impala are all found here. An extensive network of roads link the over 30 water holes allowing visitors the opportunity of a comprehensive game viewing safari throughout the park as each different area will provide various encounters.
Classic Version: Eldorado Lodge (Breakfast)
Superior Version: Epacha Game Lodge & Spa (Breakfast, light lunch, Dinner (incl. selected beverages)

Day 12 - Etosha National Park
Today your guide again takes you on a game drive in the Etosha National Park. We may encounter animal species we have not seen the previous day and look forward to any new surprises at the different waterholes visited. The Etosha Pan dominates the park. This salt pan desert, which is nearly completely enclosed by the park and is lined by numerous watering holes, is roughly 130 km long and as wide as 50 km in places. During Etosha’s notorious dry spells the pan is a deathly place, lying parched and cracked under the molten African sun. It is claimed that game viewing is best during the dry periods as animals will then congregate closer to water. But even in the rainy season, the park remains an abundant wildlife haven. You then have the pleasure of experiencing the rebirth of life as the young foals, cubs and chicks are seen frolicking with their parents, and the sprouting new green shrubs and grasses create a pleasing green oasis. In the afternoon we onwards to our lodge, where we enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Classic Version: La Rochelle Lodge (Breakfast)
Superior Version: Mokuti Etosha Lodge (Breakfast, Light lunch, Dinner & selected local beverages)

Day 13 - Day of departure
After breakfast, we travel back through the centre of the country exposing bushland savannah to the capital in the centre of the country. Time permitting, en route we may stop at the famous wood carvers market in Okahandja or the craft market in the main street in Windhoek to pick up the last few souvenirs. Windhoek is a cosmopolitan melting pot of European architecture with African culture, with a variety of excellent restaurants to choose from. You will be dropped off at your accommodation of choice, or transferred to the airport for your outward flight.
Classic Version: Breakfast
Superior Version: Breakfast, Light lunch & selected local beverages
Note: Same-day flight departures out of Windhoek International are only possible after 19h00.

 

Explore Namibia Tour

Classic Version
  South African Rand
US$
(Subject to ROE)
EURO
(Subject to ROE)
01 Nov 2022 -
31 Oct 2023
R 45,500 pp sharing
R 49,450 pp single
US$ 2,380 pp sharing
US$ 2,588 pp single
€ 2,250 pp sharing
€ 2,450 pp sharing
01 Nov 2023 -
31 Oct 2024
R 47,900 pp sharing
R 53,290 pp single
US$ 2,505 pp sharing
US$ 2,790 pp single
€ 2,370 pp sharing
€ 2,635 pp sharing
Superior Version
  South African Rand
US$
(Subject to ROE)
EURO
(Subject to ROE)
Nov 2022 -
31 Oct 2023
R 120,000 pp sharing
R 133,510 pp single
US$ 6,280 pp sharing
US$ 6,985 pp single
€ 5,935 pp sharing
€ 6,600 pp sharing
01 Nov 2023 -
31 Oct 2024
R 136,900 pp sharing
R 150,940 pp single
US$ 7,160 pp sharing
US$ 7,895 pp single
€ 6,770 pp sharing
€ 7,460 pp sharing

Book Now

Rates in South African Rand are fixed. Rates in US$ and Euro are subject to exchange rates.
Private Tours available on request
*This Tour is Bilingual (English & German)
Classic Tour Group Size:
Min 2 / Max 16
Superior Tour Group Size:
Min 2 / Max 6

Included:

  • Collection from Windhoek Airport (Arrivals before 09h00) or Windhoek Hotel/Guesthouse
  • Transportation by air-conditioned Minibus or Coach
  • Accommodation used as per Classic and Superior Version (Refer to the itinerary for accommodation used)
  • Sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary (Classic: 12 breakfasts & 1 picnic lunch) / (Superior: 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 10 dinners & selected drinks)
  • Classic Option: Information Pack and Plastic Water Bottle
  • Superior Option: Deluxe Travel Planner and Aluminium Water Bottle
  • Activities as specified
  • Services of an experienced driver/guide
  • Still mineral water on the bus
  • Portages
  • Tourism levy and government Taxes where applicable
  • 24hrs Medical Evacuation Insurance

Optional Extras
Activity package (Classic version)

  • Namib Desert Nature Drive
  • Catamaran/marine cruise
  • Etosha open safari vehicle game drive

Social Support
With the Classic option, guests receive a reusable plastic water bottle and on the Superior tour guests receive a reusable STEEL WATER BOTTLE (Supporting “TOSCO”– Tourism supporting Conservation)

Excluded

  • International flights / domestic flights and taxes
  • Visas
  • Drinks and meals not mentioned
  • Excursions / Activities not specified
  • Gratuities
  • Personal insurances
  • Personal items

Prices are subject to change due to airfare increases, currency exchange, fluctuations and any unforeseen circumstances, without prior notice.

 

Departures
  2023 2024
January   7, 21
February   4, 18
March   17, 31
April   14, 28
May   12, 26
June   9, 23
July   21, 28
August   4, 11, 18, 25
September   1, 8, 15, 22, 29
October   6, 13, 20
November
5, 12, 19, 26  
December
3  
*English Only Departures


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