Discover Namibia - Sossusvlei & Etosha Park Solo Traveller

Depart for Windhoek, Namibia. Discover the highlights that Namibia has to offer, from the world's oldest desert, the largest national park in Africa, Etosha National Park, and one of the least densely populated countries in the world. This makes Namibia a truly unique destination to visit. 

We have arrived in Windhoek Airport! Let’s meet our guide/driver and transfer to our hotel. Our hotel is usually located out of the city.
Our mode of transport for the duration of our tour will be a robust safari truck or Landcruiser vehicle, perfect for exploring Namibia’s rugged landscapes and reaching those off-road places that larger vehicles can’t access, and perfect size for safaris.
Let’s check in to our hotel, relax and unwind for the rest of the day.
Later we get together for dinner (included).
 

Breakfast is included each day of your stay in Namibia. 

Please note holiday groups may be made up of single travellers and people travelling together.

•    This tour is operated by an overland Safari vehicle, designed for off road experience, while on tour. Often the roads in Namibia can be rough and bumpy country roads, and our robust safari truck is an ideal way to travel in this unique terrain, through the national parks for optimal game viewing, where it is more difficult for coaches to go.
•    Air-conditioning is very rare in Safari trucks in Namibia, mostly a dry dusty climate; opening windows can help, however there may be heat and dust due to the desert environment.
•    Comfort breaks will be made where possible, however most days involve early starts and long drives, especially for safari experiences. Namibia’s vast, sparse landscapes mean extended travel times are part of the journey. Our small safari trucks, accommodating 4 to 10 people maximum, provide a unique experience, ideal for the terrain, small groups and game viewing.
 

After breakfast, we travel north, passing through Okahandja and Otjiwarongo on our way to Etosha National Park.
Arriving in the afternoon, we get to experience our first game drive within Etosha, a wonderful introduction to the park’s remarkable wildlife and landscapes. Be on the lookout for elephants, rare black rhino, lions, Oryx (the national symbol) and much more.
We make our way to our hotel and enjoy some down time after our exhilarating time on safari.  Sit back and soak up the African atmosphere. Lunch is included today and dinner at our hotel.
Distance today is approximately 530km.
 

This morning, we depart our hotel and travel deeper into Etosha National Park, exploring another part of this vast and remarkable reserve, so expansive that the Etosha Salt Pan can even be seen from space.
Today is all about game viewing, with time spent around the park’s waterholes, where wildlife gathers in abundance. Keep an eye out for four of the Big Five: elephant, lion, the elusive leopard and rhino, as well as over 340 bird species for keen birdwatchers.
Each sighting brings a real sense of excitement, making for an unforgettable day in this unique and captivating landscape.
We make our way to our hotel after an exhilarating day on safari.
Lunch and dinner are included today.
 

Today we make the most of our time in Etosha National Park, seeking out any wildlife we may not yet have spotted. Take in the beauty of the wide-open landscapes and the remarkable variety of free-roaming animals that call this park home.
Enjoy your final day searching for the elusive leopard, perfectly camouflaged in its surroundings, watching elephants wallow at the waterholes, and experiencing the many natural wonders that Namibia has to offer. 
In the early afternoon, we return to our accommodation and relax after a dusty day in the park.
Lunch and dinner are included today.
 

Today we say goodbye to Etosha National Park and set off for Damaraland, a journey of 440 km. We travel along dusty gravel roads, enjoying the ever-changing landscapes that make Namibia so distinctive. This rugged region is home to the black rhino, and a variety of free-roaming antelope.

Along the way, we visit Twyfelfontein, where ancient Bushman rock engravings are brought to life by a local Damara guide. We then continue to the Living Museum of the Damara. Next, we marvel at the Petrified Forest and discover the remarkable Welwitschia mirabilis, the world’s oldest living desert plant.

After a rewarding day of exploration, we head to our accommodation, with the evening free to soak up our surroundings. Lunch and dinner are included today.

We set off early for our next destination – Swakopmund! We make our way towards the cooler coast, passing through Uis and continue past Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain, departing Damaraland. Let's sit back, relax and take in the natural beauty of the rugged rocky ground, and open plains, as we make our way to the coast (330km). 
Lunch is included today along the way.

We have arrived in Swakopmund! Late in the afternoon we check in to our hotel and enjoy the rest of our day at leisure. Take a stroll down towards the cafes, restaurants, curio shops. This sleepy coastal town offers a playground for discovery and adventure.

Today you can enjoy the charm of this coastal town - Swakopmund. Wander and take in the views of the wild Atlantic Ocean, admire the colourful historic architecture, stroll past the lighthouse, or browse the local markets and shops for souvenirs. Take it slow and savour some time to enjoy the day.
For those who want to experience more, there may be the opportunity locally to do optional excursions to Sandwich Harbour taking in the skeleton coast and where the oldest dunes meet the sea, and much more.
Our driver/guide is available to help you make the most of your time in Swakopmund, offering tips and recommendations. 

Please note: 

For those interested in adventure sports like hot air ballooning or skydiving, please be aware these activities are not organised or sold by our guide. Please ensure your travel insurance covers any such activities if you decide to partake of these activities on offer locally, Travel Department does not sell these activities.


 

Let's get on board our vehichle and depart Swakopmund in the morning and travel to Solitare (300km). Our route takes us through the scenic Kuiseb Pass, descending from the mountains and heading towards the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5 degrees south. Let's take a moment to stop here for a photo at the iconic Tropic of Capricorn sign.
Next stop Solitaire, a quaint spot known for apple pie (allegedly the best in Namibia) and photogenic surroundings. Stretch your legs and take a few selfies!
Arrive in the late afternoon, check in, and relax in our unique atmosphere.
Lunch and dinner are included today

 

Be prepared for a very early start as we set out before dawn and the heat of the day, arriving at the gates of Naukluft National Park, shortly after sunrise. Once through the gates, we drive through the park, taking in the striking beauty of this extraordinary landscape.
We uncover the Dead Vlei is a true highlight and iconic image of Namibia. Here we walk across the dunes and down into the vlei, surrounded by towering sands. Take in the stark beauty of centuries-old camel thorn trees, preserved in time, set against towering dunes such as Big Daddy. There maybe an opportunity for those who want to climb Big daddy or the further away Dune 45, (time permitting), not for the feint hearted, however the views and sense of accomplishment are well worth it.
After we make our way to Sesriem Canyon before returning to our lodge.

The rest of our afternoon is free to unwind and relax after a very early morning. A picnic lunch is included today on our tour, and dinner at our hotel.

 

We set off this morning from Naukluft and make our way towards the Kalahari Desert, with deep red dunes, endless plains and Acacia trees. Let's enjoy the journey and watch the ever-changing scenery unfold enroute.
Later in the afternoon, we arrive and check into our hotel. 

Let's enjoy the stark surroundings of our new destination. Distance travelled today is 370km.
Lunch and dinner are included today
 

After your arrival, take the opportunity to experience the Kalahari in all its golden glory with an evening sundowner drive in a 4x4 vehicle on this pre-bookable optional excursion.

Admire the striking red dunes, dotted with trees and swathes of golden grass, as we set out in search of wildlife that has adapted to this arid landscape.

Make the most of your time immersed in the Kalahari’s unique and untamed beauty.

Minimum numbers apply for this excursion. This excursion may not be a private Travel Department tour. This optional excursion is pre bookable.

This morning we depart the Kalahari and make our way back to Windhoek (260km). On arrival in Windhoek, we discover the capital on a guided highlights city tour before heading to our hotel. 
Later we get together and make our way to Joe’s Beerhouse (or similar) for our final light dinner in the city.
 

It’s time to say goodbye to the wonders of Namibia as we transfer to Windhoek Airport for our return flights home.