Bare dead trees standing in a pale clay pan below a steep orange sand dune

Safari 12 days Overland truck

Namibia Adventure: 12 Days Desert & Etosha Safari

Namibia adventure by overland truck: In 12 days you’ll experience the Namib with a Sossusvlei Deadvlei tour, safari in Etosha National Park and the Atlantic coast at Swakopmund.

Dates and price

The Journey

Namibia group tour by overland truck

A Namibia adventure means endless horizons, clear air and landscapes that change every day. On this guided group tour by overland truck, you’ll travel across the country from Windhoek in 12 days. You’ll explore the Namib Desert around Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, the Atlantic coast at Swakopmund, and set out on an Etosha safari with game drives at the waterholes. Along the way, you’ll visit the Fish River Canyon, Damaraland and the Quiver Tree Forest near Keetmanshoop. Whether you choose the Namibia camping safari or the lodge option, the route and highlights are the same, only the accommodation differs. This gives you plenty of time at the key stops, without having to worry about the planning.

Duration
12 days
Travelling
Overland truck
Sleeping
Tent or lodge
Group
6 to 20 guests
Safari days
3 of 12
Demands
Moderate
1 country
Namibia
1 national park
Etosha National Park
Silhouettes of quiver trees against an orange and blue sunset sky Aerial view of Fish River Canyon's layered rock walls with the river winding below A dead camel thorn tree in Deadvlei backed by a tall orange dune A large red sand dune rising against a clear blue sky with green shrubs at its base Aerial view of orange sand dunes meeting the Atlantic Ocean along the coast Namibia Adventure: 12 Days Desert & Etosha Safari
Wildlife

Key Highlights of the Trip

What the itinerary names. Wild animals cannot be ordered, but the parks, the season and the hours at the water are chosen so the odds are good.

Big Five 2 of 5 on this route
  1. Lion Not on this route
  2. Leopard Not on this route
  3. Elephant Named in the itinerary
  4. Rhino Not on this route
  5. Buffalo Named in the itinerary
Also along the way
  • Giraffe
  • Zebra
  • Antelope
01 Dune 45 & Sossusvlei
01
Dune 45 & Sossusvlei
Early in the morning you’ll head to Dune 45, then a 4x4 shuttle takes you to Sossusvlei. On foot you’ll explore the Deadvlei salt pan with its ancient trees. This Namib Desert tour shows you the red sands in ever-changing light.
02 Etosha game drives
02
Etosha game drives
In Etosha National Park, game drives take you to the Etosha Pan and the waterholes. On the Etosha safari you’ll often see zebra, giraffe, elephant and antelope, and with a bit of luck, predators at the water.
03 Fish River Canyon
03
Fish River Canyon
At sunrise you’ll stand on the edge of Fish River Canyon, one of Africa’s largest gorges. On the Fish River Canyon walk you’ll stretch your legs along the rim, before heading on to the harbour town of Lüderitz.
04 Skeleton Coast Road
04
Skeleton Coast Road
On the Swakopmund Skeleton Coast journey, hot desert meets the cold Atlantic. In Swakopmund you’ll sense the German colonial heritage, and along the Skeleton Coast Road you’ll find wide open spaces, mist and Namibia’s wild coastline.
05 Damaraland & Twyfelfontein
05
Damaraland & Twyfelfontein
In Damaraland, you’ll explore the Twyfelfontein rock engravings and the Petrified Forest near Khorixas. Ancient Khoi San art and prehistoric tree trunks tell the story of the region.
Adventure Tours

Parks on this route

More trips through Etosha National Park

Namibia Small Group Tour: Namib & Sossusvlei
Namibia

Namibia Small Group Tour: Namib & Sossusvlei

11 days
Namibia adventure tour from Cape Town to Windhoek
Namibia

Namibia adventure tour from Cape Town to Windhoek

11 days

Namibia

This Namibia round trip takes you in 12 days by overland truck right across the country: from Windhoek via the Fish River Canyon and the Namib with Sossusvlei to Swakopmund, into Damaraland and the Etosha National Park. Desert, coast and bushland on a carefully planned route.

Days 1-12
Silhouettes of quiver trees against an orange and blue sunset sky
Windhoek, Namibia tour & Quiver Tree Forest

Windhoek, Namibia tour & Quiver Tree Forest

Welcome to Windhoek. After meeting the crew, you stow your luggage in the overland truck and your Namibia tour sets off south through the Kalahari to the town of Keetmanshoop in the ǁKaras region. You spend the afternoon in the Quiver Tree Forest, a stand of aloe trees that can grow up to 9 metres tall and live for 300 years. At sunset, you enjoy the warm desert light among the trees. Meals: Lunch, dinner. Included highlight: Sunset walk in the Quiver Tree Forest.

Aerial view of Fish River Canyon's layered rock walls with the river winding below
Giants Playground, Namibia camping safari

Giants Playground, Namibia camping safari

In the morning you hike through the Giants Playground, named after the massive dolerite boulders stacked on top of each other, forming rock formations and a labyrinth. Afterwards, you continue towards Fish River Canyon. Whether you have booked the Namibia camping safari or the lodge option mainly affects the evening and your overnight stay, the route remains the same. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included highlight: Giants Playground.

A dead camel thorn tree in Deadvlei backed by a tall orange dune
Fish River Canyon walk → Lüderitz

Fish River Canyon walk → Lüderitz

Early in the morning you head to the edge of Fish River Canyon and watch the first rays of sunlight fall into the gorge. On the Fish River Canyon walk along the rim, you stretch your legs before the Namibia group tour continues west to the harbour town of Lüderitz. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included highlight: Fish River Canyon.

A large red sand dune rising against a clear blue sky with green shrubs at its base
Kolmanskop, Namib Desert tour

Kolmanskop, Namib Desert tour

Today is a long leg deeper into the Namib Desert. Before leaving the coast, you visit the ghost town of Kolmanskop on the Lüderitz excursion, where desert sand has reclaimed the old mining settlement. This Namib Desert tour takes you along dusty tracks and remote farmland, past red dune sand, to the overnight stop right in front of the dune fields. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included highlight: Kolmanskop mining town.

Aerial view of orange sand dunes meeting the Atlantic Ocean along the coast
Sossusvlei Deadvlei tour & Dune 45

Sossusvlei Deadvlei tour & Dune 45

Before sunrise, you enter the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Climbing Dune 45 rewards you with sweeping views over the ever-changing colours of the desert. Afterwards, a 4x4 takes you on the Sossusvlei Deadvlei tour, where you explore the salt pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei on foot. You spend the night under the starry sky of this Namib Desert tour. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included highlight: Sesriem Canyon, Dune 45, 4x4 drive to Sossusvlei/Deadvlei.

Red sandstone cliffs of a plateau under a blue sky with scattered white clouds
Swakopmund, Namibia overland truck journey

Swakopmund, Namibia overland truck journey

You leave the Namib behind and cross the Tropic of Capricorn on your way to the Atlantic coast. Before Swakopmund, the Namibia overland truck journey takes you through the Lunar Landscape with its moon-like shapes. You stop at several viewpoints for photos and visit the endemic Welwitschia Mirabilis, which can live for up to 2,000 years. Enjoy the evening in Swakopmund. Meals: Breakfast, lunch. Included highlight: Tropic of Capricorn, Welwitschia Mirabilis, Lunar Landscape.

Tour expert

Questions about the tour itinerary?

Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.

Grassland with acacia trees, a red dune patch and rocky mountains under blue sky
Skeleton Coast, drive along the Atlantic

Skeleton Coast, drive along the Atlantic

The Swakopmund Skeleton Coast journey follows the legendary Skeleton Coast Road, where hot desert sand meets the cold waves of the Atlantic. In 1486, the Portuguese explorer Diogo Cão became the first European to set foot on this coast; a cross was erected in his honour. You spend the night in the Skeleton Coast area. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included highlight: Skeleton Coast Road and Skeleton Coast area.

Red sand dunes with green desert bushes under a clear blue sky
Damaraland Twyfelfontein tour → Khorixas

Damaraland Twyfelfontein tour → Khorixas

From the coast, the Damaraland Twyfelfontein tour takes you to the Khorixas area. You explore the rock engravings of Twyfelfontein in the Kunene region, inhabited by the Khoi San for around 6,000 years and with about 2,500 rock carvings, one of Africa's largest concentrations. Afterwards, you visit the Petrified Forest with its prehistoric, fossilised tree trunks. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included highlight: Petrified Forest, Twyfelfontein rock art.

Two elephants touching trunks at a waterhole with zebras and antelope nearby
Etosha safari journey, afternoon game drive

Etosha safari journey, afternoon game drive

After breakfast, you leave Khorixas for Etosha National Park, where the Etosha safari journey begins. With vast salt pans, savannahs and woodlands, Etosha covers around 18,000 square kilometres, making it one of the largest wildlife parks in southern Africa. The name means 'great white place'. You spend the afternoon on a game drive in the overland truck. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included highlight: Afternoon safari in the overland truck.

A herd of zebras gathered at a waterhole, one dipping its head to drink
Etosha game drive, wildlife viewing

Etosha game drive, wildlife viewing

The whole day is devoted to the Etosha game drive and wildlife viewing. In the afternoon, you stop at the Etosha Pan and at several waterholes. In the evening, you relax by the floodlit waterhole as animals come to drink after dark. Four of the Big Five live here, only the buffalo is absent. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included highlight: Full-day safari in the overland truck. Optional activity: Evening safari.

Waterberg Plateau hike

You leave Etosha and drive to Waterberg Plateau National Park. The sandstone table mountain rises about 200 metres above the bushland and is home to more than 25 species of wildlife and at least 200 bird species. In the early afternoon, your guide leads you on a Waterberg Plateau hike to explore the plateau and its surroundings. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included highlight: Guided hike on the Waterberg Plateau.

Windhoek, city tour to finish

To round off the Namibia group tour, after breakfast you return to Windhoek. On a short walk through the centre, you see some of the capital's best-known landmarks. After the city tour, the trip ends; if you are staying in Windhoek, you can visit the legendary Joe's Beerhouse in the evening. Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Want a detailed description of all tour days?

Our expert will walk you through the full itinerary and answer all your questions.

Verified Reviews

What riders say about Safari in Namibia

5.0

1 reviews

Tobias K.

The organization of the Namibia experience trip in the Overland truck was well thought out and structured. The daily routines were supported by regular briefing...

Translated from German · Show original

Die Organisation der Namibia Erlebnisreise im Overlandtruck war durchdacht und strukturiert. Die täglichen Abläufe wurden durch regelmäßige Briefings und klare Informationen zum Reiseverlauf unterstützt, beispielsweise beim Besuch der spektakulären Sossusvlei mit Düne 45. Die Gruppengröße von maximal 20 Personen sorgte für eine angenehme Atmosphäre, und die qualifizierten Guides gewährleisteten eine umfassende Betreuung und Sicherheit, insbesondere während der Wanderungen im Giants Playground und der Besichtigung des Fish River Canyon. Nach der Tour wurde mir bewusst, wie wichtig präzise Planung für ein reibungsloses Erlebnis in der vielfältigen Landschaft Namibias ist.

Tobias K.
Offroad adventure

PRICE

from

€ 2,329 / person

Price Options

Camping per person (with double occupancy) € 2,329

Additional Options

Lodge (with double occupancy) / Person € 529
Solo tent surcharge € 119
Single room € 809

Trip includes

  • All meals as per itinerary: 11 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 10 dinners, freshly prepared and served at the truck
  • Accommodation in lodges, permanent tents or fixed buildings, depending on your choice of lodge or camping option
  • Qualified crew and trained multilingual tour guide
  • Filtered drinking water en route
  • Included highlights as described in the itinerary
  • National park entrance fees
  • Transport by overland truck, with 4x4 vehicles used for transfers and optional safaris
  • Comprehensive travel information and preparation pack (tour dossier)
  • How long do you spend in the vehicle each day, and how demanding are the travel days?
    Namibia is vast, so longer journeys are part of the experience. On travel days you’ll spend several hours in the overland truck depending on the route, with regular stops for viewpoints, breaks and short walks. The Namibia adventure is planned so that longer transfers alternate with more activity-focused days.
  • How big is the group, and is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
    You’ll travel as a small Namibia group tour, with a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. Solo travellers fit in very well, as it’s easy to make connections. If you value your own space, just let us know early and we’ll do our best to find the right room arrangement.
  • Lodge or camping: what’s the difference, and can I choose?
    Yes, you can choose. On the Namibia lodge safari you’ll stay in permanent accommodation and enjoy more comfort in the evenings. On the Namibia camping safari you’re closer to nature and the days are a little more active, often with a special atmosphere. The itinerary and highlights are the same, the difference is mainly in the overnight stays.
  • What kind of accommodation can I expect?
    The focus is on authentic accommodation that suits the route, not luxury at any price. In towns it’s more functional, in nature areas often much more atmospheric. The important thing is that the accommodation fits the stage and is practical for early starts, for example towards Sossusvlei or Etosha.
  • Are meals and water included, and how does it work in practice?
    Meals are well organised so you don’t have to plan every day. Water is usually available, and we recommend bringing your own refillable bottle. What’s included depends on the tour option and is clearly listed in the services; you’ll also receive a short packing and info sheet in advance.
  • Which highlights are included, and which experiences are optional?
    The main stops on the route are included, such as the Sossusvlei Deadvlei tour, Fish River Canyon, Lüderitz and Kolmanskop, the coast at Swakopmund, Twyfelfontein, the Skeleton Coast Road, Etosha and the Waterberg, as well as Windhoek. Optional experiences can be booked depending on the date, for example activities in and around Swakopmund. You decide on the spot what suits you.
  • How challenging are the walks and activities, do I need to be especially fit?
    You don’t need to be especially sporty, but a basic level of fitness is helpful. Most activities are short walks and viewpoints, such as the Fish River Canyon walk. Climbing the dunes is more strenuous, but you can set your own pace. If you have any limitations, let us know in advance and we’ll plan accordingly.
  • What wildlife can I realistically expect to see in Etosha National Park?
    Etosha is one of the best places for wildlife viewing in southern Africa. On the Etosha game drives, sightings at waterholes and on safari are likely, often with antelope, zebra, giraffe and elephant, and with a bit of luck, predators too. It’s still nature, so nothing can be guaranteed, but the chances are very good.
  • What should I know about the climate, and when is the best time to travel?
    Namibia has big temperature differences: often warm during the day, much cooler in the mornings and evenings, especially in the Namib Desert. It can be fresh and windy on the coast. The best approach is to dress in layers, including wind protection and a warm layer for early mornings.
  • How do electricity, internet and charging work?
    In many accommodations you can charge devices, on the road it depends on the stage and vehicle setup. Internet is better in towns, but in remote areas it’s often slow or not available at all. For important devices we recommend a power bank and travel adapter.
  • What are the luggage rules, and why are hard suitcases impractical?
    Soft travel bags are best as they’re easier to stow. Hard suitcases take up a lot of space in the overland truck and are awkward to handle. Pack compactly, with a few well-chosen items you can mix and match.
  • Are single rooms available, and how does it work for solo travellers?
    A single room is possible depending on availability and usually comes with a supplement. If none is available, rooms are usually shared, with separate beds where possible. Let us know your preference early so we can plan accordingly.
  • Are showers and hot water always available?
    Facilities vary by region in Namibia. Showers are usually available, but hot water isn’t always reliable, especially in very remote camps. That’s why we plan the overnight stays to balance comfort and route.
  • How safe is it on the road, and what should I do with my passport, money and camera?
    Namibia is generally considered safe to travel, but normal precautions apply. Keep valuables on you or safely packed, don’t leave bags visible in the vehicle, and stay alert in towns. Locally, we’ll give you clear advice on what makes sense in each region.
  • What’s included in the price, and what should I budget extra for?
    The price covers the core services of the Namibia adventure: organisation, guide, transport and the booked accommodation, depending on your option. You’ll need extra budget for personal expenses, drinks, tips and optional activities, for example in Swakopmund.
  • Are vegetarian options or support for dietary requirements available?
    Yes, this can usually be arranged if you let us know in good time. For severe intolerances or special diets: the earlier we know, the better we can plan, especially in remote areas.

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