Hike, Safari and Stargaze in Namibia
A staggering stomp through sand dunes, deserts, salt pans and national parks jam-packed with Africa's greatest wildlife
Hike, Safari and Stargaze in Namibia
A staggering stomp through sand dunes, deserts, salt pans and national parks jam-packed with Africa's greatest wildlife
DURATION
9 nights
LOCATION
Namibia
ANNUAL LEAVE
6 days off work
SEASON
Mar-Sep
GROUP SIZE
Up to 12 people
MEETING POINT
Windhoek International Airport, Namibia
ACCOMMODATION
Lodge · Campsite
DIFFICULTY
Easy
Anyone with decent fitness and some broken-in hiking boots will be absolutely fine on this trip
Track iconic wildlife on bushwalking safaris and quintessential African game drives in Etosha National Park
Tackle otherworldly hikes through technicolour desertscapes amidst the enormous sand dunes of the Namib Desert
Road trip through the desert, camp out beneath the stars and tuck into braai cooked over the fire
All our reviews are verified
We only invite travellers to leave a review if they have booked this trip with Much Better Adventures.
— Philip, September 2022
A brilliant and multifaceted adventure! Namibia has so many unique and mesmerizing landscapes! This trip had many highlights: Canyon hiking, swimming holes, game steaks, sand dune hiking, Instagramable landscapes in Sossusvlei, a bush flight over the desert and along the seashore, driving on dirt roads through remote deserts dotted w/ beautiful mountain ranges, ancient petroglyphs in Spitzkoppe, seal and whale watching, bush walks in a private game reserve, and, of course, a series of safari drives in Etosha National Park! We were also given an afternoon and morning in Swakopmund to select our own activities (ie horse riding, sandboarding, dune buggies, four-wheelers, sky diving, bush flight, harbor tour, etc.). Sam, our guide, was great - very considerate of our needs, always looking for ways to improve our experience, and a great ambassador for his tribe and culture. The camp sites were very clean, well-maintained, and not crowded. Our tents were rather large and the sleeping pads were very comfortable.
— Chloe, September 2022
What an adventure! Namibia is unlike anywhere I've ever been before - a beautiful country in so many ways, from the first mesmerising sunrise to the milky way and everything in between. I had the time of my life and I can't stop recommending the trip to everyone I talk to. One not to be missed.
— Megan, July 2022
Fantastic trip. Well organised, beautiful campsites and our guide Sam constantly went above and beyond. Would highly recommend!
— Anna, June 2022
Fantastic trip! Sam was an amazing guide and very helpful with planning my onward journey. The hiking was slightly easier than expected but the landscapes were incredible. Would definitely recommend.
— Elizabeth, August 2022
An amazing trip with lots of variety. Not many days of hiking but the individual hikes were quite challenging. I can’t recommend our guide Samora highly enough, he did a great job
— Claire, August 2022
Fantastic trip with an excellent guide and a lovely group of people. A mixture of beautiful but very different landscapes, gentle strolls and a couple of more challenging hikes. Watching the different animals visit the waterhole at the campsite in Etosha at night was amazing. Namibia is an incredible place not to be missed.
— Karen, August 2022
What can I say about this epic trip? It was absolutely fantastic in every way. Namibia is a stunning country and our host Sam was just brilliant in conveying his knowledge and love for his country. I know a lot more than I did a week ago. Every day there was something different, whether we were watching the sunset with a glass of wine on the top of a sand dune or wrapped up on a boat watching a humpback whale. We saw lions, elephants, giraffes, rhino and zebra among others and spent evenings watching the animals at the watering hole. Who knew that running down a sand dune is such good fun? I would say that the hike on the first day in the Naukluft National Park is moderate as opposed to easy but apart from that, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this trip and our guide Sam. He made it for us all.
— Paula, July 2022
Namibia is an amazing place and exceeded all of my expectations! Our guide Sam was awesome and always went above and beyond! Such a great trip and a great group! Super combination of amazing wildlife and incredible landscapes! Stargazing at Spitzkoppe was a particular highlight!
— Mia, June 2022
Wonderful trip! Had an incredible time with a lovely group and fantastic guides. Namibia is beautiful and this trip gives a wonderful review of the variety of landscape and highlights. Fully recommend!
— Bas, May 2022
Great trip through stunning scenery. The campsites/lodges were all excellent and quite diverse, from quiet mountain or desert sites to lodges in touristic heavyweights like Sossusvlei or Etosha. Don't expect much hiking, just enjoy the tour through a supremely photogenic country.
Included
Guides
Expert, English-speaking guides and wildlife rangers
Accommodation
2 nights in lodges, 4 nights desert camping, 3 nights in safari camps
Meals
All your breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners
Transfers
To and from the airport and everything in-between
Equipment
Tents and sleeping mats for the desert camping
Permits
All permits and park entry fees
Luggage Transfer
A desert truck to carry all your overnight kit
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Travel insurance
Some meals as described
Personal expenses
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Hosea Kutako International Airport, Windhoek
Anytime on Day 1
Ends
Hosea Kutako International Airport, Windhoek
16:00 on Day 10
Transfers
You are free to arrive anytime on Day 1 and your host will collect you from the airport.
On Day 10, you can choose to be dropped at the airport at 16:00 for all flights departing after 18:00. If you are flying home the next day please arrange an extra night's accommodation.
Arrival and departure transfers are only included in the main price if you arrive on Day 1 and depart on the evening of Day 10. If you would like a private transfer outside of these times, this can be arranged with your host for an extra cost - please see optional extras for the price.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Namibia from major airports across the UK, Europe and North America.
Day 1
Lodge · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Campsite · Twin tent
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Campsite · Twin tent
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Campsite · Twin tent
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Lodge · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Campsite · Twin tent
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Campsite · Twin tent
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Campsite · Twin tent
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9
Campsite · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 10
Departure day
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Various campgrounds that you stay at have a restaurant on-site where the group will eat together. These meals are not included, so please budget £10-15 for the dinners that aren't covered on the trip. Some of the more remote campsites your guides will cook for you. These will be hearty meals cooked over an open fire - expect braai (BBQ) food, potjie and stir-fries for dinner. The guides will appreciate your help with washing the dishes. Breakfasts will be continental style and usually consist of cereals, coffee, yoghurt, muesli, fresh fruit or the occasional fried breakfast. All but 2 of the lunches on the trip aren't included - you'll need to buy lunch from small shops, cafes and restaurants during the trip. Your guide will factor these supply runs into the trip and often you'll buy packed lunches from the restaurant or small shops on-site at certain campgrounds for the day ahead. Expect a good selection of sandwich ingredients like cheese and cold meats, plus pasta and salads. Budget £5 for each lunch that isn't provided. Snacks are also provided while hiking.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just let your host know on booking. Note that vegan options are very limited in Namibia, so if you're a strict vegan we suggested packing some of your favourite protein bars for extra fuel.
What is the accommodation like?
Windhoek
You'll stay in a twin room at the Arebbusch Travel Lodge. It's set in large grounds by the dry Arebbusch River with a huge pool outside, making it the perfect spot to relax on arrival.
Etosha National Park
You'll stay at three different spots within the Etosha and Otjiwarongo reserves. One night will be at a basic camping area within the park, one night you'll stay at Etosha Safari Camp, and your final night will be in a twin tent at the campground within the grounds of Otjiwa Safari Lodge.
Camping
You’ll stay in twin-share tents at desert camping spots in Naukluft, Sesriem, Solitaire, Spitzkoppe and Etosha. These campsites will have shared bathrooms and hot showers. Some are basic but very remote, making for some true Namibian wilderness campout experiences, and great chances for stargazing. The crew will appreciate your helping hand when setting up the tents.
Swakopmund
You'll stay in the Dunedin Star Guest House or similar, in a central location so you can easily explore the town. The guesthouse has a spa area with a sauna so you can kick back here before heading on to your next hiking adventure.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
Day 1
Welcome to Namibia!
Head to your hotel in Windhoek and if you’ve got time and energy, explore the surrounding area. If you'd rather relax, then the hotel has its own pool - so just kick back and enjoy! Join your group and guide later for dinner and a chance to sample some delicious Namibian cuisine as you get to know your fellow adventurers.
Day 2
Windhoek to Naukluft
Driving
4.5hrs · 235km
Hiking
2hrs · 4km
Hop into a desert truck heading for the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Get your first glimpses of Namibia's famous expanses of desert landscapes as you head for the southwest part of Naukluft in the granite hills. Arriving after lunch, settle into your desert camp before heading out for a warm-up hike to get the legs moving. Enjoy a campfire dinner and some desert stargazing tonight - your first of many!
Day 3
Hiking and wild swimming on the Waterkloof Trail
Hiking
5hrs · 10-15km · 500m up · 250m down
Tackle a spectacular day hike today on the Waterkloof Trail, meandering through a diverse range of landscapes and habitats, from riverbank to canyon, plateau to rocky ridge. Hike alongside the Naukluft River, past a series of pools that make for a perfect refreshing swim spot. The trail climbs steeply to a 1910m ridge, the highest point on the hike giving you incredible desert views. More swimming holes and an impressive waterfall dot the path to the finish line. Finish up an epic day with a drive through stunning mountain scenery to your next camp at Sesriem, surrounded by enormous red sand dunes.
Day 4
Sossusvlei
Hiking
3hrs · 4km
An early start today as you hop in the desert truck for a pre-dawn ride to the Sossusvlei area of the national park. Stop to watch the sunrise over the dunes before climbing up them for views along the Tsauchab River Canyon. Tuck into breakfast and coffee at the foot of the dunes before hiking through the acacia trees and ever-shifting shapes and colours of Hiddenvlei and Deadvlei. After lunch take a short drive to your next desert camp and grab a sunset hike on the edge of the Namib dunes.
Day 5
Namib Desert road trip to Swakopmund
Driving
5hrs · 260km
Road trip time today through the Namib Desert - regarded by many scientists as the oldest in the world - towards the coastal city of Swakopmund. You'll have various stops en route while keeping eyes peeled for ostrich, springbok or gemsbok. Enjoy lunch and a cool Atlantic breeze while watching flamingos at Walvis Bay Lagoon before the final drive up the coast to Swakopmund, the adventure capital of Namibia. Arriving in the afternoon you can explore town and grab a cold beer overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Alternatively, treat yourself to an optional desert flight over the dunes.
Day 6
Hike the Spitzkoppe Mountains
Hiking
1.5hrs · 4-5km
Enjoy a relaxed start to the day in Swakopmund before heading inland to the imposing Spitzkoppe mountains. Set off hiking beneath the massive pyramid-shaped granite boulders which reach 1650m. Pass by iconic stone arches to a viewpoint for an amazing panorama of the area. Spitzkoppe is a truly spectacular spot for sunset and another night camping beneath the star-studded sky.
Day 7
Get a first taste of Etosha
Hiking
2hrs · 4-5km · 200m up · 150m down
Driving
5-6hrs · 390km
Breakfast and coffee at the desert camp before another short hike around Grosse Spitzkoppe, one of the highest peaks in the range at 1700m. Hop in the truck for the drive to Etosha National Park, arriving late afternoon. Waste no time in Etosha as you spend the evening viewing various wildlife at a waterhole with the chance to see elephants, zebras, wildebeest and even lions, cheetahs and leopards.
Day 8
Time for a classic African safari
Wildlife Watching
6-7hrs
Rest your legs today as the hiking takes a backseat while you settle in for a classic day of safari game drives throughout Etosha National Park. You'll be taken to various spots by your trained wildlife rangers to give you the best chances of seeing Namibia's most famous wild residents. Dinner at the safari camp in Etosha this evening.
Day 9
Bushwalking
Hiking
2hrs · 50m up · 50m down
Head out on a morning game drive in Etosha before heading further south to the Otjiwarongo area. This is one of the oldest reserves in Namibia and a haven for a huge variety of species and offers a quintessential African safari experience. After lunch, head into the wilderness on a guided bushwalk with a wildlife ranger, eyes peeled for the rare sable antelope and white rhino. A safari on foot is an incredible and humbling experience, treading along the same paths that animals roam free. It also offers one of the best chances for sightings compared with vehicle safaris, quietly observing the intimate lives of wild animals from a careful distance.
Day 10
Wildlife tracking and back to Windhoek
Wildlife Tracking
2hrs
Time for one last wildlife odyssey this morning as you head out to track wildlife on foot through the bush to get a closer look at some of the wildlife in the Otjiwarongo area. After your bushwalk, it's time to bid farewell to Otijwa as you drive back to Windhoek Airport in time for your onward flight. Your host can take you to your accommodation in Windhoek if you are staying on longer in Namibia.
15% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 15% discount on us to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
Soft duffel bag or rucksack
Daypack (25+ litres)
SLEEPING
Sleeping bag (3/4 season if travelling May-September - otherwise 2 season)
Lightweight packable travel pillow (please check the Optional Extras if you prefer to hire sleeping bag and pillow from your host)
CLOTHES
Lightweight waterproof and windproof jacket
Breathable wicking layers
Warm base layers
Fleece jacket or similar
Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts for hiking
T-shirts
Underwear & socks
Swimwear
Sunglasses
Sunhat
Something to sleep in
Hiking boots (worn-in)
Lightweight shoes for camp
May-September: Down Jacket and Gloves
OTHER
Universal travel plug adapter
Power bank or solar charger
Passports (and visas)
Travel Insurance documents
Suncream
Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
Quick-dry towel
Alcohol hand-gel
Face mask
Headtorch or torch
2 x reusable water bottle (x1 litre)
OPTIONAL
Earplugs
Energy bars and snacks
Sleeping bag and pillow hire
Payable Before Departure
Sleeping bag and pillow hire
… Per Person
Double/Twin Room in Windhoek
Payable Before Departure
Double/Twin Room in Windhoek
…
Single Room in Windhoek
Payable Before Departure
Single Room in Windhoek
…
Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade
…
Airport Transfer One Way
Payable Before Departure
Airport Transfer One Way
… Per Person
We've crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of this trip, and plant enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 340kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal for 2022 to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. For every person booked with us since 2016 we’re planting enough trees to suck at least 2x more carbon out the atmosphere than is emitted by their trips. All native trees, as part of amazing projects that are re-foresting degraded land, tackling the biodiversity crisis and supporting local communities at the same time. We go further than that too, also funding re-wilding projects worldwide to help protect important keystone species from extinction. See the reforestation and re-wilding schemes we support. See our carbon action plan.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
You'll need a decent level of general fitness, but this is a lighter hiking trip and if you are happy walking for a few hours at a time in the mountains and over sand dunes, you'll be just fine. The pace is easy going and you'll be stopping often to marvel at sweeping vistas in the Namib desert, and, of course, the myriad wildlife in Etosha National Park. The morning of Day 7 involves a slightly more challenging ascent up to the summit of Grosse Spitzkoppe, however, your legs will be plenty warmed up for this by the time Day 7 comes along.
Sure can! Over 50% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Your host will provide you with clean, safe drinking water from large containers. Bring a refillable bottle, it will be used well.
Namibia is in the Southern Hemisphere, so essentially has the opposite seasons to the UK. Due to the desert climate, it is generally dry and pleasant all year round. The months of June to August remain sunny and warm during the day (20-25 °C), but drop down to single figures at night in the desert.
Between September and May it gets warmer, with highs of around 30°C, however, it is always a dry heat and still gets cold at night throughout the year. Rainfall is usually in November to March. If it does rain, it is minimal and in short sharp downpours that are quite spectacular in the desert.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however, we would suggest £5 per person per day as a guideline.
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Your luggage will be transferred with you from each location on this adventure, you can safely leave your luggage in the desert truck before heading out for each hiking adventure, or securely in your room when staying at the lodges. We suggest bringing a small day bag for carrying essential items like money, phone, sun cream, water and light snacks while on the hikes.
We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.
For current advice about travelling in Namibia, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages here.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our adventures. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure.
Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you, your travel companion or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.
Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.
Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.
Full Financial Protection
Your money is safe. Every booking is fully financially protected.
Pay In Installments
You can choose to pay for this trip in as many installments as you like, with no interest or fees.
