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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

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Trip Ref #10422

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-Nov

GROUP SIZE

Up to 12 people

MEETING POINT

Windhoek International Airport, Namibia

ACCOMMODATION

Classic

Lodge · Campsite

OVERALL RATING

4.8

Based on 30 reviews
DIFFICULTY

Easy

Anyone with decent fitness, some broken-in hiking boots and the ability to hike up to 5 hours in a day will be 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

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 Olive Trail

Hiking

5hrs · 10-15km · 500m up · 250m down

Tackle a spectacular day hike today on the Olive 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 (depending on the season). 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. There is an 8-10 metre fixed-chain section to traverse on this hike and you'll navigate large boulders on your descent into the valley. 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 stroll 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 Otjiwa 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 area. After your bushwalk, it's time to bid farewell to Otjiwa 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.

Included

Guides

Expert, English-speaking guides and wildlife rangers

Accommodation

2 nights in lodges, 7 nights camping

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

Visas where required

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 spend two nights at campsites in canvas tents in or near Etosha National Park. This is usually at Okakuejo or Halali camps, or a combination of the two.

Camping

You’ll stay in twin-share tents at desert camping spots in Naukluft, Sesriem, Solitaire, Spitzkoppe, Etosha and Otjiwa. 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.

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).

The Area

map

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 at anytime on Day 1. Your host will pre-arrange an airport transfer for you based on the arrival flight information you provide in your booking.

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.

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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)
  • Sleeping bag liner & pillow case (optional)

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
Headlamp or handtorch 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

- Daniel(August 2023)

This was a very enjoyable trip, covering an unexpected variety of scenery and activities. Our guide Omumborombonga (AKA Samora) and assistant Tuhafeni went out of their way to ensure we had a good time. It is clear that they are both very proud of their country & history and were keen to demonstrate it. Every day seemed to be a step up in impressiveness of what we saw and experienced. Due to the distances covered and the scheduled activities it meant quick packdowns each morning and perhaps a little less ‘free time’ than I’ve experienced on other trips. This isn’t a criticism though – I wanted to experience as much as possible and once the group understood the routine we became pretty adept at rapid turnround.

With this being a camping trip and also spending a fair amount of time in the truck, it meant that the group quickly gelled. Our guides said that it was like we turned up already knowing each other. A willingness to get involved and contribute to the group experience is definitely part of this. The range and quality of food served at the camps was excellent and a pleasant surprise each evening. There are also opportunities to visit local restaurants which were also very good.

I was expecting to see some impressive wildlife due to the reputation of Etosha (and it definitely delivered), but one particular highlight was the simultaneous arrival of Giraffe, Rhino, Leopard and a herd of Elephant at a waterhole that we would have missed if not for deciding to stay for five minutes longer. What I wasn’t quite so prepared for was the range and diversity of scenery around the country – the famous Red Dunes at Sossusvlei, the salt pan at Deadvlei, the rock formations of Spitzkoppe, the coastal atmosphere at Swakopmund, and the hypnotic stars visible most nights. There were also vast expanses of desert between these locations – something that became immediately apparent looking down from the flight from Johannesburg on Day 1. Make sure you bring plenty of memory cards for the photos.

There are various activities to do at Swakopmund, but I believe most opt for the scenic flight. As it turned out it was fully booked while we were there, but the Sandwich Bay Harbour tour is a great alternative. Although it sounds sedate, we were treated to a 4x4 dash along the beach seeing wildlife along the way before it turned into a rollercoaster ride across the dunes, stopping for canapes and wine mid-way.

Thoroughly recommended trip.

- Dave(August 2023)

Don't just think about this trip, book it! An adventure of a lifetime. The scenery is fantastic, and such contrasts, all in one day! I absolutely loved our camp in Etosha, right at a waterhole. This was one of the best experiences to watch giraffes, elephants, black Rhino, and lions drinking in front of us. Our guide Samora had eagle eyes and spotted a variety of wildlife, the most incredible spot was the Leopard! He had not seen one in years and it walked right to the water hole on our game drive, along with a Rhino, giraffe and a heard of elephants!! Samora and Tuhafeni were the dream team on tour. Always there to help, and make our holiday a memorable adventure in Namibia.Tuhafeni cooked up some very tasty meals, some of the salads were fantastic. You won't lose weight with all the hiking 🤣 Most of the camp sites are very scenic, and great locations. We loved them. The tents are easy to put up and I could stand up in our tent. I'd highly recommend doing the Sandwich Harbour excursion, it was one of the many highlights on this trip. Dune 45 and Deadvlei were also one of my highlights. Be prepared, for early starts, it's the only way to see wildlife, beautiful sunrises and over the dunes. The chain bridge is daunting, however Samora got us across and knew how to help those of us that needed that extra help, like me. I'd highly recommend this trip. I loved it so much I'd go again ! Thank you for a memorable adventure.

- Sara(August 2023)

This was an absolutely incredible experience. Namibia is out of this world! Every destination and activity truly felt like a bucket list experience. Omumborombonga (Sam) and Tuhafeni were amazing. The food was incredible- bananas foster on the braai was a highlight. Both were knowledgeable and so much fun! Our group dynamic was incredible and we elected to stick together as a group for all of the optional activities we got on so well. Our game drive days will be impossible to top; mating lions, a leopard, and waterholes with dozens of elephants, giraffe, and rhino at the same time! We watched the baby elephants play in the mud and had so many once in a lifetime experiences in only nine days! I already want to go back!

- nigel(July 2023)

Just got back. Overall a fantastic trip. Namibia is a spectacular country and missing it already. A huge amount fitted into the 11 days. Lots of early mornings and the guides expect guests to erect and dismantle the tents, and load truck etc which does help the group to bond. Camp food was excellent and accommodated the vegetarians in the group. The nights and early mornings get pretty cold so layers and sleeping bag liner are essential. Our guide and assistant were excellent - very knowledgeable and engaging and great fun. Wildlife was amazing but take binoculars if you can. Walks are moderate to challenging and a reasonable level of fitness is required. Did the horse riding in Swakopund which was a gentle walk and highly recommended. Unfortunately due to sand storm our flight and dolphin trip were cancelled. Overall a very special adventure.

- Sandy(June 2023)

Well, what can I say. I decided to book this trip as it was my 3 loves: hiking, star gazing and animals. It did not disappoint.

Firstly, Namibia is beautiful and the terrain is insane. Words cannot describe what a beautiful country it is.

Secondly, if you’re looking for a relaxed holiday this is not for you. It’s non-stop but hey, what an adventure. From the sand dunes in the south to the animals in the north. I also booked the small flight along the Skelton coast and I’m so glad I did.

Thirdly, the guides Samora and Jonas make this trip. Their knowledge, expertise and experience made this such a memorable trip. They are fantastic.

Fourthly, the group. Met a bunch of strangers, and made great friendships. I was a little nervous thinking that I was going to be the eldest one there but age is just a number and the group were just amazing. Cannot wait to join them for more adventures.

- Ian(June 2023)

This is a great trip for those new to Southern Africa or looking to go a bit further afield. Discovery of the diversity of Namibia - sand dunes, canyons, fabulous night skies, the Skeleton coast and safari - at pace but without feeling rushed. Big shout out to local hosts Samora and Jonas who were incredible. Great food, good vehicle, quality tents. Take the optional sightseeing flight if you can. Honestly, not a bad word to say about this trip.

- Chloe(June 2023)

An incredible trip. Sam and Jonas were brilliant hosts. Their wealth of knowledge, their planning, and the food they cooked were all fantastic. I couldn't recommend it enough. I feel like I've been away for a month not a week and a half! Every sunrise and sunset was stunning, and we saw the Milky Way almost every night. As a side note, in June, the temperature drops sharply in the evening, so pack more long sleeves than T-shirts.

- Geoff(June 2023)

Great trip the local staff are first class, very knowledgeable and great fun to be with. Book onto the optional flight, it will add a great deal to your whole experience of Namibia.✴️✴️✴️✴️✴️

- Ceri(May 2023)

Wow! What a fantastic trip. Sam our guide was super helpful, approachable and knowledgeable (he also cooks some very tasty food!). He shared so much with us about the local wildlife, culture and history of the places we visited. Each day was jam packed with activities and awe inspiring views but the itinerary is carefully planned with a sprinkling of down time. If you’re looking to get outside and explore Namibia’s stunning nature and landscapes, I’d highly recommend this trip!

- Andrew(May 2023)

A superb trip all round that encompassed diverse landscapes and animals galore. The local guide Sam was most excellent with knowledge and skills aplenty. Namibia as a country has a lot to offer and is almost untouched in many ways, the vast wild areas are incredible. Worth a mention is water from the tap is fine to drink, the roads are good (tarmac and gravel), driving standards are good and roads quiet. To summarise, a well organised trip with a great local guide. Amazing scenery, animals and experiences. The group I was with were a great bunch and only added to the trip. I can’t wait to return to Namibia in the future. Thankyou MBA and Sam.

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 2023 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 70% 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.

Most places in Namibia will accept both the Namibian Dollar and the South African Rand. Money can be exchanged on arrival at the airport or withdrawn from ATM's during the trip. Many local purchases can be made by card. Plan ahead before you travel to avoid paying unnecessary charges and fees.

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 for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

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.

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