Itinerary
- Day 1
Windhoek
You'll arrive individually in Windhoek. Your flight isn't part of the package, but help with booking is available if you need it.
Landmarks Windhoek - Day 2
Windhoek to Ameib Camp
Early morning pickup happens by 09:00 from the airport. Stop at a supermarket to grab supplies, then drive through Okahandia, Karibib and Usakos to reach Ameib Camp. After settling in, you'll hike to Phillips Grotto and see rock paintings in the area. Dinner happens around the campfire as the sun sets.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Rustic packed lunch), Dinner (Campfire dinner with sunset views)
Included Activities
- Hike to Phillips Grotto rock paintings
- Campfire dinner
Landmarks Phillips Grotto Okahandia Karibib Usakos - Day 3
Spitzkoppe to Messum Crater
This is a four-wheel drive day on rarely used routes heading to Spitzkoppe, then across the desert toward Messum Crater. The landscape shows dried-up salt lakes with white surfaces contrasting against red rock. You'll camp in the middle of nature with minimal facilities.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Rustic packed lunch), Dinner
Landmarks Spitzkoppe Messum Crater - Day 4
Messum Crater to Rhino Camp Ugab
You'll reach Rhino Camp Ugab around lunchtime and set up tents. The nearby salt lake sits in an old copper mine crater and you can swim there since the high salt content lets you float. Keep an eye out for desert elephants that sometimes come through camp.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Rustic packed lunch), Dinner
Included Activities
- Salt lake exploration and swimming
Landmarks Rhino Camp Ugab Salt Lake - Day 5
Ugab Revieres to Huab and Desolation Valley
Travel through remote off-road terrain across terrain that's basically blank on regular maps. Navigation uses topographical maps and GPS through gorges and valleys. You might see springbok and oryx herds plus elephants. At Gai Aas spring you'll find ruins from early nomadic settlements and notice the striking multi-colored rock layers on the plateau.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Rustic packed lunch), Dinner
Landmarks Ugab Revieres Gai Aas spring Huab Desolation Valley - Day 6
Desolation Valley to Palmwag
Head northeast past the Krone farm ruins, then rejoin the main road around lunchtime. Drive to Palmwag Lodge, an oasis with palm trees. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool with refreshments at the bar and take a long shower.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Pool time and relaxation at Palmwag Lodge
Landmarks Krone farm ruins Palmwag - Day 7
Palmwag to Khowarib Gorge
Travel north to Khowarib Gorge entrance. The lower route has flowing water so you'll take a higher route instead. The first 30 km feature narrow rock faces and bumpy terrain before the gorge opens into a valley. The area has cattle farms mixed with springbok, oryx, kudu, ostriches and giraffes. Camp gets set up in early afternoon in a relaxing spot.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Rustic packed lunch), Dinner (Barbecued food)
Landmarks Khowarib Gorge - Day 8
Khowarib Gorge to Opuwo
You'll drive through Damaraland where Herero tribes raise cattle. Following winding paths gets you to Opuwo by afternoon, the region's largest town and main supply point. Stay at a lodge on a hilltop outside town with great views of Kaokoland's hilly landscape.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Opuwo - Day 9
Opuwo to Van Zyls Pass
Travel through Ovahimba grazing lands where cattle ownership determines wealth. Traditional hairstyles and jewelry carry deep cultural meaning reflecting age and social status, and you'll have chances to connect with tribal members. The route winds through mountains with river and track crossings. You'll reach Van Zyls Pass (or Otjiha Pass) and camp above it with fabulous views.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Rustic packed lunch), Dinner
Included Activities
- Ovahimba tribal contact opportunities
Landmarks Van Zyls Pass Otjiha Pass - Day 10
Van Zyls Pass to Marienfluss Valley
Van Zyls Pass is famous among off-road enthusiasts. Instead of driving, you'll hike down the route to take in the scenery and get photos, which is more comfortable than riding. Then climb up into Marienfluss valley. Camp on the Kunene riverbanks beneath large ana trees.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Rustic packed lunch), Dinner
Included Activities
- Van Zyls Pass hiking
Landmarks Van Zyls Pass Marienfluss Valley Kunene River - Day 11
Marienfluss Valley to Hartmann Valley
Head south along the Marienfluss river, then cross via a secret pass to reach Hartmann Valley, one of Namibia's most remote regions. Semi-nomadic Himba pastoral people live here in a desert-like landscape near the Skeleton Desert. You'll set up camp in wilderness in early afternoon with time to soak it all in.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Rustic packed lunch), Dinner
Landmarks Hartmann Valley Skeleton Desert - Day 12
Hartmann Valley to Purros
This is a long driving day so you'll leave early. Travel through Marienfluss Valley via Orupembe to reach Purros. You'll stay at a rustic camp for two nights.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Rustic packed lunch), Dinner
Landmarks Orupembe Purros - Day 13
Hoarusib River
Morning brings a drive down Hoarusib River through striking landscape. There's a strong possibility of seeing desert elephants, giraffes, oryx, springbok, ostriches and desert lions. The afternoon is free so you can relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Rustic packed lunch), Dinner
Included Activities
- Wildlife viewing along Hoarusib River
Landmarks Hoarusib River - Day 14
Hoanib
Travel into the Hoanib dry area, which is rich in game and sandy passages. You might spot large herds of various antelope species, black rhinos, giraffes in treetops, desert elephants and possibly leopards. Camp gets set up in absolute wilderness with African sounds throughout the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Rustic packed lunch), Dinner
Included Activities
- Wildlife viewing in Hoanib area
Landmarks Hoanib - Day 15
Hoanib to Palmwag Camp
Experience the unique landscape and wildlife one last time. You'll reach Sesfontein around midday, then continue to Palmwag Camp.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Wildlife viewing
Landmarks Sesfontein Palmwag - Day 16
Palmwag to Otjiwa Lodge
Drive to Kamanjab via Grootberg Pass where asphalt road signals you're back toward civilization. From there head south quickly and arrive at Otjiwa Lodge in the afternoon. You can either do an optional game drive to see white rhinos and plains game, or relax by the pool with valley views.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Rustic packed lunch)
Included Activities
- Pool time and relaxation
Optional Activities
- Afternoon game drive
Landmarks Kamanjab Grootberg Pass - Day 17
Otjiwa Lodge to Windhoek
Your adventure wraps up. Have a leisurely breakfast then drive back to Windhoek (around 290 km) for an evening flight. Another option is staying at a private farm or game lodge for a more relaxed ending to the trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Extend stay at private farm or game lodge
Landmarks Windhoek - Day 18
Return to Europe
You'll land back in Europe and your journey comes to a close.
