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Namibia
The Namibia Explorer
Desert, coast, Etosha: Namibia from Windhoek to Windhoek with the full route handled.
Sixteen days through the oldest desert on earth, and beyond. From Windhoek's colonial architecture and the private wildlife reserve at the Naukluft foothills, to the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei, the Skeleton Coast seal colony, the living desert outside Swakopmund, the Himba in the north, and two days in Etosha's Big Five territory before circling back through Waterberg Plateau. Namibia is one of the emptiest and most visually extraordinary countries on the continent: vast, silent, and full of contrast. Doctor has guided these roads for years. He knows exactly where to stop.
Why Namibia
The most dramatic landscape in Africa, properly explored.
Namibia rewards travellers who want something different. This isn't savannah safari from dawn to dusk; it's a route built around the full range of what the country offers: the Namib Desert at Sesriem, where Dune 45 and Deadvlei are among the most photographed landscapes on earth; a Living Desert experience that reveals the extraordinary life hidden in apparently empty sand; Sandwich Harbour, where towering dunes collapse directly into the Atlantic; Cape Cross and its thundering colony of Cape fur seals; and Etosha, one of southern Africa's great game parks built around a vast ancient salt pan. POA Safaris built this route to show Namibia at full stretch. The Kronenhof Lodge stop gives two nights at a private farm in the Naukluft Mountains before the desert days begin. The Himba cultural visit in Kamanjab adds the human dimension that the landscape alone can't give you. Waterberg Plateau closes the loop with history, hiking, and the story of the Herero people before the return to Windhoek.
Highlights
Dune 45, Sossusvlei & Deadvlei
Sandwich Harbour
Etosha National Park
Cape Cross Seal Reserve
Himba Visit: Kamanjab
Living Desert Experience
Waterberg Plateau
Skeleton Coast & Shipwreck of Zeila
Your Namibia safari, at a glance
Sossusvlei. Etosha. Skeleton Coast. The full Namibia circuit.
A 16-day route from Windhoek through the oldest desert on earth to the Skeleton Coast, north to Etosha, and back through Waterberg Plateau, with Doctor handling every move.
Trip at a glance
The practical details before you start planning.
Dates
Contact for dates
Duration
16 Days
Route
Windhoek → Windhoek
Group size
4–12 travellers · Ages 18+
Style
Fully Accommodated
Best for
Photographers · Culture & history seekers · Wildlife lovers
Price
$5,950per person
Inclusions
- All overland transport and accommodation, including pre- and post-tour nights
- All national park and conservation fees, safari drives and guided walks
- Meals as marked in the day-by-day itinerary
- Desert, coast, Etosha and cultural visits in one loop
Not included
- International flights
- Visas, insurance and personal expenses
- Optional adrenaline activities (bungee, rafting, scenic flights)
Day by day
16 days: desert, coast, and Etosha.
Scroll through the route from Windhoek to the Namib dunes, Skeleton Coast, Etosha, and back.
Windhoek — Arrival & Briefing
A pre-departure meeting takes place at 18h00 at your starting hotel, where you'll meet your guide and fellow travelers ahead of tomorrow's departure.
Overnight · Protea Hotel or similar
Meals · No meals
Full Day — Windhoek
Spend the morning exploring Windhoek's blend of German colonial architecture and modern African capital, taking in the city's landmark buildings and layered history. A visit to a local community rounds out the day.
Overnight · Protea Hotel or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Windhoek → Betta
Leave the capital behind and head southwest toward the Naukluft Mountains, settling in for two nights on a private guest farm alive with wildlife and laced with hiking trails.
Overnight · Kronenhof Lodge
Meals · B · L · D
Full Day — Kronenhof Lodge
A full day exploring the private reserve on foot or by open safari vehicle, with wide-open skies delivering some of Namibia's finest sunsets and star-gazing after dark.
Overnight · Kronenhof Lodge
Meals · B · L · D
Betta → Sesriem
A short drive brings you to Sesriem, gateway to the heart of the Namib Desert. Arrive by midday for lunch and check-in, then explore Sesriem Canyon before climbing Elim Dune for sunset.
Overnight · Sesriem Lodge or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Full Day — Sesriem
A full day exploring the dunes of the Namib Desert, among the oldest and most photographed landscapes on Earth.
Overnight · Sesriem Lodge or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Sesriem → Sossus on Foot
Leave the dunes behind with a stop at the famous Solitaire bakery before continuing to camp among valleys overlooking the Namib-Naukluft mountain range. Late afternoon brings a Living Desert experience.
Overnight · Sossus on Foot Lodge or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Sossus on Foot → Swakopmund
An early start covers the 200km stretch of desert road toward the coast, arriving in Walvis Bay for lunch and a stop at the lagoon to view its resident flamingos, before continuing to Swakopmund.
Overnight · Swakopmund Plaza Hotel or similar
Meals · B · L
Full Day — Swakopmund
Visit Sandwich Harbour, where some of the world's highest sand dunes plunge dramatically into the Atlantic. After lunch, spend the afternoon at a local cultural project showcasing Namibia's diverse peoples.
Overnight · Swakopmund Plaza Hotel or similar
Meals · B
Full Day — Swakopmund
A full day to enjoy Swakopmund at your own pace: from sandboarding to quad biking, or browsing its shops and cafés.
Overnight · Swakopmund Plaza Hotel or similar
Meals · B
Swakopmund → Brandberg
Trace the Skeleton Coast north, passing the rusted wreck of the Zeila en route to Cape Cross Seal Reserve. From there, head inland to the Brandberg Mountains for a short hike.
Overnight · Brandberg White Lady Lodge
Meals · B · L · D
Brandberg → Kamanjab
After a restful night, continue north to Kamanjab, arriving by lunchtime. The afternoon is set aside for a visit to the Himba, Namibia's largest and most iconic tribe.
Overnight · Oppi Koppi Lodge or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Kamanjab → Etosha National Park
An early departure covers the road to Etosha, crossing into the park before arriving at camp for lunch and a relaxed afternoon. As the sun dips, head out for a night safari drive, returning to camp after dark.
Overnight · Okaukuejo Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Full Day — Etosha National Park
A full day of open-vehicle game drives through Etosha in search of the Big Five, plus a stop at the vast Etosha Pan, an ancient dried-up lakebed with shimmering mirages and stark white openness.
Overnight · Okaukuejo Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Etosha National Park → Waterberg Plateau
Leave the park early for the Waterberg Plateau, arriving in time for a late lunch. A short afternoon hike leads to a viewpoint with sweeping views, and a site of real historical weight for the Herero people.
Overnight · Waterberg National Park Chalets
Meals · B · L · D
Waterberg → Windhoek
A morning drive returns you to the capital, arriving back in Windhoek by mid-afternoon.
Overnight · Protea Hotel Windhoek
Meals · B · L
Windhoek — Tour Ends
Tour ends today after breakfast.
Meals · B
B BREAKFAST · L LUNCH · D DINNER
Entry requirementsVisa now payable for many nationalitiesShow
Passport recommendation
For all POA Safaris trips we recommend travelling with a passport valid for at least 6 months after your trip and containing at least 4 blank pages. Longer multi-country itineraries may need more.
Travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory on every POA Safaris tour, in every country we travel through. See our cancellation policy for what your cover needs to include.
Namibia
Visa on Arrival or eVisa for many nationalities- Visa
- Depends on nationality. Many who previously travelled visa-free now need a Visa on Arrival, which can also be applied for online beforehand. Others remain visa-exempt.EU, UK and US passports: Visa required, available on arrival or online in advance.
- Typical fee
- From approx. US$70. The official fee is N$1,200, so the dollar figure moves with the rate.
- Passport validity
- At least 6 months from entry.
- Blank pages
- At least 3 blank pages.
- Yellow fever
- Required if arriving from a yellow-fever-risk country.
- Good to know
- A return or onward ticket is required.
Other vaccinations and malaria
Yellow fever is the only vaccination that can affect entry. Anything else is a health question, and what you need depends on your own vaccination history and where you grew up. See your doctor or a travel clinic a few weeks before you leave, as some courses need more than one dose.
Most of these routes pass through malaria areas. Antimalarial tablets usually have to be started before you arrive, so arrange them at home. Pharmacies in the region do sell them over the counter if you lose yours. Repellent, covered arms after dark and the bed net matter as much as the tablets.
Take your route with you to the appointment, as malaria advice varies by area within a country and not only by country. The CDC publishes yellow fever and malaria guidance country by country. See the CDC guidance.
Entry requirements for every country we travel through
Visa fees are indicative, vary by nationality and are subject to change. Visa, vaccination and entry requirements depend on your nationality, travel history and itinerary, and may change without notice. This is a general guide only. Always verify the latest requirements with the relevant immigration authority or embassy before you travel. Last updated: September 2026.
Free download
The full itinerary, as a PDF
- Day-by-day route and accommodation
- Map, dates and pricing
- What's included and what isn't
Yours to keep and to forward to whoever you are travelling with.
Namibia Explorer
Ask about the Namibia departure
Send your group size and questions. Doctor will confirm available dates and spaces.
Check availability on WhatsApp16 days · Namibia · 4–12 travellers · Windhoek to Windhoek
40% deposit secures your place · 40% 30 days before departure · 20% USD cash at the Welcome Meeting · Runs with 4+ travellers, or full refund · Travel insurance compulsory
Full cancellation policy →