Spaces and Horizons: an 11-day grand tour of Namibia
An atmospheric journey across the whole country — includes Fish River Canyon and the Skeleton Coast.
Highlights
- Fish River Canyon and the Sossusvlei dune sea
- Swakopmund, a Sandwich Harbour jeep tour
- The Skeleton Coast and Damaraland
- The quiver tree forest and an Etosha National Park safari
Day-by-day programme
Day 1: Arrival
Transfer to the hotel in Windhoek, rest, a walk around the city.
Day 2: Trans-Kalahari
Pick up the car, drive to Quiver Tree Forest, check in at the lodge, explore the forest and the playground. 5h drive, 510 km.
Meals: Breakfast, dinnerDay 3: Fish River Canyon
Drive south into the Gondwana rifts. Exclusive park grounds for lodge guests only — hiking and cycling along the canyon rim, sundowners. 2h drive, 200 km.
Meals: Breakfast, dinnerDay 4: Trans-Namib
A long drive across the Namib desert with scenic views and mountain passes, lunch en route. Check in at a safari camp. 7h drive, 500 km.
Meals: Breakfast, dinnerDay 5: Sossusvlei
A very early departure into the park — Deadvlei and the dune sea. Return to the lodge around 1pm. Optionally, Sesriem Canyon and Dune 45 at sunset in the evening. 2h drive, 170 km.
Meals: Breakfast, dinnerDay 6: To the coast — Swakopmund
An unhurried drive across the desert, a stop at the atmospheric Solitaire and its famous apple pie bakery. A walk around Swakopmund. 5.5h drive, 350 km.
Meals: BreakfastDay 7: Sandwich Harbour
A jeep tour to dunes falling into the ocean, salt pans with flamingos and pelicans, an oyster lunch. Check in at Henties Bay with ocean views — the Zeila shipwreck is nearby. 2h drive, 180 km.
Meals: Breakfast, light mealDay 8: Skeleton Coast
A drive along the ocean on the Skeleton Coast. Check in at a secluded lodge in the middle of the Great Emptiness, rest after the long drives. 3.5h drive, 300 km.
Meals: Breakfast, dinnerDay 9: Damaraland
A journey through the beautiful landscapes of Damaraland toward Etosha. Optional: a Damara or Himba village, rock art at Twyfelfontein. 6h drive, 480 km.
Meals: Breakfast, dinnerDay 10: Etosha
A full day of game viewing. Take a picnic lunch or eat at the park restaurant. 300 km inside the park.
Meals: Breakfast, dinnerDay 11: Windhoek — departure
Drive to Windhoek, optional morning safari drive with a guide. Return the car by 5pm. Early transfer to the airport at 4:45am, flight at 7:00am. 4.5h drive, 410 km.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation along the route
- Windhoek — budget-comfort, Keetmanshoop — standard lodge
- Canyon park — premium lodge (secluded)
- Sossusvlei and Swakopmund — standard lodge/hotel
- Henties Bay and the Skeleton Coast — secluded hotel with a view
- Etosha — standard lodge near the park (alternative — a lodge inside the park)
Meal-plan notes
- B — breakfast, L — lunch, D — dinner
- R — a light meal (brunch, snacks, and drinks)
- Drive times in the programme exclude stops
Price
The price depends on the date and the number of guests. We confirm the exact amount after your request.
Questions and answers
How long is this tour and how is it run?
11 days / 11 nights, Self-drive · 3400 km. This is a self-drive trip. Under Namibian law a licence issued abroad is recognised for visitors on the prescribed conditions, and the rental company sets its own conditions; see our driving guide.
Do I need a visa for Namibia?
Entry rules depend on your nationality. See our guide Namibia e-Visa 2026: who needs it, cost and how to apply and check the official portal before you book.
Do I need malaria prevention?
Malaria is present in 10 of Namibia's 14 regions, mostly in the north, and there is none in Windhoek. Which regions your route passes through and whether you need prevention is a decision for a doctor or travel clinic. The regions are listed in our malaria guide.
More itineraries and guides
- Classic Namibia: a 9-day tour with a driver
- Namibia Landscapes: a 6-day self-drive tour
- Namibia Landscapes: an 8-day self-drive tour
- Luxury southern parks tour with Fish River Canyon, 11 days
- Namibia e-Visa 2026: Who Needs It, Cost and How to Apply
- Etosha National Park: Entry Fees and Gate Hours
- Sossusvlei: Gate Times, Fees and Permits
- Malaria Risk in Namibia: Regions and Official Guidance
- Driving in Namibia: Licence, Insurance and What to Do After an Accident