If there’s one country in Africa that’s perfect for a road trip, it’s Namibia. Its vast wild expanses and winding roads through endless horizons make it an ideal destination for those who dream of adventure and freedom.
With its exceptional wildlife, well-equipped campsites, and breathtaking landscapes, Namibia is also the perfect setting for a family trip. Sleeping under a starry sky, setting off at dawn in search of big cats, or navigating trails through stunning panoramas are unforgettable experiences that delight both young and old.
For this journey, we’ve crafted an itinerary that combines moments of contemplation with thrilling wildlife encounters. With two must-see safari areas – the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Etosha National Park – and a variety of stops through the country’s natural wonders, this 17-day road trip is designed to savor every moment. A loop that allows you to visit iconic sites, explore more secretive regions, and, most importantly, slow down, share precious moments, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Day 1 – Mariental
Upon arrival in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, pick up the rental vehicle and receive a briefing on how to use the rooftop tents. After a few errands to prepare, head towards Mariental, where the first night under a starry sky awaits.
The first moments are spent familiarizing ourselves with the setup of the tents, preparing the meal by the flickering light of a flashlight, and organizing the belongings in the trunk to make the roadtrip easier. These small tasks quickly fade away in the face of the beauty of a colorful sunset and the tranquility of an early morning wake-up, gently rocked by the soft sounds of nature awakening.
Days 2 to 4 – Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Leaving Mariental, head towards the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, one of Southern Africa’s most iconic parks. Covering an area of approximately 38,000 km², this park is larger than Belgium and spans across Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana. Renowned for its majestic wildlife, including the famous black-maned lions and elusive leopards, Kgalagadi features characteristic semi-arid landscapes where red sand meets vast stretches of savannah.
For three days, our time is entirely dedicated to safaris, with a stop at a different campsite each night to cover as much distance as possible in the park. The mornings start early, aiming to maximize the chances of observing active predators. The long, sometimes deserted sand and gravel tracks turn each journey into a true adventure. The sound of the sand crunching under the tires, the endless horizons, and each moment spent on these paths unveils more of the Kgalagadi’s wild beauty.
At times, time seems suspended, but the wait is quickly rewarded by unexpected encounters: four lionesses sated after a good meal, a cheetah coming to drink at a waterhole at daybreak. These rare and precious moments of observation add to the magic of a safari where every bend in the trail becomes the promise of a new encounter.
Day 5 – Kalahari
After a final day of safari in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, head towards the Kalahari Desert, just a few kilometers away. Arriving at the private reserve marks a shift to a completely different world, where red dunes rise on the horizon and vast, endless desert expanses stretch as far as the eye can see.
We settle into this peaceful and isolated setting under an approaching stormy sky, with threatening clouds hovering above the dunes. As a precaution, we fold the tents and head to the lodge for a meal. Once dinner is over, we set up the tents again by the light of a flashlight. The night is marked by occasional gusts of wind, but by morning, the wake-up is gentle, accompanied by the silence of the desert.
Day 6 – Aus
We leave the Kalahari region behind and head toward an area marked by rugged mountains and more rocky landscapes. The journey begins with a few kilometers through the red dunes, before gradually giving way to an increasingly mineral landscape.
About four hours of driving lead us to Aus, a small village nestled amidst vast rock formations. The lodge and campsite that welcome us tonight blend seamlessly into this wild landscape.
The next day, we begin with a slight detour to observe the wild desert horses. Descendants of farm horses abandoned in the early 20th century, these horses have adapted to the desert and its extreme conditions, carving out a place for themselves in this otherwise inhospitable environment. Their solitary presence adds a unique touch to the harsh landscape, where the adaptability and resilience of the wildlife are revealed in all their beauty.
Day 7 – Kanaan
After long hours on the road, often without encountering a soul, Kanaan appears even more isolated than the mountains we’ve left behind. Here, nature seems to reign supreme, and only a few silhouettes of oryx, stretched out by the roadside, defy the scorching heat of the desert.
The Kanaan Reserve, covering 35,000 hectares of preserved landscapes, proves to be a true paradise for photographers, with its endless red dunes and crystal-clear night skies.
Upon arrival, we are immersed in a stunning world, surrounded by towering dunes and a few luxurious glamping tents. From a distance, our campsite almost resembles a space station, placed in the vastness of the desert.
And how to describe the end of the day? A breathtaking spectacle, where the sky transforms into an infinite palette of colors, illuminating the dunes and rocks with an unparalleled intensity.
Day 8 – Sesriem and Sossusvlei
The drive from Kanaan to Sesriem is a true festival of captivating landscapes. The rock formations along the way seem to reinvent themselves with each turn, featuring towering ridges and rocks in improbable shapes.
But it was when we spotted, in the distance, a group of desert zebras that the awe truly reached its peak. These animals, perfectly adapted to their arid environment, stand out against the desert backdrop with such grace that they seem like an integral part of the landscape.
Arriving in Sesriem in the early afternoon, we decided to visit the canyon. This site, shaped by millions of years of erosion, features reddish walls and interesting shadows in the afternoon sun. Although the walk is short due to the heat, it allows us to appreciate the uniqueness of the place and observe up close the rock formations that give the canyon its distinctive character.
As evening falls, we set up camp within the park, ideally located for an early start toward the dunes the next morning.
A wake-up even earlier than usual and a tough choice: climb Big Daddy or Dune 45? After some thought, we opt for Dune 45 so that everyone can enjoy the sunrise from the top. It was a great choice, as even the younger children managed to reach the summit in time to admire the beauty of the sunrise over the dune crest.
The descent, much quicker and more joyful than the climb, leads us to Big Daddy. This time, no ascent, but a pleasant walk through the desert toward Deadvlei, where we stand in awe of Big Daddy’s majesty.
From below, its impressive height of 325 meters dazzles us, rising majestically above the vast desert landscape. An almost palpable silence reigns here, enhancing the feeling of being in the heart of another world.
Day 9 – Walvis Bay
We leave behind the red sand dunes to encounter the golden sands of the dunes that stretch on the horizon of the Atlantic coast. The journey takes us through rugged terrain, where mountains and valleys intertwine and plunge into the earth’s depths.
As we get closer to the ocean, the colors change, shifting from deep reds to lighter, drier tones, and the air becomes cooler.
The Atlantic looms on the horizon, offering a striking contrast to the immense desert surrounding us. Though small, the town of Walvis Bay serves as a striking transition point between the interior desert and the country’s coastal expanses. It blends local culture, maritime history, and unique wildlife, including the famous lagoon where flamingos come to rest.
With the temperatures dropping and the strong coastal winds, we finally enjoy our first night in proper accommodation, comfortably settled into a bed. The sunset, however, remains as beautiful as ever…
Day 10 – Sandwich Harbour
The morning begins cold and overcast. We embark on a cruise to discover the local wildlife, including the Cape fur seals, which bask by the thousands on the beaches and rocks of Elephant Island, near Walvis Bay. These seals, often seen sunbathing or playing in the water, are part of one of the region’s largest colonies.
In the afternoon, we head to Sandwich Harbour, an impressive site within the Namib-Naukluft National Park. This preserved location is a true natural paradise, where the immense dunes, often among the highest in the country, meet directly with the Atlantic Ocean.
In 4×4 vehicles, we venture into these giant dunes, with spectacular climbs and descents offering breathtaking views at every turn. The experience, though expensive, is definitely worth it. Moreover, the park is closed to private vehicles for good reason: here, there is nothing but shifting dunes and endless sand. A skilled guide and an experienced driver are necessary to enjoy this adventure safely.
The day ends in style, with a sunset aperitif. An unforgettable experience…
Day 11 – Spitzkoppe
On the way to Spitzkoppe, we make a stop at Moonlandscape, a spectacular site with lunar-like features. This arid landscape, shaped by millions of years of erosion, is a true geological treasure. Its smooth hills and jagged ridges seem to come straight from another world.
In the late afternoon, we arrive at Spitzkoppe, often called the “Matterhorn of Namibia” due to its iconic peak dominating the landscape. This impressive site combines towering rock formations and rock paintings, relics left by the San people thousands of years ago. Our campsite is at the foot of the mountains, in a setting as wild as it is grand.
Day 12 – Damaraland
The road to Damaraland crosses diverse landscapes, where savannas dotted with scattered trees alternate with rugged mountains and endless plains.
This region, striking in its beauty, is also home to desert elephants, a subpopulation of African elephants perfectly adapted to the region’s arid conditions. Unlike their counterparts, these elephants travel vast distances in search of food and water, using their exceptional memory to locate rare and temporary water sources. More slender and with wider feet to better traverse the sand, they play a crucial role in the ecosystem by digging to reach underground water, providing a vital source of hydration for other animals.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to seek them out, and while some lucky ones may spot them on the way, we were not as fortunate. However, the surprise was immense when, at dusk, we saw them cross the grounds of our camp, majestic and silent, on their way to a nearby waterhole. An unexpected and unforgettable encounter!
Day 13 to 15 – Etosha National Park
After traversing such varied landscapes, we were eager to dive back into wildlife observation. We spent three days and two nights at Etosha National Park, a vast reserve of over 22,000 km² known for its immense salt pan, a shimmering white desert that seems to stretch endlessly.
Unlike Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, where rolling hills and red dunes create a spectacular backdrop, Etosha is mostly flat. The animals appear more scattered, and finding waterholes becomes key to spotting wildlife. This contrast makes the experience different, but equally fascinating.
Our early wake-ups and a good dose of patience paid off.
One of the highlights was the encounter with a group of lionesses and their cubs. For 45 minutes, we were able to observe them in peace, with no other vehicles around. Magical!
Day 16 & 17 – Okonjima
To conclude our journey, we stopped at Okonjima, a reserve dedicated to the conservation of felines, particularly leopards. We participated in a tracking session with an experienced guide and were fortunate to observe a young leopard approaching a group of oryx, followed by its father, who had hidden a prey in a tree. A perfect way to end this Namibian adventure.
Do you dream of discovering Namibia from a unique and personalized perspective?
Share your adventure desires with us, and let us create a tailor-made trip that meets all your expectations. From the breathtaking desert landscapes to the wild encounters in national parks, we will design an itinerary that suits you.
Contact us today to receive your personalized, no-obligation quote and start planning the adventure of a lifetime in Namibia!
You can also consult the travel itinerary created based on this roadtrip to get an initial idea of the budget.
