A self-drive adventure through deserts, wildlife & raw landscapes
Namibia is made for road trips. Endless horizons, dramatic landscapes, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. In just one week, you can experience some of the country’s most iconic highlights if you’re willing to drive, plan smartly, and embrace adventure.
This itinerary starts and ends in Windhoek, forms a perfect loop, and combines desert dunes, the Atlantic coast, rugged mountains, wildlife safaris, and the Kalahari. We did this trip with a 4×4 and rooftop tent, but it’s absolutely possible to stay in lodges or hotels along the way. One thing is non-negotiable though: a 4×4 vehicle is essential.
Day 1 – Arrival in Windhoek & Picking Up the 4x4
Your adventure begins in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital. After landing, we head straight to pick up our 4×4 rental car. Whether you choose a rooftop tent or opt for lodges, a solid 4×4 is the best (and safest) way to travel Namibia’s gravel roads.
Before leaving the city:
• Stock up on groceries and water
• Buy firewood if you’re camping
• Double-check spare tires and fuel
Once everything is loaded, it’s time to hit the road and head south.
Day 2 – Windhoek → Sesriem (Gateway to Sossusvlei)
Drive time: ±5 hours
We drive towards Sesriem, the entrance to Namib-Naukluft National Park. The landscape slowly transforms into vast open plains and red sand dunes – your first taste of the Namib Desert.
We spend the night near Sesriem so we can enter the park early the next morning. This is one of those places where waking up before sunrise is 100% worth it.
Overnight:
• Campsite near Sesriem
• Or a lodge if you prefer comfort over camping
Day 3 – Sossusvlei & Deadvlei → Drive to Swakopmund
Sunrise in Sossusvlei & Deadvlei
Early start. Very early.
Entering the park at sunrise allows you to see the dunes glowing in shades of orange and red – truly magical.
Highlights:
• Dune 45 at sunrise
• Deadvlei with its white clay pan and dead trees
• Exploring Sossusvlei itself
Wear good shoes, bring water, and take your time. This is one of Namibia’s most iconic places.
Afternoon Drive to Swakopmund
After lunch, we start the long but scenic drive west towards the coast. The heat of the desert slowly fades, and suddenly you’re surrounded by mist and cool ocean air.
Stop in Swakopmund for a late lunch or early dinner.
Day 4 – Swakopmund → Spitzkoppe
Drive time: ±2 hours
Swakopmund feels almost surreal after days in the desert – German colonial architecture, cafés, and fresh seafood.
We keep it short here:
• Lunch at a local café
• Quick walk along the beach or jetty
Then we drive inland to Spitzkoppe, often called “the Matterhorn of Namibia.”
The granite peaks rise dramatically from the flat desert, and this is hands down one of our favorite overnight spots.
Overnight:
• Spitzkoppe campsite (incredible sunsets & stargazing)
• Or a nearby lodge
Day 5 – Full Day at Spitzkoppe
No rushing today. Spitzkoppe deserves a full day.
Things to do:
• Short hikes among the granite boulders
• Visit ancient rock paintings
• Watch sunrise and sunset from different viewpoints
• Enjoy absolute silence and night skies full of stars
We spend two nights here, which gives the trip a relaxed pace and time to truly enjoy the surroundings.
Day 6 – Spitzkoppe → Etosha National Park
Drive time: ±4–5 hours
Today we head north to one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations: Etosha National Park.
After entering the park, the safari begins immediately. Elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and with some luck, lions or rhinos.
Overnight:
• Rest camp inside Etosha (highly recommended)
• Or a lodge just outside the park
Day 7 & 8 – Etosha National Park (2–3 Nights)
We recommend at least two nights, but three is even better if your schedule allows it.
Etosha is perfect for self-drive safaris:
• Drive from waterhole to waterhole
• Stop whenever you spot wildlife
• Early mornings and late afternoons are best
Each day feels different, and staying overnight means you don’t have to rush.
Day 9 – Etosha → Kalahari Desert / Near the Botswana Border
Drive time: Long but rewarding
We leave Etosha and head south-east towards the Kalahari Desert, close to the Botswana border. The landscape changes again – red sand, camelthorn trees, and wide open spaces.
This is the perfect final stop:
• Quiet
• Remote
• Incredible sunsets
Overnight:
• Kalahari lodge or campsite
Day 10 – Kalahari → Windhoek
Drive time: ±4–5 hours
On the final day, we drive back to Windhoek, completing the loop. Drop off the car, enjoy one last dinner in the city, and reflect on an unforgettable journey.
Final Tips for This Namibia Road Trip
• Rent a 4×4 – absolutely essential
• Camping is amazing, but lodges work perfectly too
• Distances are long: don’t underestimate driving times
• Always carry extra water and fuel
• Drive slowly on gravel roads
