Upon your arrival, you will be met by the car rental representative and taken to the office in Windhoek to collect your rental car. Afterwards, you will meet with our representative, who will give you your roadbook and prepare you for your journey. From Windhoek, you'll travel south to the impressive red sand dunes of the Kalahari. You can spend the rest of the day enjoying this beautiful setting. Optional activities include game drives and a fascinating Bushman experience. The Kalahari impresses with its ochre-colored sand dunes, golden grasslands, and deep blue skies – a landscape further enhanced by the absolute silence of its uninhabited expanses. This semi-arid savanna stretches across 2.5 million square kilometers and is almost entirely uninhabited. However, the true attractions of the Kalahari are not only its landscape, but also its people and animals. Here, the San, the oldest surviving culture on Earth, have lived for thousands of years. The Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge, which bears its name for good reason, is located between two sand dunes in an area characterized by the camel thorn trees typical of the region.

You'll travel south via Mariental and Keetmanshoop to the Karas region, home to the Fish River Canyon. Along the way, you'll make a detour to Giant's Playground and the Quiver Tree Forest, a picturesque spot where giant aloes grow among the rocks. Here you can enjoy the unique landscape and don't miss the breathtaking sunset views from the lodge. The main attraction in the southernmost part of Namibia is the Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa. The area surrounding the gorge is a nature reserve and part of the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. Although this region isn't specifically focused on wildlife viewing, with a bit of luck you might spot mountain zebras, baboons, giraffes, kudus, and various antelope species. The Fish River area is also home to over 100 endemic plant species, including the fascinating euphorbias, aloes, quiver trees, and various acacias. Most visitors exploring Namibia by rental car spend a few days in Fish River Canyon, but hiking enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy. Hikes range from a gentle sunrise stroll in the nature reserve to an impressive 85 km five-day trek.

Enjoy the breathtaking views of the gorge in the morning before continuing your journey westward. The terrain changes rapidly – from rugged, jagged mountains to wide, open desert plains – as you make your way towards the coast. Driving through Aus, you might be lucky enough to spot the wild desert horses native to the area. The afternoon is yours to explore the historic town of Lüderitz and visit the fascinating ghost town of Kolmanskop. Lüderitz offers a variety of restaurants where you can enjoy lunch and dinner. Lüderitz is an extraordinary town, situated with one foot in the wild Atlantic Ocean and the other in the Namib Desert. This charming town of 25,000 inhabitants has an interesting history: it was founded in 1487 when Bartolomeu Dias sailed his fleet into the natural bay. The discovery of diamonds transformed Lüderitz into a thriving port city, but when even richer diamond deposits were found further south in Oranjemund, Lüderitz quickly faded into obscurity. In Lüderitz, you'll gain a vivid insight into Namibia's history. You can visit the impressive ghost town of Kolmanskop, discover remnants of the diamond industry, and observe numerous animals and birds in the unique landscape of sea and desert. Lüderitz also offers opportunities for exciting activities such as kitesurfing, sailing, or windsurfing, as well as observing the famous desert horses of Aus. The Art Nouveau buildings in the Bavarian style and the unusual golf course made entirely of sand are also particularly worth seeing. Another highlight is the Old Villa, which offers exclusive kayak tours. You can kayak to Halifax Island to observe African jackass penguins from the water. Halifax Island is the northernmost point in Africa where these penguins breed. On the tour, you might also spot oystercatchers and Heaviside's dolphins. Alternatively, you can paddle through the first and second lagoons, where you can observe the Lüderitz oyster industry up close and see birds such as flamingos and African oystercatchers. The mix of history, unique nature and exciting activities makes Lüderitz an unforgettable destination on your trip through Namibia!

After a hearty breakfast, you set off for the "Sea of Sand." You return to Aus and continue your journey north via Helmeringhausen. Early the next morning, you rise and enjoy another breakfast before continuing your drive and reaching the gateway to Sossusvlei – the Sesriem Gate. The day is dedicated to exploring the majestic Sossusvlei region. This area, known for its iconic red dunes and breathtaking landscapes, holds many highlights in store for you. You can experience the stunning Sossusvlei with its towering sand dunes, discover Dead Vlei, climb the world-famous Dune 45, ascend the gigantic Big Daddy, and visit Sesriem Canyon. (Entrance fees to the attractions are payable locally.) There are also numerous optional activities that the lodge can offer to make your experience even more unique. These include desert trekking, sunset drives, mountain hikes, walking safaris, safaris by car, exciting hot air balloon or airplane experiences, and excursions directly to Sossusvlei. The Namib Desert is arguably Namibia's most iconic landscape. Here, colossal, rust-red dunes rise up, spiraling 300 meters into the air with up to five chambers, making them among the tallest dunes in the world. Between these towering dunes lie vast, bleached clay pans, remnants of the Tsauchab River. Over 60,000 years ago, this river ceased its struggle to reach the sea. The vast sky above and the silence of the desert create an unparalleled atmosphere. An unforgettable experience in the oldest desert on Earth!

After a leisurely breakfast, you set off northwards through the picturesque town of Solitaire, and then continue your journey westwards. You cross the Tropic of Capricorn, traverse the impressive Gaub and Kuiseb gorges, and drive on across the Namib gravel plains until you finally reach the coast. Depending on how you want to spend your day, you can either drive via Walvis Bay to Swakopmund or take a recommended detour via Ganab to visit the fascinating Welwitschia Plains and the impressive Moon Landscapes. The Skeleton Coast is the name given to this coastal region due to its barren, pristine landscape and the many shipwrecks that have washed ashore here. The remains of whale skeletons that have also been found on the beach further contribute to its mystical character. Swakopmund itself is an unusual place: Bavarian-style towers rise among palm trees, and a lighthouse dating back to 1902 guides the way. The town has a strong German flair, reflected in its colonial buildings, German-style restaurants, and cafés serving German cakes. Despite its traditional charm, Swakopmund is a vibrant town with numerous restaurants, bars, a museum, and a small aquarium. This mix makes it very popular with both tourists and locals. Swakopmund isn't just known for its architecture and atmosphere, though – it's also Namibia's adventure hub. You'll have a full day to enjoy the numerous activities offered both here and in nearby Walvis Bay. These range from a dolphin cruise and a Sandwich Harbor excursion (a true Skeleton Coast experience) to dune quad biking, sandboarding, sea kayaking, and much more. You can enjoy lunch and dinner in one of the many cafes or restaurants with sea views, while letting the relaxed coastal atmosphere and the fresh sea breeze work their magic on you.

You'll drive north along the Skeleton Coast, making a detour via Henties Bay to visit the impressive Cape Cross seal colony (entrance fees payable locally). Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to stop at the lichen fields and explore the shipwreck between the colorful town of Wlotskasbaken and Henties Bay. After visiting the seal colony, you'll continue your journey inland across vast plains to Uis, before heading further north to the Twyfelfontein area. Upon arriving in Twyfelfontein, you can visit the fascinating Namibian Open Air Museum, admire the famous Twyfelfontein rock engravings, and explore the Organ Pipe rock formations and Burnt Mountain. The region boasts a unique geological diversity. A special 4x4 drive will take you further west to the Huab River, where you can look out for desert-adapted elephants and other wildlife such as oryx, springbok, ostriches, and more. It is recommended to undertake this drive with a lodge guide who will help you better understand the wildlife and the region. The Damara Living Museum also gives you an insight into the culture of the Damara people who have inhabited this region for centuries (entrance fees payable on site). Damaraland is known for its vast, khaki-colored plains, rugged, rocky mountains, and unique wildlife perfectly adapted to the desert climate. You'll have the chance to spot rhinos and desert-adapted elephants and explore the rugged beauty of the land. The region is home to numerous animals, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, eland, kudu, giraffes, klipspringers, ibex, gemsbok, and springbok. The birdlife is equally impressive: over 33 species of birds of prey, including cuckoo falcons, Egyptian vultures, and the peregrine falcon, the fastest animal in the world, can be seen here. Damaraland is divided into several private game reserves (concessions) that offer not only some of the best bird and wildlife experiences, but also one of the most beautiful places for observing big game in Namibia. The region is a true paradise for nature lovers and boasts an impressive diversity of flora and fauna. Furthermore, the landscape of Damaraland is dominated by enormous inselbergs, formed millions of years ago. These steep, rugged mountains rise majestically from the barren plains of the inner Namib Desert, offering a spectacular sight that reflects the geological history of this unique country.

After breakfast, you'll drive east towards Khorixas, stopping en route at the Petrified Forest, a fascinating geological wonder. From Khorixas, you'll continue on the paved road to Outjo and then north to your lodge, located near the southern entrance of Etosha National Park, the Andersson Gate. Time permitting, you can enjoy an afternoon game drive in your own vehicle through Etosha (entrance fees payable locally). Upon entering the park, your first stop is Okaukuejo, where you pay your entrance fee. It's worth stopping by the local shop to buy drinks, snacks, and, most importantly, a map of Etosha showing all the waterholes in the park. Etosha is one of Africa's greatest game reserves. With 114 mammal species and 340 bird species, you're sure to discover an impressive variety of wildlife on your safari. Etosha South forms the southern part of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia. This region is renowned for its world-class private game reserves. Access to the national park is via the southern entrance gate at Andersson's Gate. There, you have the chance to observe a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, elephants, white and black rhinos, and many other animals. Popular optional activities include an open 4x4 safari with an experienced guide. You can also take half-day or full-day game drives, where you can optionally enjoy a picnic lunch with wine.

A full-day game drive in your own vehicle allows you to travel from one side of Etosha National Park to the other. On this drive, you will slowly make your way east, stopping frequently at various waterholes to observe the impressive wildlife. The following day is dedicated to wildlife viewing. You can either spend the entire day in the park or alternate between morning and afternoon drives. These are self-guided game drives, but you can also book a guided game drive in an open safari vehicle with an experienced guide at the lodge (optional extra). On the eastern edge of Etosha, the park borders numerous private game reserves. Access to the park is through the Von Lindequist Gate, named after Dr. Friedrich von Lindequist, who declared the area a game reserve in 1907. This side of the park is characterized by flat, seemingly endless plains, tree-savannah vegetation, and fantastic waterholes, ideal for observing the wildlife for which Etosha is famous. Here you'll find an abundance of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and many antelope species, which you might be lucky enough to spot.

You drive south via Otavi and Otjiwarongo towards Otjiwa, the oldest private game farm in Namibia. This farm is home to approximately 25 different species of game, including white rhinos, black horses, and horses. There are numerous optional activities you can enjoy, such as sundowner drives, walking safaris, rhino tracking, and night drives. A particularly interesting option is a visit to the Ombu village, located just 20 km away. There, you'll gain insight into Ovaherero culture. You'll be taken to the village by safari vehicle, where an experienced local guide will share stories about Ovaherero culture and heritage while a delicious lunch is prepared.

You have the option to participate in a morning activity before returning to the lodge. There, a hearty Namibian breakfast awaits you to give you the energy you need for your departure. After breakfast you drive back to Windhoek, where you drop off your vehicle at the airport. We hope you had an unforgettable time in Namibia and take home many wonderful memories!