A client’s journey through Namibia: from Windhoek to Etosha National Park
Embark on a journey through Namibia as seen through the eyes of one of our adventurous clients. From the vast, sweeping landscapes to the unforgettable wildlife encounters, follow their exploration of this epic country with Charlie’s Travels. Here's a day-by-day account of their incredible trip, packed with breathtaking moments and unique experiences.
Day 1: Hello, Namibia!The thrill of a self-drive journey in Namibia kicks off in Windhoek. And, let’s be honest, Windhoek isn’t exactly a bucket-list destination—it's more of a pitstop, a place to get your bearings. So, we do the usual: pick up the 4x4, get a SIM card, stock up on supplies, and of course, a quick visit to the ATM. Done and dusted!Hannah Nina Van Rompaey (ig: @hannahninavr)But once that’s out of the way—let the real adventure begin! We’re on the road with our trusty 4x4, complete with a rooftop tent, ready for Namibia’s vast, untamed beauty. The first night’s stay? Glamping. A perfect intro to the open skies and the African wilderness. A cold beer, a few laughs around a fire, and we're in the heart of it all. Day 2: Windhoek to SossusvleiSeven hours of gravel roads, with a brief stop to admire the endless landscape. Welcome to Namibia! The road from Windhoek to Sossusvlei is long, yes, but it's exactly what you imagine when you think of the African wilderness. The dry, dusty earth, the occasional ostrich or oryx, and, of course, the endless horizon. It's surreal.When you finally reach Sossusvlei, the sight of those towering red dunes is worth every dusty mile. And as the sun sets, you realize you’re not just on a trip—you’re experiencing a part of Africa that few ever will. Day 3: The Deadvlei SunriseWe woke up early—really early—and made our way to Deadvlei. The experience is surreal. The cracked white clay underfoot, the ghostly silhouettes of ancient trees, and the morning sun casting golden hues over everything—it's unlike anything we’ve ever seen. You know the feeling when something is so beautiful, you just have to pause and soak it all in? That’s how it felt.Hannah Nina Van Rompaey (ig: @hannahninavr)Later, we ventured to the Sesriem Canyon, a hidden gem just outside the park. The contrast between the towering dunes and this narrow, water-carved canyon was striking. It’s moments like these that remind you why you travel—to experience the unexpected. Day 4: Into Namib-NaukluftThe drive from Sossusvlei into Namib-Naukluft National Park was something straight out of a movie. The landscape is nothing like we’ve ever seen—vast, open, and utterly untouched. It feels like driving into the wilderness with no one around for miles.The night at Bushman’s Desert Camp is one we won’t forget. It’s remote. It’s raw. And the stargazing? Unbelievable. No lights, no distractions—just the infinite Milky Way above us. After a day in the heat, there’s nothing better than kicking back, cooking a simple meal, and soaking in the desert silence. Day 5: Bushman’s Desert and Boesman’s Desert DriveIf you’re in the desert, you have to experience it like a local. We were lucky enough to take a 3-hour drive with Boesman, a true desert legend. This man knows the desert like the back of his hand. He pointed out places you’d never think twice about and shared stories of survival, wildlife, and his life in this remote part of Namibia. By the time we were done, we knew more about desert life than we ever expected. The night was spent under the stars once more, the desert quietly buzzing with the hum of life—so distant, yet so close.Hannah Nina Van Rompaey (ig: @hannahninavr) Day 6: Namib-Naukluft to SwakopmundFrom the desert, it’s a short three-hour drive to Swakopmund, a town that feels like a blend of Africa and Europe. German colonial architecture, schnitzels, and bratwurst—this is Namibia’s coastal charm at its best.At Charlie’s Guesthouse, we felt right at home. Cozy, beautifully decorated, and just a short walk from the beach, it was the perfect place to unwind before our next adventure. And yes, we couldn’t resist some local delicacies for dinner. Day 7: Swakopmund to SpitzkoppeFrom the coastal charm of Swakopmund, it’s off to Spitzkoppe, Namibia’s "Matterhorn." But before that, we took a detour for an unforgettable kayak trip with seals at Pelican Point. Kayaking with seals is as magical as it sounds. They frolic around you, curious and playful, as you paddle through the calm waters.Arriving at Spitzkoppe, the views are beyond impressive. The granite peaks rise dramatically from the desert floor, and the sunset? It was like watching a painting unfold. Day 8: Spitzkoppe to Etosha National ParkWaking up to another perfect Namibian sunrise, we packed up and headed towards Etosha. The moment we drove into the park, we could feel the anticipation. Etosha National Park is where Africa’s wildlife comes to life, and it did not disappoint. From elephants to giraffes to the elusive cheetah, Etosha’s waterholes are a magnet for animals, and we saw it all.Hannah Nina Van Rompaey (ig: @hannahninavr) Day 9: Etosha’s Wildlife and Sundowner DriveA full day of wildlife sightings, including lions and rhinos, left us speechless. And as if it couldn’t get any better, we finished off the day with a sundowner game drive. Sitting in the heart of Onguma Nature Reserve, we watched the sunset with a drink in hand, surrounded by the wild beauty of Namibia.All these stunning images were captured by our wonderful client, Hannah Nina. You can see more of her incredible photography on Instagram at@hannahninavr and on Daymaker.Ready to make your own Namibia adventure come to life?
Max’s travel story: Ali, the KWS Ranger with a Dream
Sometimes you experience a travel story that stays with you. Deep in the wilderness of the Chyulu Hills, I met Ali, a Kenyan ranger who dreamed of photography.
Travel Story
A client’s journey through Namibia: from Windhoek to Etosha National Park
Blog
3 Reasons Why Charlie’s Travels is Unique in Africa
Travel Story
Geraldine Kemper discovered beautiful Kenya with her boyfriend
Just like you, we love a dash of adventure, and like a good safari guide, cookies make sure you experience our site to the fullest. Accept Cookies? Asante sana! Then you help us to keep improving our website. No cookies? Then your data goes Off the beaten track and we can't improve the experience on our website for other travellers.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or solely for the purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance by your Internet Service Provider, or additional data from a third party, information stored or retrieved solely for this purpose cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is necessary to create user profiles for sending advertisements or to track the user on a website or across multiple websites for similar marketing purposes.
