Example trip

Namibia offbeat road trip: deep ravines, desolate deserts, safari, and wild camping.

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Highlights

Deep ravines, desolate deserts, safari, and wild camping

Location

Namibia

Budget

from € 3.000,- p.p. excl. flight tickets

Epic Namibia with all its beauty

Prepare for an intense road trip through the epic landscapes of versatile Namibia! From the southernmost point to the north, you’ll tick off all the highlights of this extraordinary country. First, head south for the second-longest canyon in the world and the most unique off-the-beaten-track experience in Namibia: canoeing on and camping beside the Orange River! Then, head back north for Instagram-worthy shots at Kolmanskop and the world-famous Sossusvlei. Safari highlights await you in the desolate Damaraland and Etosha National Park. We’ll wrap up with a "sundowner" hike on the green and forested Waterberg Plateau.

22 days in Namibia

Day 1

Windhoek

Welcome to Namibia! The journey begins in the capital, Windhoek. To be honest, Windhoek isn’t particularly noteworthy, except for the Katutura City Tour, which we highly recommend. Katutura is the neighbourhood where you’ll experience the real Africa. After that, the road trip can’t start soon enough. You’ll be given a sturdy 4x4 vehicle, allowing you to travel with peace of mind, but it does require some preparation. Check out our self-drive page for more information and consider undertaking the Isabis 4x4 trail at the start of your journey to get acquainted with this beast. You’ll be staying in comfortable and authentic lodges or camping on the roof of your vehicle—how cool is that!

Day 2

Marientel

Today, you’ll drive for about 3 or 4 hours to the Kalahari Desert region. On your way to the town of Mariental, you’ll pass the beautiful Oanob Dam, and the Hardap Dam is just near the final destination. Hardap is Namibia's largest reservoir. The Hardap irrigation system has brought life to this dry land, making it fertile with agricultural land covered in citrus fruits, melons, ostrich farms, and even vineyards! Lakes in the middle of Namibia’s desert—who would have thought! Oanob is a nice spot for a lunch stop, and Hardap is perfect for a sundowner.

Day 3

Fish River Canyon

Heading to the Fish River Canyon in the far south: "A million miles away from the rest of the world." The Fish River Canyon is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular places in Namibia. The famous canyon is the third largest in the world, measuring over 160 km in length, 27 km in width, and 550 metres deep. It’s about a 5 to 6-hour drive from Mariental. Make sure to leave early enough to reach the View Point at sunset for a sundowner, as you won’t want to miss the sunset here. If you leave early, you can also make a quick stop at the Quiver Tree Forest, near Keetmanshoop.

Day 4 - 6

Orange river

You’ll head to the southernmost point of Namibia, to the border with South Africa, to the Orange River! The Orange River forms the border with South Africa and, at 2200 kilometres, is the longest river in Southern Africa. Its official name, “Orange River,” dates back to colonial times when a Dutch VOC officer named it after Willem V of Orange. The local Khoi people call it the “Gariep River,” or “Senqu River” in Lesotho – those names work too! You’ll canoe along and camp by the Orange River. The winding and endless river takes you past numerous rock formations. One moment, you’ll be full of adrenaline as the rushing rapids race past your canoe, and the next, you’ll peacefully drift on the calm, shimmering waters. There’s both excitement and serenity in this unexplored and remote corner of Namibia. In the afternoon, you’ll climb out of your canoe, set up camp by the riverbanks, and enjoy a magical evening with a warm campfire, a tasty braai, refreshing drinks, tall tales, and a bright starlit sky.

Day 7

Lüderitz

An intense road trip is promised, and you’ll definitely get one! Another hefty stretch of about 5-6 hours, so be sure to download a few of Charlie’s Travels’ Spotify playlists with the best African tunes to stay energised and awake! Lüderitz is a coastal town on the Atlantic Ocean, a typical German village right in the middle of the desert! German street names, colonial German buildings, bakeries, and “zimmer frei” signs – this is where you’ll find it all. German is still widely spoken here, and you’ll see many beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. It’s a nice idea to dine at Restaurant Barrels in the evening: fresh seafood and often live music!

Day 8

Kolmanskop

Kolmanskop was founded in 1908 after diamonds were discovered there, but once the ‘diamond rush’ was over, all the fortune seekers abandoned the village. Now, it’s a beautiful, desolate spot in the desert, a treat for the eyes and the camera! Quite a spooky little town, Kolmanskop, but it makes for insanely cool photos! This place is perfect for an Instagram shot – your followers will be amazed at the cool spots you’re visiting! Just a heads-up: the ghost town is only open for visits in the morning.

Day 9 - 10

Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei, the world’s oldest desert, surrounded by the highest dunes on Earth, promises an unforgettable Namibian experience. The iconic Dune 45 and Deadvlei, with its 700-year-old black trees in a white clay pan, mesmerise visitors with a blend of mystery and beauty. An early start reveals the magic of the golden hour as you walk across the dunes, and in the evening, you're rewarded with a sky full of bright stars. Namibia's vast orange dune landscape invites capturing stunning moments, making every traveller fall in love with this surreal landscape.

Day 11

Namib-Naukluft

Meet the legend of the desert, a true tough guy with a lifetime of experience in the wilderness. He considers it his backyard. He lives here with his wife in pure simplicity, and that’s exactly what you can expect from this experience. This somewhat extraordinary man walks barefoot every day, feeling one with nature. He’s lived in the desert his whole life and has found his happiness here—he’s a content man! During the tour, you’ll stop at various locations to learn about the area and gain insights into the dunes, the desert, the animals, the fauna, the water, desert farming, the Bushmen, and much more!

Day 12 - 13

Swakopmund

Swakopmund, a charming mix of sea and desert, welcomes travellers with German flair and countless activities. Explore the local cuisine and architecture, while the beach and sea invite swimming and sunbathing. The Jetty Pier offers a picturesque view, while stocking up on supplies is essential for further adventures. This 'activity paradise' offers a wide range of pursuits, from quad biking to skydiving and scenic flights over the Skeleton Coast. Don't miss the kayak experience and desert tour, where you may even spot 'the little five.' Swakopmund promises a refreshing and unforgettable Namibian experience!

Day 14

Spitzkoppe

Spitzkoppe, which rises a staggering 1,728 metres above the ground, is a striking landmark in the Namibian landscape. The granite of the Spitzkoppe mountain range is over 700 million years old. Comprising several large, distinctive peaks that rise from various parts of the landscape, the main peak is known as Gross Spitzkoppe. The mountain’s characteristic shape has earned it the nickname the Matterhorn of Namibia. The area is a paradise for hikers and climbers, and the view from the top is an incredible reward for the effort required to climb the rock to reach it.

Day 15 - 16

Damaraland

In the rugged landscape of Brandberg and Twyfelfontein, with its impressive rock formations and towering mountains, both humans and animals have made a home amidst challenging conditions. The 'Desert Elephants and Rhinos' and the local people have thrived here for years, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. This area is remarkable not only for its bizarre landscape but also for the resilience of its inhabitants. Today, you have a full day to explore the desolate Damaraland, with activities ranging from rhino tracking to cultural tours, allowing every visitor to enjoy the fascinating mix of nature and human life.

Day 17 - 19

Etosha National Park

Welcome to Etosha National Park, a vast wildlife reserve that is home to an impressive variety of animals, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes. The park is renowned for its abundance of waterholes, where animals gather to drink, offering breathtaking sightings. The expansive Etosha Salt Pan, a dried-up lake, provides a unique landscape where elephants cover themselves with the white clay as sunscreen—a phenomenon that can only be seen here. There are various activities to enjoy, such as sundowner drives and night safaris, where you explore the bush and search for predators hunting under the cover of night. Etosha is a must-see for any wildlife enthusiast!

Day 20

Grootfontein

A special encounter awaits you—welcome to the oldest tribe in the world, the San Bushmen! The San are hunter-gatherers, without possessions such as cattle or land. They face extreme challenges to survive in a world that is rapidly changing around them. It’s incredibly rare to have the opportunity to connect with them. The “bushmen” possess immense knowledge of nature, medicine, hunting with bows and poison, food gathering, and identifying which plants are edible, poisonous, or medicinal. It’s a balance between nature and the environment, shaped by thousands of years of wisdom passed down from generation to generation. Today, this wisdom will be shared with you.

Day 21

Waterberg Plateau National Park

Waterberg Plateau National Park offers a serene setting with beautiful red mountains that glow at sunset, perfect for a sundowner. Explore the designated hiking trails for an intimate experience in nature. With a guide as your companion, you'll learn about the surroundings and conquer the Waterberg, where the massive plateau provides breathtaking views over the Kalahari plains. At the top, enjoy a refreshing sundowner as the sun sets and the stars emerge. This moment of calm, amidst adventure, is a highlight of your Namibian journey, where ultimate relaxation blends with natural beauty.

Day 22

Departure

Everything comes to an end, including this wonderful adventure. Fully rested, you pack your bags to get on the plane home. With a nice healthy colour on your cheeks, you board the plane. With your eyes closed and your seat reclined, you relive the cool adventures of the past few days. Full of inspiration and with an overdose of wonderful memories, you return home. Unspoilt nature, lush wildlife, inspiring people & vibrant cities. You now have plenty of stories to tell family and friends later by the fire. An adventure over, but a new set of experiences richer.

Interested in this example trip?

Schedule a free consultation and we will immediately get to work on making your preferred trip completely to your liking. See you soon in Namibia?

What our travellers say about us

     
 
 
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   Auralie Blauwbloeme 
 27 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic trip through Namibia with two families with teenagers. The trip was fully planned according to our wishes and tailored to the composition of the group. The personal approach, the communication, the preparation… everything was top-notch. Our next trip to Africa will be with Charlie's Travels again!

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   RJ 
 60 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wow!! What an amazing trip we took through Kenya with Charlie's Travels. Self-drive, highly recommended, and wonderfully taken care of from start to finish! Thank you so much ❤️🍀

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   GoeVerhaal. 
 67 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We booked our honeymoon to Namibia with this organization, and how fantastic was it? We received clear information beforehand, they used a detailed app, and we received thoughtful messages before and during the trip to check in. Truly an organization with a heart for the mission of showcasing the beauty of Africa. When we looked into the organization further after the trip, we understand why. Thank you for everything! We didn't feel like just a number, received incredibly quick answers to questions before and during the trip, and received a beautiful, customized itinerary where everything was perfectly arranged everywhere on-site. You gave us the trip of a lifetime ❤️ Best regards and see you again! Laura and Arne

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   Merel Doreleijers 
 82 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I look back with immense pleasure on my pioneering trip to Madagascar with Charlie's Travels. What made this trip so special for me was its off-the-beaten-track nature. We visited places you wouldn't easily get to as an ordinary tourist, saw beautiful nature, and had a lot of contact with the local people. That made the experience very authentic. One of the biggest highlights was driving off-road myself. In addition, there were so many unexpected moments that I won't soon forget: a football match against the locals in the Tsaranoro Valley, unexpectedly finding myself in a local sacrificial ritual, and a canoe trip that went very differently than planned. We thought we were going on a sailboat trip, but it turned out to be a few leaky canoes. In hindsight, it actually became one of the best memories of the trip for me. That is also the charm of a pioneering trip: not everything goes as planned, but it is precisely those unexpected moments that make the adventure complete. I also appreciated the variety of accommodations. From homestays, B&Bs, and hotels to sleeping in a tent under the starry sky. That fit perfectly with the adventurous nature of the trip. I do think, however, that a pioneering journey isn't for everyone. You need to be flexible and be able to accept that plans sometimes change. If you can surrender to that and simply enjoy the journey as it unfolds, that is precisely what yields the most beautiful stories and memories. The reason I am not giving 5 stars is that the communication before and during the trip was sometimes a bit disorganized. I would also have liked to see more transparency regarding certain costs. In my opinion, those are areas where Charlie's Travels can still improve. Despite that, I look back on a fantastic trip full of special experiences and memories that I won't soon forget. If you are looking for an adventurous, authentic journey off the beaten path and are open to the unexpected, then I can certainly recommend a trip with Charlie's Travels.

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   Martijn van Heest 
 84 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sjoerd from Charlies Travels organized my trip through Morocco, and it was fantastic! Due to limited time, I skipped the big cities and mainly visited the less crowded places in the interior. For a large part of the time, I stayed with families and experienced just how warm the culture of this country is. My 'guides' felt more like friends; they were hospitable, took me to visit family, and managed to strike a perfect balance between 'going on with life' while showing me the most beautiful spots in Morocco. For me, the added value of Charlies lay in selecting these amazing, not always obvious places, and the accompanying partners/guides/families who were willing to give me an inside look. Highly recommended for everyone!

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   Victor Bijlsma 
 154 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went on a pioneering trip to Senegal, Gambia & Guinea-Bissau with Charlie's Travels. It was special to visit such pristine countries without mass tourism. The difference between Senegal & Gambia was already significant – and the trip was very diverse. From beaches and big cities to eco-lodges & local markets. Highly recommended to utilize the expertise of Charlie's team; it saved a lot of hassle :)

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   Jasper M. 
 175 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a fantastic pioneering trip with Charlie's through Senegal, the Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau 💯 World-class tour guides and a fun group!

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   Casper Berkhout 
 261 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Uganda and Kenya for almost a month and we did not leave dissapointed! Our goal was to visit "off the beaten track" destinations and experience real local culture and Charlie's did not let us down. In Uganda we saw TONS of wildlife, with the bike safari in Lake Mburo being the undisputable highlight... unforgettable. We spent a day with the Batwa people, which was a unique culturally enriching experience. In Kenya we got to relax at the beach in a luxurious resort and get our tan on! All the tour guides that were organized by Charlie's were both knowledgable and wonderfully enthusiastic. This was the most memorable vaction in years, and we would reccomend booking a trip with Charlie's to anyone (if you are adventurous enough of course ;) ).
  
 
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   Maikel Hurts 
 278 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angola surprised me in ways that are difficult to put into words. The country is raw and pure, with landscapes that seem to breathe: the red earth glowing in the sun, endless savannas disappearing into a haze of warmth, and the ocean incessantly beating its rhythm against the coast. With Xavier Rudd playing through the car speakers, everything took on an extra layer of meaning. His music—those earthy sounds, that peace and freedom—seemed to become one with the landscape. As the road wound through villages full of color and smiling faces, it felt as if every song had been written especially for this moment.

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   Wolfeew 
 278 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been to Africa with Charlie's multiple times – Kenya, Uganda, and most recently to Angola: Friendliness and rawness personified, a delightful mix of pure Africa and Portuguese influences. Beautiful, untouched nature, tranquility, and fantastic people. From desert to jungle, from canyons to waves crashing against the rugged coast – what a country. It's wonderful to be taken under Charlie's wing!

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   Hanneke 
 278 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angola with Charlies was amazing! Remote and real pioneering. A great country to discover with friends. One big adventure, from camping in the beautiful desert to making memories for life with proud locals. Went home with a big smile and would love to be back soon!

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   Jan 
 279 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic organization, in short. We traveled to Namibia with a group of 7, and CT guided us through the entire process to set it up exactly how we wanted. During the trip, "our" travel coach Nick was also attentive, asked how we were doing, and arranged a few things for us, such as a New Year's breakfast. CT works with local organizations that we felt comfortable with.

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   Tessa Tuk 
 316 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Last October, I went on a pioneering trip to Malawi with Charlie's Travels, and it turned out to be a unique experience. The moments that stuck with me the most are the beautiful hike through Nyika National Park, where we camped in the middle of nature and zebras walked past our tent in the morning; and the evening we all dove into a local pub and danced the night away with the locals. The paradisiacal Likoma Island and the car rides through the stunning African landscape, with spontaneous stops at local bars along the way, are also memories that will stay with me for a long time. Malawi is called 'the warm heart of Africa,' and that is exactly how it felt. It was amazing to discover this country with Charlie's Travels and a wonderful group of people. Highly recommended!

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   Lisa Snepvangers 
 330 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Kenya for a month with our family of 5, all arranged by Charie's Travels, and it was AMAZING. We wanted a mix of off-the-beaten-path and comfort, a mix of adventure and vacation, and they made it all happen. Everything from planning the trip and airport pick-up to hotel bookings and activity arrangements went smoothly. We really had the most amazing time! (so much so that I'm writing this review years after taking this trip, cause we're still talking about it!) Definitely recommend booking your trip with Charlie's Travels!
  
 
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   Saskia Looijen 
 337 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was a fantastic experience to go pioneering in Malawi with Charlie's Travels. Truly the warm heart of Africa, with very friendly and open people. Malawi is a country with so many different things to do. We explored the lesser-known north: hiking in Nyika National Park with stunning views over colorful hills, an exciting boat trip across Lake Malawi, and beach vibes and lots of beautiful birds on Likoma Island. There are also beautiful bays and hidden spots along Lake Malawi. The roads are getting better but offer challenges here and there, which is highly recommended for the more adventurous traveler. The setup and organization by Charlie's Travels were excellent, always flexible and tailored to everyone's wishes.

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