This very affordable 6 Day Namibia Dunes & Wildlife Safari takes you to Namibia's top travel destinations, combining the wildlife rich Etosha Park and the ancient Namib Desert with its towering red-orange sand dunes.
Starting and ending in Namibia's capital of Windhoek this Budget Namibia Lodge Safari heads north for Etosha National Park, one of Africa's top game parks. Go game viewing in this game-rich reserve and experience the shimmering expanse of the vast Etosha Pan, before traveling south to the coastal town of Swakopmund.
After exploring charming Swakopmund and enjoying some optional adventure activities we travel through the arid Namib Desert to our safari lodge near Sesriem. Here we visit the Namibia desert highlights of the tall Sossusvlei Dunes, famous Dune 45, barren Dead Vlei and the renowned Sesriem Canyon.
An amazing and affordable desert and wildlife safari experience in Africa!
We depart from a selected backpackers lodge in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, at 8:30am on day one of this budget Namibia Desert & Wildlife Safari.
Driving north to Etosha we stop at Otjiwarongo along the way and enjoy lunch, before entering Etosha National Park.
We make our way into Etosha Park via the Anderson Gate embarking on an afternoon game drive to some of the waterholes nearby.
Our game drive takes us in search of Etosha's wildlife especially the predators, as well as zebra, giraffe, elephant and rhino.
We spend our first night inside Etosha Park, arriving before sunset at Halali Camp, where we stay in twin rooms. The camp features a floodlit watering hole where guests can watch wildlife coming to drink during the night, including some elusive nocturnal creatures.
Dinner is prepared by your safari guide, after our first exciting day on safari in Etosha. (Lunch & Dinner)
Today we head back out into Etosha Park on an early morning game drive, setting off before sunrise.
We explore Etosha Park, stopping on Etosha Pan, Namibia's largest salt pan, for a light breakfast in the mid-morning. Walk out onto the flat pan and experience the immenseness of this 4500 sq km saltpan (seasonal).
Our game drive takes us through the vast Etosha Park in search of an array of African wildlife, including four of the Big Five (lion, rhino, leopard and elephant) as well as the abundance of plains game found in this wilderness area. We visit numerous waterholes along the way back to Halali Camp. Your guide prepares a tasty picnic lunch at Halali, which offers a cool retreat from the heat. Take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, relax at the camp's waterhole or simply rest here during the hottest part of the day.
We then continue to Okaukuejo Camp calling into one more waterhole to watch the sunset over the African bush. Next, we leave Etosha Park and make our way to our next overnight safari stop, just outside the game park. We stay at a safari lodge near the Etosha gates, in twin shared permanent tents with en-suite bathrooms.
Dinner is prepared by your safari guide and we spend the evening relaxing around the campfire and swapping tales of our game-viewing adventures. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
On day three of this Namibian Safari Adventure, we have a leisurely breakfast at our affordable lodge near Etosha, before driving south towards Swakopmund.
We travel via arid Damaraland, in the Kunene Region, passing communal lands and stopping at the Ugab River bridge to visit the striking Herero ladies selling arts and crafts to support their families.
Our en-route lunch stop is at the foot of Namibia's tallest mountain, Brandberg Mountain. Here we visit a Himba group selling handcrafted jewelry and other African curios. After lunch, we drive through the Namib Desert pausing along the dramatic Skeleton Coast to see the latest shipwreck.
We arrive in coastal Swakopmund in the late afternoon, allowing time for you to explore this quaint seaside town of Namibia. Your safari guide can recommend a local restaurant for dinner (own expense) in Swakopmund.
Our overnight accommodation in Swakopmund is in twin share rooms with en-suite bathrooms. (BL)
The morning is free for you to explore Swakopmund with its quaint cafes and colonial architecture or to participate in optional adventure activities.
After breakfast we highly recommend a visit to the Swakopmund Museum or Aquarium (unguided) or for those in search of a thrill you can join the 2-hour quad biking excursion into the sand dune belt to get your adrenaline pumping!
We leave Swakopmund between 11h00 and 12 midday, driving through the Namib Desert. We travel via the Kuiseb Canyon and Solitaire arriving at our camp near Sesriem in the late afternoon.
In the late afternoon we arrive at our safari camp near Sesriem and have some time to relax and enjoy the scenic setting.
After settling in, we take a short walk to the Naukluft mountain range in time to catch a spectacular African sunset over the Namib Desert.
We stay in twin rooms or permanent tents with en-suite bathroom facilities. Dinner is prepared by your safari guide back at the safari camp, featuring a pool and a bar. (D)
Today we leave camp at dawn arriving at the Namib Naukluft Park gate as the sun rises.
Our drive takes us down an ancient river bed surrounded by the towering dunes of the Namib as we head to the 2x4 parking area (around 55kms). From here we take a 4x4 shuttle into the Sossusvlei Dunes area to admire the beautiful orange-red sand dunes in the warm early morning light.
The Sossusvlei Dunes of Namibia are amongst the highest dunes in the world and exploring this desert area we experience the quiet tranquility and solitude of this distinctive region.
We explore the unique Sossusvlei area on foot before travelling into the barren Dead Vlei. This large expanse of bleached flat clay is covered in cracks and dotted with skeletal thorn trees, contrasting sharply with the huge, vibrantly coloured dunes in the background. From Dead Vlei we can either walk or catch the 4x4 shuttle back to our safari vehicle.
Along the way back to our overnight lodge accommodation we stop at the famous Dune 45. We climb the renowned sand dune or explore the area around the base, depending on what you prefer.
Then we make our way back to Sesriem, visiting the nearby Sesriem Canyon, one of the few permanent water sources in the Namib. After Sesriem Canyon we return to our safari lodge arriving in the late afternoon in time to catch a stunning sunset over the desert.
Our overnight stay is in twin share rooms or permanent tents with en-suite bathrooms. Dinner will be prepared by your safari guide at camp. (B, L, D)
After breakfast at our comfortable lodge near Sesriem we make our way to a guest farm in Solitaire. Here we join a biologist to track wild cheetahs at the Na'ankuse Namib Conservation Centre.
Then we drive to Windhoek via Bullsport, the Naukluft Mountains and Rehoboth. We arrive in Windhoek in the mid-afternoon bringing this affordable 6-Day Namibia Dunes & Wildlife Safari to a close.
You will be dropped at your post safari accommodation of choice in Windhoek, or at extra cost you can be transferred to the bus terminal, or the International Airport International Airport. (B)
If you are catching an onward flight on the last day of this safari, we strongly recommend that you do NOT book any flights departing before 17h00. We advise booking flights after 17h00 in case there are any unexpected delays on safari. Please book airport transfers (own cost) in advance.
Etosha National Park, situated in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, is renowned as one of the best game reserves in Africa.
Covering 22,270 km² this vast game park is home to 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and even one species of fish. The unusual terrain of Etosha Park supports rare and varied wild animals and birds making it a unique safari destination.
The national park is dominated by the arid Etosha Pan, at about 5 000km², with 'Etosha' meaning place of dry water or great white place. The expansive silvery-white salt pan is an awe-inspiring sight with its wide horizons and shimmering mirages stretching into the distance.
Etosha Park hosts four of Africa's Big Five, including both white rhino and endangered black rhino, as well as lion, leopard and elephant. Other wildlife include giraffe, cheetah, zebra and various antelope species, such as black-faced impala, tssesebe and gemsbok.
Our preferred Etosha Lodge accommodation is located near Etosha National Park, just 2 km outside the game reserve. We stay in twin share permanent tents featuring reverse cycle air-conditioning, as well as private shower and toilet facilities and an outside sitting area.
Each spacious safari style tent is fitted with interior lighting, twin beds, good quality linen and extra blankets. Small sleeper couches can be used for children under 12 years, however we recommend booking an extra bungalow for children around this age for comfort. Camp facilities include 2 outdoor swimming pools, a bar, dstv, and a small shop and restaurant. Although Namibia doesn't have an official rating system, the lodge near Etosha is considered the equivalent of 3 star accommodation.
Our other Etosha lodge options are all located within 25km of the Anderson gate on the western side of Etosha National Park and will be of similar standard.
In Swakopmund our friendly lodge accommodation is centrally located within walking distance of the beach, shops, restaurants and craft market. The lodge rooms feature a double bed or twin single beds and have a private shower and toilet facilities. Rooms are fitted with bedside lights and cupboards for your luggage. The lodge has a relaxed atmosphere and a basic continental or cooked breakfast is available (included in the tour price).
Our selected Namib Desert Camp is located 3 km outside the Namib Naukluft National Park, not far from Sesriem. Each safari style bungalow offers unsurpassed views of the Naukluft Mountains and arid plains of the Namib Desert.
The permanent tents each have an en-suite bathroom, fans, a small balcony and personal braai area. These adobe-style tents are fitted with twin beds, a safe and sofa. Good quality linen is included and additional bedding is also supplied in colder months. Other facilities include a small pool, bar, dstv and self-catering kitchens with alfresco dining areas where your meals are prepared by your guide. Sleeper couches suitable for children under the age of 12 years are also provided. The earthy Desert Lodge is rated as equivalent to 3 star accommodation (no official rating system in Namibia).
Alternative Lodge options near Sesriem are all situated within 90km of the Namib/Naukluft entrance at Sesriem.
The type of tour vehicle used for specific departures will be determined by the size of the safari group at the time of departure.
This tour does take children.
Child Rates are applicable to children Aged 5 to 11 who shares accommodation with 2 Adults only.
All Windhoek Departures | All Namibia Tours | All Lodge Safari trips
Our team has the destination knowledge to help you plan an unforgettable African adventure. We're based in Cape Town and ready to help.
We can also plan you an affordable private group or tailor-made tour. We built our business on turning luxury travel into affordable travel.