Name: Discover Namibia - Camping
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.6 (65 reviews)

Discover Namibia - Camping Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Destination: Namibia
Programmes: Culture
Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
13 Days: Land Only
Ages: 16+
Trip Code: AZN
Carbon Footprint: 15kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Experience desert dunes, coastal wilderness and wonderful game viewing in Africa’s most underrated destination

Journey into the wilderness of Namibia, where deep canyons, towering dunes, and dry deserts form a unique and extraordinary adventure destination. See the best of it on this immersive trip: spotting iconic African animals in Etosha National Park, climbing the world’s tallest dunes in Sossusvlei, and enjoying spectacular scenery throughout. We end most nights sleeping under the stars, sharing the land with the animals who rule it and admiring the Milky Way as we relive our day’s adventure together.

At a Glance

Accommodation: 4 Classic nights (guesthouses), 8 Simple nights (full-service camping)
Travel in a purpose-built overland truck
Some long drives
Lodge departures available

Highlights

Immerse yourself in wild Namibia, where extraordinary animal encounters await
Safari in Etosha National Park, with two full days searching for elephants, lions and more
Admire the world’s highest dunes at sunrise – the most beautiful time to visit
Step back 2,000 years and see the White Lady rock painting made by San hunter-gatherers
Camp under the starry Namibian sky, visiting floodlit waterholes where wildlife gathers

Is This Trip for You?

This trip has been rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Most walks are of a Moderate difficulty, such as climbing Dune 45 and visiting the White Lady rock painting at Brandberg. The walks on the Waterberg Plateau are classified as Moderate to Challenging, as it can get a bit steep and rocky.

Travel: Transport is in a specially modified safari truck with 10 to 12 seats for clients. There is plenty of legroom and packing space plus a reference library, refrigerator and/or icebox. Smaller groups may be in a Toyota Hilux/Land Cruiser. By keeping the group size small, we maximise the exposure to the great African wilderness.

Road conditions: Eighty percent of Namibian roads are good gravel roads. However, road conditions are dependent on maintenance, so can be poor on occasions. This can have an impact on journey times and comfort, and can be punishing on the vehicles. Drive times on this trip are moderate and we normally arrive at our destination in the afternoon. The total distance covered is about 1,740mi (2,800km). Drive times below are approximations and do vary according to road conditions and the number of stops. We will rarely exceed six hours’ driving in one day.

Early starts: There are some days we must get up before sunrise, but this will allow us to get the most from our activities (for example, the game drives in Etosha where we are more likely to see wildlife in the early mornings before it gets too hot).

Camping: As this is a fully supported camping trip, all cooking and camp chores are done for you. We camp everywhere, except in Swakopmund and Windhoek, in the well-equipped campsites common to Namibia.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 12

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Windhoek
End City: Windhoek

Land Only Itinerary

The tour starts at Arebbusch Lodge in Windhoek. The afternoon can be spent exploring or relaxing, perhaps taking a dip in the pool or watching the many native birds that swoop overhead. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening to discuss the adventures to come.

Accommodation: Arebbusch Lodge (or similar)

Today we head southwest through the spectacular scenery of the Namib-Naukluft Park to Sesriem. This national park, one of the largest in the world, is home to one of the driest and oldest deserts on Earth. It also has towering, jagged rock formations and an incredible lunar landscape, so be prepared for great photo stops.

Driving: 186mi-217mi (300km-350km); seven hours

Accommodation: Sesriem Campsite (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we spend much of our time in the Namib Desert. Rising early, we catch the tallest dunes in the world in the best light and can climb one as the sun rises. We can then either walk to Hiddenvlei as a group (a round journey of 1hr 45min) or catch a 4×4 transfer (optional extra) to Deadvlei, where ancient acacia trees form an eerie desert scene. If we’re lucky, we may see gemsbok or ostrich among the dunes. In the afternoon, we visit Sesriem Canyon before joining a guide to see the cheetahs at the Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre (please see Responsible Travel section); depending on time, we may go tomorrow morning. We then continue to our next camp approximately one-hour away.

Driving: 124mi (200km); three hours

Accommodation: Solitaire Guest Farm Campsite (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

We take a long but very scenic drive through the Namib-Naukluft Park to Swakopmund. En route, we visit Walvis Bay for lunch and to see flamingos. Swakopmund is a small German colonial resort town with quaint cake shops and coffee houses and a centre for adrenaline activities.

Driving: 186mi (300km); 5hr 30min

Accommodation: Prost Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is free to enjoy one of the many optional activities here. On the water, go deep-sea fishing; in the desert, try sandboarding and quad-biking; and in the sky, fly over the skeleton coast. Or spend the day enjoying the fantastic local Viennese-style cakes, walk along the beach or nearby dunes, or just watch the world pass in this town which seems strangely out of place in Africa.

Accommodation: Prost Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

After a relaxing start, we leave the cool breeze of the Atlantic Ocean behind and head inland towards Brandberg, the highest mountain in Namibia, in Damaraland. The Damaraland area is best-known as being home to desert elephants that roam in the Ugab River. Depending on our arrival time, there may be the option of a 4×4 game drive looking for desert elephants.

In the evening, we can normally enjoy spectacular stargazing.

Driving: 149mi (240km); 3hr 30min

Accommodation: Brandberg White Lady Lodge campsite (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We begin our day with a short drive to Brandberg, where we enjoy a walk through a valley for approximately 90 minutes. Along the way, we view beautiful, granite formations and a variety of birdlife. The valley takes us to the White Lady rock painting which, along with several other small paintings and engravings, are thought to have been left by San hunter-gatherers at least 2,000 years ago (please note that if elephants walk into this area then it might be too dangerous to do the walk- in this case we will typically go on a game drive looking for elephants). After, we drive towards the Khorixas area, where we should pass various Himba and Herero women selling crafts from the roadside. We may also spot desert elephants and meerkats on the way.

Driving: 155mi (250km); 4hr 30min

Accommodation: Sophienhof camp (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We begin with a short drive to Etosha, a huge national park of mixed forest and grassland centred around a large salt pan. We should arrive in time for a late afternoon game drive before setting up camp. Our itinerary allows plenty of time to enjoy this fabulous wildlife-watching destination.

Driving: 93mi (150km); two hours

Accommodation: Okaukuejo Camp (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Etosha is home to a great variety of species, which are generally easy to find as the animals congregate at different times around the waterholes. Wildebeest, zebras, impalas, springbucks, kudus, elephants, giraffes, lions and even rhinos are all common sights here. Bring plenty of camera memory and patience and you will be rewarded by one of the greatest game spectacles in southern Africa. Etosha is also a good place to spot birds, with plenty of water birds on the lakes (when filled with water), and weaverbirds and hornbills in the trees. In Etosha, we typically stay within the park on some or all the nights (subject to availability) and the camps are next to waterholes. These camps also offer optional night drives, which you can book and pay for on arrival.

Accommodation: Namutoni Camp (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast (x2), Lunch (x1), Dinner (x1)

Leaving Etosha behind, we head towards the Waterberg Plateau. This 656ft (200m) high plateau topped by bushveld is one of the most fertile areas in Namibia. There are several walking trails, including one leading to a spectacular viewpoint near the top of the plateau. You can also take an optional 4×4 game drive.

Driving: 186mi (300km); five hours

Accommodation: Waterberg Camp (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

We have free time this morning to relax or explore the Waterberg Plateau a little further. Later, we head back to Windhoek stopping at a crafts market on the way.

Driving: 199mi (320km); 4hr 30min

Accommodation: Arebbusch Lodge (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

The trip ends after breakfast. Free time before your flight can be spent relaxing at the accommodation or exploring Windhoek, where there are museums and shops. Alternatively, arrange a township tour of Windhoek or visit the nearby Daan Viljoen game reserve (see Optional Excursions section).

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Full-service camping and guesthouses

Namibia is a fantastic destination for camping. The landscapes are grand and unpopulated, wildlife is widespread plus the campsites are clean and well maintained. We spend eight nights full-service camping and four nights in guesthouses. We sleep in spacious, two-person tents fitted with thick foam mattresses. Properties are either well located for our activities or to break up the long drives that are necessary to explore the highlights of Namibia. Below are some of the places we stay:

Arebbusch Lodge

Discover Namibia – Camping

Our guesthouse in Windhoek is only a 10-minute drive from the city centre yet is spacious with two swimming pools and one of the best pizzerias in the capital. It also has a beautiful garden enlivened with indigenous trees, which provide a habitat for a wealth of birdlife, including black-throated canaries, laughing doves and red-headed finches.

Brandberg White Lady Lodge

Discover Namibia – Camping

Our Brandberg stay is in the middle of nowhere. From the viewpoint at our campsite, you will not see another property, just the ruggedly beautiful landscape of Damaraland and possibly some desert elephants in the distance. There’s a dining area, well-stocked bar, lounge, and two swimming pools.

Camping in Etosha National Park

In Etosha, we stay within the national park itself – a huge plus for any animal lover. The resorts we use are either Okaukuejo, Halali or Namutoni. Each location has a restaurant, swimming pool and bar but the highlights are the flood-lit waterholes where wildlife regularly stops to drink and bathe.

Worth knowing

Wi-fi is available in several properties but not everywhere, notably it is not available in Sesriem, Etosha or Waterberg.
Due to the limited amount of accommodation within Etosha National Park, it is sometimes necessary to sleep outside the park on some or all of the nights we are there. However, this is rare. Where we stay will not impact on the number of game drives we have within the park.
All camping equipment is provided except for sleeping bags and pillows.
Additional game drives may be available at the Etosha sites, which can be booked on arrival for an extra cost.

Single supplement from £ 280

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, four lunches and five dinners included.

For each meal not included, allow approximately 225 Namibian dollars (US$15) per person. Some meals are in restaurants, while others will be prepared by the tour leader and assistants. Camp meals are cooked over the campfire. They are wholesome and plentiful, but do not expect cordon bleu cuisine; please note, it is not always easy to get fresh meat.

Below is what you can typically expect from the included meals:

Breakfasts: Cereals, coffee, yoghurt, muesli, fresh fruit or the occasional fried breakfast
Lunches: Cheese, cold meats, pasta, salads, bread or rolls
Dinners: Potjie (stew), braai (barbecue) or stir fries

Vegetarians are well catered for on this trip though sometimes options might be more limited.

Transport

The normal vehicle used for this trip, including the safaris in Etosha, is a specially modified safari truck with 10 to 12 seats. Seating is forward-facing and the windows are large and easy to open. Smaller groups may be in a Toyota Hilux/Land Cruiser. People are expected to move around to permit everyone a chance to have a window seat. There is plenty of legroom and packing space plus a reference library and icebox. Please note, it is not safe to stand when the vehicle is moving, so you should remain seated until the vehicle stops, even on game drives.

Weather & Seasonality

June to August: Clear and warm during the day, but temperatures can near freezing point at night.
September to May: Considerably warmer; October to March is the hottest, reaching the high 30Cs (around 100F). However, it is always a dry heat and the temperature drops at night. The wet season is between November and February, but this is not a bad time to go as the desert blooms after rainfall, there is plenty of birdlife to see and it never rains for very long.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Arebbusch Lodge, Corner of Golf & Auas Rd, Olympia, Windhoek, Namibia
Phone: +264 61 252 255
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.

Catching your return flight

Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) from the end hotel.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Windhoek
Location end: Windhoek

What To Take

Essential Equipment

You will need the following essential items:

Towel
Torch
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Good walking shoes
Water bottle
Binoculars
Swimming costume
Buff or scarf for dust
Clothes for hot, cool and cold weather
Sleeping bag (three/four-season if travelling in July and August when it can get very cold at night; otherwise two-season)
Pillow

Water Included

Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill sites or get burned, both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. On your trip the tap water is safe to drink throughout most of Namibia and the vehicle has a water tank. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout and all you need to do is bring a bottle to re‐fill along the way. During the drier months, tap water may not taste as nice. If you prefer the taste of bottled water, it is possible to purchase and re-fill from 5l bottles throughout the itinerary.

Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip. Tap water is safe to drink throughout most of Namibia and the vehicle has a water tank that we can use while on the road. If you prefer the taste of bottled water, it is possible to purchase and refill from 5l bottles throughout the itinerary.

Optional Equipment

Temperatures in July and August can get really cold, so we strongly recommend warm clothing at these times of the year

Practical Information

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

Namibia

Until the end of March 2025, travellers from the UK, US, Canada and some EU states normally do not need a visa to enter Namibia. From April 1, 2025, travellers from the UK, US, Canada, and some EU states, will need a visa to enter Namibia (see the full list here).

Visas can be obtained online (official site not live yet) or on arrival for 1,600 Namibian dollars (about US$89).

Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/namibia
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/namibia
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/namibia/entry-requirements
USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Namibia.html

If you are transiting through South Africa and are a non-UK passport holder you may require a transit visa. Please check before travelling. Please note that if flying via South Africa you will probably have to pass immigration there.

Passports: To enter Namibia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least six months after the date you arrive. It must also have at least one blank page. If you’re travelling to South Africa, you will need an additional two blank pages.

Travelling with children: In addition to valid passports, parents travelling with children (under 18) should always carry the original or certified copy of the unabridged birth certificate (listing the child’s and both parents’ details). Adults travelling with children where they are not the biological or legal guardians of those children, should be in possession of an affidavit statement from the child’s parents giving consent for their travel. If a child is travelling with only one parent, the other parent should give consent for travel in the form of an affidavit.

Vaccinations and Health

Namibia

There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, rabies and tuberculosis. Malaria prophylaxis is essential, seek advice from your doctor about which malaria tablets to take. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Please confirm all requirements and recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Namibia's time zone: Africa/Windhoek (UTC +02:00)

Electricity

Namibia’s electricity: Plug type M (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Namibia's currency: Namibian dollar (NAD), though South African rand (ZAR) is widely accepted

ATM Availability

There are ATMs in the main towns and at the airport, but you should not rely on these for all your money. Credit cards are widely accepted, including at hotels, shops and restaurants.

All major denominations, including but not limited to, Pound Sterling (GBP), US dollars (USD) and Euros (EUR), are accepted at currency exchange establishments, available in all major towns and at the airport (seven days a week). If you prefer to exchange money before your arrival, it is recommended to buy South African rand.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Optional Excursions

Budget an average of 370 Namibian dollars (equals to US$20) a day for non-included meals and snacks.

There are several optional activities in Swakopmund, such as ocean fishing, quad‐biking and sandboarding but there’s plenty to occupy you if you don’t participate. These activities can be paid in local currency or card.

Optional excursions (prices are approximate and subject to change)

Deadvlei transfer (if not walking to Hiddenvlei on Day 3): 220 Namibian dollars
Quad‐biking: 900 Namibian dollars for two hours; 650 Namibian dollars for one hour
Fat biking: 550 Namibian dollars for two hours
Flight over Sossusvlei and Skeleton Coast: 5,500 Namibian dollars for two hours
Ocean fishing 1,300-1,700 Namibian dollars
Living desert tour: 1,100 Namibian dollars for a half day
Swakopmund township tour: 800 Namibian dollars
Sandboarding: Laydown for 650 Namibian dollars, stand-up for 900 Namibian dollars
Additional Etosha safari: 750-900 Namibian dollars
Waterberg safari (three hours): 700 Namibian dollars
Windhoek township tour (minimum two people): 520 Namibian dollars
Daan Viljoen Game Reserve: 150 Namibian dollars entrance fee for walking trail, plus 1,300 Namibian dollars for a return transfer to the reserve
Elephant game drive: 700 Namibian dollars

Tipping

This is entirely optional, but we would recommend approximately 25-45 Namibian dollars (US$1.70-US$3) per person per day in either local currency or any other major denomination. For other staff such as porters and guides on optional activities we recommend that you budget for the equivalent of a further USD5-8, however, this is also optional.

In most restaurants and bars, an average of tipping 10 percent is common but be sure to check. This tip is voluntary and can be declined if service was unsatisfactory.

Sustainability and Impact

At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.

As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.

Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.

Important Information

Optional activities and excursions

If you would like to join an optional activity or excursion outside those listed in the itinerary, your leader may be able to assist with selecting a provider. However, Exodus has not assessed the safety standards of activities or excursions that are not listed in the Trip Notes. All optional activities or excursions are undertaken at your own risk.

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

Important Information

Your safe participation

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

Seatbelts

All vehicles used by Exodus should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by Exodus based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.

How to Book

Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.

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