9 Day Canyons, Dunes & Wildlife Camping and Lodge Safari

Overview

Available languages

English

216 hours

Mobile ticket

This 9 day tour is the perfect overview of Namibia’s highlights. Enjoy incredible wildlife sightings in Etosha National Park before immersing ourselves into the rich culture of the Himba tribe and spending time on Namibia’s Skeleton Coast with a 1 nights stay in Swakopmund, Namibia’s adventure capital. Here we can enjoy any number of adrenaline-inducing optional activities before starting our journey south. From Swakopmunnd, we cross the Tropic of Capricorn, and then spend 2 nights in the Namib Desert, exploring Sossusvlei, Deadvlei and climbing Dune 45. We then continue to Namibia's deep south with visits to the ghost town of Kolmansop and Luderitz as well as the impressive Fish River Canyon and Quiver Tree Forest. This tour is a combination of camping and lodging, and the ultimate Namibian adventure for those looking for a combination of an affordable and comfortable safari!

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

What‘s Included

Visit to Quiver Tree Forest

Tap Water

Transport in custom built safari vehicle with pop up roof

Pick-up and drop-off within Windhoek city limits

Guided tour of Kolmanskop Ghost Town

1 full day & 1 afternoon game drive in Etosha National Park

Camping equipment excluding sleeping bag

1 day exploring Sossusvlei region including Sesriem Canyon

Airport transfers

3 nights accommodation & 5 nights camping - twin share basis

Visit to Fish River Canyon Viewpoint

Professional English speaking driver & guide

1hr Himba Village experience

Sleeping bag hire

Dinner in Swakopmund and all snacks and drinks for duration of tour.

Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Day 1

Etosha National Park

Accommodations

Overnight in twin share rooms with en-suite bathrooms at Okaukuejo Rest Camp.

Food and Drinks

LUNCH

Lunch

Picnic style lunch

DINNER

Dinner

Dinner at Rest Camp

We meet all together for brief pre-departure talk at Chameleon Safaris before departing Windhoek.

45 minutes • Admission Included

Otjiwarongo

After 3hours on the road, we take a short break in Otjiwarongo where we can collect some last minute supplies, drinks and snacks.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Etosha National Park

Arriving at Ombika Gate around 2pm, spend the rest of the afternoon game driving through to our accommodation inside the park Accommodation is in twin share rooms, and we highly recommend spending time at the floodlit waterhole before and after dinner.

12 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Day 2

Etosha National Park

Accommodations

Overnight in twin share rooms with en-suite bathroom at Etosha Village.

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

Breakfast at Rest Camp

LUNCH

Lunch

Picnic style lunch

DINNER

Dinner

A delicious buffet dinner offering a selection of meats, stirfries, salads, soups and desserts.

Etosha Pan

After breakfast we pack our bags and head off on a morning game drives out into the park searching for predators. By mid morning our game drive takes us through to the Etosha Pan where we can see where the park gets it's name.

5 hours • Admission Included

After a picnic lunch in the park, we continue on our final game drive, heading back towards Okaukuejo, and exit the park just before sunset, driving through to our lodge for the evening, Etosha Village.

14 hours • Admission Included

Day 3

Himba visit & Swakopmund

Accommodations

Overnight in twin share rooms with en-suite bathroom at Hotel A La Mer.

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

A buffet breakfast of cereals, yoghurt, fruit, muffins, cooked breakfast, toast, juice, tea/coffee.

LUNCH

Lunch

Picnic style lunch

Damaraland

Today is a long day in the vehicle travelling through rural Namibia. Our journey takes us through Damaraland where we have the chance to meet the Damara people where we can support them at their small pop up shop, as well as get to know them in their local environment.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Uis

Just before we reach Uis, we stop at a small Himba settlement. Here we can enjoy a short tour through their village and get to know a little more about what makes the Himba people so unique. On arrival in Uis we make a short stop to resupply cold drinks and have a quick bathroom break before continuing our journey across the desert.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Zeila Shipwreck

We then make our way across the plains of the Namib Desert, through the the coast where we make a stop at the Zeila Shipwreck.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

We arrive in Swakopmund late afternoon where we will check into our accommodation at Hotel A La Mer, located just across the road from the beach as well as some of Swakopmund's top restaurants. Dinner tonight is at own expense.

16 hours • Admission Included

Day 4

Namib Desert

Accommodations

Overnight camping at Sesriem campsite in the Namib Desert

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

Variety of cereals, yoghurt, fruit, cooked breakfast, toast, juice, tea/coffee

LUNCH

Lunch

Picnic style lunch

DINNER

Dinner

A different dish each night – curries, pasta, braai (BBQ), stirfries etc

Swakopmund

Today we leave Swakopmund at 11h30 so we have the option to enjoy a rare sleep in and a leisurely breakfast or the chance to join one of the many optional activities. For the adrenaline junkies this could be flying down a sand dune head first at 60km/h on a sandboard or exploring the dune field on a quad biking tour.

4 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Solitaire

We depart Swakopmund no later than 11h30 and drive through the Namib Desert via the Kuiseb Pass, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn, stopping briefly in Solitaire where we can stop for a snack and leg stretch.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Sesriem

We arrive at our camp late afternoon where we can set up our tents, and enjoy the sunset over the Namib Desert. Pool and bar available, and dinner is prepared by our guide. An early night is recommended.

14 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Day 5

Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert

Accommodations

Overnight camping at Sesriem campsite in the Namib Desert.

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

Varieties of cereal, yoghurt or bananas, toast with a choice of toppings, tea/coffee

LUNCH

Lunch

Picnic style lunch

DINNER

Dinner

A different dish each night – curries, pasta, braai (BBQ), stirfries etc

Dune 45

A pre-dawn departure from camp this morning means we can enjoy the dunes at first light. We drive down an ancient river bed, surrounded by towering dunes and our first stop is at the famous Dune 45 where we have the chance to climb to the top to enjoy the sunrise. On descent we replenish our energy and enjoy breakfast.

2 hours • Admission Included

Sossusvlei

We continue on into Sossusvlei area. We explore this unique are on foot.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Deadvlei

We then head into Dead Vlei with its large expanse of bleached cracked clay and skeletal camel thorn trees, contrasting with a backdrop of huge dunes with their ever changing colours.

2 hours • Admission Included

Sesriem

We return to Sesriem around lunch time for lunch and a swim or siesta during the heat of the day.

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Sesriem Canyon

Later that afternoon we visit the Sesriem Canyon, a must see when in the area.

1 hour • Admission Included

Day 6

Klein Aus Vista, Namib Desert

Accommodations

Overnight camping at Klein Aus Vista campsite

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

Varieties of cereal, yoghurt or bananas, toast with a choice of toppings, tea/coffee

LUNCH

Lunch

Picnic style lunch on route

DINNER

Dinner

A different dish each night – curries, pasta, braai (BBQ), stirfries etc

Sesriem

We enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning and pack up camp, aiming to depart no later than 09h00.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Today we head south through Namibia’s Namib Rand Nature Reserve, home to some of the most spectacular desert landscapes in Southern Namibia. Our destination today is the small outpost of Klein Aus, nestled in the Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park. We arrive at camp late afternoon and we can set up our tents and then have the afternoon at leisure to enjoy one of the many short hiking trails. We enjoy a beautiful sunset and dinner prepared by our guide over an open-fire.

12 hours • Admission Included

Day 7

Kolmanskop & Luderitz

Accommodations

Overnight camping at Klein Aus Vista campsite.

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

varieties of cereal, yoghurt or bananas, toast with a choice of toppings, tea/coffee.

LUNCH

Lunch

Picnic style lunch

DINNER

Dinner

A different dish each night – curries, pasta, braai (BBQ), stirfries etc

Kolmanskop Ghost Town

After an early breakfast we make our way from Klein Aus to the ghost town, also known as Kolmanskop, situated 15km outside of Luderitz. During a diamond boom in 1910 Kolmanskop quickly became one of the richest towns in Africa boasting the southern hemisphere’s first X-ray machine, a bowling alley and luxury housing. As the diamond boom came to an end and the town’s inhabitants abandoned the area, Kolmanskop became a ghost town.

3 hours • Admission Included

Luderitz

After our tour of the ghost town, we continue our adventure to the small town of Luderitz, situated on the rocky shores of the Atlantic Ocean and is well known for its unique and colourful colonial-style buildings.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Dias Cross (1488)

We stop at Diaz Point, the famous site of the Original Diaz Cross.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Wild Horses of Aus

On return to Aus, we keep our eyes peeled for the wild horses of the Namib Desert that roam between Luderitz & Klein Aus. While the details of how these horses came to live in the desert are still a mystery, the mere fact that they have survived in the harshest of conditions is impressive, and any sighting of them is one to celebrate.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

We arrive back at camp late mid-afternoon and can relax for the afternoon before enjoying another incredible sunset over the Aus Mountains. Dinner tonight is prepared by our guide.

12 hours • Admission Included

Day 8

Fish River Canyon & Quiver Tree Forest Garas Park

Accommodations

Overnight camping at Garas Park campsite

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

Varieties of cereal, yoghurt or bananas, toast with a choice of toppings, tea/coffee

LUNCH

Lunch

Cold meats and fresh salads with bread rolls or soup and bread in winter.

DINNER

Dinner

A different dish each night – curries, pasta, braai (BBQ), stirfries etc

Fish-River-Canyon Lookout

We enjoy an another early start this morning as we pack up camp and head east. Our first official stop is at the well-known Hell`s Bend viewpoint of the Fish River Canyon. Here we have the opportunity to overlook the second largest canyon in the world. The Fish River Canyon was formed millions of years ago by water erosion and the collapse of the valley due to movements in the earth’s crust.

1 hour • Admission Included

Garas Park Camp

After lunch we continue our adventure heading to our last destination; The Quiver Tree Forest. It is located just north-east of Keetmanshoop and here approximately 250 quiver trees can be found. The forest grew spontaneously and the oldest trees are estimated to be around 200-300 years old. The quiver tree (kokerboom in Afrikaans) is also Namibia’s national tree. The last night on our adventure is spent camping under the stars with meals prepared by our guide. This is an excellent location for photographing the stars should you be an avid photographer

12 hours • Admission Included

Day 9

Windhoek

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

Varieties of cereal, yoghurt or bananas, toast with a choice of toppings, tea/coffee

LUNCH

Lunch

Picnic style lunch on route

Garas Park Camp

Slow start this morning and a great opportunity to have sunrise between the quiver trees and enjoy the early morning before we head off back to Windhoek.

1 hour • Admission Included

Windhoek

From here, we begin our journey back to Windhoek travelling the small towns of Mariental and Rehoboth before arriving in Windhoek late afternoon where we will be dropped off at our accommodation. No flights recommended on this day.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Male/Female Willing to share

Pickup included

Reviews

4.68

25 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

An unforgettable experience in Namibia!
eugeniorI1183CD,
Aug 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We traveled to Namibia with Chameleon Safaris and everything was perfectly organized. A very special thanks goes to our guide, Simon, who made this trip truly exceptional: always punctual, highly knowledgeable, and extremely professional. He managed the group with great care and constantly enriched our days with fascinating insights and local stories as we visited each place. Each moment was unforgettable, from breathtaking landscapes to cultural discoveries, and Simon’s enthusiasm made us appreciate Namibia even more. I would absolutely recommend both Chameleon and Simon – thanks to him, this was far more than just a holiday, but a memorable life experience. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Majestic & Mind Blowing 🤯 🌌
Camper655223,
Jun 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Simon and Taimi have been amazing tour guides for my 2 parts of the trip, grateful for lovely experience 🤲🏾 ❤️, I thanks them
The worst safari ever experienced in 53 years
U4764EGsarahz,
Aug 30, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00
I had to use a voucher from a previous booking which unfortunately I had had to cancel for my health condition, and which had not been refunded to me (in fact they had only been able to give me a voucher). I chose a safari based on the destination list, and I was required to pay a difference compared to my voucher. No one told me it was a camping safari and I found out the first evening we were supposed to camp.I have a brain tumor and never in my life would I have booked a tour like this in my health condition. I wasn't even asked if I had any allergies or special dietary needs, and on the first evening of camping they fed me grilled meat (which is unheard of everywhere in the world) covered with a pepper-based sauce, camping in the dark I didn't realize it and the next day I had a stomach ache all day and I vomited. The vehicle used for the tour is a sort of pickup truck converted into a minibus, the passenger seats are very high compared to the road and on dirt roads the vibrations are shocking, it even stung the skin, it felt like being in a blender, I felt terrible. I vomited several times and had to take a lot of medicine. Furthermore, the condition of the vehicle was so bad that due to the vibrations a window came off which was then fixed during the tour, wasting time in a workshop. Even the tread on the tires was so worn that we got punctures three times in six days. A used, dirty and smelly sleeping bag was provided to me for a fee ($270N$). The tent was dirty and full of sand. At night the temperatures were close to zero degrees and it was impossible for me to sleep in the tent, so I camped on the minibus, where despite a blanket and a sleeping bag I was still very cold. The next day I protested and they made me speak to the agency manager, who agreed to pay me for two nights in a lodge, I had to pay for another night in a lodge (2110N$), and the last night I had to sleep while still camped out in the minibus. That was the coldest night of the entire tour as we were in the south, and all the tourists who took this tour with me, although they came equipped for camping, complained about the freezing temperatures. To sleep on that last night, Chameleon Safari also bought me a pillow and a light blanket for me, and I had to buy a serious blanket for myself in a lodge, but despite everything I was still very cold. I almost never ate what they cooked in the field kitchen because for me it was inedible food and I always had to buy sandwiches at my own expense. I appreciate that Chameleon Safari tried to help me for the trip by paying for some facilities out of their own pocket, but in any case it was the worst safari experience I've had in 53 years. Finally, during the third day of the safari we plan to visit the Damara Tribes: something terrifying! They take you to see fake indigenous villages where in reality no one lives, and where you are shown tortured minors (15 year old girls) (who have had four healthy teeth removed from their lower jaw) who are displayed naked. A truly shameful thing with the sole purpose of making tourists pity and extorting money! The underage girls displayed naked and mutilated to the tourists called the guide "mom"!
Amazing Namibia
177ingridt,
Aug 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our 9-day safari through Namibia was an incredible experience, offering an unforgettable journey of some of Namibia’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife. We were amazed by the different landscapes and beauty of the country and the friendliness of its people. Etosha National Park was remarkable, the wildlife viewing was one of the highlights of the trip, we had the opportunity to see many animals including elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions and more. Watching the sunrise over the dunes was also a great experience and the starry sky over Namibia at night offered a spectacular view of the Milky Way. The lodges we stayed in were comfortable and welcoming, with nice staff and facilities. The combination of camping and lodge stays was well balanced. The campsites were well equipped and the camping equipment provided was of high quality. The whole trip was exceptionally well organised, from the pick up at the airport to the return to Windhoek. Our guides Gideon, Erasto and Kennedy were great. They were not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the wildlife and landscapes and made sure everything ran smoothly. They also prepared delicious meals for us and their friendliness made the journey even more enjoyable. We experienced the incredible diversity of Namibia first hand and can highly recommend this trip to anyone wishing to explore this country. We left Namibia with a deep appreciation for the diverse landscapes, incredible wildlife and people and will certainly return.
Highly recommended
Compass21729399599,
Aug 11, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our tour was customized to our needs. It was a very nice trip well organized and our tour guide Barrier is a tremendous guide. He took good care of us, is knowledgeable and funny.
Amazing experience with the best group!
leoniesQ8863DZ,
Jun 11, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The 9-day safari with Chameleon was definitely one of my best trips so far! I went by myself but found the best friends there! We enjoyed a lot of wildlife, nature, a beautiful sunrise on Dune45, many sunsets, starry skies, canyons, good food,…. A huge thank you to Broni, Greg & Kennedy who made this time so amazing! Even when we had a few days of just cold and rain at the end of the tour, Broni & Greg managed to keep us happy. I will never forget us sitting around the fire in Aus trying to stay warm, but still laughing and enjoying our time together! Thank you a lot!
Awesome review of the country
marklw2018,
Apr 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Awesome itinerary. Our guides Raymond, Kennedy and Gregory were terrific and accommodated all our needs. The food was fantastic and will definitely be back in the coming year.
Wonderful Namibia
zanzarazza,
Apr 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This trip has been amazing. I did really appreciate the professionality and care of me during the hole journey and also before... all my questions always received quick and good answers. The guides were friendly and well prepare to any situation even when our truck broke in the middle of Etosha!! Food, accommodation, tents and truck were perfect for this kind of trip. Actually I was really surprised to find healthy and homemade food basically every meal and I had really good sleeps in my tent. About landscapes and activities.... well I've nothing to say. Namibia is such a wonderful country and with this tour we managed to see loads of different areas. I cannot choose which I loved the most!!
Great way to explore Namibia!!
albertoaZ5694NR,
Mar 25, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We did the 9 days lodge and camping tour around Namibia and it was an excellent experience. The guides who came with us were great people - Gideon, Michael and Greg. Guidian very knowledgeable and explanatory, Michael very supportive and Greg was a great chef. In some parts of the trip more and accurate info could have been given proactively by Greg and Michael - but after we provided them with feedback more focus was given on further explanations. Food was amazing, and the places covered on the trip were definitely some of the breathtaking highlights of Namibia!! All in all very good experience and very professional.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDABLE!
F3736CVjasonl,
Mar 25, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
We had the first part of the tour staying in lodges and was guided by Gideon who is extremely experienced. His pace was very good and we didn't feel rushed for time. He also knew the exact places to see the wildlife in Etosha Pan, managed our expectations well in what we could and couldn't see depending on the current season, and allowed us sufficient time to appreciate the wildlife without pressure, all while keeping on schedule. He was also able to maintain flexibility in certain parts of the tour programme, allowing the leeway and choice for different guests to do different activities within reason. I found that having Gideon as our guide made it extremely worthwhile. We were then immediately scheduled to join a different group midway of the tour for wildlife camping (the changeover was done at Swakopmund), and this was guided by Gregory and Michael. Michael is the sweetest and most supportive guide and has a very calm presence, while Gregory prepares the most excellent meals. Comparing my experiences between the different guides, I felt that the latter tour guides could have offered more engagement and explanation about the sites/history during the journey but Gregory and Michael were very receptive to direct feedback and the experience was very good afterwards. Overall it was a very good experience in a group tour.