This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines now closed

User menu
FROM US$4,850-US$5,940

Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari

A combination fly-in self-drive exploration of Namibia, with quick, easy and scenic flights in and out of Sossusvlei before a classic road trip adventure of the country’s rugged north.

Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari: Summary

Dune Lark Fly & Drive in a nutshell

This two-week trip offers the best of both worlds – the ease and time saved of a fly-in safari with the freedom, value and adventure of a proper Namibian self-drive.

After a night in Windhoek, take a light aircraft out to the Namib-Naukluft and stay two nights at Hoodia Desert Lodge. The lodge's setting and the flight in are stunning enough but the full day exploring the famous towering dunes surrounding Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are the real highlight.

Flying back to the capital, pick up your rental car for the drive north through the Central Highlands to Ai Aiba Lodge, which is a great base for hiking. Continue into Damaraland to Ozondjou Trails where you can meet the local community and spend a full day with a guide from NGO Elephant-Human Relations Aid (EHRA) in search of desert-adapted elephants and learn about how they’re mitigating human-wildlife conflict in the region.

Stop at the spectacularly situated Grootberg Lodge to track free-roaming black rhinos and take in the views, then it’s onward to Etosha National Park for two nights each at Hobatere Lodge and Halali Camp. Hobatere has its own reserve to be discovered on game drives and walks, while Halali, situated inside the park, is a perfect start point for self-guided drives skirting Etosha’s huge salt pan. The camp’s floodlit waterhole attracts an incredible array of wildlife and is not to be missed at night.

On the way back to Windhoek, enjoy your final two nights in the Okonjima Nature Reserve, home of the AfriCat Foundation, which works to rehabilitate Namibia's threatened carnivores like leopard and cheetah.

At a glance

Starts: Windhoek International Airport
1 night Elegant Guesthouse - Windhoek, Namibia Bed & Breakfast
2 nights Hoodia Desert Lodge - Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia Half Board
2 nights Ai Aiba Lodge - Central Highlands, Namibia Half Board
2 nights Ozondjou Trails - Damaraland, Namibia Full Board & Activities
1 night Grootberg Lodge - Damaraland, Namibia Half Board
2 nights Hobatere Lodge - Etosha National Park, Namibia Half Board
2 nights Halali Camp - Etosha National Park, Namibia Bed & Breakfast
2 nights Okonjima Plains Camp - Okonjima Nature Reserve, Namibia Half Board
Ends: Windhoek International Airport

Elegant Guesthouse

Day 1

The Elegant Guesthouse is a relatively simple but stylish owner-run guesthouse situated in the residential area of Klein Windhoek. It's just a few minutes' drive from the shops, restaurants and other attractions of central Windhoek.

View full itinerary

Hoodia Desert Lodge

Days 2-4

Set at the foot of the Namib-Naukluft Mountains, Hoodia Desert Lodge overlooks the ephemeral Tsauchab River. It was opened in 2008 by owner-managers Thomas and Henreza Becker, an easy 22km drive to Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei. The name comes from the flowering cactus, which dots the surrounding plains that seem to go on forever.

View full itinerary

Ai Aiba Lodge

Days 4-6

Nestled at the foot of a granite kopje, Ai Aiba has enviable views of Namibia's Erongo Mountains. The surrounding area hides a high concentration of Bushman rock art, leading to the camp’s alternative name, The Rock Painting Lodge. Over 200 sites have been recorded here, some thought to be over 2,000 years old and many in excellent condition. The area’s rolling hills and rugged terrain are also well-known for hiking.

View full itinerary

Ozondjou Trails

Days 6-8

Ozondjou Trails is nestled among the hills of southern Damaraland, not far from the mighty Brandberg Mountain. Opened in September 2016, it was the first permanent camp from a team with a strong history of running excellent mobile safaris across Namibia. The camp’s name is derived from a Herero word for “elephant”: apt given its proximity to the NGO, Elephant Human Relations Aid (EHRA). Staying here not only affords the opportunity to learn about and see the area’s desert-adapted pachyderms, but also benefits them by supporting EHRA projects including education programmes and efforts to mitigate human–wildlife conflict.

View full itinerary

Grootberg Lodge

Day 8

Grootberg Lodge is located on a large private concession in the remote northwest of Namibia, part way between Damaraland and Etosha National Park. Perched on the edge of the Etendeka Plateau, Grootberg has some of the most spectacular views of any lodge in Namibia – and a range of activities from rhino-tracking to walks and interactions with the local communities.

View full itinerary

Hobatere Lodge

Days 9-11

Situated between Damaraland and Namibia’s Etosha National Park, but somewhat off the obvious route, Hobatere Lodge was re-opened under community ownership in April 2015, having been closed for some years. The lodge is set on its own 88km² concession, and is approximately 18km from the Galton Gate into the west of the park.

View full itinerary

Halali Camp

Days 11-13

Strategically located alongside the middle of Etosha Pan, Halali Resort has its own floodlit waterhole. One of five erstwhile government restcamps and lodges inside Etosha National Park, it stands beside one of the park's very few hills in Etosha. It's also the smallest and quietest of the original restcamps – although it's still much larger than most camps in Namibia.

View full itinerary

Okonjima Plains Camp

Days 13-15

Okonjima Plains Camp is the most affordable place to stay within the 220km² private Okonjima Nature Reserve. Designed to reflect its cattle-farming origins, it opened in 2014, replacing the first lodge on the farm, Okonjima Main Camp, which had been converted from the original Hanssen family farmhouse. Predators, most notably leopard, roam across 220km² of plains and rolling hills, their presence underpinned by the work of the AfriCat Foundation, which was set up to conserve and protect Namibia's wildlife, focusing primarily on carnivores.

View full itinerary
Elegant Guesthouse

Elegant Guesthouse

Windhoek, Namibia

Hoodia Desert Lodge

Hoodia Desert Lodge

Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Ai Aiba Lodge

Ai Aiba Lodge

Central Highlands, Namibia

Ozondjou Trails

Ozondjou Trails

Damaraland, Namibia

Grootberg Lodge

Grootberg Lodge

Damaraland, Namibia

Hobatere Lodge

Hobatere Lodge

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Halali Camp

Halali Camp

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Okonjima Plains Camp

Okonjima Plains Camp

Okonjima Nature Reserve, Namibia

About image

Highlights

Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari.

  • A spectacular scenic flight to Sossusvlei
  • Track desert elephants with a specialist guide
  • Track free-roaming black rhino from Grootberg Lodge
  • Spot wildlife at Halali's waterhole
  • Enjoy hikes, drives & safaris in diverse landscapes

Activities

Some activities which can be included in the Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.

  • 4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

  • Guided walking safari

  • Helicopter

  • Hot air ballooning

  • Mountain biking

  • Night drive

  • Quad-biking

  • Self-guided walking

About image

Key species to see on the Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari

Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.


Elephant

100% chance

Giraffe

100% chance

Oryx

100% chance

Wildebeest

100% chance

Zebra

100% chance

Leopard

99% chance

Lion

94% chance

Black Rhino

90% chance

Eland

90% chance

Cheetah

86% chance

Spotted Hyena

75% chance

Brown Hyena

71% chance

White Rhino

67% chance

Sable antelope

64% chance

Aardvark

16% chance

Pangolin

12% chance

Roan antelope

8% chance

Meerkat

5% chance

Side-trips whilst on this trip

We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.


Ballooning in the Namib Desert

Ballooning in the Namib Desert

Half day, including breakfast

Ballooning over the world’s oldest desert is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Enjoy spectacular views as the sun rises over the dune-covered plains and rocky mountains of the Namib Desert. You may even spot the occasional oryx or black-backed jackal punctuating the landscape below.

More about Ballooning
95% (82 reviews)
Scenic flights in Namibia

Scenic flights in Namibia

Variable, depending on the flight

Namibia is famed for its stark beauty and boundless desert vistas and there is no better way to soak these in than from the air. A scenic flight gives you a unique perspective on this stunning and varied country, and may even provide a bird’s-eye view of areas that are out of reach to those restricted to terra firma.

More about Scenic flights
94% (7 reviews)
Windhoek City Tour

Windhoek City Tour

three hour Windhoek City Tour

Windhoek city tours offer a mix of history, culture, and local flavour, showcasing Namibia’s colonial landmarks, vibrant markets, and cuisine.

More about Windhoek City Tour
100% (1 reviews)

Let us help you customise your trip

All of our holidays on this site are just ideas; none are fixed. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us help you to work out your perfect trip.


Talk to an Expert

Call us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.

Set up your itinerary

Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.

Prepare for your trip

The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.

Travel with peace of mind

After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.

When you return

We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

Other ideas for Namibia trips

Look at these ideas in Namibia: then talk to us. Will will design a trip that's perfect for you.


Map

Flamingo Fly-in Safari

6 days • 3 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Short on time but big on experience, this luxury fly-in safari takes in Sossusvlei’s famous dunes and Etosha National Park’s captivating wildlife with stays at two excellent luxury lodges.

Visiting Namib-Naukluft, Etosha and 1 other area

US$5,090 - US$6,960 per person

Read more about the Flamingo Fly-in Safari

Map

Pelican Fly & Drive Safari

10 days • 5 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A unique itinerary visiting the must-see highlights combining the adventure of a classic Namibian self-drive with the ease and spectacular views of a fly-in safari.

Visiting Namib-Naukluft, Damaraland and 3 other areas

US$5,940 - US$8,850 per person

Read more about the Pelican Fly & Drive Safari

Map

Hartebeest Self-drive Safari

16 days • 8 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

This self-drive safari focuses on the best cultural experiences in Namibia. Visit a Himba village and enjoy three days living with the San Bushmen interspersed with some excellent wildlife watching.

Visiting Bushmanland, Central Highlands and 3 other areas

US$3,630 - US$4,980 per person

Read more about the Hartebeest Self-drive Safari

Map

Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari

18 days • 10 locations • 3 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A truly epic southern African self-drive safari adventure from Namibia’s mountains and deserts, along the lush Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, staying at luxury lodges throughout.

Visiting Etosha, Victoria Falls and 6 other areas

US$6,290 - US$10,560 per person

Read more about the Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari

Map

Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari

19 days • 10 locations • 2 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Journey from South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town to central Namibia’s Okonjima Nature Reserve during this self-driven safari. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes, offering access to this beautiful continent’s rich diversity.

Visiting Okonjima, Namib-Naukluft and 7 other areas

US$3,400 - US$4,380 per person

Read more about the Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari

Map

Namaqua Chameleon Self-drive

12 days • 7 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A classic 12-night self-drive adventure around the highlights of eastern and northern Namibia taking in Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha and a final stop at Okonjima. Comfortable lodges and great value.

Visiting Okonjima, Etosha and 4 other areas

US$2,960 - US$5,290 per person

Read more about the Namaqua Chameleon Self-drive

Map

Caracal Self-drive Safari

14 days • 8 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

The quintessential Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the highlights from Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert to Damaraland’s wilderness and a safari in Etosha. A great mix of accommodation and excellent value.

Visiting Namib-Naukluft, Damaraland and 4 other areas

US$2,780 - US$4,250 per person

Read more about the Caracal Self-drive Safari

Map

Quiver Tree Self-drive Safari

14 days • 7 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

An offbeat Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the epic Fish River Canyon and fascinating Kolmanskop ghost town in the south, before turning north via the classic highlights of Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Damaraland.

Visiting Luderitz & Aus, Fish River Canyon and 5 other areas

US$2,450 - US$3,780 per person

Read more about the Quiver Tree Self-drive Safari

Map

Hoopoe Fly-in Safari

11 days • 4 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

This relaxed fly-in safari reveals Namibia at its best. Generous timings and a wide choice of activities help travellers to enjoy the best of the country’s most spectacular areas.

Visiting Windhoek, Namib-Naukluft and 2 other areas

US$7,300 - US$10,560 per person

Read more about the Hoopoe Fly-in Safari

Map

Chongololo Self-drive Safari

21 days • 11 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

This self-drive safari focuses on the best walking experiences in Namibia. Get your boots ready for the apricot dunes of the Namib Desert and the ancient hills of Damaraland.

Visiting Central Highlands, Namib-Naukluft and 4 other areas

US$7,580 - US$10,200 per person

Read more about the Chongololo Self-drive Safari

Other trip ideas across Africa

Talk to us: help us to understand what you like and we can create a trip that will really suit you.


Itinerary image

Elephant Safari

10 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

This example of a mid-range Kenya safari and beach trip explores the wildlife of Tsavo West's volcanic plains and woodlands, Tsavo East's immense plains and the white-sand beaches and lush environment of Diani Beach.

US$5,090 - US$6,210 per person

Itinerary image

Utaka Cichlid Safari

10 days • 3 locations
BLANTYRE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT

Explore two of Malawi's safari parks - Majete Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park - before finishing your trip with some beach time: relaxing, snorkelling and sailing in Lake Malawi National Park.

US$4,340 - US$5,700 per person

Itinerary image

Turaco Safari

12 days • 4 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

This top-value holiday idea combines two safari areas with a week on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar. Photograph lions and elephants, then relax under the palms on a powder-sand beach.

US$5,460 - US$6,830 per person

Itinerary image

Cape Grysbok Self-drive Safari

20 days • 8 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Explore Cape Town, Hermanus, Franschhoek and Namaqualand, amongst other memorable destinations, during this leisurely self-driven safari. Fine dining, varied activities and impressively comfortable lodges, estates and country houses await.

US$4,030 - US$7,470 per person

Itinerary image

Cape Mountain Zebra Self-drive Safari

12 days • 4 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Fine dining, luxurious accommodation and a wide of range of leisurely activities make this a superbly comfortable self-driven safari. Visit the cosmopolitan Cape Town, tranquil coastal retreats, stylish wine farms and spectacularly peaceful nature reserves.

US$3,790 - US$7,870 per person

Itinerary image

Red Colobus Monkey Safari

11 days • 3 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

This luxury holiday suggestion combines a wildlife safari in Ruaha National Park with a week on Zanzibar, exploring Stone Town’s narrow streets and relaxing on a palm-shaded beach.

US$6,230 - US$8,490 per person

Itinerary image

Red Zebra Cichlid Safari

7 days • 2 locations
BLANTYRE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT

Explore two of Malawi's highlights, with a safari in rugged, remote Majete Wildlife Reserve before some beach time: relaxing, snorkelling and sailing in Lake Malawi National Park.

US$3,400 - US$4,500 per person

Itinerary image

Cape Genet Self-drive Safari

20 days • 8 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Enjoy fine-dining in Cape Town, whale-watching in Hermanus, and a range of walking and water-based activities throughout De Hoop’s Nature Reserve, the Klein Karoo and Plettenberg. This relaxed self-driven safari concludes with stays in The Winelands and Namaqualand.

US$3,060 - US$4,510 per person

Itinerary image

Waterbuck self-drive

12 days • 6 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT

A classic Cape and Garden Route self-drive taken at a leisurely pace and staying in charming boutique hotels. Great food and wine paired with spectacular scenery and an exciting array of activities.

US$2,500 - US$3,480 per person

Itinerary image

Bontebok Self-drive Safari

12 days • 5 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT

This varied and great-value self-drive trip visits Cape Town, the Winelands and diverse sections of the Garden Route, staying at great places with real local character. It’s ideal for active couples and families who want to explore the Cape’s stunning locations.

US$1,460 - US$2,000 per person

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Africa