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$5,940-US$8,850

Pelican Fly & Drive Safari

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.

Pelican Fly & Drive Safari: Summary

Pelican Drive & Fly in a nutshell

After a first night in Windhoek, begin your adventure with a drive through the desert to the beautifully set Hoodia Lodge to explore the majestic Namib Sand Sea’s towering dunes at Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon.

Then follow the road to the coast to a remote peninsular jutting out into the Atlantic and the utterly unique Pelican Point Lodge. Beside a lighthouse and all but surrounded by the ocean, it’s a great base for kayaking with the local seal colony, dolphin spotting, birdwatching, kite surfing and more.

Next, hop in a light aircraft for a scenic flight north and inland over Damaraland’s rocky hills to the Palmwag Concession, an enormous protected area that’s a sanctuary for all manner of rare wildlife. Staying at Desert Rhino Camp, this is one of only of the only places in Africa where you can track rare black rhino on foot.

The final hop takes you to the edge of Etosha’s lunar salt pans and Ongava Private Game Reserve. White rhino are a speciality here, as are lions, which you can spot on day and night game drives as well as walking safaris.

It’s also a great jumping off point for a game drive into Etosha where elephant, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, oryx and impala immerge out of the dusty heat haze to gather in their dozens around waterholes – perhaps Namibia’s most unforgettable sight.

At a glance

Starts: Windhoek International Airport
1 night Galton House - Windhoek, Namibia Bed & Breakfast
2 nights Hoodia Desert Lodge - Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia Half Board
3 nights Pelican Point Lodge - Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, Namibia Half Board
2 nights Desert Rhino Camp - Damaraland, Namibia Full Board & Activities
2 nights Ongava Tented Camp - Etosha National Park, Namibia Full Board & Activities
Ends: Windhoek International Airport

Galton House

Day 1

Galton House, named after the early explorer Sir Francis Galton, is just ten minutes' drive from central Windhoek. A modern yet homely guesthouse, with a backdrop of rolling hills, it was opened in the residential suburb of Eros in 2011. There's a mix of comfortable indoor and outdoor spaces in which to relax and the convenience of an in-house restaurant that caters for all meals.

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

Pelican Point Lodge

Days 4-7

Pelican Point Lodge stands near the end of a long, flat peninsula of sand (known as Pelican Point) which stretches into the South Atlantic Ocean and protects the port of Walvis Bay. It's in an amazing location; see our satellite image. It's very exposed to the elements, but in a rich area for marine life and very close to a Cape fur seal colony.

View full itinerary

Desert Rhino Camp

Days 7-9

Remote, exclusive and specialised, Desert Rhino Camp lies in the vast Palmwag Concession. This semi-desert reserve of about 5,000km² between Etosha National Park and the Skeleton Coast is one of the best places to see desert-dwelling black rhino and other desert-adapted wildlife. Fully rebuilt in 2024, the camp has been operating for more than 20 years and its activities – run by a reliably superb and committed team – centre on tracking black rhino.

View full itinerary

Ongava Tented Camp

Days 9-11

Nestled in mopane woodland, Ongava Tented Camp overlooks a waterhole within the private Ongava Game Reserve. This 300km² reserve, which offers both day and night drives and guided walks, borders Etosha National Park on the south side, near the Andersson Gate, and benefits from similar wildlife, with the notable inclusion of both black and white rhino.

View full itinerary
Galton House

Galton House

Windhoek, Namibia

Hoodia Desert Lodge

Hoodia Desert Lodge

Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Pelican Point Lodge

Pelican Point Lodge

Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, Namibia

Desert Rhino Camp

Desert Rhino Camp

Damaraland, Namibia

Ongava Tented Camp

Ongava Tented Camp

Etosha National Park, Namibia

About image

Highlights

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

  • Exploring Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert
  • Coastal adventures from the unique Pelican Point Lodge
  • Tracking rare black rhino in Damaraland
  • Safari on the Ongava Reserve & Etosha National Park
  • Mix the adventure of driving with the luxury of flying

Activities

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

  • 4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

  • Cultural excursion

  • Dune-boarding

  • Fishing

  • Guided walking safari

  • Helicopter

  • Hot air ballooning

  • Kayaking

  • Mountain biking

  • Night drive

  • Quad-biking

About image

Key species to see on the Pelican Fly & Drive Safari

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


Lion

100% chance

Black Rhino

100% chance

Giraffe

100% chance

Oryx

100% chance

Zebra

100% chance

Elephant

97% chance

White Rhino

95% chance

Wildebeest

95% chance

Spotted Hyena

51% chance

Eland

45% chance

Brown Hyena

38% chance

Meerkat

21% chance

Leopard

19% chance

Cheetah

18% chance

Roan antelope

15% chance

Sable antelope

8% chance

Pangolin

4% chance

Aardvark

0% chance

Side-trips whilst on this trip

We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Pelican 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)
Kayaking with seals

Kayaking with seals

Morning incl. tea, coffee & sandwiches

Get up close and personal with a colony of Cape fur seals on a kayaking excursion from Walvis Bay. Enjoy a gentle morning’s paddle in Walvis Bay Lagoon as seals surround and interact with you and your kayak. If you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of some Heaviside’s or bottlenose dolphins.

More about Kayaking with seals
98% (184 reviews)
Coast and Sandwich Harbour

Coast and Sandwich Harbour

Full day

Experience this usually inaccessible part of the Skeleton Coast, where the dunes of the Namib plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. One of our top recommendations, this is an adventurous 4WD trip, guided by experts. You'll explore the Kuiseb Delta and (tides permitting) traverse dunes and the beach to reach Sandwich Harbour, a remote freshwater lagoon with abundant birdlife.

More about Coastal tour
94% (230 reviews)
Dolphin and seal cruise

Dolphin and seal cruise

Half-day inc brunch

A boat cruise around Walvis Bay lagoon is a must for lovers of wildlife and the great outdoors. Seek out the ‘marine big five’ – from Cape fur seals to bottlenose dolphins – and marvel at the range of bird species for whom this haven on the Skeleton Coast is home. Then round off the morning with an oyster brunch.

More about Dolphin & seal cruise
89% (14 reviews)
Desert tour

Desert tour

Variable, depending on the tour

Discover the unexpected on a trip into the desert surrounding the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. A must for wilderness lovers, this extraordinary landscape encompasses the Welwitschia Plains, sculpted dunes, the magic of the Kuiseb Delta – and much more. There are plenty of options, each with its own unique focus.

More about Desert tour
93% (12 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

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

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

Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari

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

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.

Visiting Okonjima, Namib-Naukluft and 4 other areas

US$4,850 - US$5,940 per person

Read more about the Dune Lark Fly & 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

Map

Brown Hyena Self-drive

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

The perfect trip for those who want to mix the adventure and freedom of a self-drive with some of our favourite luxury camps in Namibia and a great mix of activities.

Visiting Okonjima, Namib-Naukluft and 5 other areas

US$8,080 - US$10,190 per person

Read more about the Brown Hyena Self-drive

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

Skeleton Coast Safari

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

An epic flying safari exploring some of Namibia’s most spectacular and remote wildernesses. Exceptional pilots, among the best guides in the country and exclusive camps – this a real bucket-list adventure.

Visiting Skeleton Coast, Windhoek

US$8,440 - US$14,490 per person

Read more about the Skeleton Coast 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

Cape Fox Guided Safari

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

A classic clockwise circuit around Namibia’s northern highlights with a private guide and vehicle. We can’t think of a better way to see more in this timeframe.

Visiting Windhoek, Namib-Naukluft and 4 other areas

US$8,650 - US$11,030 per person

Read more about the Cape Fox Guided 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

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

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

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

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 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

Hyena Safari

11 days • 4 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT

Mix relaxation and adventure on a safari combining the South Luangwa with Victoria Falls and the beaches of Lake Malawi. These three locations are among the most iconic in southern Africa.

US$8,630 - US$11,910 per person

Itinerary image

Dik Dik Safari

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

Combine safari with peace and relaxation on Zanzibar’s white-sand shores during this exploration of Tanzania. Stay in three high-quality sister camps within Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park before concluding with a stay on Michamvi Peninsula.

US$8,750 - US$15,130 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

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