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Namibia with Ally
Dates
Jul 18–26, 2022
Group Size
10–13 Travelers
Duration
9 days, 8 nights
About This Trip
Meet Your Host
View Full ProfileAlly Coucke
Ally Coucke is an author, creator, and traveler. After selling her own business in the Pacific Northwest, Ally made her home in Denver with her dogs, Bailey and the well-known, Loki the Wolfdog. Ally's passion for travel has taken her all over North America, to Asia, and Africa. Writing and photographing every experience along the way, she cannot wait to share and create new memories with you!
Trip Activities
Wood Carving Market Tour
Etosha National Park Safari
Sandwich Harbour Tour
Sunrise Dune Hike
Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei & Dune 45 Visit
Sesriem Canyon Tour
Elim Dune
Namib Carnivore Research Centre Visit
Optional Activities*
Ocean Kayaking Adventure in Walvis Bay
*Add-ons available at checkout for an additional fee.
Included in Your Trip
Double Occupancy in 3-star Hotels & campsites
Local Guide throughout Trip
All City Transfers
Arrival Airport Transfer (until 5pm on first day)
Departure Airport Transfer (morning of last day)
8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 6 Dinners
Not Included
International Flights
Food & Alcohol (except as noted)
Visas & Travel Insurance
Airport Transfers Outside of Designated Times
Itinerary
*All durations are approximate
Info
Airport Transfer
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Windhoek. (~1 hour)
dinner
6:00 P.M.: Meet the crew for an included welcome dinner at 6:30 P.M. at the Stellenbosch Wine Bar to celebrate the adventure ahead!
Villa Vista Guesthouse, or similar
(or similar)
Overnight in Windhoek.
Info
breakfast
Enjoy an included breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer
8:00 A.M.: Depart your hotel this morning and head to Okahandja! (~1 hour)
Wood Carving Market Tour
Okahandja is home to Namibia’s largest wood carving market! (~1 hour)
Transfer
After a Wood Carving Market Tour, continue on to Etosha. (~5-6 hours) Plan to arrive at your campsite mid afternoon.
lunch
12:30 P.M.: Make a stop for a picnic lunch en route!
dinner
After setting up camp, enjoy your first dinner at the campsite.
Namutoni Campsite, or similar
(or similar)
Overnight in Etosha.
Info
breakfast
Enjoy an included breakfast at camp.
Etosha National Park Safari
You'll be up before dawn this morning as one of the best times for game viewing is the cooler morning hours. This guided safari in Etosha National Park will take you from the Von Lindquist Gate into the deep bush. With over 114 mammals in the park, keep your eyes on the lookout! Break for lunch along the way before continuing on to the other side of the park to view incredible views of watering holes, the expansive Etosha Pan, and even more wildlife. Hello rhinos! Please note: the timing of today's activities is dependent upon what wildlife is in the area the evening prior. Your guide in Namibia will communicate exact start and end times with you on the ground.
lunch
Enjoy lunch on the road.
dinner
Swap stories of animals spottings over a group dinner at camp before falling asleep under the stars in your campsite.
Okaukuejo Campsite, or similar
(or similar)
Overnight in Etosha.
Info
breakfast
Enjoy an included breakfast at camp.
Transfer to Swakopmund
8:00 A.M.: A gorgeous drive with many scenic viewpoints along the way, you’ll surely want your camera ready for this journey. A highlight of the drive will be seeing the Spitzkoppe, an extraordinary granite mass, referred to as the Matterhorn of Namibia. If you look closely you might spot climbers scrambling up the rock. You’ll arrive in the coastal town of Swakopmund and check into your hotel before free time to relax by the beach or explore the area. (~7-9 hours) You'll arrive to your hotel between 3:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M. today.
lunch
12:30 P.M.: Make a stop for a picnic lunch en route!
Prost Hotel Swakopmund, or similar
(or similar)
Overnight in Swakopmund.
Info
breakfast
Enjoy an included breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer
11:30 A.M.: Depart the hotel and head to Sandwich Harbour.
Sandwich Harbour Tour
12:30 P.M.: Head to the Kuiseb River Delta to view the gorgeous wetlands of Sandwich Harbour Lagoon. A stark contrast to the arid Namib desert, this lagoon is teeming with life! (~4 hours)
Transfer
After your tour, transfer back to your hotel.
Prost Hotel Swakopmund, or similar
(or similar)
Overnight in Swakopmund.
Info
breakfast
Enjoy an included breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer
7:00 A.M.: Meet up with your group and depart for your optional ocean kayaking adventure!
Ocean Kayaking Adventure in Walvis Bay
(optional)
8:00 A.M.: Experience a scenic 4x4 ride out to Pelican Point before hopping into your kayaks and hitting the water in Walvis Bay! For the next few hours, keep an eye out for seals, dolphins, and more as you get to know Namibia by sea. Enjoy a refreshment after your kayaking adventure before heading out. (~4 hours)
Transfer
12:30 P.M.: Off you go! It's back towards the desert as you drive your way towards Namib Naukluft Park. Once you arrive in Namib, get settled into your new campsite. (~6 hours)
lunch
Enjoy lunch on the road after kayaking.
dinner
Enjoy dinner at the campsite.
Sesriem Oshana Campsite, or similar
(or similar)
Overnight in Sesriem.
Info
breakfast
Enjoy an included breakfast at camp early this morning.
Transfer
5:45 A.M.: Early bird gets the sunrise! Transfer to your sunrise hike. (~1 hour) Wake-up call will be at approximately 4:30 A.M. this morning.
Sunrise Dune Hike
Wake before the sun comes up to ensure you capture first light in the red desert. The first leg of this sunrise-hunting journey passes through Sesriem, the gateway to the dunes.
Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei & Dune 45 Visit
Next, you're headed into the heart of the dune field, reaching Dune 45. Ready your cameras for some incredible photos of this desert waking up. Head back down to the cars before heading off to Sossusvlei and a visit to Dead Vlei. On foot, trekking the last 3 miles through the dunes.
lunch
As the sun gets higher along with the temperature, head back to camp for lunch.
Sesriem Canyon Tour
With the cooling afternoon, you’ll head out for a short excursion to Sesriem Canyon.
Elim Dune
Enjoy a visit to Elim Dune tonight for sunset.
dinner
Back at camp, enjoy your last night camping under the stars with another group meal.
Sesriem Oshana Campsite, or similar
(or similar)
Overnight in Sesriem.
Info
breakfast
Enjoy an included breakfast at camp.
Transfer
7:30 A.M.: This morning, depart for your first stop at the Namib Carnivore Research Centre. (~1.5 hours)
Namib Carnivore Research Centre Visit
9:00 A.M.: The highlight of today will be a stop at the Namib Carnivore Research Centre, where you will learn all about the conservation efforts in this area for large carnivores! (~1 hour)
Transfer to Windhoek
After your centre visit, you’ll finish out the drive to Windhoek and then check into your final hotel. (~5 hours)
lunch
Enjoy an included lunch en route.
dinner
6:00 P.M.: Wrap your adventures up with one final farewell dinner together at Joe’s Beerhouse and toast to an extraordinary adventure.
Villa Vista Guesthouse, or similar
(or similar)
Overnight in Windhoek.
Info
breakfast
Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel.
Airport Transfer
Airport Transfer
Essential Travel Information
Cancellation Policy
We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:
Spot Pending
Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip
Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind
After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
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FAQ
Traveling with TrovaTrip
What's it like to travel on a Trova Trip?
Trova Trips are curated group travel experiences designed to help you see the world, meet new people, and connect over shared interests. Each trip is hosted by a community leader you know and trust, and run by professional local Operators who handle the logistics. Expect meaningful experiences, authentic activities, and a like-minded group to share it all with.
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- The Host is your community leader—the person who brings the group together, sets the vibe, and curates the overall experience. They may lead a workshop or activity during the trip, but their main focus is connection and community, not logistics.
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In short: The Host shapes the experience and brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.
What's the difference between the Host, the Operator, and Trova?
Great question! Each plays a key role in bringing your experience to life:
- The Host is your community leader who brings the group together, fosters connection, and perhaps leads a workshop or two. They're there to bring the vibes, not the logistics. That's the Tour Operator's job.
- The Operator is the professional travel company that runs the trip on the ground. They handle it all—accommodations, local Guides, activities, and safety. Every Operator we partner with is licensed, insured, and vetted to deliver high-quality group travel.
- TrovaTrip is the platform who connects it all. We help design the trips, partner with Hosts with Operators, and support you before and during your journey to ensure everything runs smoothly.
In short: The Host brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.
I'm nervous to book. How can I feel more confident?
First, let us say—it's totally understandable, and you're not alone! Travel can feel intimidating, but we built Trova to take the guesswork out of group travel and earn your trust every step of the way:
- Every trip is run by licensed Tour Operators with vetted local Guides.
- Hosts are there to foster connection, meaning you'll arrive solo but never feel alone.
- Itineraries are clearly outlined so you know what to expect, including activity level, example accommodations, and what's included.
- Our team is available to support you pre-departure, and Operators—plus your local Guide—are on the ground to assist during the trip. And rest assured, all our Operating partners are trained in crisis management.
- We always recommend travel insurance for extra peace of mind, whether you're traveling with Trova or solo. It can cover medical issues, lost luggage, or even cancellations.
We know it takes trust to book a trip with new people, and we're here to make sure you feel ready, supported, and excited!”
Can I book solo?
Absolutely! As of 2025, almost 84% of TrovaTrip Travelers go solo. (And yes, we may be a little biased, but we think group travel is one of the best ways to meet new people!) You'll have your own bed and the option to book a private room on most trips. Plus you'll be traveling with others who are just as excited to explore and connect.
What if I need to cancel?
We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while balancing the logistics of group travel:
- Spot pending – 100% refundable. Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.
- Spot confirmed with 91 or more days before your trip – Partially refundable + credit towards a future trip. You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment.
- Spot confirmed with 90 days or fewer before your trip – Non-refundable. At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.
After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
What's included in the trip cost?
Most trips include accommodations, daily activities, ground transportation, some meals, and a dedicated local Guide. Because Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Each trip page breaks it all down for you.
Does my Host make money from hosting?
TL;DR: Sometimes! Many Hosts earn income from leading trips, but not always.
Every trip on Trova is uniquely shaped by the Host. They choose the destination, curate the itinerary, and rally their community to come along for the adventure. It’s a big effort (and a rewarding one, or so we hear!).
A Host’s earnings depend on the trip price they set and how many Travelers join. Trova provides the tools, support, and platform—but ultimately, income isn’t guaranteed.
Will I have free time?
Yes! While we pack in incredible experiences, most itineraries include built-in free time so you can relax, wander, or check out personal must-sees.
What do the activity levels mean?
Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:
- Level 1 – Relax + Unwind: Minimal movement (spa days, beach lounging, local markets)
- Level 2 – Low-Key Movement: Light, easy-paced activity (snorkeling, boat tours, gentle hikes)
- Level 3 – Moderate Activity: Ready to move (multi-day hikes, skiing, camping)
- Level 4 – Get Your Heart Rate Up: More intense movement (long hikes, biking, active days)
- Level 5 – Extreme Adventure: High-adrenaline travel (challenging hikes, dives, technical climbs – experience may be required)
You'll find the Activity Level clearly listed on each trip page, and a more in-depth explanation of each level here.
Who can I contact with more questions?
Our support team is here to help! Visit trovatrip.com/company/contact-us to reach out. You can expect to hear back within 2 business days, but probably sooner—our Trova elves are pretty speedy!
Accommodations
What does "or similar" mean next to the accommodations?
When we say “or similar,” it means the hotel listed is an example of what you can expect—not always the exact spot you'll be staying. Sometimes Operators adjust accommodations due to seasonal availability or group size. But rest assured: the quality and comfort will match what's shown.
Why would the accommodations change from time of booking?
Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.
Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.
Trip Operations & Compliance
Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?
Your trip is operated by licensed, certified Tour Operators who manage all trip logistics and safety—from accommodations and local Guides and day-to-day logistics. All trips comply with local legal and regulatory standards. We vet each Operating partner carefully so you can travel with confidence.
Who do I talk to if I have questions about safety or compliance?
If you have any questions about safety protocols or trip compliance, reach out to us at safety@trovatrip.com. We're here to help.
General Travel Questions
Do I need any documentation to travel?
It depends on where you're headed. Though it is not a universal requirement, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This ensures Travelers have sufficient time to return home even if their visas are extended or if unexpected circumstances arise.
Some destinations may also require a visa. Check our visa page to consult your country's travel resources.
Do I need any vaccines?
It's always best to check with your healthcare provider or a travel doctor before your trip. You can also visit the CDC website (or your local government's travel health resource) for destination-specific vaccine guidance. Health and safety first!
Are flights included in the trip cost?
Because our Hosts and Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Some trips include internal flights (like a short domestic hop), and those details will always be listed on the trip page if applicable.
Can you accommodate my dietary needs?
We’ll do our very best! Our Operators aim to accommodate dietary restrictions, though availability varies by destination. For example, some places offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices, while others might be quite limited. The earlier you let us know—through your trip form or by contacting our support team—the better we can prepare. Once you arrive, be sure to remind your local Guide about any allergies or restrictions so they can help you enjoy your meals safely and comfortably.