Complete Namibia Self–Drive

Day 1 Windhoek

Upon your arrival at Windhoek, perhaps wander around the city or join a sunset horse ride, this afternoon or tomorrow morning you will meet tour consultant who will go through your trip and answer any last–minute questions you may have.

Day 2 Kalahari

Depart after breakfast and head south onto Kalahari Basin, where you’ll find gently rolling hills of dune, grassy valleys, trees and shrubs. Not a true desert today, but an ancient desert of deep sand and fossil rivers. Look out for animals adapted to the harsh climate including oryx, springbok, giraffe along with the largest flightless bird, the ostrich

Day 3 Fish River Canyon

Continue your drive south to Fish River Canyon, to the privately owned Gondwana Canyon Park and located 20kms from the main viewpoint of the amazing Fish River Canyon. The canyon is regarded as one of the largest in the world evolved over millions of years, in fact there’s a canyon within a canyon. Enjoy walking along the rim and gazing at the awe–inspiring views of this spectacular chasm and stunningly rugged scenery. Optional activities include nature drives, guided walks and sundowner drives.

Day 4–5 Klein–Aus Vista, Aus for Luderitz & Kolmanskop

Onward to one of the best kept secrets of Namibia – Klein Aus, a truly beautiful spot, situated on the edge of the desert with endless views of open plains and mountains. Take a day trip to the seemingly sleepy and colonial–style town of Luderitz, check out the penguins at the coast and explore Kolmanskop Ghost Town a relic of days past when diamonds were picked up from the ground and traded. Nowadays, many of the buildings have been partially buried in sand, but a charm remains and guided tours available it’s fantastic for photography enthusiasts

Day 6–7 Sossusvlei area

Enjoy stunning landscapes as you drive further north and take advantage of a sundowner spot. The following day rise early as the sun lights up the sky and the shadows on the dunes change from deep orange to pastel shades, venture into the famous Sossusvlei dunes, wander around on foot, climb to the top of one to reveal an endless sea of sand and enjoy this remarkable and unique area – it’s no wonder this is one of Namibia’s highlights and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Perhaps treat yourself to a hot–air balloon flight first thing in the morning for a completely different perspective.

Day 8–9 Swakopmund

Drive through the desert to Swakopmund today, there is time to join optional activities on offer such as a marine cruise, a highly recommended day trip to Sandwich Harbour or a scenic flight over the dunes and coastline where you will see dunes falling into the ocean, a shipwreck 200m inland and the dunes of Sossusvlei region. There are plenty of colonial–era buildings to photograph, along with plenty of cafes and restaurants and curio shops to buy gifts for friends and family.

Day 10 Twyfelfontein, Damaraland

Drive north along the barren Skeleton Coast, stop at shipwreck just south of Henties Bay before continuing along the coastline to visit the Cape Cross seal colony – a huge colony of over 100,000 seals congregate here during breeding season. At Twyfelfontein, visit ancient Bushman rock art, and enjoy rock formations and prehistoric volcanic action can be seen in the Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain, among the most prominent geographic features.

Day 11–12, Kunene/ North Damaraland

In the morning drive to Khowarib situated on the “border” of former Kaokoland now known as Kunene, and northern Damaraland. The route leads you through wilderness area to the Khowarib Schulcht (Gorge), in a remote region of the country and the lodge is located close to a dry riverbed overlooked by cliffs. Activities include rhino or elephant tracking, community visits, nature drive, nature walk or birding trip making it perfect to explore in this dramatic environment

Day 11–12, Hoanib Valley Camp Kunene/ North Damaraland – luxury

In the morning drive to the beautiful Hoanib Valley Camp and the stunning landscapes in northern Damaraland. The route leads you through wilderness to enjoy immersive activities include rhino tracking, community visits, nature drive, nature walk or birding trip making it perfect to explore in this dramatic environment

Day 13–14 Epupa Falls, Kunene

Continue north to Epupa, located on the Kunene River which forms the border with Angola. In the afternoon perhaps join a guided walk to Epupa Falls, ending the day on one of the hills overlooking the Falls with a sundowner in hand, as the surrounding desert and landscape explodes in colours and fascinating shadows. The following day, there is time to visit one of the small Himba villages in the region to learn how these nomadic people live and work.

Day 15 Ongula Village Homestead Lodge, Owamboland

Ongula Village Homestead is located in the densely populated Owamboland region where you have the opportunity to experience authentic village life at an Owambo homestead. Here, there is an abundance of people, unlike the rest of the country this is a densely populated region. People, livestock, shebeens (bar) and markets are everywhere, seemingly all existing harmoniously in unplanned chaos. Join a homestead tour and learn about some of the local life

Day 16 Etosha National Park

Onwards to Etosha, one of the best game reserves in Southern Africa and home to many species of game including lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, hyena, giraffe, and many types of antelope including the endemic black–faced impala. Enter from the north of the park at the little–used King Nehale Gate and game drive in the east aspect via the Andoni Plains. Recommend driving around Fischers Pan where during the rainy season flamingos flock in their thousands to breed.

Day 17 Etosha National Park

Perhaps today game drive to Halali in the central region, stopping at Etosha Pan viewpoint to appreciate the endless vistas and shimmering mirages – it’s one of the places where you can get out of your vehicle and wander around! Until around 3m years ago it formed part of a huge lake and over the years shrank to a complex of salt pans, if it were still to be a lake it would be the third largest in the world!

Day 18 Etosha National Park

Enjoy more game driving today – drive further west towards Okaukuejo, the main rest camp within the park and where the research centre is based. Take time to stop at Okaukuejo waterhole and tick off any last sightings. Depart the park in the afternoon, tonight is just outside the park.

Day 19 Okonjima Nature Reserve

Head south to Okonjima, home of the AfiCat Foundation, where you overnight and have the chance to learn about predator conservation in Namibia and in particular about endangered cheetah.

Day 20 Departure

Return to Windhoek, perhaps stop at Okahandja craft market where you can barter for African wooden crafts before continuing to the city to drop off your vehicle and take your onward connecting flight back home.