Footprints in Namibia Self–Drive

Day 1 Windhoek

Upon your arrival in Windhoek collect your vehicle and drive to your accommodation, here you will meet one of our tour consultants’ who will go through your travel plans and answer any last–minute questions. Perhaps explore the city centre, relax by the pool or join an optional township tour, horse ride, or even head out for a birding trip.

Day 2 Sossusvlei area

Leaving the capital city behind, today’s journey takes you towards the Namib Naukluft Desert crossing the Khomas Hochland range of rolling hills made from sparkling schist and dropping to the gravel plains along with granite and basalt mountains. This national park covers almost 50,000sq km and one of the largest conservation areas in Africa and from your base take advantage of a sundowner spot

Day 3 Sossusvlei area

An early morning start is best, the temperature is cool and lighting at its best as you drive beside the ancient Tsauchab River watching the shadow transform to perfectly–sculpted sand dunes. Explore on foot – perhaps climb to the top of Big Daddy adjacent to Dead Vlei, where from the top dunes stretch for as far as the eyes can see, then run down the slip face into Dead Vlei’s famous white pan, skeletal dead trees and backdrop of a beautiful blue sky. For those less energetic, there is plenty to experience watch out for desert–adapted animals such as springbok, oryx and ostrich often found resting under the shade of huge camel–thorn acacias.

Day 4 Swakopmund

Drive to Swakopmund, heading across the Gaub and Kuiseb passes towards Walvis Bay, it’s worth a stop at the lagoon a RAMSAR protected wetland site, home to many different aquatic birds such as flamingo, pelicans, cormorant, avocets, and the endemic Damara tern. Swakopmund is the adventure capital of Namibia and there are plenty of optional activities to experience such as an afternoon scenic flight over the dunes of Sossusvlei, along to the coast to see shipwrecks, old diamond mines, dunes falling into the ocean as well as seal colonies, before returning to your start point. For the adventurous, sand–board, quad–bike, sky–dive or join a marine cruise. Alternatively, wander around town to see the colonial–era architecture, enjoy coffee and cake and walk along the beach or seaside promenade.

Day 5–6 Erongo Mountains

Today drive north along the Skeleton Coast stopping to view a shipwreck just south of Henties Bay and easily seen from the beach; continue to Cape Cross Seal Colony, where thousands of seals, and one of the largest colonies of Southern Africa, congregate on the beach– it’s loud and smelly! Turn inland to Erongo where you’ll spend 2nights amongst the granite kopjies – visit a San Living Museum and learn about some of the traditional ways of life of the Bushman people. There are also plenty of walks to take part in, rock art to view and natures drives all add to your choice of activities.

Day 7 Damaraland

Visit nearby Twyfelfointein rock etchings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of ancient Bushman creations, meet some of the locals at Damara Living Museum or visit the Petrified Forest where over millions of years trees have been frozen in time and is the largest accumulation in southern Africa. The semi–desert barren landscapes of Damaraland are spectacular

Day 8–9 Okaukuejo and/or Halali Rest Camp, Etosha National Park

Onward to Etosha National Park, this 22,240km sq park is around the size of Wales and home to an incredible number of animals, search for some of the 114–mammal species including lion, leopard, hyena, elephant, endangered rhinos as well as plenty of antelope such as springbok, wildebeest, eland and zebra. Enjoy game drives watching the animals come in to quench their thirst at the waterholes and observe their individual behaviour whether they are running to the water or keeping a close eye out for predators. Birdlife is also prolific with 340 species including a range of raptors along with migrating and breeding flocks of flamingos and endangered blue crane finding refuge in the rainy season.

Day 10 Okonjima Nature Reserve

Head south to Okonjima, home of the AfriCat Foundation, one of Namibia’s premier private reserves and the chance to see predators such as leopard or cheetah at close quarters. Considered one of the top destinations in Namibia, this rarely disappoints

Day 11 Departure

If time permits, perhaps join a further activity (own expense) then return to Windhoek, you may wish to stop at Okahandja for some last–minute souvenir shopping at the craft markets where you can barter some gifts before returning to Windhoek International Airport and connect with your onward flight back home.