Footprints in Namibia Self–Drive

10 Day Self Drive Safari

Safari Description:

A concise self–drive safari visiting many of the highlights of Namibia including mesmerizing and seemingly empty tracts of deserts, Swakopmund town and coastal area – home to shipwrecks, barren landscapes and enormous seal colonies. Travel inland to rugged Damaraland and incredible Etosha National Park for premier game viewing before a final night at Okonjima and the chance to see cheetah or leopard. This all–round tour is offered in both camping or mid–range accommodation options and can be tailored to suit you –ideal for those who enjoy being on the move.

Safari Highlights:

Namib–Naukluft Park – Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei, climb Dune 45,Sesriem, Swakopmund for optional activities; Damaraland for Twyfelfontein; Etosha National Park – Namibia’s premier game park; Okonjima – Home of the AfriCat Foundation.

Main Attractions:

Namibia: Etosha Park, Sossusvlei, Damaraland, Swakopmund, Africat

Map & Short Itinerary:

Camping

Day 1&2 Sesriem Campsite for Sossusvlei
Day 3 A La Mer Hotel Swakopmund
Day 4&5 Ai–Aiba Rock Painting Lodge. Erongo Mountains
Day 6 Mowani Campsite
Day 7&8 Etosha Safari Campsite Etosha National Park
Day 9 Okonjima Campsite & AfriCat Foundation
Day 10  Return to Windhoek

Map & Itinerary
Accommodated

Day 1&2 Namib Desert Lodge
Day 3 Cornerstone Guesthouse
Day 4&5 Ai-Aiba Rock Painting Lodge
Day 6 Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
Day 7&8 Etosha Safari Lodge
Day 9 Okonjima Plains Camp & AfriCat Foundation
Day 10 Return to Windhoek

Map & Itinerary
Length 10 days
Safari Type Self Drive Safari
Price From NAD 29440
Countries Namibia
Accommodation Accommodation, Camping
Group Size Minimum 1 people
Single Supplement Yes
Please Note Subject to availability of accommodation
Departures On Request

Comfort Level:

How we rate comfort
Accommodation Comfort2 Star3 Star
Camping Comfort1 Star
Enquire Now

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1&2 Sossusvlei area

Upon your arrival in Windhoek collect your vehicle and drive 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. Your beautiful accommodation awaits you at Namib Deset Lodge in the Sesriem area. Spend the next 2 days exploring the beauty of the red sand Dunes and Deadvlei valley.

Day 3 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 4–5 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 6 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 7–8 Etosha Safari Lodge, 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 9 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 10 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.

How we rate our safaris

Namibia, Botswana and some other African destinations do not have a set star system that is familiar worldwide to many countries, however, as this is widely used, we have tried to replicate this format to give you an idea of the level of comfort during your safari. For example, a mobile camping tour in Namibia is given 1* and luxury accommodation increasing to 5*. Depending on your tour, there may be a bit of a mix of levels of comfort so please check if you are not sure.

1* or 1–2* Rated Safaris – Camping tours:

These are generally scheduled/small group or self–drive safaris (though a private–guided safari can also fall into this category if you wish to camp); the scheduled trips generally involve client participation where you may be expected to put up/take down your tent and assist with camp chores, dome tents and a ground mattress is supplied. For self–drive options this will often mean roof tents on the vehicle and all camping equipment. There may be the occasional night in simple accommodation but majority of nights are spent camping and most camp sites will have shared ablution facilities. If there is a good mix of both camping and accommodation, this may be rated at 1&2*. These are the most basic level of safaris offered and scheduled safari group sizes vary according to the trip and company – 1* tours are the most affordable option and geared for adventurous travellers who do not mind a bit of discomfort.

Accommodated Safaris

Standard/Mid–range safaris 2–3.5*

Standard accommodation style trips generally have no camping included (though on occasion with a specific activity such as a Delta or Serengeti excursion, or perhaps hiking, a couple of nights may be included). As a general rule this is not the case. With most small group/scheduled tours accommodation is generally 2/3* level – clean and affordable but generally without too many frills; rooms will have en–suite facilities, most will offer air con/fans in the rooms, swimming pools etc (not guaranteed), restaurant/bar facilities, though location can be a little further away from main place of interest this option offers excellent value for money for those seeking a bed each night! We try to indicate on each trip the level of comfort for the particular tour

Superior/Luxury Safaris 3.5–5*

A superior style of accommodation. Most lodges at this level will have air–conditioning or fans in the room though some accommodation establishments are technically “camps” as they may be partially build of canvas – these “camps” are permanent fixtures, generally built on a platform, and will have full and comfortable facilities – the occasional trip may have a more basic night or two involved depending on location to ensure clients can fully appreciate the region they are experiencing. Service is generally very good and most places (outside of towns/cities) will have just a few rooms/chalets. Tours in this bracket include very small group safaris (up to 8 clients), self–drive and private–guided options which are tailored to suit you. The luxury options offer a high standard of accommodation, facilities and service in the region with attention to detail – some “camps” /lodges will have private guides and vehicles, but all accommodation is the best available with personalized service and a quality or unique experience perhaps unavailable elsewhere or in a more moderate price bracket. Tours include fly–in safaris, self–drive and private–guided options.

Please note: this is a guideline only and each destination can vary – some areas in Southern Africa do not always have 5* accommodation (there are limited hotels outside of cities that have the same * grading accommodation) but will be best in the area, have limited volume of rooms and some of the best locations and experiences for clients that is outside of the normal “tourist/travel” route. This can include exclusive conservation regions and emphasis is place on clients having a unique experience rather than offering hairdresser type of facilities that may be found is hotels in cities in other countries. Please also remember that some of these locations can be remote so wifi may not always be available, nor a huge menu range.

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Contact Information

Tel: +264 61 309387
Email: info@chameleon-holidays.com

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday
08.00 – 17.00
Saturday
08.00 – 13.00
Sunday & Public Holidays
Closed

Address

7 Voigt St,  Windhoek