Day 1: Windhoek (One night)

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable holiday experience! You’ve arrived, and now it’s time to begin your 19 days Namibia self drive Safari roadtrip. Consult with your Car rental 4×4 representative and proceed with the car rental orientation, and finalize all rental procedures.

Once you have receive your Namibia Self Drive Rental Car, you can enjoy the rest of the day driving to your camp. It’s time for dinner, and you can head into town. There are many excellent restaurants featuring delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere.

Exquisite Lodging: The Weinberg Windhoek

Standard Lodging: The Refined Guesthouse

Day 2: Kalahari (1 night)

A delightful breakfast followed by a smooth drive on paved roads will lead you to the striking red dunes of the Kalahari.

During the journey: Expect to drive for approximately 3 to 4 hours, so please proceed at a relaxed pace. Feel free to take a quick trip into town for some shopping before you leave Windhoek. It’s essential to pack some snacks and drinks for the journey, along with any other necessities you may require.

While you are there, your lodges provide picturesque drives, wildlife viewing experiences, and nature trails. The sunsets are truly magnificent and provide a perfect reason to enjoy a gin and tonic. The Bushman walk comes highly recommended.

Sunsets are truly magnificent. You’re beginning quite well.

Exquisite Lodging at Zebra Kalahari Lodge

Standard Accommodation at Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge

Day 3: Fish River Canyon (1 night)

Drive 500km south along paved and then gravel roads to reach the Fish River Canyon. Measuring 160km in length, 27km in width, and reaching depths of 550m, it stands as one of the major canyons in the world. The drive is longer, yet it offers beautiful scenery, so take pleasure in the journey.

En route: Brukkaros, an extinct volcanic crater, is located along a picturesque ring road; the Quivertree Forest offers a brief diversion just prior to reaching Keetmanshoop. Be sure to explore Giant’s playground as well; if you’ve been there, you’ll understand the origin of its name.

While you’re there: Enjoy guided excursions to the Fish River Canyon, take scenic flights over the canyon, explore hiking trails, ride along horse trails, embark on scenic drives, engage in game viewing, and savor epic sundowners!

Exquisite Lodging Fish River Lodge

Standard Accommodation Canyon Roadhouse

Days 4 and 5: Luderitz (2 nights)

The journey to Aus, located in the south-eastern corner of the Namib-Naukluft Park, consists of a mix of paved and well-maintained gravel roads. Make sure to arrive punctually for a revitalizing lunch and keep an eye out for the desert horses near Aus. Next, proceed further west to the coast and discover the small but remarkably intriguing mining town of Luderitz.

En route: Make a stop at the northern viewpoint to capture a stunning early-morning photograph of the canyon; the journey covers the shift from the Kalahari to the Namib Desert.

When you arrive: Unique excursions into the Southern Namib-Naukluft Park to observe the wild horses; trekking paths; picturesque routes. On your second day, make sure to visit Luderitz: Kolmanskop ghost town, Diaz Point, a boat trip to Halifax Island, Bogenfels rock arch, bird watching, and coastal and historical tours.

Exquisite Lodging Luderitz Nest Hotel

Standard Accommodation Alte Villa Boutique Guest House

Days 6 and 7: Sossusvlei (2 nights)

The drive to Sossusvlei, flanked by the Namib-Naulkluft Park on the left and several striking mountain ranges on the right, stands out as one of the most remarkable desert journeys in the country. Your journey will be scenic and stunning for the majority of the day.

En route: Armchair-sized nests of sociable weavers; wildlife adapted to the desert features gemsbok, springbok, and wild ostrich; striking desert landscapes; Duiwseb Castle offers an intriguing diversion close to Maltahöhe.

When you arrive: Arrive at Sossusvlei (near Sesriem) at sunrise, and be sure to bring ample film or memory, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and water. Discover the towering dunes of the planet’s most ancient desert. A protected area featuring ancient, petrified trees that have stood for centuries; ascend the dunes and gaze out over an expansive sea of sand. Explore Dead Vlei, Dune 45, Elim Dune, and Sesriem Canyon. A day spent wisely.

Exquisite Lodging: Namib Outpost

Standard Accommodation: Desert Quiver Camp

Days 8 and 9: Swakopmund (2 nights)

A five-hour drive north to Swakopmund and Walvis Bay offers a journey through some of the most picturesque passes, featuring breathtaking viewpoints along the way. Traversing the Gaub Pass. Venture across the Tropic of Capricorn and behold the magnificence of the Kuiseb Canyon. Continue onward. Continue onward. Across vast, uninhabited terrains, the fog emerges on the horizon, marking your arrival at the Skeleton Coast.

Solitaire makes for a worthwhile stop, located roughly 80km from Sesriem. Get some snacks and a refreshing drink to recharge (always take the opportunity to recharge whenever possible). Keep an eye out for oryx, springbok, ostrich, and the unique Hartmann’s mountain zebra as you journey along. Take a detour if you want to witness some of the oldest plants on the planet, the magnificent giant welwitschias.

When you arrive: This is the center of activities in Namibia. There are many activities and sights to explore. Lengthen your visit to engage in additional activities and make the most of your time. Here is a list for you to consider the various options available (there are many): Activities in Swakopmund. Enjoy scenic flights, kayaking, quad biking over the dunes in an ATV, or take a trip to Sandwich Harbour. Reserve a few or reserve them all. They are all truly remarkable.

Exquisite Lodging: Strand Hotel

Standard Accommodation: Swakopmund Luxury Suites

Day 10: Damaraland (1 night)

Today, you depart from the refreshing coast and drive inland to Damaraland. A tough, unforgiving, and predominantly warm and arid locale. Rugged rock formations, expansive valley landscapes, and temporary river channels. This location is home to the desert-adapted elephants and various other wildlife. Culture exists as well. Engage with the community.

Travel along the Skeleton Coast to Cape Cross to witness the largest breeding colony of cape fur seals in the world. The journey back to Henties Bay precedes an inland trek, leaving the waves behind in a cloud of dust. If you prefer, you might consider taking the route along the coast. Make a few stops at shipwrecks along your journey before proceeding inland through the Springbok Water gate. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to settle in or explore some of the highlights of the Twyfelfontein area this afternoon.

We recommend visiting during the early morning or late afternoon when the temperatures are more pleasant. The temperatures rise significantly in this region. Extremely warm during the midday hours.

When you arrive: Searches for the desert-adapted elephants are conducted in the mornings. Consider venturing out on your own, or even better, participate in a guided tour led by a lodge guide. They are familiar with the area and know where to locate them, which is best accomplished by staying for two nights in the region. Take the opportunity to delve deeper into the local attractions, such as the Twyfelfontein rock paintings, Burnt Mountain, and Organ Pipes. Encounter the local Damara community at the open-air living museum.

Exquisite Lodging Mowani Mountain Camp

Standard Accommodation Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp

Day 11: Kaokoland (1 night)

This morning allows for a brief early activity before heading further north to Kaokoland and the dusty town of Opuwo.

When you’re there: This is an overnight stop on the way to Epupa Falls. Take the opportunity to unwind by the pool or embark on an excursion to a nearby Himba village, ideally in the late afternoon or early morning when daily activities are in full swing.

Opuwo Country Hotel: Luxury and Standard Accommodation

Days 12 and 13: Kaokoland (2 nights)

Today, you will drive to the northern border of Namibia, where your lodge awaits at Epupa Falls. Observe the transformation of the arid desert into a vibrant riverine landscape along the Kunene River.

Engage with more Himba villagers and explore their intriguing traditions; enjoy picturesque drives through Kaokoland; embark on hikes; partake in birdwatching and game viewing; take excursions to the Kunene River, visiting Himba villages along the route.

During the journey, there isn’t a great deal to engage with along the route. Observe the evolving environment. Upon arrival, take some time to settle in and relish the afternoon as you explore the falls. A sundowner is essential.

While you are there, engage with the local Himba people as you discover the villages. It is advisable to do this with guidance (please inquire at the lodge). Explore their intriguing methods. Embark on a picturesque drive, discover the beauty of Epupa Falls, and trek along the riverbanks. This location is exceptional for observing birds. Grab your bird book and a set of binoculars.

Exquisite Lodging: Omarunga Epupa-Falls Camp

Standard Accommodation: Epupa Camp & Campsite

Day 14: Etosha National Park – West (1 night)

Today, you will drive to the south once more, retracing the same path that brought you here, as you head towards the western edge of Etosha National Park.

The journey: A rather unremarkable drive. This day is truly designed to guide you toward your next destination. Welcome to Etosha National Park. Prepare yourself for an extraordinary safari filled with remarkable sightings.

When you arrive: The private reserves nearby provide a comparable opportunity to observe wildlife that you might encounter within the park. Etosha boasts a remarkable array of wildlife, featuring an estimated 250 lions, 300 rhinos, 2,500 giraffes, 6,000 zebras, 20,000 springbok, and 2,000 elephants. The combination of numerous lesser and common plains herds, along with an abundance of birds, makes game viewing in Etosha truly exceptional.

Luxury Lodging: Dolomite Camp

Standard Accommodation: Hobatere Lodge

Day 15: Etosha National Park – South (1 night)

Your day is spent wandering through the park, journeying from the western entrance gate to the southern entrance gate. Make sure to pause at waterholes during your journey. Feel free to proceed at your own pace. Relish the wilderness. Observe the animals as they arrive and depart.

While you’re there, your lodge will provide guided game drives into Etosha Park or on the private reserve, in case you haven’t satisfied your desire for game viewing for the day. Whoever has sufficient opportunities for game viewing? Particularly not when it’s this excellent!

Exquisite Lodging Ongava Lodge

Standard Accommodation Etosha Village

Days 16 and 17: Etosha National Park – East (2 nights)

Another day’s drive takes you across the park from the southern Anderson Gate to the Von Lindequist Gate on the eastern side of Etosha Park. Joy. This is the pinnacle of game viewing. At this point, you’ve experienced a significant portion of the park, and there’s still plenty left to discover.

On the way: Keep an eye out for animals along the road or take a moment to stop at the waterholes to capture some photographs. Today’s excursion is your game drive activity. Relax and take your time. Delight in the rich wildlife and the plentiful variety of birds.

While you are there, your lodge will provide guided game drives in open safari vehicles within Etosha Park, along with guided walks and tracking activities if you are on a private reserve adjacent to the park. Consider asking about a bush dinner to add some variety and enjoy a meal under the stars, enveloped by the beauty of nature.

Exquisite Lodging Mushara Outpost

Standard Accommodation at Onguma Bush Camp

Day 18: Central Namibia (1 night)

Departing from Etosha, you will make your way to the private Okonjima Reserve and The AfriCat Foundation, or alternatively, to the oldest game reserve in Namibia. An experience in wildlife and wilderness that stands apart from the recent days spent in Etosha. This facility is dedicated to rehabilitation.

En route: A final drive in Etosha, perfect for those who haven’t yet satisfied their curiosity or wish to discover what remains unseen. The wild holds a captivating allure. One can never be certain. The journey proceeds through Tsumeb, Otavi, and Otjiwarongo to the Omboroko Mountains, where the reserve is located. You may choose to take a detour to visit the Ghaub Cave and Hoba Meteorite. Arrive at Okonjima or Otjiwa in the early afternoon to savor tea time and partake in an afternoon activity.

When you’re there: The Waterberg Plateau Park offers several excellent hiking trails, where the wildlife, birdlife, and scenery create an enjoyable hiking experience. At Okonjima and Otjiwa, there are numerous activities available to engage in. Maximize your time here, as it’s just a brief one-night stay.

Two scheduled camp activities are included for guests staying at Okonjima. Upon arrival, engage in a discussion regarding the activity schedule and available options with the lodge.

Opulent Lodging Okonjima Opulent Bush Camp

Standard Accommodation Otjiwa Safari Lodge

Day 19: Windhoek

Departure / Conclusion of Tour

The journey to Windhoek is brief and pleasant along well-maintained roads. The journey is expected to last around three to four hours, allowing you ample time for an early wildlife activity and a relaxed breakfast.

En route: Traditional craft markets in Okahandja. This market features the largest collection of local wood carvers.

Be mindful of the timing of your departure flight. Please ensure you arrive at the airport two hours before your departure, as the transfer from Windhoek takes approximately one hour. Return the vehicle (ensure you allocate sufficient time for this) and then proceed to the airport as your tour concludes.