PRIVATE SELF DRIVE TOUR: With the adventure capital Swakopmund, the wildlife of Etosha National Park, the stunning Sossusvlei dunes and the Himba Village at Kamanjab - this self drive holiday takes in the best of Namibia. Combine tremendous wildlife, culture and natural wonders on this exciting self drive tour of Namibia which includes car hire and accommodation and allows you to enjoy your own private Namibian adventure.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Windhoek
Upon arrival at Windhoek Hosea Kutako Airport collect your rental vehicle and drive to your hotel in Windhoek.
Windhoek is the bustling capital of Namibia, located in a picturesque valley bordered by the Eros Mountains and the Auas mountains. The influence of the German colonial rule is still evident in the city, which has a unique blend of colonial and modern architecture. The city centre can be easily navigated on foot and places of interest include the Namibia’s National Museum, the Ink Palace and historic Christ Church.
Overnight: Windhoek
Okonjima Game Reserve
Windhoek – Okonjima Game Reserve. After breakfast leave Windhoek and drive north to your first destination, Okonjima Game Reserve in the Otjozondjupa Region. Okonjima is nestled among the Omboroko Mountains and roughly translated means 'Place of the baboons'. In the afternoon you have the option to visit the Cheetah Project and learn more about these endangered animals.
Overnight: Okonjima | Breakfast, Dinner
Etosha NP
Okonjima Game Reserve - Etosha National Park. On day 3 travel on to Etosha which was Namibia’s first conservation area and is one of the world’s finest game parks, home to many rare and endangered species. The Etosha Pan dominates the park which is usually dry, but fills with water briefly in the summer months, attracting pelicans and flamingos in particular. Periannual springs attract a variety of game and birds throughout the year, including the endangered black rhino and the endemic black face impala.
Your accommodation is just outside Etosha National Park. You will be able to embark on optional game drives through the park hopefully spotting a variety of wildlife during your stay. The resorts also offer fabulous floodlit waterholes, which provide excellent game viewing at night.
Overnight: Etosha National Park | Breakfast x 3
Kamanjab
Etosha National Park - Omaruru. This morning bid farewell to the wild animals of Etosha and head to Kamanjab where you have the opportunity to visit a local Himba village to find out more about their traditions & lifestyle. Experience the milking ceremony and the smoke bath. Learn about their beliefs around the holy fire, ancestors, and herbal medicine. In the afternoon continue to Omaruru. A once famous mission statement with great historical significance is is now a hub for local arts and crafts.
Overnight: Omaruru | Breakfast
Swakopmund
Omaruru - Spitzkoppe - Swakopmund. On the morning of day 7 you'll continue to Spitzkoppe, an impressive group of granite mountains, with bold and exciting colours. You might wish to take a walk among the boulders at this point where you'll be able to view some of the ancient Bushmen paintings and engravings. Heading south west out of the dry interior of Namibia make your way down to the charming coastal town of Swakopmund, where you will have the opportunity to partake in a few of the many optional activities that are offered. Alternatively you can just soak up the atmosphere of this little German Town and enjoy its beauty and beaches.
Overnight: Swakopmund | Breakfast x 2
Sossusvlei
Swakopmund - Sossusvlei. An early morning start takes you from Swakopmund south through Walvis Bay on your way to the Namib Naukluft National Park, which is considered to be the oldest desert in the world. On the way there why not make a stop at the small settlement of Solitaire where you will have a chance to sample their world renowned Apple Crumble – only served without cream! That evening you have the opportunity to embark on a wild cat walk at the lodge.
The next morning it is advisable to wake up early in order to visit the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. At sunrise and sunset these dunes, which can reach heights of over 300m, are absolutely spectacular and provide for a fantastic photo opportunity. With luck, there may even be water in the vlei (lake). We also recommend a stop to view the Sesriem Canyon, which was carved millions of years ago by the Tsauchab River.
Overnight: Sesriem | Breakfast x 2
Return to Windhoek
Sossusvlei - Windhoek. Today you leave the desert behind you and travel back to Windhoek, through the beautiful countryside. Once you arrive the rest of the afternoon can be spent at leisure and dinner can be enjoyed in one of the many fabulous restaurants in the city.
Overnight: Windhoek | Breakfast
Windhoek
This morning after breakfast, drive to Windhoek International Airport to drop off your hire car in time for your departure flight.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
The 'Twin Share' price is per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single Room' price is applicable when a single room is required. Prices are based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. If travelling solo, an additional ‘1-person’ supplement will apply.
Read MoreHotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Vondelhof Guest House, Windhoek
Vondelhof Guesthouse is a small and informal retreat offering highly-personalised service. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and decorated with an African touch.
Okonjima Plains Camp, Okonjima
Set amidst plains and rolling hills, the Okonjima Plains Camp provides a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with tasteful accommodation and great photographic opportunities for the big cats in the area. The focal point of the Plains Camp is the large main area that houses a welcoming dining area and several sitting areas spread out over two levels. Known as 'the Barn' for its resemblance to a farm barn, it's the ideal place to meet fellow travellers and enjoy the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The spacious rooms are beautifully designed with splashes of colour and African artwork with woollen rugs and mats, large windows, ceiling fans and a private veranda.
Okaukuejo Resort, Etosha National Park
With a popular waterhole for game viewing and a range of luxury chalets and standard rooms Okaukuejo Resort is the perfect place for relaxing and game viewing. Guest rooms range from Bush Chalets to Premium Waterhole chalets (which overlook the animals' drinking place). Evenings are a great time to relax at the waterhole and watch the amazing wild life come down for their evening drinks - you could even take your own beverage and join in with the drinking. Okaukuejo is accessed from the southern entrance of the park and is about 17km in.
Omaruru Guest House, Omaruru
In the quaint town of Omaruru, the Omaruru Guest House offers comfortable accommodation and a friendly service. Guest rooms are stylish with hard wood flooring and excellent modern amenities. The guest house boast from a refreshing outdoor pool, on site restaurant and complimentary Wi-Fi. At the front of the property you can find the Bambu Wellness Boutique Spa - a perfect stop for some pampering when in the desert!
The Stiltz, Swakopmund
Unique in so many aspects, the Stiltz is one of Swakopmund's best properties. Each private wooden bungalow sits on stilts looking out towards the Atlantic Ocean or towards the beautiful sand dunes. The bungalows are comfortable and eco friendly and the resort has recently been awarded two flowers for environmental awareness. Being so close to the town of Swakopmund means guests can easily take advantage of all the town has to offer including all the adrenaline-pumping activities as well as the superb selection of restaurants and bars.
Sossus Dune Lodge, Sesriem
Built from wood, canvas and thatch in a rustic African village-style layout to blend with its environment, the Sossus Dune Lodge creates an evocative experience. Its location within the Namib-Naukluft National Park allows guests to reach the dunes before sunrise and again in the evening once the crowds have left. Each of the 25 chalets provides views either of the dunes or the surrounding mountains. Wooden walkways link each chalet with the main lodge. It's particularly pretty at night when illuminated with electric lights and lanterns. The lodge features an outdoor swimming pool with loungers and a large, light and airy restaurant and separate lounge and bar area.