Duration
13 days
Tour Type
Self Drive Safari
Overview
Embark on a thrilling 13-day camping adventure across Namibia, designed for independent self-drive enthusiasts seeking to explore the country’s stunning landscapes and wildlife at their own pace. Begin in the vast Kalahari Desert, where the unique desert environment and wildlife offer perfect photo opportunities. Continue to the iconic Sossusvlei, where you’ll camp among the towering dunes. Explore the coastal charm of Swakopmund, and venture into Damaraland to see the ancient rock engravings at Twyfelfontein. Experience the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park, where you can camp under the stars by the waterholes. End your adventure in Central Namibia at Otjiwa Safari Lodge, offering a peaceful retreat. This self-drive camping itinerary is perfect for those seeking an immersive, hands-on safari experience in Namibia’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes.
Included/Exclude
- Accommodation/ Campsites – subject to availability
- Meals as mentioned
- Activities as mentioned
- 4×4 Car Hire (GPS, unlimited mileage, tyre & windscreen insurance, 2nd spare tyre)
- Full camping equipment including roof-top tents
- Return airport transfers
- Travel package & digital travel documents
- Meet & greet on arrival
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Tips
- International air (to and from Africa)
- Air transportation, accommodation, meals & drinks not specified
- Tips / gratuities at all meals, lodge staff, drivers, pilots, guides, rangers & trackers etc.
- Personal items such as beverages, laundry, telephone calls, room service – unless specified as included
- Day use of room on arrival and departure from all properties. Generally, check-in is from 14h00/15h00 and check-out is by 10h00/11h00
- Visas
- Porterage throughout
- Travel insurance – medical, emergency evacuation, cancellation, delays, loss of goods etc.
Tour Plan
Day 1 To Day 2 - Windhoek
Situated in Central Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek serves as the capital of the country. It is home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation options. The city is clean, safe and well-organised, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste an old fort, the 1896 Christuskirche Christ Church, and the more contemporary Supreme Court.
Day 2 To Day 3 - Kalahari Namibia
Spreading across Botswana, South Africa and Namibia, the Kalahari meaning ‘the great thirst’ is an exceptionally beautiful living desert. The landscape is characterised by a large semi-arid sandy savannah draped over a gently rolling inland sea of sand covering most of Botswana and large parts of Namibia and South Africa. It is also the last bastion of the indigenous San people with the modern world having enveloped all the other areas they once roamed. The Namibian portion is made up of red sands covered in thin, wispy, mostly golden grass and dotted with acacia trees and wide-ranging wildlife including gemsbok, impala, jackals and cheetah.
Day 3 To Day 5 - Sossusvlei
Located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red dunes to make this one of the most scenic natural wonders of Africa and a photographer’s heaven. This awe-inspiring destination is possibly Namibia’s premier attraction, with its unique dunes rising to almost 400 metres – making them some of the highest in the world. These iconic dunes come alive in morning and evening light and draw photography enthusiasts from around the globe. Sossusvlei is home to a variety of desert wildlife including oryx, springbok, ostrich and a variety of reptiles. Visitors can climb ‘Big Daddy’, one of Sossusvlei’s tallest dunes; explore Deadvlei, a white, salt, claypan dotted with ancient trees; or for the more extravagant, scenic flights and hot air ballooning are on offer, followed by a once-in-a-lifetime champagne breakfast amidst these majestic dunes.
Day 5 to Day 7 - Swakopmund
Set along Namibia’s spectacularly scenic coast, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide-open avenues, colonial architecture, and its surrounding otherworldly desert terrain. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South-West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort town, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, adventure options, laid-back atmosphere and cool sea breeze make it a very popular Namibian destination. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities including: quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing and fascinating desert tours.
Day 7 To Day 9 - Damaraland
This vast desert landscape is known as one of the most beautiful regions in Namibia. Huge, untamed and ruggedly beautiful, Damaraland is an exceptionally scenic landscape featuring open plains, ancient valleys and spectacular rock formations. The major attractions are the sacred Spitzkoppe, the Brandberg, Twyfelfontein, Vingerklip and the otherworldly Petrified Forest. Visitors can take in the dramatic vistas, catch a glimpse of the rare desert-adapted elephant, and enjoy spectacular stargazing in crystal-clear night skies from one of the many safari camps dotting Damaraland. Other popular activities include: guided drives, nature walks and visiting the local communities. Don’t miss the opportunity to view Damaraland’s world-famous ancient rock art.
Day 9 - 10 - Etosha South
Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. The area is comprised of a collection of world class private game reserves. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a multitude of plains game. Popular activities include: enjoying an open 4×4 safari with an expert guide, half day or full day drives with the option of a picnic lunch with wine on the full day game drive.
Day 10 To Day 12 - Onguma Nature Reserve
Situated east of Etosha, bordering Fisher’s Pan, Onguma Game Reserve is one of Namibia’s best-kept secrets. The reserve offers visitors the opportunity to experience Africa in all her beauty and diversity. Onguma Game Reserve features over 34000 hectares of protected land scattered with a variety of wildlife including plains game, black rhino, kudu, giraffe, zebra, lion, cheetah, leopard and more than 300 bird species. The seasonal rains attract thousands of migrating birds to the Fisher’s Pan wetland area. The neighbouring Etosha National Park is home to a rich array of wildlife, including four of the Big 5. Visitors can enjoy game drives, guided walks and rhino research drives within the private reserve as well as wildlife safaris into Etosha National Park to view abundant game in the largest national park in Namibia.
Day 12 To Day 13 - Waterberg Region
Situated just south of the renowned Etosha National Park, the Waterberg Region encompasses the magnificent Waterberg Plateau National Park and the farming districts from Outjo and Otjiwarongo in the west, to Grootfontein and Tsumeb in the east. Tranquil, vast, and breathtakingly beautiful, the Waterberg region is known for its natural attractions including undulating bushveld hills, deep gorges, clear streams, and magnificent mountains. The area features many game reserves which are home to an array of wildlife including the endangered roan and sable antelopes, rhino, blue wildebeests, Cape vulture and much more. Visitors can look forward to hiking through spectacular landscapes, jumping on a safari to the Waterberg Plateau and immerse themselves in the local Herero culture.
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