Hosea Kutako International Airport to Kalahari
Upon your arrival, you will be met by our company representative at the airport and the car rental company representative. You will be transferred to their offices in Windhoek to complete all the rental procedures. Once done, we'll arrange for you to meet with our meet-and-greet representative to hand over your travel documents and travel package, including your map.
You'll then start your Namibian adventure with an easy 300-kilometer drive, the majority of which is on a good tarred road to Kalahari Anib Lodge. All meals are on your own account. In the afternoon, you'll spend the afternoon on a nature drive with the lodge's local guide.
- Main Destination:
- Kalahari Region
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Kalahari to Fish River Canyon
The trip continues further into the south of Namibia. You will encounter an amazing natural phenomenon: the Fish River Canyon. About 650 million years ago, plate movements formed a lowered area along which the ancient Fish River could flow and eventually erode a flat plain, which is today's start of the canyon. Where the surface suddenly comes to an abrupt end, the ground drops for a vertiginous 500 meters. From several viewpoints, you will have spectacular views over the canyon.
The afternoon can be spent on a canyon drive with the lodge to have nice pictures of the sunset.
- Main Destination:
- Fish River Canyon (|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld TP)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Fish River Canyon to Aus
After you pack up your camp, you continue to Klein Aus Vista Campsite at Desert Horse Inn, where you can see some desert-adapted horses. The Germans are believed to have left them here during the First World War. Here, you will find several hiking trails, which you can explore at your own leisure.
- Main Destination:
- Aus (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Aus to Sossusvlei
After breakfast, you pack up, depart the camp and drive along the Namib Desert to Sesriem. With its red dunes distinguished from each other by sharp lines, an eye-blinding white salt pan and scorched black trees, Sossusvlei is probably the most well-known image of Namibia and cannot be missed on any trip. The shapes and contrasting colors make it almost seem surreal. Climb some of the world's highest dunes for the most spectacular sunrise and sunset, a feast for the eye! This part of the Namib-Naukluft Park is called the “Namib Sand Sea”; as far as you can see, there are dunes of red sand.
After arrival at the Sesriem Campsite, the rest of the afternoon can be spent at leisure. This gives you the opportunity to visit Sesriem Canyon (at your own expense).
- Main Destination:
- Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Sossusvlei
If you are an early bird and are fascinated by the idea of being at Sossusvlei for sunrise, speak with the park staff to find out what time the gate opens (normally about an hour before sunrise). Head out towards the dunes as early as you can. For those more inclined to sleep in and less fussy about having to be in the dunes for sunrise, try to get an early start, as the dunes are best experienced before the sun reaches its zenith.
Park at the 2x4 car park (unless you have a 4x4 vehicle, this is as far as you can drive). Sossusvlei is a further 4 kilometers from here, but you are already amongst fairly large dunes.
When you have had enough sand, head back to your vehicle (there really is no shame in taking the shuttle back - the sand is likely to be hot, and the walk less pleasant than the one in the cool of the morning). This afternoon, you can relax around the campsite pool before heading to the nearby Sesriem Canyon.
- Main Destination:
- Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Sossusvlei to Swakopmund
The fascinating drive today takes you northwest through the awesome and ever-changing desert landscapes of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, including the impressive Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons. Stop in Solitaire to refuel. The bakery here is very good.
As the weather in Swakopmund can be a bit damp (or very windy and hot), we think it is best not to camp here. Instead, we chose a guest house that offers good value for money. On arrival, check into your accommodation before heading out for a drink, dinner and a night in the town.
- Main Destination:
- Swakopmund (City)
- Accommodation:
- Alte Brücke Resort
- Meals & Drinks:
Swakopmund
After breakfast, you head on the road to Walvis Bay, where you are going to take part in one of the famous activities, the Sandwich Harbour Tour, which is offered at the coast. The activity starts at 08h15, meaning that you need to be at the waterfront at 08h00. You return to the waterfront at 12h30. You return to Swakopmund. The rest of the afternoon can be spent on different activities that Swakopmund offers. These range from quad biking to sky diving. No other activities are included in this package apart from the Sandwich Harbour Tour, but it can be pre-arranged when you book this itinerary or left for you to arrange on arrival in Swakopmund.
- Main Destination:
- Swakopmund (City)
- Accommodation:
- Alte Brücke Resort
- Meals & Drinks:
Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe Mountain
Your trip continues into a more arid area, the Spitzkoppe (also referred to as Matterhorn due to its shape). The campsites are located in interesting rock formations, with different trails leading around them. Guided climbs and abseiling can be arranged at an additional fee.
- Main Destination:
- Spitzkoppe (Damaraland)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Spitzkoppe to Damaraland
Continuing on your safari today, the road takes you north and east into the wonderful and diverse region of Damaraland. You'll pass Namibia’s highest mountain, the Brandberg, which peaks at 2,573 meters above sea level. Take time to view the game and absorb the vastness of the scenery along the way. Damaraland is typified by displays of colour, magnificent table-topped mountains, rock formations and bizarre-looking vegetation.
If time allows, you can visit the World Heritage Twyfelfontein rock engravings. They close at 16h00. You arrive late afternoon and set up your camp. The rest of the day is spent at leisure.
- Main Destination:
- Damaraland
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Damaraland to Etosha National Park
The drive to Etosha National Park is a scenic few hours through more of Damaraland's singular beauty. The Anderson Gate is much closer to Damaraland and will take about 3 hours. You will be camping at Okaukuejo Resort Campsite.
The park, measuring approximately 22,270 square kilometers, is home to most species of typical African wildlife. Lions, elephants, rhinos and various sorts of antelopes freely roam the plains around the vast salt pans, saline desert, savannah and woodlands. Your accommodation is situated in the park, which gives you the opportunity to experience the Etosha nightlife at the Okaukuejo waterhole. Here, you can see a variety of game come and go at the floodlit waterhole.
- Main Destination:
- Etosha National Park
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Etosha National Park
The accommodations and campsites in the park give you the opportunity to travel through the park at a slow pace. You will be the driver of your own safari, which is unique in Africa. However, camps in and around the park do offer guided game drives. Look around for lions, cheetahs and leopards. At sunset, make yourself comfortable at one of the park’s waterholes at your accommodation, and see how elephants, giraffes, zebras and antelopes gather to drink some fresh water. This is a truly unforgettable experience!
- Main Destination:
- Etosha National Park
- Accommodation:
- Okaukuejo Resort
- Meals & Drinks:
Etosha National Park
The whole day is dedicated to exploring the national park and game viewing. You will have time to stop at various waterholes while making your way to the eastern side of the park. An elevated walkway along the King Nehale waterhole gives you the opportunity to experience the surrounding scenery and wildlife while watching the sunset.
- Main Destination:
- Etosha National Park
- Accommodation:
- Okaukuejo Resort
- Meals & Drinks:
Etosha National Park to Waterberg Plateau Park
Leaving the animal world of Etosha National Park behind, your next stop is the Waterberg Plateau, which rises from the surface about 400 meters high at some places. The Waterberg Plateau and 41,000 hectares of the surrounding land were declared a nature reserve in 1972. The area's nature is again different from what you experienced earlier. The brick-red sandstone plateau is crowned with lush vegetation and supports a wide diversity of flora and fauna. This national park lends itself to some nice hikes.
- Main Destination:
- Waterberg Plateau Park
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Waterberg Plateau Park to AfriCat Foundation (Okonjima)
This morning, you will head the road to Omboroko Campsite, which is located at Okonjima Private Nature Reserve and the AfriCat Foundation. Apart from the beautiful location, stunning accommodations and wonderful meals, the main reason for visiting Okonjima is to view cats. You can make arrangements with the lodge to take part in the afternoon game drive, or we can include it in your final quote if you are interested. No other activities are included.
- Main Destination:
- Okonjima Private Nature Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
AfriCat Foundation (Okonjima) to Windhoek
Your journey ends in Windhoek. On your way to Windhoek, it could be worthwhile to stop at the craft market in Okahandja. Here, you'll find nice woodwork. Once back in Windhoek, you will have enough time to relax and rewind. It is almost time to fly home after this amazing adventure!
- Main Destination:
- Windhoek (City)
- Accommodation:
- Villa Moringa Guesthouse
- Meals & Drinks:
Departure
Today, you will head to the Hosea Kutako International Airport in time for your home or onward flight. This is the end of your 16-day self-drive safari. You return your vehicle before you board. Make sure to be at the airport 3 hours before your flight.
- Main Destination:
- Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks: