Journey from the Southern Wilderness to the Northern Frontier
The ultimate safari adventure for nature lovers seeking a rich and diverse experience across Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.
The ideal safari for travelers with time to spare and a desire to truly immerse themselves in Namibia. This journey is designed for those who want to explore the entire country at a relaxed pace, spending quality time at each destination. Discover all the breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems Namibia has to offer, with the freedom to fully experience its beauty, culture, and wildlife.
- Self-Drive Tour
- 27 Days (customizable)
our journey begins in the south, where you’ll traverse the striking red and gold landscapes of the Kalahari Desert, making your way toward the awe-inspiring Fish River Canyon. No visit to Namibia is complete without witnessing the towering, rust colored dunes of Sossusvlei a true natural wonder.
From there, head to the Atlantic Coast, where the charming towns of Lüderitz and Swakopmund reveal traces of their colonial past. The coast also offers exciting activities such as dune safaris, kayaking, and sandboarding.
In the north, Damaraland and Kaokoland welcome you with rich cultural experiences, including the ancient rock engravings of Twyfelfontein and visits to traditional Himba villages. Epupa Falls, nestled in Namibia’s far north, offers a serene and scenic retreat.
A wildlife-rich safari adventure awaits in Etosha National Park, home to an impressive diversity of animals. Before your journey ends in Windhoek, you’ll have the chance to visit a traditional San village and explore the Waterberg Plateau a perfect spot for hiking and enjoying sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
Highlights
- Feel the awe of solitude as you journey across vast, open landscapes along endless roads in one of the most sparsely populated countries on Earth.
- Spend peaceful days immersed in the untouched wilderness of Namibia’s remote northwest.
- Marvel at the Fish River Canyon, a breathtaking natural wonder carved over millennia.
- Step into the past with a visit to the hauntingly beautiful ghost town of Kolmanskop.
- Take the wheel on your own safari adventure through Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations.
- Set out on the water with a kayaking tour or catamaran cruise to encounter seals, pelicans, and if you’re lucky even dolphins.
- Discover the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, a must-see in the world’s oldest desert.
- Explore ancient history at Twyfelfontein, home to remarkable rock engravings left by early inhabitants.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1-3: Windhoek – Kalahari
- Day 4-6: Quiver Tree Forest – Fish River Canyon
- Day 7-8: Lüderitz – Kolmanskop
- Day 9-10: Tiras Mountains – Sossusvlei
- Day 11-12: Atlantic Coast
- Day 13: Cape Cross – Brandberg
- Day 14-15: Twyfelfontein
- Day 16-19: Kaokoland – Himba Culture – Epupa Falls
- Day 20-24: Etosha National Park
- Day 25: Waterberg Plateau
- Day 26-27: Otjiwarongo – Departure from Windhoek
Detailed Itinerary
Landscape and Wonders
- Day 1-3
- Windhoek – Kalahari
After arrival in Namibia you will spend a night in Windhoek.
This will give you the opportunity to acclimatize, walk through the city center and prepare for the next day. Your adventure begins in the Kalahari Desert, home to the San-people for a long period of time.
Although its name means “great thirst”, the Kalahari does attract plenty of wildlife. During a sunset safari you will be able to look for the animals on top of a dune, enjoying a cool drink, while this semi-desert uncovers itself in its most beautiful colors. Keep your eyes open for springboks, zebras and wildebeests. And relax on top of a dune with a cool drink in your hand, while this semi-desert reveals its most beautiful colors. End the day while gazing upon the starry sky.
- Day 4-6
- Quiver Tree Forest – Fish River Canyon
In Namibia’s far south, you will encounter an amazing natural phenomenon: the Fish River Canyon.
On your way to the phenomenal Fish River Canyon, you stop over at the Quiver Tree Forest, which presents an almost otherworldly landscape, where towering aloe-like trees stand like natural sculptures under the vast desert sky.
About 650 million years ago, plate movement 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.
There, meandering between the high rocky walls, runs the 650 kilometers long Fish River that is on its way to the Orange River, the natural border with South Africa. From several viewpoints, you will have spectacular views over the Canyon. If you are interested in a hike here, we can plan a stay in a lodge offering guided hikes.
- Day 7-8
- Lüderitz – Kolmanskop
‘Ghost town` Kolmanskop & coastal harbor town Lüderitz
Driving towards the coast, the landscape turns into a “deserted desert”. Take a stroll through the coastal harbor town Lüderitz: a quiet village with old German houses dating from 1900, and which experienced its most wealthy years during the diamond-rush between the world wars. A visit to the desolated “ghost town“ Kolmanskop will certainly leave an impression: what once was a wealthy mine worker village with a casino, theatre, shops and villas, was taken over by nature soon after the town was abandoned. What is left is a bizarre sight, and a heaven for photographers.
- Day 9-10
- Tiras Mountains – Sossusvlei
Red dunes, distinguished from each other by sharp lines, an eye blinding white salt pan and scorched black trees…
Your journey continues north via one of Namibia’s most scenic routes, along the Tiras mountains. A visit to Sossusvlei, of the oldest desert on Earth, is not to be missed in your self-drive adventure. Keep your camera close and take as many photos as possible. The landscape almost looks surreal!
Sharp lines separating the intense red dunes, that surround an eye blinding white salt pan scattered with scorched black trees at Deadvlei. Climbing one of world’s highest dunes will be very rewarding, especially during an early sunrise or late sunset. Nature will show its most spectacular colors. A nature drive or a visit to Sesriem Canyon are definitely worthwhile if you want to explore a bit more of the surroundings.
- Day 11-12
- Atlantic Coast
Enjoy a nice sea breeze at the Atlantic Coast, while strolling around the coastal town of Swakopmund.
This historical town has still a bit of the characteristics of a German seaside resort: apart from an ocean, beach and swaying palm trees, you will find this influence here and there and can enjoy a coffee with an “Apfelstrudel” or a “Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte”. The surroundings of Swakopmund come with many possibilities for animal-lovers and for thrill seekers: meet seals and dolphins during a kayaking excursion or catamaran cruise, or join a guide into the dunes while driving quad bike or speeding down on a sandboard.
Also, a `Living desert tour` is a great way to get more understanding of this special eco system and the miraculous ways in which life adapts to the harsh conditions of the desert climate.
- Day 13
- Cape Cross – Brandberg
Discover the ‘Burning Mountain’ of Namibia and unveil the mystery of the ancient ‘White Lady’
Today, you head into Damaraland, where Namibia’s highest peak, part of the Brandberg massive, dominates the landscape.
Go on a hike through the entry-ways to the Brandberg Massive and find the famous rock-paintings of the ‘White Lady’. In the evening, witness how the sunset turns this great massive into the glowing ‘burning mountain’.
- Day 14-15
- Twyfelfontein
Visit Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient rock engravings
As you head further North, the landscape changes as you make your way further into Damaraland.
The ancient landscape is scattered with giant boulders that hide the area’s main secret: the more than 2,500 rock engravings of Twyfelfontein. Once made by the San people, these engravings informed San tribesmen about nearby waterholes and predators. If you are lucky, you might bump into the largest inhabitants of the area, the mysterious desert elephants. These beautiful animals have remarkably adapted to the harsh conditions of the desert.
- Day 16-19
- Kaokoland – Himba Culture – Epupa Falls
Kaokoland is also known as Namibia’s last wilderness, and is home to the Himba people.
Kaokoland is also known as Namibia’s last wilderness and is home to the Himba people. Time and modern ways seem to pass by their traditions: many Himba people have an authentic, nomadic lifestyle where life is organized around cattle. A guided visit to a Himba settlement will give more insight in their way of life and traditions.
After leaving Opuwo and heading north you reach the most northern destination, the Kunene river. The Kunene River, the natural border to Angola, comes with a pleasant surprise: the Epupa Falls. Enjoy and relax at the waterfront while enjoying the cheerful sounds of many birds. Take a walk along the river, explore the falls -and be sure to watch out for the crocodiles.
- Day 20-24
- Etosha National Park
Finally, it is time to enter Etosha National Park and go on ‘safari’.
You have seen already quite some animals; however Etosha National Park is home to many different species and a large number of them. It is an amazing experience to drive through these 22,270 square kilometers of protected nature, choosing from endless numbers of routes.
To see as much of Etosha National Park as possible you will be staying at different lodges or campsites in and around the park. Have your binoculars ready and see if you can spot lions, cheetahs and maybe even leopards. In the late afternoon, settle down at one of the park’s waterholes and let the animals come to you: elephants, giraffes, zebras and antelopes will gather to relief themselves from thirst. This is a truly unforgettable experience! And what do you think about an exciting safari on foot in the Onguma Private Game Reserve located next to Etosha?
- Day 25
- Waterberg Plateau
The Waterberg Plateau, rising up from the surface.
Your last stop before returning to Windhoek is the Waterberg Plateau, a rock formation rising up from the surface to about 200 meters high. This national park lends itself for some nice hikes. Those who did not yet see enough animals can go on a game drive to find buffalos and white rhinos.
- Day 26-27
- Otjiwarongo – Departure from Windhoek
Relax and rewind from an amazing adventure.
You slowly make your way back to Windhoek and prepare for your departure back home. But before the long journey back home, enjoy another night surrounded by the Namibian nature. Spoil yourself and let all the great new impressions of this adventure sink in.
On day 27 you drive back to Windhoek, return your car and make your way back home, with new memories of a lifetime!
Envision Africa Travel offers organized self-drive holidays and private guided tours to Namibia. Embark on an adventure in a fully equipped vehicle of your choice, with accommodations pre-arranged to suit your preferences, whether staying in lodges, guesthouses, campsites, or a combination of these.
Experience Africa
Self-Drive Extension
North
Ideal for adventurers seeking remote wilderness, wildlife, and cultural exploration. A perfect addition for those wanting to dive deeper into Namibia’s diverse regions. Self-Drive Extension
North Culture
Ideal for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences and a deeper connection to Namibia’s heritage and landscapes. Self-Drive Extension
South
A great option for those seeking to experience the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of southern Namibia before continuing to Sesriem and beyond. Self-Drive Extension
Vic Falls + Chobe
Ideal for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences and a deeper connection to Namibia’s heritage and landscapes.TRAVEL ASSISTANCE
Every traveller is unique, with distinct preferences for their journey. Planning a self-drive trip to Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe? Let Envision Africa Travel’s expert tour consultants guide you! Based in Africa, our friendly, service-oriented team collaborates with you to craft a fully customized tour tailored to your desires, needs, and budget. From 4×4 rentals to camping or luxury lodging, we create a personalized proposal for your unforgettable AFRICAN adventure.
Included Self-Drive Trip:
- Car rental
- Accommodation (hotels, guesthouses, lodges or campsites)
- Unlimited kilometres
- Complete camping equipment (camping trip)
- Car insurance with standard excess
- Third party insurance
- Most accommodations are booked with breakfast and camping is self-catering
- Personal travel App for cell phone
- 24-hours emergency service
- Tips and route information
- Airport/hotel transfers
Accommodation:
- Standard accommodation tours include all rooms at middle-class hotels, guesthouses or lodges (mostly B&B), unless otherwise requested.
- Standard camping tours include most nights at campsites, combined with several nights at middle-class hotels, guesthouse or lodges (mostly B&B).
- Almost all campsites and accommodations have a restaurant and offer facilities like a pool, bar, info desk, etc.
- If the trips includes visits to National Parks, then the nights will be spent inside the parks as much as possible.
Meals & Drinks:
- Most accommodations are booked with breakfast and camping is self-catering. It will be clearly indicated what meals are included in your tour proposal.
- With most accommodations it is also possible to book dinner in advance. If you would like to include this in your proposal, please let us know.
Not included Self-Drive Trip:
- International Flights
- Fuel
- Park fees, entrance fees to museums
- Personal expenses
- Additional activities and excursions, e.g. game drives, boat trips, etc.
- Meals (unless indicated as included)
- Travel and cancellation insurance
