Uncover Namibia’s Finest Treasures
An ideal safari adventure for those eager to witness Namibia’s iconic landscapes come to life with their own eyes. Explore the country’s most breathtaking destinations along the Route Highlights.
- Self-Drive Tour
- 14 Days (customizable)
Savor a stunning sunset amidst the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, paddle along the Atlantic coast on a kayak or catamaran to visit seal colonies, and marvel at ancient rock art in Damaraland.
No trip is complete without the iconic Etosha National Park, where you’ll immerse yourself in a quintessential African safari, teeming with vibrant wildlife! Cap off your adventure at the Waterberg Plateau, strolling along one of its spectacular hiking trails.
Highlights
- Crossing through the country over beautiful, endless roads and being surprised by another highlight at each destination
- Looking over the spectacular red dunes of the Namib Sand Sea from a hot air balloon flight
- A typical ‘Out of Africa’ breakfast in the middle of nature
- Drive through the dusted landscape of Damaraland
- You will be the driver of your own safari at Etosha National Park
- Joining a kayaking tour or catamaran cruise to meet seals, pelicans and maybe even dolphins
- Visit to the Sossusvlei, the world’s oldest desert is an absolute ‘must’.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1-2: Windhoek – Kalahari
- Day 3-4: Namib-Naukluft Park – Sossusvlei – Solitaire
- Day 5-6: Atlantic Coast
- Day 7-8 Cape Cross – Damaraland – Twyfelfontein
- Day 9-11: Etosha National Park
- Day 12: Waterberg Plateau
- Day 13-14: Otjiwarongo – Departure from Windhoek
Comprehensive Travel Plan
Scenic Route Gems
- Day 1-2
- Windhoek – Kalahari
After a night in Windhoek, your adventure starts by driving into the Kalahari Desert, consisting of beautiful colored savanna landscapes of red, yellow and, especially during the wet season, green.
The Kalahari Desert is home to the San-people. Despite its name, meaning “great thirst”, the region does attract wildlife. Go on a sunset safari and 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 3-4
- Namib-Naukluft Park – Sossusvlei – Solitaire
A visit to the Sossusvlei, the world’s oldest desert, is an absolute gem.
Landscapes will change over and over again while you drive to your next destination, Sossusvlei. This awe-inspiring sea of sand is located within Africa’s largest protected area, Namib-Naukluft Park. The most famous pictures of Namibia are definitely taken here: sharp lines that separate the intense red dunes of Sossusvlei, in contrast with an eye blinding white salt pan and scorched black trees at Deadvlei.
It almost seems surreal! A climb on one of the world’s highest dunes of the oldest desert, will be rewarding by amazing views over the far stretching landscapes of the Namib sand sea, especially during an early sunrise or afternoon sunset.
- Day 5-6
- Atlantic Coast
Relish a refreshing ocean breeze while wandering through the charming coastal town of Swakopmund.
This historic town exudes the charm of a German seaside resort minus the palm trees, beaches, and ocean breeze. Yet, Swakopmund retains its colonial heritage in its architecture and culture. You can sip on a coffee while enjoying a slice of Apfelstrudel or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, surrounded by distinctly German-style buildings.
Despite being an urban center, Swakopmund is nestled in nature and offers a wide range of experiences for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. Embark on a kayaking trip or catamaran cruise to encounter seals, pelicans, and perhaps even dolphins. For those craving excitement, sandboarding or quad biking through the towering dunes provides a thrilling adventure. Alternatively, a “Living Desert Tour” offers a fascinating glimpse into how life has adapted to survive in the extreme desert environment.
- Day 7-8
- Cape Cross – Damaraland – Twyfelfontein
The journey continues northward with a stop at Cape Cross, where the coastline stretches endlessly and is blanketed with seals as far as the eye can see!
You will then turn back inland, where you will see an enormous mountain looming ahead of you: the Brandberg, best known for its ancient “White Lady” rock painting. Entering beautiful Damaraland feels like you are going back in time. These ancient landscapes, scattered with enormous boulders and dry riverbeds, house the more than 2,500 rock engravings of Twyfelfontein, once made by the San-people to inform their fellow tribe members about nearby waterholes and possible 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 9-11
- Etosha National Park
Keep your binoculars handy to spot lions, cheetahs, and leopards across the 22,270 square kilometres of pristine wilderness in Etosha National Park.
The accommodations and campsites in the park give you the opportunity to travel through the park at a slow pace. Also, outside the park you will find nice lodges. 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. With 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! And what do you think about an exciting safari on foot in the Onguma Private Game Reserve located next to Etosha?
- Day 12
- Waterberg Plateau
The Waterberg Plateau, rising up from the surface.
Leaving the animal world of Etosha National Park behind, your next stop is the Waterberg Plateau, rising up from the surface for about 400 meters high at some places. The Waterberg Plateau and 41,000 hectares of surrounding land was declared a Nature Reserve in 1972.
The areas nature is again different than 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 for some nice hikes. Not yet seen enough animals? Go on a game drive and look for buffalos or the white rhino.
- Day 13-14
- Otjiwarongo – Departure from Windhoek
What an amazing adventure?
Your journey comes to an end, and you spend your last night in one of the beautiful private concessions in this area. Relax in the wide open spaces and enjoy the sounds of nature around you. On day 14 you drive back to Windhoek, return your car and make your way back home, with a suitcase full of memories!
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 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
