19-Day Ultimate Namibia Self-drive Safari - Camping Option - RACK

With easy access from Windhoek International and situated in Klein Windhoek - the Namibian capital's prototype leafy suburb - The Elegant Guesthouse makes for a comfortable overnight stop.

The Elegant, as she is known in these parts, is in a quiet neighbourhood, very secure and close to the shops, restaurants and attractions of northern Windhoek. Getting there from the airport requires two turns, getting to the rest of the country from here requires just three turns.

Modern design and fittings give The Elegant Guesthouse a sophisticated air. Once a small six-roomer, the Elegant has been upgraded and is ever more sophisticated now, offering 17 stylish and beautiful guest rooms. They didn't just add more rooms. They first acquired more space and then expanded, so the mood is still decidedly relaxed (if not more so than before): the perfect way to start or end your Namibia holiday.

All rooms have en suite bathrooms, twin beds (together making a king) and are fitted with air conditioners as well as fast WiFi, television and most open out onto a drought resistant garden or the swimming pool area surrounded by loungers and umbrellas.

Breakfast is served in the light and airy open-plan breakfast room or out in the garden on warm days, which is about 90% of the time in Namibia.

The Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch is on the western edge of the Kalahari, about 50km from Mariental. Surrounded by red dunes, bleached blonde grass and a spattering of acacias, this is the Kalahari of storybooks and documentaries.

Transitioned from game ranch to luxurious lodge with little impact on the delicate ecosystem, this lodge has various air-conditioned chalets: six on stilts atop a dune, eight on the valley floor and built with straw bales, six garden rooms at the main lodge and eight rooms at the exclusive 'Farmhouse'.

Whatever the room type you select, you are surrounded by the red sand of the Kalahari Desert with shrub savannah and sand dunes wherever you look. You may think the desert is deserted, but the Kalahari is home to numerous animal and plant species. Go on a nature drive and catch a glimpse of various antelopes, zebra, ostrich, meerkats and even cheetahs. Allow the authentic San Bushmen to introduce to the ways of their ancient traditions or explore the surrounding expanse on horseback. All activities done and dusted (pardon the pun) relax at the pool or enjoy a spa treatment.

The main lodge is a comfortable and stylish focal point with a library, lounge, cellar, bar, open-air dining area and a swimming pool (the one we mention you could find yourself chilling at as above). The whole lodge looks out over a waterhole and the ridges of red dunes that form grass-covered streets in the desert.

The Boutique Farmhouse is on the other side of the lodge and looks out over the stark pans. It's a separate "lodge" on it's own if you will, not necessarily for private use, but away from the Game Ranch with it's own swimming pool, terrace and dining room. Rooms are spacious and more modern. The Farmhouse is a more intimate offering on the same reserve.

Canyon Roadhouse Campsite is on a dry river bed. On the road to Fish River Canyon. Grab guitar. Cue music. After supper sit around the fire. Seriously, this camp is wild, rugged, dusty and just a darn authentic place to pitch the canvas.

This site is behind Canyon Roadhouse on the privately owned Gondwana Canyon Park. Alone with the eagles, listen to the call of the canyon. Only 14km away. Trek up the "local mountain" and watch the silent quiver trees. How clever they are standing out in the sands, surviving with no signs of water. But take a closer look. Their succulent leaves and bloated branches belie a secret. They're full of water. You can be too as the camp has plenty. Hot and cold. And fresh. There's shade around as well. Choose from 10 campsites with a maximum of 10 people in each.

Alte Villa Boutique Guesthouse is for all the gemologists out there, those of you interested in diamonds. Close to where that first precious little nub of carbon was stumbled upon. Steeped, no, imbibed in history, Alte Villa Guesthouse is a real home of a guest house bang in the heart of colonial relic, Lüderitz.

Put your shades on and get ready for the outside of this place. It's yellow. Very. Once you've settled in you can walk to Lüderitz town and marvel at all that architecture. Think German. Think art nouveau. Think surreal. You’re there.

Alte Villa Guesthouse is not some old dinosaur - sure, it was built in another century, it was Friedrich III’s spin of the wheel if you’re being pedantic. But in 2017 it got a whole new look when the current owners rolled up with their new fangled restoring and renovating ideas. All homemade bread, apple pie and coffee. With decent decking furniture and the civility of a reading area off the breakfast room. Marvellous.

Alte Villa Guesthouse has just 6 rooms each with their own name (in German naturally), decor and decadence:

Rotes Zimmer - queen sized bed, ensuite, red walls with a glass chandelier. Pretty glam this one.

Zimmer Garub - named after a train station nuzzled by wild horses. Big photo of two rearing stallions. No pressure. Twin beds. Ensuite. Here’s the money shot though - along with the room called Grazplatz, it shares exclusive access to a living room. A beauty with a balcony with views of Luderitz harbour.

Grazplatz - see above for adjoining joy. Twin beds. Ensuite. A Zacharias Lewala vibe. He being the guy who found the first diamond in Namibia in 1908. Got rich he did.

Ichaboe - large 2 room apartment, 65sqm, twin bed in one room, 2 singles in the other. Kitchen, shared bathroom.

Tsiras - This is a 60 sqm double with its own private garden - you can have your breakfast al fresco here which is rather superb. There's a TV, a built in fireplace and ensuite.

Bogenfels - This is a large double, 57 sqm. This room has a sunny disposition and stares out to sea. Little wonder it's such a cheery number. It's got its own entrance in the front garden, twin beds and an ensuite.

Sesriem Oshana Campsite brings you a step closer to Sossusvlei, since you're inside the park gates, but still far enough away to avoid all the other tourists trying to get in. Nowhere is closer to the dunes and you get an hour's drop on all but residents of the other campsite at Sesriem.

While Oshana Campsite prides itself for providing comfort, ease and luxury for campers, this is still very much a Campsite. While you have your own bathroom, parking, kitchenette and access to the bar and pool, you still need to bring all your own camping equipment and set up camp for yourself. That’s right: tent, sleeping bags and a fold-up chair to enjoy the view of Elim Dune. If you do need something though, there is a small shop where you can pick up a few basics and some souvenirs. Just don't forget the big ticket items like your tent or you'll be sleeping in the car.

You have power outlets, but don’t bargain on electronics since there is no WiFi (this is camping after all). Many choose this spot for its location. Inside the park and for its nothingness, it’s a chance to escape and head into the dunes before the sun rises. Win-win.

Although you are in the middle of nowhere, there is more to it. You can make use of the restaurant and the pool at Sesriem, which all sounds too perfect after a hot day of desert activities. As much as camping is an activity on its own, there's much more to do here. Guided walks and hiking trails through the beautiful landscapes that you wake up to every morning. If going by foot is not your thing you can go quad biking or in a hot air balloon. Now that sounds like an adventure.

It’s safe to say that if you want to do this right, you need to take a scenic drive to explore the highlights of Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei and Dune 45. Truth be told, there is a reason everyone wants to photograph it, but shh, don't tell everyone the secret is staying inside the park. That's your advantage.

The campsite itself is clean and the luxury of a hot shower after a long day is a blessing. The vast emptiness will give you the most beautiful night sky to admire and the morning sunrises will be so good you will forget that you slept in a tent.

Swakopmund Luxury Suites pack comfort and convenience into an elegant apartment-style accommodation option in the belly of Swakopmund's restaurant quarter.

Although “suites” is a bit of stretch size-wise, for comfort you can expect elegant, neutral décor that is easy on the senses and top quality linen with quite possibly the most comfortable bed you’ll encounter on your tour of Namibia. Attention to detail includes Nespresso machines with complimentary pods, bath robes, extra thick towels, wi-fi that actually works, climate control, mini-bar and that general air of purpose and cleanliness of a professional outfit.

For convenience you are a few minutes’ walk to the beach, restaurants, cafes and main attractions of central Swakopmund - a feature you will welcome after many hours’ in the car on Namibia’s long and dusty roads. And the day reception is staffed with the friendliest of friendly Namibians who add that personal touch and valuable insider’s information for making the most of your visit.

A secluded upper deck lined with comfortable recliners and deck chairs is a wonderful place to catch up with your digital life. Or escape it entirely with a good book and a glass of chardonnay. Parking out front is secure with 24-hour watch and CCTV and, occupying the first storey down a pedestrianised side street, the location is quiet and safe.

Breakfast at the Swakopmund Luxury Suites is a delight. The breakfast room is stunning and the food is delicious. A great way to start your day before you head off to explore where the dunes meet the sea. You are just a short walk to the main beach and the main streets of town. Splendid.

The name Opuwo was given by the commissioner of Ondangwa when he came to build an office here. He asked local headmen to give him some land. They obliged by giving him a small plot. When they tried to give him more, Mr. Hahn said, "Opuwo", "it's enough for me". And that, dear friends, is how they say the story goes.

You'll be camping in the grounds of Opuwo Country Lodge. This hotel was opened by President Hifikepunye Pohamba in August 2005. It's just up the hill from Opuwo and close to Kaoko Otavi, Epupa Falls and Swartbooisdrift.

You're in the Kaokoveld, a huge, dry region of north east Namibia. Here, plants and animals have adapted to the arid conditions. Desert elephants wander the dry river beds. As do lions. Meanwhile, baobab trees grow.

There aren't really any tourist attractions in Opuwo town but seeing as it's the only settlement in the area, this is the place to buy petrol and stock up on groceries.

You'll get a good view of the town from the campsites. You'll be high up so watching the sun rise and set from your sleeping bag should be pretty special. Spin round and enjoy your 360 degree view. Not in your bag, you'll get into an awful twist. Come on, get out. Right. Ok? Good. By the way, you're facing northwest.

Right there close to Epupa Falls, you can camp under the shade of the makalani palms, a pleasant spot despite the heat, well known when you're this far north in Namibia. Omarunga Campsite is easily one of the best spots in the area if you're opting to camp instead of lodge.

On the edge of the Kunene River, it's peaceful out here, except for the occasional incessant mosquito. There's spray for that, well hopefully you packed it, you are camping after all. You're roughly 200m upstream from the falls, so getting to the main attractions is easy and Omarunga makes for a great base.

When you aren't out and about exploring, sit long enough relaxing and you're likely to dose off to the distant hum of the falls, the constant rustle of tree branches above and the sweet song of hundreds of palm thrushes. It's something quite different from where you've been, no doubt you've seen much of Namibia if you've ventured this far. It's remote and since you did indeed travel far to get here, it's definitely time to unwind. An easy task here, where it’s slow going, both due to the heat and picturesque setting.

Barbecue with a view of the river or dine at Omarunga Epupa-Falls Camp. Explore the surrounds on your own, or book an activity with the lodge. There’s loads to do and much to see, but like we said, relaxation is a part of it too.

There are 10 Campsites with power points and shared ablution facilities. It’s sandy but this is camping. They’re basic but there’s not much more you need. You’re welcome to use the lodge facilities such as the pool, restaurant, bar and curio shop. There’s mobile connectivity in these parts and WIFI at the lodge too.

Olifantsrus Camp is a typically bare-boned NWR game viewing extravaganza in the remote and uncrowded western sector of Etosha National Park.

Being a state-owned Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) property, Olifantsrus Camp will not win awards for its facilities or aesthetics but when it comes to the classic Etosha wildlife experience, this odd little place walks away with top honours. And that’s all to do with the game viewing hide.

At the end of an elevated wooden walkway, the hut-shaped hide juts into a small but oh-so-popular waterhole for some serious wildlife close-ups. From your elevated position the impossibly flat expanse of Etosha opens up all the way to the setting sun and special red floodlights keep the action going all through the night.

The western part of Etosha receives almost no traffic and with just 10 camping sites at Olifantsrus, you are assured of a front-row seat in that magnificent hide plus a whole lot more peace and quiet - even in peak season.

The wildlife here is prolific. Elephants, rhinos, lions, hyenas, jackals, antelopes galore along with the rest of Etosha’s wildlife and birdlife all seem quite partial to this particular water source negating the need for a game drive or even a game guide - a good reference book will do.

The price? Fend for yourself with a plug point, a water tap and a fire pit. Well not quite, the camp does have a small kiosk selling firewood, drinks and snacks, a basic communal kitchen and wash area and an ablution block with solar-heated water - take your shower in the evening; photovoltaic cells don’t work so well at night, even in Namibia.

The camping sites, while large enough, have been sited rather close together on account of the paucity of shady trees. Hopefully as the camp matures - it opened in October 2015 - so will the trees. And if the generator packs in it’s bye-bye water supply, electricity and the waterhole floodlights. All part of the adventure for the well-prepared.

Okaukuejo Camp is inside Etosha National Park in Namibia. Consequently, you get to enjoy the nightlife. Those staying outside of the park do not, as the gates are closed. The oldest and most popular camp it’s a busy, bustling place and overlooks a floodlit waterhole.

You can get a site near the waterhole where there’s more privacy (and space) - although if you do pitch there, it’s more of a hike to the shower blocks. Get up early to avoid the ablution queues - there can be big groups waiting. By the way, don’t be surprised if you hear lions roaring close by. Just keep your sleeping bag zipped up tight. No giggling.

This is the wild, wild world of Namibia. Just face the bush and breathe. Feel free? Good. Enjoy the show.

But don’t come here to go glamping. This is the place to pitch up quickly, grab a beer and head to the waterhole as the sun sets. Nobody outside of the camp gets to do this - they close the gates when it gets dark - so this is a treat. And talking of gates, you’re 17km from the Andersson Gate which is Etosha’s southern entrance.

Okaukuejo is at the western end of the Etosha Pan. As well as being the oldest camp - it began life in 1957 - it’s also Etosha’s administrative centre and home to the Etosha Ecological Institute. They work to conserve the fauna and flora in this part of Namibia.

Bridging the gap between safari lodge and camping, Onguma Tamboti Campsite has 15 shaded camping areas each with their own ablutions, washing-up facilities and electrical outlets.

Camping under the stars and preparing your meals over an open fire in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by acre after acre of bush is the quintessential African experience. Then again so is sitting on a shaded verandah overlooking a waterhole while a waiter refills your G n’ T and brings you dinner.

Whichever experience you’re after, Tamboti Campsite offers you the best of both. And being in a private game reserve, you won't be sharing this piece of wildlife paradise with more than handful of like-minded nature lovers. And what’s more the 34,000ha Onguma Game Reserve shares a fenceless boundary with Etosha National Park and so your wildlife experience is about as it gets.

To make the most of this wildlife-rich wilderness, pop over to Onguma Bush Camp and arrange a guided game drive into Etosha proper or join a small group on a sundowner game drive inside the private reserve. The early morning bush walk is a must for an intimate, all-senses experience of Africa as she has been for millions of years.

Or you can just laze away the afternoon by the pool after an early morning self-drive through the park, which, given the abundance of wildlife, the scarcity of water and the presence of waterholes can be every bit as rewarding as the guided safari.

This is cheetah land. Fierce, fast and furry. No loud, lazy lions. These cats can’t even roar but they do like a good purr. Pitch your tent. It's safe. Go check out the work of the AfriCat Foundation.

It’s not just cheetahs but leopards too - it’s all about looking out for wild carnivores. Literally and figuratively. Camping is in the 2000 hectare non-rehabilitation area at the foot of the Omboroko Mountains. Sandy, shaded, secluded. 

4 campsites which share a swimming pool. A little circle of blue in a little patch of lawn. An incongruous touch reminiscent of the early days of Okonjima. In those days the first rescued cheetah would wander up for a fuss as afternoon tea was served.

Camp Koshi: the smallest site, it can take about eight people but there’s only really room for one vehicle. The shower is under roof and doesn’t have a view but the toilet does. Bonus. It’s a bit of a walk though so take your torch at night.

Camp Kendi: both the shower and toilet are under roof and this site can accommodate more than one vehicle.

Camp Chilala: open air shower and toilet with views. This site can accommodate more than one vehicle.

Camp Chimelo: open air shower and toilet with views. This site can also accommodate more than one vehicle.