2024 Namibia Highlights 19-Day Self-drive Tour (Gold)

Day 1

Arrival in Windhoek

We are picked up at the airport and driven to the breathtaking Omaanda Lodge. It is situated in the middle of a large nature reserve with views that stretch right across the Namibian savannah. A sunset drive has been booked for us. We celebrate our first evening in Namibia with a tantalising dinner.

(approx. 40 km, driving time +- 45 min.)

Omaanda Lodge, 1-Bedroom Chalet (FB + drinks + sunset game drive)

Day 2

Journey to the Kalahari semi-desert

In the morning, we are transferred to Windhoek where we collect our rental car. We then drive via Rehoboth and Kalkrand into the Kalahari. Our chalet at Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch is situated on the back of a flat dune and offers a beautiful view of the Kalahari plains. At sunset, we’ll take a nature tour in an open Jeep in the up-to-30m-high red dunes surrounded by typical Kalahari flora and fauna.

(approx. 270 km from Windhoek, driving time +-3 hours)

Bagatelle Lodge, Dune Chalet (HB + sundowner drive)

Day 3

Journey to the Fish River Canyon

We drive through arid country populated with many succulents such as quiver trees. The dead branches of these trees were used by the Bushmen as quivers for their arrows, hence the name. We can take a closer look at this striking aloe species on the way at the quiver tree forest. The nearby "Playground of the Giants", a landscape of ancient volcanic rock formations, is also worth a visit. We then drive via Keetmanshoop to Fish River Lodge, the only lodge situated on the western side of the Fish River Canyon.

The lodge offers unparalleled views into the canyon, which is up to 550 m deep. We enjoy a sundowner drink as the sun sets behind the canyon and look forward to a hearty dinner.

(approx. 450 km, driving time +- 6 hours)

Fish River Lodge, on the western side of the canyon (HB)

Day 4

Fish River Canyon

Today, we take a scenically rewarding trip down into the canyon. We have the pleasure of observing various fascinating bird species along the way – among them, the majestic African Fish Eagle. Once we return from the tour, we might enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool.

Fish River Lodge (HB + Canyon Drive)

Day 5

Journey to Aus

The route to Aus is extraordinary due to its barrenness and remoteness. The chalets of our accommodation today, offer an indescribable view over the endless expanses at the edge of the Namib Desert. In the afternoon, we have the opportunity to visit the famous and fascinating "Wild Horses of Garub", whose origin and ability to survive their harsh environment has been puzzled over for decades.

(approx. 230 km, driving time +- 3 - 4 hours)

Klein-Aus Vista, Eagle’s Nest (HB)

Day 6

Sesriem/Sossusvlei

We drive northwards along the NamibRand, one of the most spectacular landscapes in Namibia. The scenery at the edge of the Namib gives us an idea of what to expect in the next few days: unbelievable expanses of desert, scattered mountain islands and breathtaking dune landscapes. Our accommodation at Camp Sossus offers the opportunity to experience the Namib Desert in a very special way - if we feel like it, we could sleep under the starry desert sky tonight!

(approx. 330 km, driving time +- 5 - 6 hours)

Camp Sossus (FI)

Day 7

Sossusvlei

Before sunrise, we are transferred by the lodge to Sesriem and then on to some of the highest dunes in the world at Sossusvlei. We enjoy a short hike through the thick sand to Deadvlei – a striking clay pan of bizarrely-shaped dead trees. The contrasting colours of the red dunes, the deep blue sky, white pan floor and dark camelthorn trees make for fantastic photography.

We can also climb the highest dune, "Big Daddy", and are rewarded with a breathtaking view when we reach the top.

Camp Sossus (FI)

Day 8

Drive to Swakopmund

We continue north to Solitaire, where we could stop over for a taste of the town’s famous apple pie. We then continue our drive through the central Namib Desert. On the way, we are sure to see ostriches and perhaps also springbok, zebra and oryx antelope. We arrive at the coastal town of Swakopmund.

Our accommodation is situated alongside the beach.

The beach and the town centre with its numerous cafés and restaurants, are within walking distance. Dinner reservation at the restaurant with sea view (optional).

(approx. 370 km, driving time +- 5 - 6 hours)

Strand Hotel Swakopmund alongside the ocean, Luxury Room with ocean view (BB)

Day 9

Swakopmund

Today, we take a remarkable boat trip in the lagoon of Walvis Bay. We will see hundreds of seals as well as dolphins, flamingos, and pelicans.

In the afternoon, we have the opportunity to partake in various other activities such as shopping, visiting the Museum, Aquarium or Kristall Galerie, strolling along the beach or quad biking in the dunes. A sightseeing flight along the coast can also be booked (all optional).

(approx. 40 km to Walvis Bay, driving time +-30 min.)

Strand Hotel Swakopmund alongside the ocean, Luxury Room with ocean view (BB) + catamaran trip

Day 10

Erongo Mountains

We bid the coast adieu and drive to the Erongo Mountains. To the north, we see the majestic Spitzkoppe, also called the Matterhorn of Namibia, which rises 600 metres above the plain. Our accommodation is situated at the foothills of the Erongo Mountains, nestled between towering granite rock formations. Hikes can be undertaken in this wildly beautiful landscape.

(approx. 250 km, driving time +- 3 hours)

Ondudu Safari Lodge (HB)

Day 11

Drive via Uis to Twyfelfontein

We drive past the 2573m-high Brandberg massif to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Twyfelfontein. The sandstones in the area are the fossilised remains of a primeval desert that covered large areas of present-day Namibia with its masses of sand about 180 million years ago. Our exclusive camp consists of gorgeous grass-roofed tent bungalows, which are built very privately between the round granite peaks and blend perfectly into the landscape.

(approx. 270 km, driving time +- 4 hours)

Mowani Mountain Camp, Superior View Room (FB)

Day 12

Huab-Drive and Twyfelfontein

Today, we have a special excursion planned. We will take a particularly scenic drive in the lodge's open safari vehicle along the dry riverbed of the Huab and Aba-Huab. We drive through the deep river sand amidst tall camelthorn and ana trees, in the hope that we will be lucky today and encounter the famous desert elephants during our drive.

In the afternoon, we visit the world-famous Bushman engravings at Twyfelfontein (declared a World Heritage Site in 2007), the "Organ Pipes" and the "Burnt Mountain". We enjoy a sundowner atop a hill that offers a 360° panoramic view of the striking surroundings and end off our day with a fine dinner.

Mowani Mountain Camp, Superior View Room (FB + 2 activities)

Day 13

Drive through Damaraland

Via Khorixas we drive to the Ugab Terrace. On the way, we can visit the "Petrified Forest", a collection of fossilised tree trunks up to 30 m long, which were formed 280 million years ago and have become exposed by erosion. Our lodge is situated at the Vingerklip, a rock needle reaching 35 m into the sky. The landscape here is very special and can be compared to the "Marlboro" area in the USA.

(approx. 170 km, driving time +- 2.5 - 3 hours)

Vingerklip Lodge (HB)

Day 14

Onward to Etosha National Park

Today, we want to begin our journey to Etosha National Park as quickly as possible. Via Outjo we drive to the Ongava Private Game Reserve. Our luxurious, grass-roofed chalet was beautifully built using local stone and offers a private veranda. The restaurant and bar offer us a magnificent view of the plains and the waterhole, which is illuminated at night. We can simply relax in this beautiful lodge for the day, or we could drive to Etosha Park for our first game drive there.

(approx. 200 km, driving time +- 2.5 hours)

Ongava Lodge, near the Anderson gate (FB)

Day 15

Etosha National Park

Covering an area of almost 23 000 km2, it is one of the largest game reserves in the world and is considered one of the most outstanding game parks in Africa. The animals are attracted by the Etosha Pan, a huge depression that is rarely filled with rainwater - but at its edge there are waterholes where flocks of land animals and birds congregate all year round. We have the whole day to do our own game drives in Etosha National Park. If we choose to only visit the park in the morning, we could still book a guided game drive for the afternoon in Ongava's own game reserve (optional). We are likely to encounter rhinos during Ongava’s game drive.

(approx. 60 km + game drive in the park)

Ongava Lodge, near the Anderson gate (FB)

Day 16

Drive through the eastern part of Etosha Park

We leave the Ongava Private Game Reserve and drive through the eastern part of Etosha Park toward Onguma Tented Camp. On the way, we observe animals such as giraffes, various antelopes, ostriches and with a bit of luck, elephants and lions, at the various waterholes.

We leave the park by sunset at the latest. Just beyond the park exit, is the access road to Onguma. The luxurious tented camp skilfully combines the elegance of a luxury lodge with the ambience of a safari camp.

(approx. 180 km, driving time +- 3 hours + game drive in park to waterholes)

Onguma Tented Camp, near the eastern gate exit (HB)

Day 17

Otjiwarongo

We leave behind the wildlife of Etosha National Park and drive via Tsumeb to Otjiwarongo. Before we reach Tsumeb, we can visit Lake Otjikoto - one of only two natural lakes in Namibia. The Germans sank their weapons and cannons in this lake, before surrendering to the South Africans in 1915.

Our exclusive accommodation at Okonjima Bush Camp is situated in a 22 000-hectare private nature reserve in the middle of the Omboroko Mountains. We are accommodated in a cosy bungalow with amazing bush views. We are already expected for lunch at the camp.

In the afternoon, we will partake in the search for a leopard on a booked game drive.

(approx. 340 km, driving time +- 4 hours)

Okonjima Bush Camp (FB + game drive)

Day 18

Drive toward Windhoek

Slowly our Namibian safari is coming to an end. We enjoy our breakfast and drive back to Windhoek where we return our rental car. Afterwards, we are transferred to the Gocheganas Private Nature Reserve.  The private nature reserve covers an area of 6000 ha and is home to about 1600 wild animals. All bungalows offer a magnificent view of the farmland at the foot of the Auas Mountains. The nature reserve has a beautiful wellness centre, where massages, a sauna and much more is offered. 

 (approx. 270 km, driving time +- 3.5 hours)

Gocheganas Nature Reserve, south-east of Windhoek (HB + transfer)

Day 19

Departure

Today, it is time to say goodbye to this beautiful country. We will be transferred to the airport in time for our flight and then depart for home.

(approx. 80 km, driving time +- 1 - 1.5 hours)