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

Day 1

Arrival in Windhoek

We are picked up at the airport and driven to Windhoek to the Am Weinberg Hotel. The hotel offers an outdoor pool and wellness area. There are also several restaurants on the premises with outdoor and indoor seating areas and the hotel’s Sky Lounge offers a beautiful panoramic first glimpse of your Namibian surroundings. 

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

The Weinberg Hotel, Courtyard Upper Level Room (BB)

Day 2

Journey to the Kalahari semi-desert

In the morning, we are transferred to the car rental and then begin our drive via Rehoboth and Kalkrand into the Kalahari. Our rustic tented lodge is built on a majestic red dune at the edge of a huge clay pan. 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. 260 km from Windhoek, driving time +-3 hours)

Intu Afrika Suricate Camp (FB + 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. Our bungalow at Canyon Lodge is hidden between huge granite rocks and offers a special overnight atmosphere.

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

Canyon Lodge (HB)

Day 4

Fish River Canyon

We have the whole day to explore the area. A visit to the Fish River Canyon is a must. It is considered the second largest canyon in the world. It is about 160 km long, up to 27 km wide in places and 550 m deep. There are many hiking opportunities both at the lodge and at the canyon.

(approx. 50 km, driving time +- 1 hour)

Canyon Roadhouse (HB)

Day 5

Journey to Aus

The route to Aus is extraordinary due to its barrenness and remoteness. Our accommodation is located west of Aus at the foot of the Aus Mountains. Built in the style of an old farmhouse, it radiates a special tranquillity. The view over the endless expanses of the desert here, is indescribable. In the afternoon, we’ll 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. 280 km, driving time +- 3 - 4 hours)

Klein Aus Vista, Desert Horse Inn (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: boundless expanses of desert, scattered mountain islands and breathtaking dune landscapes. Our accommodation today is located directly at the park entrance to Sossusvlei. The spacious bungalows here offer magnificent views into the desert. Own tour of the Sesriem Canyon possible in the afternoon.

(approx. 350 km, driving time +- 6 hours)

Sossusvlei Lodge near park entrance (HB)

Day 7

Sossusvlei

This morning, we take our own drive 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.

(approx. 130 km, driving time +- 2.5 hours)

Sossusvlei Lodge near park entrance (HB)

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 pass 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, where we stay centrally in the historic town. The beach and town centre with its numerous cafés and restaurants, are within walking distance. Dinner reservation at a nearby restaurant with sea view (optional).

(approx. 350 km, driving time +- 6 hours)

At the Sea Guesthouse, Luxury Room (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 (optional).

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

At the Sea Guesthouse (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 nestled between huge granite boulders in the wildly beautiful landscape at the foot of the Erongo Mountains and our bungalow overlooks the vast savannah. We should not miss the guided sunset walk in this unique area - the sunsets over the plains are spectacular.

(approx. 190 km, driving time +- 2.5 - 3 hours)

Ai Aiba Lodge (HB + guided hike)

Day 11

Drive via Uis to Twyfelfontein

We drive past the 2573 m-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. A guided tour to view the rock engravings in the area is possible (optional).

(approx. 240 km, driving time +- 4 hours)

Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp (HB)

Day 12

Twyfelfontein

Today, we have a special excursion planned for us. 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 the tall camelthorn and ana trees, in the hope that we will be lucky today and encounter the famous desert elephants during our drive. The scenery here in the riverbed is markedly unique.

Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp (HB + Huab River scenic drive)

Day 13

Drive through Damaraland

Via Khorixas we drive deeper into Damaraland. 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 been exposed by erosion. The small and cosy Huab Lodge is off the beaten track on the banks of the dry Huab River and has its own hot spring. The bungalows offer a magnificent and private view of the Huab River Valley.

(approx. 190 km, driving time +- 3 - 4 hours)

Huab Lodge (HB)

Day 14

Journey to Etosha National Park

Today, we head to the famous 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. More than 110 mammal species inhabit the park, including elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebra, twelve different antelope species and lions. In the afternoon, we can already take our first game drive in the park. Our camp has a watering hole that is illuminated at night. We can sit back and absorb the tranquil atmosphere as we watch the animals come and go in the evening from here.

(approx. 200 km, driving time +- 3 hours)

Etosha Safari Lodge, at the southern park gate (HB)

Day 15

Drive through eastern part of Etosha National Park

Exciting game viewing awaits us for the next two days in the Etosha National Park. We can use this time to visit the various waterholes and observe the many animals. At sunset at the latest, we leave the park through the eastern park gate. Our beautiful accommodation at Onguma Bush Camp is located a few kilometres past the park exit. The thatch-roofed buildings here exude a true bush feeling.

(approx. 190 km, driving time +- 3 hours + game drive in the park)

Onguma Bush Camp, near the eastern park entrance (HB)

Day 16

Etosha National Park

Once again, we have the opportunity to enjoy the abundance of animals in the park and observe the many wild animals quenching their thirst at the waterholes. We could also spend the day or part of it, relaxing at our beautiful camp.

Onguma Bush Camp, near the eastern park entrance (HB)

Day 17

Otjiwarongo / Okonjima

We leave behind the wildlife of Etosha National Park and drive via Tsumeb to Otjiwarongo. Before we reach Tsumeb, we could visit Lake Otjikoto. In 1915, the Germans sank their cannons and weapons in this lake while fleeing from the South Africans. After our visit to the lake, we drive on to Okonjima, home of the AfriCat Foundation, where we will have the opportunity to learn about the projects with leopards and hyenas carried out here. An afternoon game drive is booked for us.

(approx. 360 km, driving time +- 4 hours)

Okonjima Plains Camp (FB + leopard tracking)

Day 18

Drive toward Windhoek

Today, we drive toward Windhoek via Okahandja, where we can visit the woodcarving market. Thereafter, we drive on to Okapuka Safari Lodge, a private game reserve situated close to the capital city. We can relax by the pool and rest in the tranquil atmosphere before our long flight tomorrow. In the afternoon, we go on a final game drive where we are likely to see various species of bird and antelope, giraffes and importantly, white rhino.

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

Okapuka Safari Lodge (HB + sundowner game drive)

Day 19

Departure

Today, our Namibian Safari ends. We drive to Windhoek and return the rental car. Afterward, we are transferred to the airport in time for our flight.

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