2024 Namibia Family 13-Day Self-drive Tour

Day 1

Arrival in Windhoek

We pick up our rental car at the airport. Thereafter, we drive through Namibian farmland to our lodge, which is situated south of the capital in the Auas Mountains. The rest of our day is spent at leisure. We can relax alongside the pool and recover from the long flight.

If time allows, we can book a game drive with the lodge to see the first wild animals of our trip (optional). Oryx antelope, giraffe, springbok and much more inhabit the area.

The lodge is also a wonderful location for birding with over 301 different species that can be spotted here. We celebrate our first evening in Namibia with a delicious dinner.

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

Auas Safari Lodge (HB)

Day 2

Naukluft Mountains

Our route today takes us to the Namib Naukluft Park to Büllsport Guest Farm - one of the oldest farms in Namibia. The cattle and horse breeding farm is situated at the Tsondab dry riverbed, directly along the border to the Namib Naukluft Park. Animals such as springbok, Hartmann's mountain zebra, kudu and klipspringer are common here. The impressive scenery makes the Naukluft Mountains a hiker's paradise. The area is also fascinating for its unique ability to sustain the wildlife, with a special diversity of habitats and access to water.

(approx. 230 km, driving time +- 3.5 hours)

BüllsPort Guest farm (HB + Naukluft hike)

Day 3

Sesriem/Sossusvlei

Before our journey continues toward Sossusvlei, we partake in a scenically spectacular excursion. We are driven up a 4x4 trail into the mountains where there is plenty of game to be spotted. At the top, we have a beautiful view over the mountains and the area surrounding the farm. We then take a hike into the Quiver Tree Gorge. After our adventure, we begin our drive to Sesriem. Our accommodation is located in a private nature reserve and offers gorgeous panoramic views of the Namib, an extensive pool area and mouth-watering cuisine.

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

Desert Homestead Lodge (HB)

Day 4

Sossusvlei

Today, we take a 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. 190 km, driving time +- 3 hours)

Desert Homestead Lodge (HB)

Day 5

Drive to Swakopmund

We head north to Solitaire today, where we can stop over for a taste of the town’s famous apple pie. We then pass through the central Namib Desert. On our 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 centrally located in the historic town. The beach and the town centre, with its numerous cafés and restaurants, are within walking distance. Dinner reservation in a restaurant overlooking the sea (optional).

(approx. 360 km, driving time +- 5-6 hours)

The Delight Hotel (BB)

Day 6 & 7

Swakopmund

Today, we take a remarkable boat or kayak 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 sandboarding, a trip in search of the "Little 5" or quad biking in the dunes. (optional).

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

The Delight Hotel (BB) + catamaran trip

Day 8

Omaruru

We continue inland, past the mighty rock massif of Spitzkoppe, to Omaruru Game Lodge. The cosy lodge is a small oasis, situated on the banks of the dry river under shady palms and old trees. The rustic bungalows offer a beautiful view of a large waterhole that attracts many wild animals. In the afternoon, we go on a game drive in the lodge's game-rich safari park. The lodge also offers a cheetah feeding activity.

(approx. 260 km, driving time +- 3 hours)

Omaruru Game Lodge (HB + game drive)

Day 9

Etosha National Park

We reach Etosha National Park, which is one of the largest game reserves in the world, covering an area of almost 23 000 km2. Over 110 mammal species inhabit the park, including elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebra, twelve different antelope species and lions. Our camp is only a few kilometres from the park entrance. We can drive into the park in the afternoon for our first game drive or simply relax at the camp.

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

Etosha Safari Camp, Camping2Go (HB)

Day 10

Etosha National Park

Exciting game viewing awaits us today in the Etosha National Park. We can spend the day visiting the various waterholes and observing animals such as giraffes, kudus, zebra, oryx antelopes, black-nosed impala, wildebeest, springbok, ostriches and with some luck, we may even see elephants, black rhino and lions.

At sunset at the latest, we leave the park and drive back to our camp.

Etosha Safari Camp, Camping2Go (HB)

Day 11

Drive through the eastern part of Etosha National Park

Once again, we spend our day enjoying the abundance of animals in the park and observing the many wild animals quenching their thirst at the waterholes. In the evening, we leave the park in an easterly direction. Our accommodation at Onguma Bush Camp is located a few kilometres past the park exit. The thatched roofs all around the camp give this charming accommodation a real bush feeling.

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

Onguma Bush Camp, near eastern park entrance (HB)

Day 12

Otjiwarongo

Today, we drive to a private game reserve near the town of Otjiwarongo. The approximately 12 000 ha-large Otjiwa Private Game Reserve has a lot to offer. There are 25 game species to be spotted on our afternoon game drive, including the rare white rhino, sable and roan antelope. We could also take time out to relax by the pool or to simply unwind in the peaceful ambience.

(approx. 330 km, driving time +- 4 hours)

Otjiwa Lodge (HB + game drive)

Day 13

Departure

Today, our exciting journey comes to an end and it is time to bid Namibia adieu. We drive to Windhoek and return the rental car. We are then transferred to the airport and board our flight home.

(approx. 260 km, driving time +- 3 hours)