2024 Namibia Highlights 14-Day Self-drive Tour (Silver)

Day 1

Arrival in Windhoek

Arrival and transfer to our cosy accommodation in the middle of the bush. We can relax in the garden or by the pool and take in the beautiful view of the farmlands. In the afternoon, we go on a farm tour and in the evening, we are treated to a delicious dinner.

(approx. 25 km, driving time +-30 min.)

Guesthouse Voigtland (HB + farm tour)

Day 2

Journey to the Kalahari semi-desert

In the morning, we pick up our rental car and drive via Rehoboth and Kalkrand into the Kalahari. The rustic lodge where we will be staying, is situated amidst the beautiful red dunes of the Kalahari and is surrounded by unspoilt nature. 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. 280 km from Windhoek, driving time +- 3 hours)

Kalahari Anib Lodge (FB + sundowner drive)

Day 3

Sesriem/Sossusvlei

We traverse the scenically spectacular Tsarisbergpass today on our drive to Sesriem. The fantastic landscapes at the edge of the Namib give us an idea of what to expect in the next few days: boundless expanses of desert, scattered island mountains and breathtaking dune landscapes. We could pay a visit to the Sesriem Canyon in the afternoon.

(approx. 310 km, driving time +- 4 hours)

Sossusvlei Lodge, near park entrance (HB)

Day 4

Sossusvlei

This morning, 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. 260 km, driving time +- 4 hours)

Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge (BB)

Day 5

Drive to Swakopmund

We travel over the Gaub Pass and Kuiseb Canyon and then continue our drive across the central Namib Desert. On our way, we are likely to see ostriches and perhaps also springboks, zebras and oryx antelopes. Via Walvis Bay we reach the coastal town of Swakopmund, where we spend the night in a hotel alongside the ocean. Dinner reservation at a restaurant with sea view (optional).

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

Beach Lodge (BB)

Day 6

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 during this boat ride.

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. 90 km, driving time +- 1 hour)

Beach Lodge (BB) + catamaran trip

Day 7

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.

(approx. 210 km, driving time +- 2.5 hours)

Ai Aiba Rockpainting Lodge (HB)

Day 8

Journey to Etosha National Park

Today, we want to begin our drive to Etosha National Park as early as possible. 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 numerous waterholes where large numbers of land animals and birds congregate all year round.

Tonight, after the day’s game drives, we will still be able to observe their coming and going at the illuminated waterhole.

(approx. 320 km, driving time +- 4 hours)

Camp Okaukuejo in the Park (BB)

Day 9 & 10

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 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.

(approx. 160 km + game drives to waterholes)

Mushara Lodge, at the Eastern park entrance (HB)

Day 11

Waterberg

We leave behind the wildlife of Etosha National Park and drive via Tsumeb and Otjiwarongo to the legendary Waterberg. Before reaching Tsumeb, we could visit Lake Otjikoto - one of only two natural lakes in Namibia - in which the Germans sank their cannons, before surrendering in 1915.

The Waterberg is a natural paradise with unique vegetation. It is known for its rare animal species, colourful bird life and magnificent landscape.

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

Waterberg Wilderness Lodge (HB)

Day 12

Okonjima

A morning hike to the Waterberg plateau is possible (optional), where we will see a dense collection of almost all the trees and shrubs that exist in Namibia. The magnificent view of the vast savannah is our reward for the ascent. Afterwards, a short drive to Okonjima, home of the AfriCat Foundation. Extensive research projects on rare and endangered species are run here and we will have the unique opportunity to learn about and experience much of it. We are booked for a game drive in the afternoon.

(approx. 110 km, driving time +- 2 hours)

Okonjima Plains Camp (FB + game drive)

Day 13

Drive toward Windhoek

Today, we drive to a private game reserve close to Windhoek. We can relax by the pool here and rest in the tranquil atmosphere before our long flight tomorrow.

In the afternoon, we go on a final game drive where we will likely see various species of bird and antelope, giraffes and importantly, white rhino.

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

Okapuka Safari Lodge (HB + game drive)

Day 14

Departure

Today, our Namibian Safari ends. We drive to Windhoek and return the rental car. We are transferred to the airport and depart in the afternoon or in the evening.

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