22 Day Namibian Highlights Self Drive Journey

The Okonjima Nature Reserve is a renowned wildlife sanctuary in Namibia, located in the central region of the country, approximately halfway between the capital, Windhoek, and Etosha National Park. Covering an area of about 200 square kilometers, the reserve is privately managed.

Okonjima is famous for its conservation efforts, particularly for the preservation and rehabilitation of cheetahs and leopards. It serves as the headquarters of the AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of these big cats. The foundation conducts research, provides veterinary care, and runs educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of predator conservation.

In addition to cheetahs and leopards, Okonjima is home to other wildlife species such as spotted hyenas, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and various bird species. The reserve offers a diverse ecosystem of open grasslands, rocky hills, and dense bushland, providing a suitable habitat for these animals.

Besides wildlife-focused activities, the Okonjima Nature Reserve also offers opportunities for cultural interactions and outdoor adventures. Visitors can learn about the local Herero and Himba cultures through village visits and craft markets. Hiking trails, bird watching, and visits to the Bushman Trail Museum allow guests to explore the natural and cultural heritage of the reserve.

Overall, the Okonjima Nature Reserve in Namibia is a remarkable destination, offering wildlife enthusiasts the chance to experience the beauty of cheetahs and leopards in their natural environment while supporting conservation efforts. It is a unique blend of luxury, adventure, and education, making it an ideal choice for nature lovers.

Situated in the Otjozondjupa Province, in the centre of what is known as the ‘Golden Triangle’, the towering Otavi Mountains are surrounded by the Northern Namibian towns of Otavi, Tsumeb, and Grootfontein, which are roughly 60 kilometres equidistant from each other. The landscape features golden maize plantations, spectacular dolomite mountains, and underground lakes. Visitors to this spectacular region can look forward to a variety of activities including visiting the Hoba Meteorite, the largest ‘space object’ on earth and a national monument; explore Dragon’s Breath Cave which holds world’s largest underground lake; or viewing the bottomless ‘sinkhole’ Lake Otkikoto, boasting emerald green water is one of two permanent lakes in Namibia. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, off-roading, and game viewing safaris. Don’t miss the impressive Gaub Cave, filled with sensational stalactites and stalagmites.

Divundu is a small village on the southeastern bank of the Kavango River, home to the Mbukushu kings. It is situated directly on the main artery connecting the Kavango region with the Zambezi region. The village itself is not particularly scenic, but travelers can stock up on supplies at the two general stores before exploring the Zambezi region.

Before the Kavango River flows into Botswana, it plunges in a series of rapids, known as the Popa Falls, across its full width of 1.2 km. These are visible when the river is low during the dry season and are the main attraction near Divundu.

The river landscape is a paradise for birdwatchers, with about 430 species, almost 70% of the total number of bird species in Namibia, recorded here. The Okavango River, with its 71 fish species, is a very popular fishing spot, and the nearby Mahango Game Reserve offers a variety of wildlife in typical river and swamp habitats.

THINGS TO DO

• Birdwatching
• Fishing
• Wildlife viewing
• Boat trips

Rundu is the capital of the Kavango Province in Namibia. Located in the northern part of the country, it has a population of approximately 90,000 residents. After the capital Windhoek, Rundu is the second-largest city in Namibia and lies in the northeast, directly on the Okavango River and the border with Angola. The city serves as the main center of the Kavango Region, an area characterized by tropical forests and riverine savannas.

Rundu experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. The city is also known for hosting the largest open market in the area, which attracts many tourists.

THINGS TO DO

Activities in and around Rundu include:

• Fishing and water sports
• Khaudum Game Reserve
• Mangetti National Park
• Okavango River
• Open market
• Woodcarver's market

The Onguma Game Reserve is a popular destination for wildlife viewing, located adjacent to the eastern side of Etosha National Park in Namibia. Spanning an area of about 34,000 hectares, it offers visitors a unique safari experience.

Onguma is renowned for its diverse landscape, which includes open plains, mopane woodlands, and dense bushland. The reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife species, including elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and numerous bird species. Visitors have an excellent opportunity to observe these fascinating animals in their natural environment.

One of the main attractions of the Onguma Game Reserve is its immediate proximity to Etosha National Park. The eastern side of Onguma borders Etosha, allowing wildlife to roam freely between the two areas. This free movement enhances the chances of spotting a wide range of animals.

Another highlight of Onguma is the strategically positioned photographic hides at waterholes. These hides offer photographers and wildlife enthusiasts a fantastic opportunity to capture stunning close-up images of wildlife without disturbing their natural behavior.

In addition to wildlife experiences, Onguma Game Reserve also offers cultural encounters and opportunities for relaxation. Cultural tours to nearby villages provide insights into the traditions and customs of local communities, while wellness facilities and swimming pools in the lodges allow guests to unwind and rejuvenate after exciting game drives.

Overall, Onguma Game Reserve provides a remarkable blend of wildlife adventure, cultural exploration, and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and safari enthusiasts.

Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. The area is comprised of a collection of world class private game reserves. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a multitude of plains game. Popular activities include: enjoying an open 4x4 safari with an expert guide, half day or full day drives with the option of a picnic lunch with wine on the full day game drive.

Set in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, Twyfelfontein is a spectacularly scenic area, featuring one of the largest and most important concentrations of rock art in Africa. The name ‘Twyfelfontein’ translates to ‘Fountain of Doubt’, which refers to the perennial spring situated in the impressive Huab Valley flanked by the slopes of a sandstone table mountain. It was this spring that attracted Stone Age hunters over six thousand years ago, and it was during this time that the extensive group of rock engravings and paintings were produced. Visitors can look forward to basing themselves at some wonderfully shady campsites along the Aba-Huab riverbed, while exploring over thirty different sacred ritual sites of the traditional hunter-gatherer communities.

Swakopmund is a charming coastal town and a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. The city blends German colonial architecture with African flair and offers a variety of activities and attractions. Situated on the coast on the edge of the Namib Desert, the city provides a wonderful view of the Atlantic Ocean. The towering sand dunes and rugged coastline offer numerous opportunities for activities such as sandboarding, quad biking, and dune hiking. Swakopmund is also renowned for its excellent restaurants and cafes, where you can enjoy both Namibian and international cuisine. Be sure to taste local specialties made from fresh fish and seafood.

THINGS TO DO

• Dolphin Cruise (mola-namibia.com)
• Tommy’s Living Desert Tour (livingdeserttours.com.na)
• Excursion toWalvis Bay
• Fat Bike Tours (https://www.swakopfatbiketours.com/)

UNSERE RESTAURANT TIPPS

• The Tug (www.the-tug.com)
• Kücki’s Pub (www.kuckispub.com)
• Jetty 1905 (www.lighthousegroup.com.ca)
• The Wreck Restaurant (www.the-wreck.com)

TIPS

Quad biking with Desert Explorer: Looking for a bit of adrenaline? Then join Desert Explorer on a tour through the fascinating dune landscape around Swakopmund. One to three-hour quad bike tours are offered with experienced guides (www.namibiadesertexplorers.com).

As there is no accommodation at Sossusvlei, visitors to this desert wilderness are likely to end up staying at Sesriem, 65 kilometres away, where camps and lodges serve as a base from which to explore the dunes. Sesriem Canyon, a deep chasm carved through the rocks by water, is a striking natural feature of the area that is best explored on foot. Stony walls rise up sharply on both sides of the canyon, while birds roost in its crags and lizards dart along the ledges. The canyon’s name was coined when early settlers used it as a water source, using six lengths of leather (‘ses riem – six thongs) tied together to lower buckets into the water at the base of canyon.)

Perched above the plains of the Namib Desert in the rocky Aus Mountains, the small village of Aus lies at the heart of phenomenal botanic diversity. Aus serves as an excellent base from which to see the area’s major attraction: the feral horses of the Namib Desert, which run wild and free in the sparsely vegetated plains. The best place for viewings is at the water trough at Garub, which lies just twenty kilometres away from Aus. Visitors can gain insight into the Succulent Karoo by visiting beautiful Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park, home to the most biodiverse desert in the world. Don't miss the opportunity to camp under the famously clear Namibian night sky and experience the desert landscape on horseback.

The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon in the USA. It is part of the state-run Ais-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. The entrance to the park is located 10 kilometers from the well-known viewpoint called Hell's Bend at the Hobas Restcamp.

The Fish River Canyon National Park, officially known as Ai-Ais National Park, covers a total area of 6,045 km², providing a protected area for Karoo succulents and endemic wildlife. To experience the beauty and serenity up close, lace up your hiking boots and embark on a private journey along the canyon. Unfortunately, day visitors are not allowed to hike into the canyon. Guided expeditions are also offered from April to September.

The Fish River is 800 kilometers long, making it the longest river in Namibia. It originates in the eastern parts of the Naukluft Mountains and flows for about 200 km before reaching the Hardap Dam, the largest water reservoir in the country, with a circumference of 30 km and an area of 28 km². The Fish River Canyon begins at Seeheim, at the lower reaches of the river. The canyon stretches for 161 km, is 27 km wide, and reaches depths of up to 550 meters. It ends at Ais-Ais, where the river flows into the Orange River, forming the border with South Africa.

About 650 million years ago, an impressive mountain range was shaped by the forces of erosion, eventually giving way to a vast plain flooded by the sea. However, it wasn't until about 350 million years later that a fascinating biological process set the formation of the Fish River Canyon in motion. Ancient tectonic faults opened up a massive trench, which expanded over time. Thus, the wide, ancient valley of the mighty Fish River was formed. The edges of this trench, now more than 20 km apart, mark the imposing cliffs that shape the canyon.

Originally, the riverbed was about 300 meters higher than it is today around 300 million years ago. Shortly thereafter, the Gondwana Ice Age began, further deepening the mighty glacial trench. Today, it is almost unimaginable to picture ice or glaciers in this breathtaking gorge—a contrast that makes the incredible history and transformation of the Fish River Canyon all the more fascinating.

The Kalahari Desert, despite its name, receives a small amount of annual rainfall that is sufficient to support the growth of grasses and thorny shrubs. This vegetation provides food and shelter for the diverse wildlife that has adapted to this harsh environment.

The most characteristic feature of the Kalahari is its majestic sand dunes, which glow in a warm, reddish hue. These dunes stretch across a vast area, creating an otherworldly and impressive landscape. The sight of the dunes at sunrise and sunset offers a fascinating play of shadows and brings the colors of the desert to life. The silence and vastness of the Kalahari Desert give visitors a sense of seclusion and tranquility. Horizons stretch endlessly into the distance as you wander through open plains or along sandy paths.

The Kalahari Desert is home to a variety of wildlife adapted to the extreme conditions. Lions that hunt in the desert are known for their impressive manes and their ability to successfully hunt in the thorny bushland. Cheetahs, capable of breathtaking speeds, use the open grasslands of the Kalahari to chase their prey. Leopards, agile climbers, stalk their prey from trees and disappear skillfully into the dense bush. Hyenas roam the desert, playing a crucial role in scavenging carcasses, while meerkats, with their upright postures and curious behaviors, captivate onlookers. Springboks, with their distinctive ability to leap great distances, enliven the landscape, while gemsbok, with their long, curved horns, majestically traverse the plains.

ANIMALS IN THE DESERT

Lions | Cheetahs | Leopards | Hyenas | Meerkats | Springboks | Oryx | Ostriches | Jackals | Bats | Scorpions | Kudu Antelopes | Giraffes | Porcupines