Classic Namibia self-drive holiday

Exterior of Desert Homestead in purple clouds, Namibi Desert, Namibia

Day 1

Drive to the Namib Desert

When you arrive at the international airport in Windhoek, you make your way to the car rental office to collect your vehicle. And you're off on your Namibian adventure! Leaving the city, you head south to your lodge for the evening. If you have time you can go via Spreetshoogte Pass, it's well worth it as the view from the top of the escarpment is stunning. It should take about 5 hours to reach the Desert Homestead Lodge. Freshen up for dinner then relax and enjoy some star gazing.

Breakfast, dinner

Sossusvlei dunes, Namib-Naukluft, Namibia

Day 2

Explore the Namib Desert

This morning you will have an early wake-up call followed by a scrumptious breakfast. Then it's off to explore the Namib-Naukluft National park,. Today is the day to explore the fabulous, iconic Sossusvlei Dunes, you can even climb them if you have the stamina. Maybe arrange for arrange for a picnic lunch so you can stay and explore the park for longer. Late in the afternoon return to recharge your batteries, freshen-up before dinner.

Breakfast, dinner

Day 3

Drive to Swakopmund

Today, after breakfast, pack up your car and head north to the quirky town of Solitaire. It's worth stopping at the bakery for some light refreshments, their cakes are renowned. Then you will head west and cross the Tropic of Capricorn, a great photo opportunity. More stunning scenery follows and you will eventually reach the interestingly named Skeleton Coast and Swakopmund. If you are able, we recommend a detour via Ganab. This will allow you to visit the ancient Welwitschia Plains and the area aptly named the Moon Landscape before arriving in the coastal town of Swakopmund. Depending on stops today's drive to Swakopmund Guesthouse is about 5 hours.

Breakfast

Day 4

Swakopmund & Walvis Bay

After a hearty breakfast you can start to explore the area. The Skeleton Coast gets its name from the shipwrecks, barren landscape and in days gone by, whale skeletons left on the beach. There is such a lot to do here, Swakopmund is not known as the adventure capital of Namibia for nothing. You could opt for a dolphin cruise, quad biking in the dunes, or dune boarding is always good fun. You could take a scenic flight and see how vast this area is from the sky. You could try ocean fishing or even sea kayaking - there are plenty of choices, there is sure to be something for everyone. This evening you can explore the town and dine in one of the many excellent restaurants. If you enjoy fish dishes then this is the place to be.

Breakfast

Day 5

Drive to Damaraland

After breakfast, it's time to set off for your next destination, with plenty to see along the way. You can head north along the Skeleton Coast, via Henties Bay to visit the Cape Cross seal colony, a sight to behold. Along the way, stop at the Lichen Fields and perhaps the colourful small towns of Vlotskasbaken and Henties Bay. After spending some time watching the seals, backtrack to Henties Bay and head inland through wide open plains to Uis, then north to the Twyfelfontein area where you will find Camp Kipwe. Depending on stops it should take you a little over 4 hours to reach here.
Either this afternoon (if there is time) or tomorrow morning pay a visit to Namibia's Open Air Museum, the Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings as well as the fascinating rock formations known as the Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain, which takes its name from the orange glow it has as the setting sun hits its surface. It's also worth taking a drive west to the Huab River to look for desert-adapted elephants as well as other game such as oryx, springbok, ostrich and lots more. You could opt to do this as a guided trip (added extra). This evening you can relax, wash off the dust from the drive and enjoy the Namibian hospitality.

Breakfast, dinner

Day 6-7

Damaraland

Driving further into the stunning region of Damaraland, you can't help but marvel at the landscape. You will head north through open plains and mountain ranges to the veterinary control fence close to Palmwag Lodge. You will leave your vehicle here and be collected by a guide from Etendeka Lodge. Climb aboard his vehicle and he'll take you through more beautiful scenery for a couple of hours, pointing out wildlife on the way to the lodge which will be your home for 2 nights and you can enjoy guided game drives and nature walks in this remote, harsh, yet beautiful area.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8

Drive to Opuwo

After breakfast, your guide will take you back to your vehicle so you can continue your Namibian odyssey. The drive will take you through yet more beautiful scenery to the town of Opuwo, crossing the Hoanib River and the Joubert Pass. This small, typically African town is home to a range of different people from the traditional Himba tribes to Herero, Damara and Owambo cultures. Take the opportunity to stop in some of the villages on the way. it should take about three and a half hours to reach your hotel. If you prefer, your lodge will be able to arrange a visit to a Himba village along with a guide/interpreter - this way you will be able to interact with the Himba and learn so much more. Return to your hotel and enjoy a delicious cooked meal to finish off the day.

Breakfast, dinner

'Ghost' elephants in Etosha National Park, Namibia

Day 9

Drive to Etosha (west)

You are now heading towards the main wildlife portion of your holiday, in Etosha National Park. After a delicious breakfast, you will get back into your car and drive to Hobatere Lodge, again stopping on the way if you wish. It's an easy drive of just over 2 hours. The lodge is located in a beautiful private concession in the western sector of Etosha, this is great as it means it's secluded. You should arrive early afternoon and you may opt to take a break from driving and join an afternoon or evening game drive with the lodge (optional extra) or perhaps decide to stay at the lodge and relax by the pool and have a well-earned ice-cold drink.

Breakfast, dinner

Days 10-11

Etosha National Park

After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, enter Etosha at the western Galton Gate. A full morning game drive will take you to Okaukuejo and then you will exit Etosha via the Andersson gate, where you will find your lodge, Etosha Village, which will be home for the next two nights. You can return to Etosha in the afternoon or arrange to join one of the lodge's game drives (optional extra). You have another full day to explore Etosha. One of the best ways is to travel from waterhole to waterhole, park-up and watch the animals take turns coming to the water to drink. There are elephants a-plenty in Etosha and plenty of plains game too. Keep your eyes peeled for the predators that follow their next meal closely. Return to the lodge for a sundowner and enjoy chatting with fellow travellers around the camp fire.

Breakfast, dinner

Elephants on a game drive with Mushara Bush Camp, Etosha, Namibia

Day 12-13

Etosha National Park (east)

After breakfast you will incorporate your transfer into a game drive, as you drive slowly east through the park stopping at numerous waterholes along the way. The first stop is Okaukuejo, pay your entry fee and then your free to spend the day seeking out the game. If you take it slowly you will reach the Halali Resort in time for lunch, it's a great half way stop. After more game viewing in the afternoon, you can exit via the eastern gate and make your way to Mushara Bush Camp in time to unpack and freshen up before pre-dinner drinks. Tomorrow you can take your time exploring more of this vast national park, you can't get bored with so many animals around. You can opt to take advantage of the professionals, and join one of the lodge's guided game drives (optional extra) and pick up some tips from the experts.

Breakfast, dinner

Day 14

Drive to Central Namibia

Leaving Etosha, the animals and the lunar landscape behind, you will drive south via Otavi and Otjiwarongo to Okonjima Lodge which is home to the AfriCat Foundation. It's worth setting off early as the drive is about 4.5 hours. There is lots to see and do here (to be arranged), and your hosts will be keen to share information on the work of the foundation. If you arrive here by 2pm, then you can enjoy afternoon tea and cake before heading off on your excursion. There's another opportunity to see more wildlife after dinner, then you can view some of the nocturnal inhabitants of the area. Finish off the day with some hearty Namibian hospitality and a night-cap before turning in for the last night of your trip.

Breakfast, dinner

Day 15

Drive to Windhoek

Making the most of your last day, we'd suggest an early start with a quick snack before heading out on an morning activity such as visiting the AfriCat Foundation or a drive in the game reserve. Afterwards, return to the lodge for a hearty Namibian breakfast before saying goodbye. The drive back to Windhoek is about 4 hours, where you will return your vehicle at the airport before connecting with your flight home. Your Namibian adventure has come to an end although we are sure you will be re-living the memories for years to come.

Breakfast

Classic Namibia Self-Drive Itinerary

15 days from £3,250pp plus international flights.