Classic Namibia Self-Drive
Namibia is one Africa’s most diverse and naturally-beautiful destinations, plucking images of rolling sand dunes and wildlife-rich landscapes, scattered with glorious mountains and attractive seaside towns.
This spectacular 10-night self-drive adventure offers the opportunity to take in some of the continent’s most famous scenery, including the likes of Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei, Damaraland and the Central Highlands, whilst also exploring the gorgeous coastal oasis of Swakopmund, where pastel colonial buildings line picture-perfect beaches with breath-taking views across the Atlantic.
This tour truly is unlike any other, and we think it’s a great option for seasoned safari travellers, as well as those who are looking to explore this amazing continent for the first time, offering the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and of course, phenomenal wildlife-viewing opportunities.
Windhoek
On arrival in Windhoek you'll be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel. You'll have some time to relax before your car is delivered and our representative's briefing on your itinerary. You then have the rest of the day to explore the craft shops, museums and a plethora of historical buildings of Windhoek, the capital of Namibia.
For your first night in this spectacular country we recommend you stay at The Olive Exclusive Hotel where you are guaranteed an extremely comfortable sleep.
Sossusvlei
After breakfast it is time to hit the road and head off to Sossusvlei. The drive can take from five to six hours but what a reward you will have waiting at the other end! Sossusvlei is a large ephemeral pan adorned by towering red sand dunes, some of which reach heights of up to 325 metres, in fact it is home to some of the highest dunes in the world, featuring a wonderful selection of attractions and scenery to enjoy. The best way in which to experience this breath-taking region is to climb a dune, with Dune 45 and Big Daddy being some of the most popular ones. Sossusvlei is also a photographers’ paradise, and is one of the planet’s most photographed spots – you’ll see why as the sun rises or sets across the vast landscapes; the reflections of the dunes from the lakes are utterly beautiful.
Enjoy two nights' uninterrupted stay at the beautiful Desert Homestead Outpost.
Swakopmund
Around a five hour drive from Sossusvlei is the coastal city of Swakopmund. A unique destination home to stunning beaches and beautiful colonial architecture; Views across the Atlantic Ocean can be admired from all around the city. After the long drive, you’ll probably feel like relaxing for the rest of the day, so we recommend spending some time exploring this coastal oasis, stumbling upon a perfect sandy beach to flop and admire the scenery. This is Namibia’s adventure capital and a surreal colonial remnant in one. Swakopmund offers a surplus of things to do and see, from the German architecture and picturesque seaside promenade, to the multidimensional African touches and rich culture throughout the city. Landmarks include the Swakopmund Lighthouse, the elegant Railway Station and the Old Sea Wall, whilst Swakopmund Museum exhibits a great collection of Namibia’s cultural, geological and historical artefacts.
In an ideal location for exploring all that this area has to offer, you will have two nights to relax at the colonial building that is The Strand Hotel.
Damaraland
It’s another five-hour drive today as you journey through gorgeous national park scenery to Damaraland. Adorned by magnificent red-rock formations, desert mountains and palm-fringed valleys, Damaraland is home to some of Namibia’s most dramatic and spectacular landscapes, as well as incredible wildlife-watching areas. You could head out on a game excursion to perhaps catch a glimpse of the desert elephants, black rhino, oryx, springbok and kudu, with the chance to maybe even see cheetahs or lions, which are occasionally spotted in the area.
Tonight you will have the chance to enjoy spectacular views over the red rocks of Damaraland from your decking at Mowani Mountain Camp.
Central Etosha
Time to leave the red rocks behind and head for the ancient salt pans of Central Etosha. Here you will find the largest salt pan in Africa, this jaw-dropping area is home to four members of the Big Five, excluding buffalo, and you’ll even have the chance to experience incredible sightings of black rhino, which are seldom seen in most safari destinations. You’ll be more-than-likely to see lions as you explore this expansive land, home to over 300 of these majestic creatures, which are very relaxed around the game vehicles. You may also catch sightings of the sneaky leopards that occupy Etosha, which are harder to see but can sometimes be viewed around waterholes. Other wildlife sightings may also include cheetahs, zebra, elephants, hyena, antelope, giraffe, wildebeest and breath-taking flocks of flamingos.
Three nights will give you plenty of opportunity to experience all that this amazing area has to offer and what better place to stay than the Ongava Lodge, with its' own waterhole for up-close and personal game viewing.
Central Highlands
For the final leg of your trip. you will drive for around three hours to the Central Highlands, located just north of Windhoek. This magnificent mountain region runs down the spine of Namibia, and separates the Kalahari Desert from the Namib dunes. Aside from the spectacular scenery, you’ll find a handful of small towns in the area; we suggest visiting Okahandja to explore its charming community and several markets. In this area, you will also find several large game farms – the most famous one is Okanjima, home to the AfriCat Foundation.
Your overnight stay in the Central Highlands will be particularly beautiful, when staying at the Okonjima Bush Suite, with the chance to take in more of Namibia’s wild, exotic scenery and wildlife and provide more memories from your amazing adventure.
This safari can be tailored in any way to meet your personal needs including length of trip, accommodation and experiences included, with or without international flights. Contact one of our safari designers now to discuss your safari ideas.
What's Included
- International flights
- Domestic flights and transfers
- Car hire
- 10 nights accommodation as detailed above
- All National Park fees and entrance fees for activities detailed
Price Information
Prices start from £3495pp/€4295pp/$4495pp
