Namibia Self-Drive Safari

Overview

The vast and diverse expanse of Namibia is best explored by road and a self-drive itinerary is perfect for those who want the unique experience of driving through the desert, spectacular coast and game parks of the country. This route will take you through the country’s most iconic and beautiful towns and areas including the desert areas of Sossusvlei and Damaraland, the coastal towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, and Etosha National Park.

Itinerary

DAY 1: WINDHOEK

On arrival at Windhoek Airport, you will be met and transferred to GALTON HOUSE for your overnight stay. Here you will receive your vehicle, ready to start your self-drive safari. (B)

DAY 2: WINDHOEK – SOSSUSVLEI
After breakfast you will drive towards Sossusvlei, renowned for its red dunes and white salt pan. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Two nights at HOODIA DESERT LODGE (B, L, D)

DAY 3: SOSSUSVLEI
This morning you will set off on a guided excursion to the dunes of Sossusvlei, Sesriem Canyon and Deadvlei with its iconic dead camel thorn trees. After a picnic lunch, you will return to the lodge. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: SOSSUSVLEI – SWAKOPMUND
Today you will drive northwest through the desertscape of the Namib Naukluft National Park, passing the Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons. You will arrive at the coastal town of Walvis Bay, before continuing further north to Swakopmund. You will be free in the afternoon to explore the town. Two nights at STRAND HOTEL. (B, L)

DAY 5: SWAKOPMUND
Today is at your leisure to explore Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and the surrounding areas. The towns are full of history and there are many sights and adventure activities on offer. Take a scenic flight, go sandboarding, enjoy a morning dolphin cruise on the Walvis Bay harbour or visit Sandwich Harbour, one of the most important wetlands for migratory birds in southern Africa (own expense). (B)

DAY 6: SWAKOPMUND – DAMARALAND
This morning you will continue to Damaraland. In the afternoon you will arrive at ONDULI RIDGE where you will stay for the next two nights. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: DAMARALAND
Today you will leave early for a guided excursion into the Aba Huab River Valley in search of the elusive desert elephant and other desert-adapted wildlife including rhino and giraffe. Return to the camp in time for lunch and spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: DAMARALAND – ONGAVA GAME RESERVE
After breakfast, begin the drive to ONGAVA LODGE in Ongava Game Reserve, a private game reserve on the border of Etosha National Park. (B, D)

DAY 9: ONGAVA GAME RESERVE – EASTERN ETOSHA
This morning you will make your way to Etosha National Park, with the chance to stop at various waterholes along the way. Two nights at ONGUMA TENTED CAMP. (B, D)

DAY 10: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Today you will have the opportunity to either enjoy the activities offered by Onguma (at own expense) or set out on a game drive in your own vehicle. (B, D)

DAY 11: ETOSHA – OKONJIMA
Today you will depart Etosha for Okonjima. This area is home to the renowned AfriCat Foundation, a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to wildlife conservation, especially cheetah. Two nights at OKONJIMA BUSH CAMP. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: OKONJIMA
Early this morning you will set out on a guided morning activity before returning to the camp for brunch. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: OKONJIMA – WINDHOEK
Today you will enjoy a morning activity in Okonjima before setting off to Windhoek on the last drive of your safari. After a stop in the town of Okahandja, you will arrive in Windhoek in the mid-afternoon, where you will return your rental vehicle. This will be the end of your Namibian journey. (B)

Includes

• 12 nights accommodation on a twin share basis
• Meals as indicated (B, L, D)
• Vehicle hire of one 4×4 (including additional drivers)
• Excursions and activities as detailed in itinerary
• Arrival airport transfers from Windhoek Airport
• Departure ‘meet and greet’ services

NOTE:
Additional costs may apply and are not included such as airport taxes, fuel and refundable deposit for rental vehicle, GPS, and age supplement as well as additional activities and meals etc. Based on a minimum of 2 passengers travelling together.

Subject to change without notice.

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Onduli Ridge

Situated at the base of two granite outcrops, Onduli Ridge offers guests the chance to connect with nature whilst enjoying well-appointed rooms. Indulge in the beauty of the Namibian wilderness, luxuriating in one of six suites designed to blend in with landscape.

Strand Hotel

Strand Hotel Swakopmund is set on the beach and just 2-minute walk from the Swakopmund Museum. There are a total of 125 rooms of which 90% have beach and sea views and 10% garden and park views. Rooms consist of 74 Standard Rooms, 2 Enabled Rooms, 40 Luxury Rooms, 6 Junior Suites, 2 Luxury Suites, 1 Presidential Suite. All rooms feature en-suite bathrooms, complimentary internet Wi-Fi access, air conditioning, electronic door lock, hairdryer, safe, direct dial telephone, LCD television with satellite TV channels, tea/coffee stations, stocked mini-bars and working desks. Room service is available. There’s also a lobby lounge and a retail store with a deli. Other hotel amenities include a microbrewery with a beer garden, a seafood restaurant, a casual beach café, a spa with steam rooms and rain showers.

Okonjima Bush Camp

Located within the Okonjima Private Game Reserve and offering stunning views across the Namibian plains and the nearby mountains, Okonjima Bush Camp comprises of 8 African-style bush chalets. The thatched, circular rooms are widely spaced with tented fronts, which can be removed to reveal views of the Omboroko Mountains and the Waterberg Plateau Park. All guests will have the opportunity to watch the AfriCat Foundation researchers at work, participate in radio-tracking on foot, observe leopard from the safety of a hide or safari vehicle tracking them using signals from their radio collars.

Onguma Tented Camp

Onguma Tented Camp is situated on the private Onguma Reserve bordering the eastern side of Etosha National Park. The camp has seven tented rooms, located around a floodlit waterhole. Unwind after your safari in the lounge or the infinity pool, both the perfect place to watch the sunset. Activities at Onguma Tented Camp include morning game drives into Etosha National Park, sunset drives, and morning bush walks.

Safarihoek Lodge

Safarihoek Lodge occupies a hillside on the southern border of the Etosha National Park, overlooking a large waterhole and the planes of the expansive park. 11 well-appointed rooms afford panoramic views of the surrounding bush. The lodge’s main area consists of a bar, dining and lounge area, a wine cellar and a swimming pool. Being in an area rich in game, especially rhino, the lodge offers guests the option of enjoying morning, afternoon and night game drives, bush walks and the use of the lodge’s photography hide.

Mowani Mountain Camp

Situated in the heart of southern Damaraland, between Namibia’s Ugab and the Huab rivers, Mowani Mountain Camp is nestled amongst large granite boulders and has superb views across gravel plains and the mountains. The camp offers 13 rooms and 2 luxury suites with views across the valley or hilltop vistas. There are also 7 campsites. Guests can relax in the sparkling pool or enjoy a sundowner. There are also nature walks, elephant and dune drives, and visits to Twyfelfontein.

Hoodia Desert Lodge

Nestled on the banks of the Tsauchab River, only 15 minutes from the gate of Sossusvlei, lies the beautiful Hoodia Desert Lodge. 12 luxury tented, thatched roof bungalows offer the privilege of privacy and relaxation. In the restaurant, you can enjoy exquisite traditional and international cuisine. A swimming pool and bar are available.

Galton House

Galton House is in the suburb of Eros, about a 10-minute drive from the centre of Windhoek. The eight guest rooms have a relaxed, understated chic and minimalistic feel to them. The communal areas consist of a large lounge, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a swimming pool. There is also a delightful “al fresco” dining area by the pool where more relaxed meals can be served.