Description
Self Drive Namibia
Windhoek, Okonjima, Onguma, Ongava Private Game Reserve, Twyfelfontein, Swakopmund and Sossusvlei
Your African safari through Namibia starts and ends in Windhoek.
This Africa safari adventure starts in Windhoek and explores some of the most rugged terrain and beautiful sceneries that Namibia has to offer. After one night in Windhoek the adventure begins as you drive North towards Etosha National Park and some excellent chances of seeing the Big 5 in this world renowned game reserve.
After several nights of game drives and wildlife your safari takes you to the small coastal town of Swakopmund where you will enjoy luxurious accommodation right on the waters edge. The Strand Hotel is perfectly positioned for sunsets over the sea and a great place to relax by the pool or for a swim in the waves. Go for a walk along the beach, explore the markets, admire the old German colonial houses and have a cappuccino in one of the sidewalk cafes.
After Swakopmund you head South through some of the most incredible sceneries I have ever seen in Namibia. This is by far my favorite road for its twists and turns, canyons and stunning panoramic views as you wind your vehicle through the mountains. Take your time on this road, its well worth the whole day to drive.
Arriving in Sossusvlei feels like you have arrived in the Sahara. The shifting dunes and remote desert like atmosphere give the impression of being stranded in the middle of nowhere. Spend several days exploring the dunes, Deadvlei and Sesriem Canyon before returning to Windhoek and the end of your desert African safari.
Read our Country Information for travel in Namibia.
If you are prepared to rough it in a 4X4 and discover the wilder places then have a look at our Khaudum & Linyanti tour over 10 days. We also have a Standard Self Drive package over 14 days. We also have a Luxury Self Drive package.
Look at our Explore Namibia trip over 14 days.
Read about Twyfelfontein and Sossusvlei.
How to Get There
Fly In
Fly into Windhoek the capital of Namibia with Lufthansa, Qatar, KLM, British Airways, Ethiopian Airlines or South African Airways.
On your arrival in Windhoek you will be met by your safari representative who will assist you with your safari 4X4 vehicle. He will familiarise you with everything on the vehicle. Some off road experience would be advantageous.
For assistance with advice on driving in Namibia, get in touch with us. We are the experts in Africa.
Full Itinerary
Day 1 – Windhoek
On your arrival in Windhoek you will be met by your safari representative who will assist you with your vehicle and ensure you are safely at home at Olive Exclusive All Suite Hotel for the night.
Your stay here includes breakfast.
Day 2 – 3 : Okonjima Nature Reserve
After breakfast depart Windhoek for Okonjima Nature Reserve. This is a 3 hour drive over 220 kilometers. on the B1, a good tar road.
Your stay here at Okonjima includes a private guide and vehicle, chef, all meals and activities and drinks (excluding premium brands), laundry, WiFi and park fees.
Day 4 – 5 : Onguma Tented Camp
After breakfast at Okonjima you will depart for Onguma Tented Camp.
This morning you will be departing Okonjima and driving to Etosha. Todays journey is slightly longer at just over 350 km’s.
Drive around to the East or enter Etosha National Park from the South and game drive through the park to Mushara Camp. If you decide on this option you will need to bear in mind that here are speed limits in the park as well as strict gate times so you will need to depart Okonjima quite early to make the most of the drive through the park.
You will spend two nights at Onguma in a luxury tented suite. Your stay includes dinner, bed and breakfast. You have a choice between a sundowner drive on the Onguma reserve or a morning game drive in Etosha National Park.
Day 6 : Ongava Tented Camp
After a delicious breakfast you will drive through Etosha in a South Westerly direction. The entire drive is a game drive through the park. It would be best to leave early so as to make the most of any possible wildlife sightings you may have.
The journey is just under 200 kilometers so you can spend the entire day enjoying the drive. Etosha is home to the Big 5.
Your one night stay includes all meals, morning and evening game drives, park fees and local drinks.
Day 7 – 8 : Twyfelfontein – Mowani Mountain Camp
After departing Ongava you have three alternative routes to follow, the choice is yours on this African safari. Bear in mind that these are gravel roads and sometimes not in the best of condition. The 335 kilometer journey may take the entire day.
A Superior room awaits you at Mowani Mountain Camp and includes all meals and activities.
The petrified forest, ancient rock art, Organ Pipes, Burnt Mountain and twyfelfontein are all places of interest in this area.
If you are very fortunate you may see the desert elephants on one of your game drives.
Day 9 – 10 : Swakopmund
After breakfast depart Mowani bound for the coastal town of Swakopmund. This is a 350 kilometer journey on gravel roads and some on tarmac.
You will spend two nights at the Strand Hotel where you will enjoy a luxury room. Breakfast is included.
Enjoy the small quaint town doing beach walks and admiring the old German architecture. A dolphin cruise is possible at additional cost.
Day 11 – 13 : Sossusvlei – Little Kulala
After a restful time on the coast you will drive South to Walvis Bay (Whale Bay) on good tarmac roads. Going South the roads will become gravel and you will drive through the Namib – Naukluft National Park. This road is incredible for its scenery, undulating passes and fascinating geology.
The journey is 370 kilometers and will take you most of the day. Leaving early is advisable as the sceneries along this road will make you want to stop often and your speed is restricted in a lot of places. Even the long open sections of road are not good for high speed if you have no experience of gravel road driving.
You will spend three nights at Little Kulala exploring the dunes and canyons of this area.
Your stay includes all meals, morning and afternoon activities, park fees, laundry and local drinks. A hot air balloon ride is possible at additional cost.
Day 14 – Sossusvlei to Windhoek
After breakfast you will depart Sossusvlei for Windhoek. This is a 350 kilometer journey that will take at least 5 hours.
On your arrival at the airport you will be met and you will return your vehicle.
