Description
Self Drive Namibia
Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Okonjima, Mushara. Etosha East, Ongava, Swakopmund and Twyfelfontein.
Your journey starts and ends in Windhoek, Namibia.
The Namibia self drive itinerary has been designed for Africa enthusiasts, avid photographers and people with an urge to explore the diversity of this incredible country. Sceneries are staggering in their size and the vastness of the country can only be truly felt when you have to drive the roads yourself.
The routing of this African safari takes you to the most iconic places of Namibia and lets you discover the roads, people and places at your own pace. Distances are often underestimated but the scenery more than makes up for your ability to stop whenever you want. Roads are long and often dusty, there is an even balance between good tarmac roads and gravel roads.
Game drives and wildlife viewing in Etosha and at Ongava Private Game Reserve are sure to be very rewarding, Self drive through Etosha and spot the Grey Ghosts. The elephants of Etosha dust bath in the soft sand which gives them a white almost ghostly appearance. Rhino are somewhat abundant in Etosha, drive the less used roads and if you are in the park early then you’re likely to find them wandering through dense thickets of scrub Mopane trees.
Etosha National Park, the old colonial town of Swakopmund that is both weird and quaint, Okonjima, Ongava and many small towns on the way. This safari is sure to provide great game viewing as well as the lust for adventure and discovery.
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.
Read about Twyfelfontein and Sossusvlei. Both are World Heritage Sites and have fascinating histories.
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 Grove Guesthouse for the night.
Your stay here includes breakfast and there are many restaurants in Windhoek for dinner arrangements.
Day 2 – 3 : Okonjima Plains Camp
After a delicious breakfast you will depart Windhoek for Okonjima Plains Camp. This is a 224 km journey almost directly North on the B1 and should take you no longer than 4 hours of driving. The road is very good tarmac.
Enjoy a peaceful stay here doing game drives, nature walks and visiting the AfriCat Center.
Game drives and meals are all included in your 2 night stay.
Day 4 – 5 : Mushara Bush Camp
This morning you will be departing Okonjima and driving to Etosha. Todays journey is slightly longer at just over 440 km’s and there are two alternatives for your journey. Both are similar distances.
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.
Your stay here includes breakfast and dinner, game drives can be done in your own vehicle. Park entry fees will apply.
Day 6 : Ongava Lodge
This morning you will depart Mushara for the 210 km trip to Ongava Lodge. This route will take you through Etosha National Park via Halali and Okaukeujo.
Its thus a better idea on day 4 to use the route to the East. As most travellers underestimate times and distances we recommend you use the Easterly route.
Your one night stay here includes breakfast and dinner as well as game drives, park fees and local drinks.
Day 7 – 8 : Twyfelfontein – Camp Kipwe
This morning you will be departing Ongava heading South West for Camp Kipwe a 350 km journey. Head directly South to Outjo for lunch and then West for Khorixas. After Khorixas the camp is another hours journey.
You will be staying here two nights on your African safari and will be able to visit the Organ Pipes, rock engravings, petrified forest and enjoy the stark desert landscapes.
Your stay includes game drives and dinner and breakfast.
This region of Namibia is both incredibly beautiful and vast. Sunsets are stunning and if you’re very fortunate you will see the famous desert Elephants on your game drive.
Day 9 – 10 : Swakopmund
This morning you will be driving to the old German colonial town of Swakopmund. The journey is around 320 kilometers and should take you around 4 hours.
Enjoy the vibrancy of this small town with interesting architecture and restaurants.
Your stay at the Cornerstone Guest House includes breakfast and beach walks. The coastal part of this town is quaint and very interesting.
A dolphin cruise is an optional activity here.
Day 11 – 13 : Sossusvlei Lodge
After breakfast in Swakopmund you will be driving South to Sossusvlei Lodge, 330 kilometers South and will take you around 4 hours.
You will be spending three nights in this 50 000 square kilometer park that is home to the highest sand dunes in the world. Sesriem Canyon is a beautiful walk into an ancient riverbed.
Your stay includes dinner and breakfast.
Optional activities include hot air balloons, scenic flights or a sundowner nature drive.
Day 14 – Sossusvlei to Windhoek and departure.
On your last day of your African safari have breakfast at Sossusvlei Lodge and embark on the last leg of this incredible adventure.
Windhoek lies 350 kilometers North East and your route will take you through Solitaire and Rehoboth. This journey will take you around 5 hours to the airport in Windhoek.
You will drop off your vehicle at the airport and board your flight home.
