The perfect safari trip for those who want to see the famous pictures of Namibia coming alive through his or her very own eyes. Discover Namibia’s most scenic spots during Route Highlights.
Self-Drive Tour
14 Days (customizable)
2.152 km
Enjoy a beautiful sunset in a sea of the world’s highest dunes at Sossusvlei, explore life at the Atlantic Ocean with a kayak or catamaran visiting the seal colonies, and wander around ancient rock paintings in Damaraland.
Of course, the majestic Etosha National Park cannot be missed. Here, you will have the true African safari experience, full of beautiful wildlife! The Waterberg Plateau is a wonderful place to end your trip, walking one of the amazing hiking trails.
Crossing through the country over beautiful, endless roads and being surprised by another highlight at each destination
Looking over the spectacular red dunes of the Namib Sand Sea from a hot air balloon flight
A typical 'Out of Africa' breakfast in the middle of nature
Drive through the dusted landscape of Damaraland
You will be the driver of your own safari at Etosha National Park
Joining a kayaking tour or catamaran cruise to meet seals, pelicans and maybe even dolphins
Visit to the Sossusvlei, the world’s oldest desert is an absolute ‘must’.
Day 1-2
Windhoek – Kalahari
After a night in Windhoek, your adventure starts by driving into the Kalahari Desert, consisting of beautiful colored savanna landscapes of red, yellow and, especially during the wet season, green.
The Kalahari Desert is home to the San-people. Despite its name, meaning “great thirst”, the region does attract wildlife. Go on a sunset safari and keep your eyes open for springboks, zebras and wildebeests. And relax on top of a dune with a cool drink in your hand, while this semi-desert reveals its most beautiful colors. End the day while gazing upon the starry sky.
Day 3-4
Namib-Naukluft Park – Sossusvlei
A visit to the Sossusvlei, the world’s oldest desert is an absolute ‘must’.
Landscapes will change over and over again while you drive to your next destination, Sossusvlei. This awe-inspiring sea of sand is located within Africa’s largest protected area, Namib-Naukluft Park. The most famous pictures of Namibia are definitely taken here: sharp lines that separate the intense red dunes of Sossusvlei, in contrast with an eye blinding white salt pan and scorched black trees at Deadvlei.
It almost seems surreal! A climb on one of the world’s highest dunes of the oldest desert, will be rewarding by amazing views over the far stretching landscapes of the Namib sand sea, especially during an early sunrise or afternoon sunset.
Explore Namibia offers organised self-drive holidays and private guided tours. You can go on an adventure in a fully equipped vehicle of your own choice. We will arrange your accommodations in advance, whether you wish to stay in lodges and guesthouses, on campsites or both.
Camping:
Low Season from: € 879,-
High Season from: € 1.090,-
Accommodation:
Low Season from: € 1.868,-
High Season from: € 2.112,-
Car rental
Accommodation (hotels, guesthouses, lodges or campsites)
Unlimited kilometres
Complete camping equipment (camping trip)
Car insurance with standard excess
Third party insurance
Most accommodations are booked with breakfast and camping is self-catering
Personal travel App for cell phone
24-hours emergency service
Tips and route information
Airport/hotel transfers
International Flights
Fuel
Park fees, entrance fees to museums
Personal expenses
Additional activities and excursions, e.g. game drives, boat trips, etc.
Meals (unless indicated as included)
Travel and cancellation insurance
Day 5-6
Atlantic Coast
Enjoy a nice sea breeze at the Atlantic Coast while strolling around the coastal town of Swakopmund.
This historical town has some characteristics of a German seaside resort: apart from the ocean, beach and swaying palm trees, this town is still carries some of its colonial influences. Enjoy a coffee with an “Apfelstrudel” or a “Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte” and look at some typical German architecture.
Although Swakopmund is an urban area, it is surrounded by nature, offering plenty of experiences for nature lovers and for thrill seekers: a kayaking tour or catamaran cruise to meet seals, pelicans and maybe even dolphins! Adrenaline seekers can take a sand board or quad bike and go into the dunes. A `living desert tour` is a great way to get more understanding of the miraculous way in which life adapts to the harsh conditions of the desert climate.
Day 7
Cape Cross - Damaraland - Twyfelfontein
The journey continues northwards, where you can make a stop at Cape Cross: as far as you look you will see seals scattered along the coast!
You will then turn back inland, where you will see an enormous mountain looming ahead of you: the Brandberg, best known for its ancient “White Lady” rock painting. Entering beautiful Damaraland feels like you are going back in time. These ancient landscapes, scattered with enormous boulders and dry riverbeds, house the more than 2,500 rock engravings of Twyfelfontein, once made by the San-people to inform their fellow tribe members about nearby waterholes and possible predators.
If you are lucky, you might bump into the largest inhabitants of the area, the mysterious desert elephants. These beautiful animals have remarkably adapted to the harsh conditions of the desert.
Day 8-10
Etosha National Park
Have your binoculars ready while exploring the 22,270 square kilometers of protected nature within the Etosha National Park.
The accommodations and campsites in the park give you the opportunity to travel through the park at a slow pace. Also, outside the park you will find nice lodges. You will be the driver of your own safari, which is unique in Africa. However, camps in and around the park do offer guided game drives.
Look around for lions, cheetahs and leopards. With sunset, make yourself comfortable at one of the park’s waterholes at your accommodation, and see how elephants, giraffes, zebras and antelopes gather to drink some fresh water. This is a truly unforgettable experience! And what do you think about an exciting safari on foot in the Onguma Private Game Reserve located next to Etosha?
Day 11
Waterberg Plateau
The Waterberg Plateau, rising up from the surface.
Leaving the animal world of Etosha National Park behind, your next stop is the Waterberg Plateau, rising up from the surface for about 400 meters high at some places. The Waterberg Plateau and 41,000 hectares of surrounding land was declared a Nature Reserve in 1972.
The areas nature is again different than you experienced earlier. The brick-red sandstone plateau is crowned with lush vegetation and supports a wide diversity of flora and fauna. This national park lends itself for some nice hikes. Not yet seen enough animals? Go on a game drive and look for buffalos or the white rhino.
Day 12-14
Windhoek - Departure - Arrival Home
Relax and rewind from an amazing adventure.
Your journey comes to an end in Windhoek. On your way to Windhoek it could be worthwhile to make a stop over at the craft market in Okahandja. Here you find nice wood work. Once back in Windhoek will have enough time to relax and rewind. It is almost time to fly home after this amazing adventure!
Every traveller has their own preferences. Do you need assistance in planning your self-drive trip to Namibia? Our experienced tour consultants are ready to assist you! Together we fully customize the tour to your personal preferences, wishes and budget. We can assist you in many different ways. Our team of friendly and service-oriented Tour Consultants is available in Europe and Africa to assist you in creating a personalized proposal for your tailor-made trip to Namibia and to answer all your questions you might have.
Below is an overview of what is included in your booking with Explore Namibia.
Transport:
Airport/hotel transfers
Car rental
Detailed explanation of the car (4×4 only)
Complete camping equipment (camping trip)
Car insurance with standard excess
Third party insurance
Unlimited kilometres
24-hours emergency service
Information:
Information Meet and Greet upon arrival (Windhoek only)
Extensive information folder
Detailed route and road description
Personal travel App for cell phone
Roadmaps
Description of places of interest
Tips and information
Accommodation:
Standard accommodation tours include all rooms at middle-class hotels, guesthouses or lodges (mostly B&B), unless otherwise requested.
Standard camping tours include most nights at campsites, combined with several nights at middle-class hotels, guesthouse or lodges (mostly B&B).
Almost all campsites and accommodations have a restaurant and offer facilities like a pool, bar, info desk, etc.
If the trips includes visits to National Parks, then the nights will be spent inside the parks as much as possible.
Meals & Drinks:
Most accommodations are booked with breakfast and camping is self-catering. It will be clearly indicated what meals are included in your tour proposal.
With most accommodations it is also possible to book dinner in advance. If you would like to include this in your proposal, please let us know.
Below is an overview of what is excluded from your booking with Explore Namibia.
What is not included?
International Flights (book separately with Explore Namibia)
Fuel
Park fees, entrance fees to museums and personal expenses
Additional activities and excursions, e.g. game drives, boat trips, etc.
Meals (unless indicated as included)
Travel and cancellation insurance
Below is an overview of the optional extras you can add to your booking with Explore Namibia.
Optional Extras?
Flights
Reduced excess on vehicle insurance
Satellite phone, which can be used everywhere in Africa
GPS-navigation system
Compressor
Two-way radios
Also refer to our Extra Options Car Rental
The Route ‘Highlights’ is just one of our sample itineraries. The itineraries we offer are fully customizable to your needs. You can book these, or you can use them for inspiration to build your own, tailor-made adventure. See below some of our other sample itineraries that we have put together. Explore Namibia will always make sure that you will experience the journey of your dreams!
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