15-Day Eco-Friendly Namibian Self-Drive Safari

Arrival

Day 1Arrival Arrival Welcome to Namibia! After a hopefully relaxed flight, you have arrived in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. After that, you will be transferred to the car rental company, where you will receive your rental car. After a detailed briefing, it's finally time to get started. After arrival at tonight's accommodation, you should go out and explore Windhoek. The Independence Museum has a café on top, which offers amazing views of the city and the beautiful Christus Church. The night can be spent at Joe's Beerhouse, an iconic restaurant/bar in the heart of Windhoek before heading back to the guesthouse for a good night's sleep. Main Destination: Windhoek (City) Accommodation: The Elegant Guest House Mid-range guest house located in Windhoek (City) +5 Photos +4 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive to Sossusvlei

Day 2Drive to Sossusvlei Drive to Sossusvlei Today you are travelling to the oldest desert in the world, the Namib Desert, home to Sossusvlei, Namibia’s most celebrated destination. The iconic dunes and clay pans are a must on everyone’s bucket list. The drive from Windhoek is about 330km, of which 90km are paved roads. You'll head south to Rehoboth and then through picturesque landscapes into the Namib-Naukluft Park until you arrive at your lodge. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy the amenities of the lodge and don't miss out on the magnificent sunset in this part of Namibia. Main Destination: Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) Best Time To Visit May to September (Less hot) High Season July to November (Busy; high-season rates apply) Best Weather May to September (Cooler during the day) Wildlife in Namib-Naukluft NP LeopardRare CheetahVery Rare ZebraRare HyenaRare White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone Show more ElephantNone GiraffeNone LionNone BuffaloNone WildebeestNone HippoNone Wild DogNone Accommodation: The Desert Grace Luxury lodge located 1-2hr drive from Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) +2 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Full-Day in Sossusvlei

Day 3Full-Day in Sossusvlei Full-Day in Sossusvlei You will spend this full day in the Sossusvlei area and you can choose to explore the Namib Desert from above. Activities such as hot air balloon rides and scenic flights to the dunes can be booked with us. As these flights are dependent on the weather, it is recommended to schedule these activities for the first day in Sossusvlei, to be able to potentially reschedule, if the weather conditions make it necessary. After this adventure, you'll come back to the lodge and relax. In the evening, you will reflect on the day's adventures and highlights during a delicious dinner. Main Destination: Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) Accommodation: The Desert Grace Luxury lodge located 1-2hr drive from Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

Full-Day in Sossusvlei

Day 4Full-Day in Sossusvlei Full-Day in Sossusvlei Today you will explore the Namib-Naukluft Park with the world-famous Sossusvlei and its high dunes, as well as the Sesriem Canyon. In the early morning, the lights and shadows at the dunes are amazing. The first stop should be Dune 45, where you can take beautiful pictures of the S-shaped dune with the perfect lighting. Later on, you can explore Deadvlei and Big Daddy, potentially the highest Dune in the world. On the last 3km towards Deadvlei, you will need to use a 4x4 to get to the parking. If you do not feel comfortable driving here, make use of the shuttle services available for this part. Hiking up Big Mama and Big Daddy might take your breath away, but the mesmerizing views are definitely worth the sweat. You'll enjoy the day and wander around Deadvlei with its ancient trees. In the afternoon, you can explore the Sesriem Canyon, naturally paved over millions of years, before heading back to a well-deserved rest at the lodge. Main Destination: Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) Accommodation: The Desert Grace Luxury lodge located 1-2hr drive from Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive to Swakopmund

Day 5Drive to Swakopmund Drive to Swakopmund Today you will continue to the beautiful coast of Namibia. The first stop on the way to the coast should be Solitaire, a place that seems frozen in time. The restaurant prides itself on serving the best apple pie in Namibia and Solitaire offers the opportunity to refuel and refill the snacks for the trip. On today's route, you can observe how the landscape of Namib-Naukluft Park is slowly changing. After a 5-hour drive, you will reach Swakopmund. Favoured by travellers and locals alike for its rich history and vibrance, this German-influenced town and its lively beach make for the perfect summer destination. The evening can be spent in one of the numerous restaurants, such as "The Tug" or "Jetty 1905". Reservations are recommended for both restaurants. Swakopmund offers many activities such as scenic flights, guided seal and dolphin cruises, living desert tours, Hafeni township tours, dune boarding, dune quad tours and skydiving. Main Destination: Swakopmund (City) Accommodation: The Delight Swakopmund Mid-range hotel located in Swakopmund (City) +30 Photos +29 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Full-Day in Swakopmund

Day 6Full-Day in Swakopmund Full-Day in Swakopmund Today you will enjoy a free day in Swakopmund. Swakopmund offers a variety of activities and experiences to discover the beauty and diversity of this unique coastal town in Namibia. You'll take walks along the coast, partake in adventurous activities, take a trip into the Namib Desert or explore the city's historic colonial buildings. Highly recommended activities include the Sandwich Harbor Tour and Pelican Point Kayaking. The 4x4 tour to Sandwich Harbor takes you in a 4x4 vehicle up and down the steep dunes to the viewpoint from where you can see the high dunes of the Namib Desert ending right in the Atlantic Ocean. Jackals, springboks and oryxes can also be seen in this barren landscape. On the Kayak Tour, you'll experience hundreds of seals in the Atlantic. They like to get up close with the kayaks and play with the paddles. We are more than happy to add these activities to your personalized itinerary. Use the free evening for a delicious seafood meal at the beach. Main Destination: Swakopmund (City) Accommodation: The Delight Swakopmund Mid-range hotel located in Swakopmund (City) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive to the Erongo Mountains

Day 7Drive to the Erongo Mountains Drive to the Erongo Mountains Your self-drive adventure continues with a drive to the Erongo Mountains to experience unique geological formations. The Erongo Region is a geological wonderland, formed by volcanic ruins that encompass breathtaking rock formations and landscapes. Despite the arid climate, a diverse set of flora and fauna makes for a splendid safari. The famous natural rock bridge at Spitzkoppe promises mesmerizing views and unique pictures at sunrise and sunset. The area is also known for its special bushmen paintings, which can be found in the various rock formations in the Erongo Mountains. You'll end the day in style with a sundowner, overlooking the wide and open landscapes of this peaceful part of the world, before you head to dinner at the lodge. Main Destination: Erongo Mountains (Mountain Range) Accommodation: Ai Aiba Lodge Mid-range lodge located near Erongo Mountains (Mountain Range) +5 Photos +4 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Enjoy the Erongo Mountains

Day 8Enjoy the Erongo Mountains Enjoy the Erongo Mountains Today you will spend one full day in the Erongo Mountains. The setting promises interesting hikes through fascinating landscapes for every fitness level. Alternatively, you can enjoy the amenities and relax at your lodge. Another activity in the area that can be added to the personal itinerary is a wine and whiskey-tasting tour at the Erongo Mountain Winery in Omaruru. A guide explains the special process of making wine and whiskey in the dry regions of Namibia. The afternoon and evening can be used to embrace the tranquillity of the surroundings to unwind and relax at the lodge. Main Destination: Erongo Mountains (Mountain Range) Accommodation: Ai Aiba Lodge Mid-range lodge located near Erongo Mountains (Mountain Range) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive to the North of Damaraland

Day 9Drive to the North of Damaraland Drive to the North of Damaraland You'll continue your trip driving to the region of Palmwag. Palmwag in northern Damaraland is a place of awe-inspiring desert scenery, secretive wildlife populations and superb remote lodges. Damaraland is home to desert-adapted animals, such as elephants, rhinos and lions, which can survive in the extreme climate of this area. At night, you could capture the beauty of the night sky filled with stars in a stargazing session. Try your hand at night photography to bring home some of these unique milky-way memories. Main Destination: Damaraland Best Time To Visit May to October (Animals are easier to see) High Season July to November (Some places can get quite busy) Best Weather May to August (Less hot during the day) Wildlife in Damaraland ElephantOccasional GiraffeOccasional Black RhinoRare LionRare LeopardVery Rare ZebraRare Show more CheetahVery Rare HyenaVery Rare White RhinoNone BuffaloNone WildebeestNone HippoNone Wild DogNone Accommodation: Grootberg Lodge Mid-range lodge located inside Damaraland +4 Photos +3 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

Explore Palmwag

Day 10Explore Palmwag Explore Palmwag You will enjoy a full day in Palmwag, where you could go hiking among beautiful rock formations or join cultural experiences. The local guides at the lodge can tell you if the desert elephants are in the region at the time of your stay. If so, the elephant tracking should definitely not be missed! You will enjoy one last evening in Namibia's Damaraland before you drift off to sleep in the comfortable rooms, ready for the next day's adventures. Main Destination: Palmwag (Damaraland) Best Time To Go May to October (Dry conditions; animals easier to see) High Season July to November (Can get crowded) Best Weather Accommodation: Grootberg Lodge Mid-range lodge located inside Damaraland Meals & Drinks: Meals at own expense Drinks not included

Drive to Etosha National Park

Day 11Drive to Etosha National Park Drive to Etosha National Park Today you will continue to the famous Etosha National Park. At a stop at the Outjo Bakery, you will enjoy coffee and eat some delicious, german-inspired cake. Etosha National Park South sets the scene for Namibia’s foremost wildlife showcase. Here, a series of waterholes guarantee spectacular game viewing, flanked by mystical, open grasslands along the edges of the inhospitable Etosha Pan. You will reflect on your safari sightings during dinner and share the most exciting things with new and old friends at a campfire. Main Destination: Etosha National Park Best Time To Visit May to October (Animals come to water) High Season July to November (The park gets crowded) Best Weather May to August (Less hot during the day) Wildlife in Etosha NP ElephantAbundant GiraffeCommon ZebraAbundant WildebeestAbundant Black RhinoOccasional LionOccasional Show more HyenaOccasional White RhinoVery Rare LeopardVery Rare CheetahVery Rare BuffaloNone HippoNone Wild DogNone Accommodation: Etosha Safari Lodge Luxury lodge located just outside Etosha NP +21 Photos +20 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

Safari in Etosha National Park

Day 12Safari in Etosha National Park Safari in Etosha National Park Today is spent on a safari! It is recommended to start early in the morning to have the best chance to spot animals just after sunrise. With a bit of luck, you might be able to see lions, hyenas, elephants, rhinos and more today! But the other animals of Etosha Park should not be underestimated either. Huge herds of zebras, wildebeests and springbok roam the area, coming surprisingly close to the safari cars. Back at the lodge, you'll cool down at the pool or head to the bar to experience how the day ends and the night begins. The lions awake and you might hear their roaring during the dawn. Main Destination: Etosha National Park Accommodation: Etosha Safari Lodge Luxury lodge located just outside Etosha NP Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

Explore Eastern Etosha National Park

Day 13Explore Eastern Etosha National Park Explore Eastern Etosha National Park Today you can choose to drive to the Eastern part of Etosha. Eastern Etosha National Park is one of the quieter areas of the park, where visitors are few and game viewing is excellent! You can expect typical Etosha landscapes of stark, white pans interspersed with patches of grassland. The scenery is breathtaking as herds of elephants frolic by the water, predators lurk in the distance and herds of antelopes roam majestically through the landscape. For photographers, the park offers countless opportunities to take impressive pictures of wildlife and the landscape. You will end the day in Etosha by relishing a peaceful evening in the lodge in the wilderness, recalling the wildlife encounters and cherishing the memories made. Main Destination: Eastern Etosha National Park Accommodation: Etosha King Nehale Luxury lodge located inside Eastern Etosha NP +14 Photos +13 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

Safari in Eastern Etosha National Park

Day 14Safari in Eastern Etosha National Park Safari in Eastern Etosha National Park Another day in the Namibian bush! A professional field guide from your lodge might help you with that little bit of luck, to finally spot that special animal that has been hiding. Every day in the park is different and offers new and exciting opportunities for game viewing. Don't forget to appreciate the smaller animals, such as snakes, birds and beetles. Each living organism contributes to this amazing place on Earth. As the sun sets on your day in Etosha, you'll unwind with a refreshing drink, bask in nature's tranquillity, and eagerly anticipate tomorrow's safari adventures. Main Destination: Eastern Etosha National Park Accommodation: Etosha King Nehale Luxury lodge located inside Eastern Etosha NP Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

Drive back to Windhoek

Day 15Drive back to Windhoek Drive back to Windhoek One last morning game drive in the Etosha Nationalpark will round up the safari adventure of this trip. After this, you will make your way back to Windhoek. Balancing tradition and modernity, Windhoek is a great stop for travellers visiting Namibia. Maintaining its German colonial character, this neat capital treats you with vibrant architecture, varied cuisine and delicious Namibian beer. You can use the last day in Namibia to buy souvenirs, for example on the way from Etosha in Okahandja at the Craft Market. Don't be fooled by the many dealers, you have to negotiate to get the best prices. Alternatively, the Craft Market in Windhoek offers a more relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful terrace with delicious cakes and other culinary delights. You will round the trip off at one of the many restaurants in Windhoek, reliving the experiences and memories made. Main Destination: Windhoek (City) Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included End of tour (See Getting There for more details)End of tour (See Getting There for more details) Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport. Interested in This Tour? Request a Quote We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators (Learn why) Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly Next: Overview