Namibia Standard Self-Drive NamMagic 14 Days (All rates are listed in USD.)

Arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport, where you will receive your rental vehicle. Once you have sorted out all the formalities for your vehicle, drive to Windhoek, Namibia’s capital city. After check-in at the accommodation establishment, you can explore the city of Windhoek on your own account.

• Windhoek
  Situated in Central Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek serves as the capital of the country. It is home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation options. The city is clean, safe and well-organised, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste an old fort, the 1896 Christuskirche Christ Church, and the more contemporary Supreme Court.

• Villa Violet
  Villa Violet is a smart and attractive guesthouse tucked away in a quiet neighborhood of northern Windhoek and is a great place to start or end your safari or self-drive holiday in Namibia. You will easily find Villa Violet coming from the airport; it is close to the central areas of Windhoek.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Activities Included: None
Accommodation: Villa Violet (or similar)
Special Interests: None

Depart from Windhoek after breakfast in a southerly direction through the mountains of the Khomas Hochland into the low plains of the Namib Desert to a lodge in the Sossusvlei area, from where you will have excellent opportunities to explore the area.

• Sossusvlei
  Located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red dunes to make this one of the most scenic natural wonders of Africa and a photographer’s heaven. This awe-inspiring destination is possibly Namibia’s premier attraction, with its unique dunes rising to almost 400 metres – making them some of the highest in the world. These iconic dunes come alive in morning and evening light and draw photography enthusiasts from around the globe. Sossusvlei is home to a variety of desert wildlife including oryx, springbok, ostrich and a variety of reptiles. Visitors can climb ‘Big Daddy’, one of Sossusvlei’s tallest dunes; explore Deadvlei, a white, salt, claypan dotted with ancient trees; or for the more extravagant, scenic flights and hot air ballooning are on offer, followed by a once-in-a-lifetime champagne breakfast amidst these majestic dunes.

• Desert Hills Glamping Camp
  The Desert Hills Glamping Tented Camp, located near Sossusvlei is an excellent opportunity to explore the Namib. The camp is located in a secluded spot with scenic views across the vast landscape just 24km from the entrance to Sossusvlei. Here you can enjoy the peace and beauty of untouched nature.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Activities Included: None
Accommodation: Desert Hills Glamping Camp (or similar)
Special Interests: None

Today we recommend an early morning rise for a visit to the Sossusvlei dunes. The park gates open at dawn and the golden light just after sunrise is perfect for photographs. Close to Sossusvlei, Deadvlei is a clay pan characterized by dark, dead camel thorn trees contrasted against the white pan floor. There after drive to the Sesriem Canyon, located approximately 4.5km from the entrance gate of the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

• Sossusvlei
  Located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red dunes to make this one of the most scenic natural wonders of Africa and a photographer’s heaven. This awe-inspiring destination is possibly Namibia’s premier attraction, with its unique dunes rising to almost 400 metres – making them some of the highest in the world. These iconic dunes come alive in morning and evening light and draw photography enthusiasts from around the globe. Sossusvlei is home to a variety of desert wildlife including oryx, springbok, ostrich and a variety of reptiles. Visitors can climb ‘Big Daddy’, one of Sossusvlei’s tallest dunes; explore Deadvlei, a white, salt, claypan dotted with ancient trees; or for the more extravagant, scenic flights and hot air ballooning are on offer, followed by a once-in-a-lifetime champagne breakfast amidst these majestic dunes.

• Sesriem Canyon
  Sesriem Canyon is a captivating natural wonder located in the heart of the Namib Desert in Namibia. Carved over millions of years by the Tsauchab River, this narrow gorge is a testament to the power of erosion. The name Sesriem comes from the Afrikaans and Dutch words for six leather straps, which early pioneers used tied together to draw water from the deep pools within the canyon. Sesriem Canyon is not only a geological marvel but also a haven for unique desert flora and fauna, making it a popular stop for tourists exploring the surreal landscapes of the Namib Desert.

• Desert Hills Glamping Camp
  The main area of the camp consists of a lounge with a small but well-stocked bar. A platform leads out onto a spacious veranda where all meals are served. From here you have an overwhelming view over a breathtaking panorama. You can enjoy and relax at the pool, and at a fire pit, the evenings can be spent in a relaxed atmosphere.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Activities Included: Visit Sossusvlei, Deadvlei and Sesriem Canyon.
Accommodation: Desert Hills Glamping Camp (or similar)
Special Interests: None

*ATTENTION*
The road from Sesriem to the 2×4 car park, 4km from Deadvlei, is tarred but is in poor condition and very pot-holed, so caution while driving is advised.

As the road becomes a sandy track near Deadvlei itself, we advise all guests to use the NWR Shuttle Service which is bookable and payable directly at the gate. This applies no matter what vehicle you have booked. The shuttle will transport you from the 2×4 car park to the Deadvlei parking.

Take along enough drinking water, sunscreen and a hat as it becomes extremely hot in this area.

The route today takes you north via the Kuiseb Canyon to Swakopmund. Highlights en route include a drive to the “Moon Landscape” and the ancient desert plant, “Welwitschia mirabilis”.

• Swakopmund
  Set along Namibia’s spectacularly scenic coast, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide-open avenues, colonial architecture, and its surrounding otherworldly desert terrain. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South-West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort town, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, adventure options, laid-back atmosphere and cool sea breeze make it a very popular Namibian destination. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities including: quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing and fascinating desert tours.

• Namib Guesthouse
  Uber-chic, eco-friendly and surprisingly serene, Namib Guesthouse is an exclusive bed and breakfast designed with the contemporary traveller in mind. With natural beauty, beaches, restaurants, bistros, leisure activities and the possibility of adventure in every direction, our Swakopmund guesthouse is superbly located. Our rooms are spacious, luxurious, and immaculately kept; our hosts are renowned for their effortless charm; our breakfasts are scrumptious; our parking is secure; and our entire establishment is wheelchair friendly.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Activities Included: None
Accommodation: Namib Guesthouse (or similar)
Special Interests: None

Swakopmund has plenty of activities on offer. Ask our dedicated team for more information and they will be happy to assist you. We can recommend a dolphin cruise however it is not included in the travel price. Should you be interested, after booking you will be picked up at your accommodation and driven to the nearby town of Walvis Bay, from where your boat cruise with Laramon Tours departs.

The scenic drive from Swakopmund to Walvis Bay takes about 45 minutes. Don’t forget to take a hat, sunscreen and a warm jacket along. After 3 exciting hours the catamaran will dock, and your guide will return you to the Guesthouse.

• Swakopmund
  Set along Namibia’s spectacularly scenic coast, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide-open avenues, colonial architecture, and its surrounding otherworldly desert terrain. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South-West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort town, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, adventure options, laid-back atmosphere and cool sea breeze make it a very popular Namibian destination. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities including: quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing and fascinating desert tours.

• Namib Guesthouse
  Uber-chic, eco-friendly and surprisingly serene, Namib Guesthouse is an exclusive bed and breakfast designed with the contemporary traveller in mind. With natural beauty, beaches, restaurants, bistros, leisure activities and the possibility of adventure in every direction, our Swakopmund guesthouse is superbly located. Our rooms are spacious, luxurious, and immaculately kept; our hosts are renowned for their effortless charm; our breakfasts are scrumptious; our parking is secure; and our entire establishment is wheelchair friendly.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Activities Included: None
Accommodation: Namib Guesthouse (or similar)
Special Interests: None

Depart from Swakopmund and drive along the Atlantic Coast towards the North. Visit the lichen fields near Wlotzka’s Baken before continuing to Henties Bay, a small holiday resort. Onwards, proceed via Uis and to the Twyfelfontein area.

• Twyfelfontein
  Set in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, Twyfelfontein is a spectacularly scenic area, featuring one of the largest and most important concentrations of rock art in Africa. The name ‘Twyfelfontein’ translates to ‘Fountain of Doubt’, which refers to the perennial spring situated in the impressive Huab Valley flanked by the slopes of a sandstone table mountain. It was this spring that attracted Stone Age hunters over six thousand years ago, and it was during this time that the extensive group of rock engravings and paintings were produced. Visitors can look forward to basing themselves at some wonderfully shady campsites along the Aba-Huab riverbed, while exploring over thirty different sacred ritual sites of the traditional hunter-gatherer communities.

• Malansrus Tented Camp
  The Malansrus Tented Camp is located on the banks of a sidearm of the Aba Huab River, offering easy access to the main sites and highlights of the Twyfelfontein area and is accessible by all kinds of vehicles. The main area consists of a large modern mess tent with lounge and small bar area. The dining area leads out to an outside shaded seating area and fire pit. You can enjoy and relax at the pool, and at a fire pit, the evenings can be spent in a relaxed atmosphere.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Activities Included: None
Accommodation: Malansrus Tented Camp (or similar)
Special Interests: None

For today’s activities, we would recommend a self-drive excursion to Twyfelfontein, the Organ Pipes as well as the Burnt Mountain. Alternatively, ask your lodge for possible lodge activities.

• Twyfelfontein
  Set in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, Twyfelfontein is a spectacularly scenic area, featuring one of the largest and most important concentrations of rock art in Africa. The name ‘Twyfelfontein’ translates to ‘Fountain of Doubt’, which refers to the perennial spring situated in the impressive Huab Valley flanked by the slopes of a sandstone table mountain. It was this spring that attracted Stone Age hunters over six thousand years ago, and it was during this time that the extensive group of rock engravings and paintings were produced. Visitors can look forward to basing themselves at some wonderfully shady campsites along the Aba-Huab riverbed, while exploring over thirty different sacred ritual sites of the traditional hunter-gatherer communities.

• Malansrus Tented Camp
  The Malansrus Tented Camp is located on the banks of a sidearm of the Aba Huab River, offering easy access to the main sites and highlights of the Twyfelfontein area and is accessible by all kinds of vehicles. The main area consists of a large modern mess tent with lounge and small bar area. The dining area leads out to an outside shaded seating area and fire pit. You can enjoy and relax at the pool, and at a fire pit, the evenings can be spent in a relaxed atmosphere.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Activities Included: None
Accommodation: Malansrus Tented Camp (or similar)
Special Interests: None

Today we head via Kamanjab to the southern entrance of the Etosha National Park. You will spend the next two nights at a lodge just outside the Etosha National Park.

• Etosha South
  Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. The area is comprised of a collection of world class private game reserves. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a multitude of plains game. Popular activities include: enjoying an open 4×4 safari with an expert guide, half day or full day drives with the option of a picnic lunch with wine on the full day game drive.

• Taleni Etosha Village
  The 45 individual suites offer a fully air-conditioned bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and a patio to enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. Two small children (under 12) can be accommodated with their parents on a fold-out sleeper couch in the unit.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Activities Included: None
Accommodation: Taleni Etosha Village (or similar)
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife

Today you can discover the mysteries of the African Bush whilst exploring the Etosha National Park. You have the whole day in the park or alternatively you can relax at the lodge facilities.

• Etosha South
  Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. The area is comprised of a collection of world class private game reserves. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a multitude of plains game. Popular activities include: enjoying an open 4×4 safari with an expert guide, half day or full day drives with the option of a picnic lunch with wine on the full day game drive.

• Taleni Etosha Village
  Situated only 2km from the Andersson entrance gate to Etosha National Park, Etosha Village uniquely combines affordability with comfort, style and exquisite cuisine. Facilities include an open-plan bar with big screen television, 2 sparkling pools plus a kiddie pool, a restaurant serving delectable cuisine as well as a fully stocked utility and curio shop.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Activities Included: None
Accommodation: Taleni Etosha Village (or similar)
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife

You travel east through Etosha National Park and leave the Park through the von Lindequist Gate, the eastern gate of Etosha to Mushara Bush Camp/Outpost. En route, you can stop at the numerous perennial springs found along the edge of the salt pan in search of lion, leopard, elephant and black rhino.

• Etosha East
  Located in Northwestern Namibia, Etosha East is a protected sanctuary in the eastern part of the world-renowned Etosha National Park, known as one of the most accessible game reserves in Southern Africa. Etosha East boasts vast open plains scattered with semi-arid savannah grasslands dotted with watering holes and secluded bush camps. An impressive 5000-square-kilometre Etosha salt pan makes up a large area of the eastern side of the park and can even be seen from space. This remote area teems with abundant wildlife such as lions, elephants, black rhinos and giraffes, as well as a variety of birdlife featuring flamingos, ostriches, eagles, hornbills, and owls.

• Mushara Bush Camp
  Mushara Bush Camp is situated a mere 10 kilometers from the Von Lindequist gate of the world famous Etosha National Park. The Mushara Bush Camp offers a down-to-earth tented bush camp experience which is well suited as a basis base for independent travelers and families exploring the magical Etosha Pan National Park.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Activities Included: None
Accommodation: Mushara Bush Camp (or similar)
Special Interests: Adventure, Nature, Wildlife

You have today to explore the eastern side of the National Park or partake in one of the game drives from Mushara. Alternatively, relax at the lodge and spend the day at your leisure.

• Etosha East
  Located in Northwestern Namibia, Etosha East is a protected sanctuary in the eastern part of the world-renowned Etosha National Park, known as one of the most accessible game reserves in Southern Africa. Etosha East boasts vast open plains scattered with semi-arid savannah grasslands dotted with watering holes and secluded bush camps. An impressive 5000-square-kilometre Etosha salt pan makes up a large area of the eastern side of the park and can even be seen from space. This remote area teems with abundant wildlife such as lions, elephants, black rhinos and giraffes, as well as a variety of birdlife featuring flamingos, ostriches, eagles, hornbills, and owls.

• Mushara Bush Camp
  Mushara Bush Camp is situated a mere 10 kilometers from the Von Lindequist gate of the world famous Etosha National Park. The Mushara Bush Camp offers a down-to-earth tented bush camp experience which is well suited as a basis base for independent travelers and families exploring the magical Etosha Pan National Park.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Activities Included: None
Accommodation: Mushara Bush Camp (or similar)
Special Interests: Adventure, Nature, Wildlife

Today’s destination is Okonjima. Okonjima lies nestled in the unspoilt beauty of the Omboroko Mountains, part of the well-known Waterberg Plateau. In the Herero language Okonjima means ‘place of the baboons’. Okonjima is also home to the AfriCat Foundation, which is committed to researching and rehabilitating Namibia’s threatened wild cat population.

• Okonjima Nature Reserve
  Midway between the spectacular Etosha National Park and the capital city of Windhoek, lies the well-known Okonjima Nature Reserve. The 22 000 hectare nature reserve is home to AfriCAT, a carnivore sanctuary, which gives the captive cats a second chance to be released back into the wild and become completely independent hunters in a protected area right in the middle of commercial cattle farmland. Visitors can enjoy a stay at a variety of excellent accommodation options including everything from luxury villas to secluded camping. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy thrilling cat-tracking guided safaris, leopard-spotting, off-road night drives and learn about local San culture along the Bushmen trail.

• Okonjima Plains Camp
  Okonjima Plains Camp is within the secluded wilderness area of Okonjima Nature Reserve and has majestic sunset views. Its design honours the Hanssen’s family cattle-farming history with its accommodation facility of 10 large View Rooms and 14 spacious Classic Rooms. The Plains Camp Barn includes a dining and lounge area, a curio shop and a terrasse with views over a waterhole and the Okonjima plains.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Activities Included: None
Accommodation: Okonjima Plains Camp (or similar)
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Hiking, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife

Spend the day at Okonjima. Learn about the rehabilitation of large predator cats, tracking these on foot or embarking on a game drive within the Okonjima private reserve.

• Okonjima Nature Reserve
  Midway between the spectacular Etosha National Park and the capital city of Windhoek, lies the well-known Okonjima Nature Reserve. The 22 000 hectare nature reserve is home to AfriCAT, a carnivore sanctuary, which gives the captive cats a second chance to be released back into the wild and become completely independent hunters in a protected area right in the middle of commercial cattle farmland. Visitors can enjoy a stay at a variety of excellent accommodation options including everything from luxury villas to secluded camping. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy thrilling cat-tracking guided safaris, leopard-spotting, off-road night drives and learn about local San culture along the Bushmen trail.

• Okonjima Plains Camp
  Okonjima Plains Camp is within the secluded wilderness area of Okonjima Nature Reserve and has majestic sunset views. Its design honours the Hanssen’s family cattle-farming history with its accommodation facility of 10 large View Rooms and 14 spacious Classic Rooms. The Plains Camp Barn includes a dining and lounge area, a curio shop and a terrasse with views over a waterhole and the Okonjima plains.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Activities Included: None
Accommodation: Okonjima Plains Camp (or similar)
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Hiking, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife

Today you travel back to Windhoek via Okahandja. Okahandja is an important centre for woodcarvers from the north. They practice their ancient skills at the Woodcarvers Market next to the main road and is a great place to pick a last souvenir.

Arrival in Windhoek with transfer to Hosea Kutako International Airport for check-in on your outbound flight. Bid farewell to Namibia. We wish you a safe journey home.