Namibia the Finest Way, Self-Drive

Welcome to beautiful Namibia! Drive through its mesmerizing landscapes and explore this country at your own pace. Visit the German-style buildings in Windhoek, which lend a singular charm to the city, including the historic seat of government also known as the ‘Tintenpalast’, which means “palace of ink” in German. Pass by Rehoboth like many towns in Namibia, was once a missionary station. Explore Sossusvlei, a dune wonderland, with towering dunes up to 300m high surrounding a huge, dried-up pan. Discover Swakopmund, much loved by Namibians as a welcome respite from the inland heat. It is also popular amongst visitors for its old-world charm and relaxed atmosphere. Discover Waterberg, home to many game species, over 200 bird species, and vegetation which changes dramatically from acacia savannah at the foot of the plateau to lush-green sub-tropical dry woodland with tall trees and grassy plains at the top. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Windhoek: the capital of Namibia, is considerably enhanced by stately historic buildings built in the German architectural style of the turn of the century. 

Kalahari Desert: forms a great part of the eastern side of Namibia. In reality, it is a lively wilderness and on the sparse grass plains, you can see huge herds of antelopes and other animals grazing.

Sossusvlei & Sesriem Canyon: Dunes extend as far as the eye can see and their rich tints vary from pale apricot to vivid reds and oranges.

Swakopmund: The distinct German colonial character has been well preserved and today many of the old buildings serve a useful purpose.

Day 1: ARRIVAL WINDHOEK (50km – 1hr)

Arrival at the Windhoek International Airport. Here you will be met by a representative of the car hire company, who will welcome you and assist with your luggage before you proceed to the depot to collect your vehicle. Thereafter, you drive on towards Windhoek, the Capital of Namibia. Arrival and check-in at the picturesque River Crossing Lodge. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. If you wish, drive into town (approx. 5 km) for a sight-seeing in the Capital City. Visit the Tintenpalast and the Christuskirche with its graceful sphere provides the city with a striking landmark. The white-walled Alte Feste, which was once a fort and is now a museum, reflects the history of the country. The largest part of Windhoek’s population resides in Katutura, the Bantu-speaking suburb of the city. All along Independence Avenue, one can see the old colonial houses right next to the buildings of the modern, post-independence Namibia. Savour dinner at the lodge.

Overnight in Windhoek.

Day 2: WINDHOEK – KALAHARI DESERT (295km – 3hrs)

After a hearty breakfast, you drive towards the South-Eastern part of Namibia via Rehoboth and Mariental. Amongst a relatively dense woodland of camel thorn, sweet-thorn and candle-pod acacia, lies the historical town of Rehoboth. It is inhabited by the 'Baster' community, which consists of the descendants of people of mixed parentage who trekked across the Orange River under their leader Hermanus van Wyk and settled at Rehoboth in 1870. Arrival and check-in at the lodge. Additionally, a Nature Drive can be booked at the Lodge (not included). Savour dinner at the lodge. 

Overnight in the Kalahari Desert.

Day 3: KALAHARI DESERT – SOSSUSVLEI REGION (220km – 3hrs)

Breakfast at leisure precedes your departure to the Sesriem and Sossusvlei Region of the Namib Desert, via Maltahohe. Arrive and check-in at the beautiful Desert Hills Lodge during the early afternoon. Savour dinner at the lodge. 

Overnight in Sossusvlei.

Day 4: SOSSUSVLEI & SESRIEM (180km – 5hrs)

Before sunrise, you will depart from Desert Hills (with Breakfast Packs) and drive to Sesriem, the Entry Gate to Sossusvlei/Namib Naukluft Park. The last 5 km are driven in 4x4 vehicles. Once at the V you have the opportunity to climb one of the highest sand dunes in the world. During a good rainy season, the Tsauchab River flows into the pan and creates a heaven for water birds. Even during the dry season, Oryx, Springbok and Ostrich can be seen feeding off the sparse vegetation along the watercourse. At the entrance to Sossusvlei lies the Sesriem Canyon, where centuries of erosion have incised a narrow gorge about 1 km in length. At the foot of the gorge, which plunges down for 30m to 40m, are deep pools of water which become replenished after good rains. Sesriem derives its name from the time when early pioneers tied six lengths of rawhide thongs together to draw water from these pools. Return to Desert Hills where the remainder of the afternoon can be spent at leisure at the swimming pool or relaxing on your private verandah with an endless vista stretching before you. Savour dinner at the lodge. 

Overnight in Sossusvlei.

Day 5: SOSSUSVLEI – SWAKOPMUND (350km – 5hrs)

After breakfast, you will drive through the amazing Namib Desert, to the Namibian Coast. Your journey takes you via Sesriem, Solitaire and Walvis Bay. Solitaire is given its name from two meanings: one is the reference to a single solitaire diamond, the other being the solitude or loneliness of the area. The two meanings combined to create the definition of a distinctive, precious and solitary place. The small settlement found in the middle of the Namib Desert features a gas station, post office, general dealer and a restaurant/bar which is widely known for its delicious apple pie. It is the perfect stop-over to break the journey between the Sesreim and Sossusvlei area, and Swakopmund or Windhoek. Walvis Bay is Namibia’s major harbour town; it is fast developing into a sought-after haven for spending a holiday at the coast. Attractions include the lagoon with its prolific birdlife, where altogether some 80.000 wading birds including flamingos and rare white pelicans can be seen. The town has a well-developed and efficient port, while its fishing harbour is the hub of Namibia’s fast-growing fishing industry. Arrive in the early afternoon in Swakopmund. Hereafter you can enjoy an optional city tour, or get to know this quaint and lovely town on foot at your leisure. 

Overnight in Swakopmund.

Day 6: SWAKOPMUND

Enjoy a relaxing day at your leisure. In Swakopmund, there are many activities to choose from, such as a boat cruise in the Walvis Bay Lagoon with oysters and sparkling wine served underway, the famous ‘Living Desert tour’ or a quad bike excursion into the dunes. Have dinner (not included) at a restaurant of your choice! 

Overnight in Swakopmund.

Day 7: SWAKOPMUND – KALKFELD REGION (330km – 3.5hrs)

A leisurely wake-up and luxurious breakfast precede your departure, bound for Namibia’s hugely popular Erindi Old Traders Lodge. You will drive via Usakos, Karibib and Omaruru. Afternoon arrival and check-in and the beautiful lodge. Savour dinner in the evening. 

Overnight in Kalkefeld.

Day 8: KALKFELD REGION – ETOSHA N. PARK – KALKFELD REGION

This day lends itself to a long, lazy breakfast on the deck high above the waterhole, or to an early morning departure for a half-day Game Drive. Alternately, spend the morning at leisure and join the afternoon game drive which culminates in a refreshing sundowner from a wonderful viewpoint high on a rocky mountain overlooking the Reserve (Game Drives not included) Savour dinner in the evening.

Overnight in Kalkefeld.

Day 9: KALKFELD REGION – WINDHOEK (180km – 2.5hrs)

You can enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge before departing for Windhoek via Okahandja. Okahandja is of great significance to the Herero as it was the seat of Chief Samuel Maharero. Annually, people gather here at the graves of their great chiefs. It is also an important centre for woodcarvers from the north. Arrive in Windhoek and check in to your hotel. 

Overnight in Windhoek.

Day 10: DEPARTURE WINDHOEK (45km – 1hrs)

After breakfast, you depart for Hosea Kutako International Airport, via Okahandja and Windhoek. Return your Rental Vehicle and check-in for your onward-bound flight. We wish you Bon Voyage and a safe journey home!

Comfortable clothing is the most suitable for travelling to Namibia. Warm clothing for cool evenings is recommended, light-weight long-sleeved clothing during the hot days provides protection from the sun and insects. Closed Shoes should be worn in the desert at all times. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat are a must, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.