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About the Namibia Kaokoland & Damaraland 4×4 Trail

This trip is by far the most adventurous Namibia trip in our portfolio! With your 4×4 you will go on an adventure to the most remote areas in the Kaokoland and Damaraland. The start and end point of the trip is Windhoek. You will also visit the most northern part of the Kaokoland including the Epupa Falls and the remote Marienfluss.

During this Namibia Kaokoland 4×4 journey you will encounter the Himba and Herrero along the way. There are not that many other self-drive travellers on the routes around Purros and for example the Marienfluss.

With this package holiday we book most overnight stays. Some remote campsites in Kaokoland you will pay locally.

The trip is available for 2 to 4 people per car.

Advantages of self-drive 4×4 package trips

  • Inclusive support and professional advice safari trip
  • Inclusive GPS with Tracks4Africa software and all 4×4 waypoints and destinations for your trip
  • Inclusive CDW2 insurance with Zero Excess
  • A perfectly mapped route with optimal travel distances
  • SGR cover for pre-paid funds (incl. Sicherungsschein for Germany)

A shorter tour to the Namibia Kaokoland and Himba? Check our 14 days Namibia Himba & Kaokoland trip.

Namib Woestijn

Itinerary

  • 1: Windhoek
  • 2: Okonjima Nature Reserve
  • 3: Etosha National Park (Okaukuejo)
  • 4: Etosha National Park (Olifantsrus)
  • 5: Kunene River
  • 6: Epupa Falls
  • 7: Opuwo
  • 8: Kaokoland
  • 9: Kaokoland Marienfluss
  • 10: Kaokoland Marienfluss
  • 11: Purros
  • 12: Khowarib
  • 13: Twyfelfontein
  • 14: Ugab Rhino
  • 15: Skeleton Coast
  • 16: Spitzkoppe
  • 17: Windhoek (return flight)

Route & itinerary

17days
1

Day 1: Windhoek

After you have arrived in Windhoek, the first day of your Namibia and Botswana self-drive journey starts. After arrival at the airport you will be welcomed and picked up by our partner, the car rental company for the transfer of the car. You will then receive an extensive instruction and after completing the formalities, the self-drive journey starts. The first night of the trip is planned in Windhoek at the Arebbusch Travel Lodge You would have enough time to acclimatize and, for example, to go shopping in the nearby shopping center and also get to know the 4×4 car.

Accommodation: B&B. Travel distance: 40km.

2

Day 2: Okonjima Nature Reserve

After shopping for provisions and also fuel, this Namibia trip will now really start. The journey goes to the North and the first part is still on asphalt. Then you will turn towards the Okonjima Nature Reserve. You can, for example, drive around here with the 4×4, but it is also possible to join an organized game drive / activity. You will stay at Omboroko Campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 230 km.

3

Day 3: Etosha National Park (Okaukuejo)

After breakfast you will leave Okonjima and travel onwards to Etosha National Park. You have also the opportunity to make a game drive in the afternoon. And in the evening you can, for example, visit the illuminated waterhole. With a bit of luck, rhinoceroses will come to drink. It’s also possible to join a guided night drive organized by NWR. This first night of your stay in Etosha you will sleep in Okaukeujo.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 250 km.

4

Day 4: Etosha National Park (Olifantsrus)

In the early morning you can go with your 4×4 car on a game drive around Okaukuejo. And next return to the camp for brunch. After all your belongings have been packed you will continue this Namibia Kaokoland 4×4 journey to the next camp in Etosha. The destination is Olifantsrus rest camp. A site that has historically been used as an abattoir for the slaughter of a large number of elephants. Today there is a beautiful campsite with a lookout tower and also an illuminated watering hole. You will spend a total of two nights in Etosha in two different rest camps. In the afternoon you can take another game drive around the camp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 125 km.

5

Day 5: Kunene River

Today a longer drive all the way to the border with Angola. The Kunene River Lodge located on the Kunene river is your final destination. Along the way you can, for example, stop in Opuwo for provisions and fuel. You will stay at the Kunene River Lodge (campsite). In the afternoon, for example, the sunset cruise is recommended.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 390 km.

6

Day 6: Epupa Falls

After breakfast at the Kunene River Lodge campsite, continue your journey to Epupa Falls. Here the Kunene River plunges down. Due to the large amount of water and the wide river, a kind of delta has been created with high palm trees. You will have time to visit the Himba and also view the waterfalls. You camp right next to the falls between the palm trees. You will stay at the Epupa Falls Rest Camp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 90 km.

7

Day 7: Opuwo

Today your Namibia and Kaokoland tour will bring you back to Opuwo in the North, a small town in Kaokoland. After camping for a few nights, the overnight stay in Opuwo is wonderful in a lodge. You will stay at the Kaoko Mopane Lodge just outside Opuwo. In Opuwo you also have the option of stocking up on provisions and refueling with diesel for the coming days.

Accommodation: B&B. Travel distance: 160 km.

8

Dag 8: Kaokoland

From Opuwo you will now travel further west. Deeper into Kaokoland on the way to the Marienfluss. Today you will stay at a simple campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 200 km.

Note: Road conditions in Kaokoland can vary greatly from season to season. Travel times may vary.

9

Day 9: Kaokoland Marienfluss

After a night in this secluded location, continue to the Kunene River and the border with Angola. The next two nights you will stay at the same campsite in the Marienfluss.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 110 km.

Note: Road conditions in Kaokoland can vary greatly from season to season. Travel times may vary.

10

Day 10: Kaokoland Marienfluss

The second night in the Marienfluss. Today you have time to explore the area. To rest and enjoy this secluded place in the far north of Namibia. You will stay at the same campsite in the Marienfluss.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: n/a

Note: Road conditions in Kaokoland can vary greatly from season to season. Travel times may vary.

11

Day 11: Purros

Today the Namibia and Kaokoland self drive will continue to the South. You will stay at the Purros Campsite. Located on the bank of the Hoarusib River. With a bit of luck you will find the rare desert elephants that regularly visit the campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 240 km.

Note: Road conditions in Kaokoland can vary greatly from season to season. Travel times may vary.

12

Day 12: Khowarib

Today a not too long ride is planned. On the way back to the “inhabited world” you can again encounter Himbas and Herreros. You can stock up on provisions at the simple shop in Sesfontein. You will stay at the Khowarib Lodge Campsite. From the campsite you can, for example, walk into the Khowarib Schlucht. You can also explore this canyon by car

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 145 km.

13

Day 13: Twyfelfontein

In the morning you have the opportunity to explore the Khowarib Schlucht on foot and/or by 4×4 car. A deep gorge in the Namibian mountain landscape. Soft sand and steep rocks. The drive to Twyfelfontein is relatively short and easy on the gravel road. Today you will stay at Mowani campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 185 km.

14

Day 14: Ugab Rhino

In the morning you will have time to visit the rock paintings at Twyfelfontein. From Twyfelfontein the journey now continues on remote tracks. You will hardly encounter any other travelers along the way. Towards Ugab Rhino you have the choice to drive over the Divorce Pass. A steep pass and ditto descent. After the sharp rocks you drive the last stretch through loose sand on your way to the community based Ugab Rhino Camp. Here it can happen that you also get a visit from the famous desert elephants of Namibia. You will stay at Ugab Rhino Camp .

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 100 km.

15

Day 15: Skeleton Coast

After the rugged rock formations and the deep sand, you now descend to sea level. The temperature difference is huge! On the coast it can be 15 degrees colder with the cool water coming from the South Pole. With a little luck you can see seals or a dolphin on the coast. The stay is at Mile 108. A simple (slightly dilapidated) campsite on the coast!

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 80km

Note: it is also possible to travel directly from Ugab Rhino to Mile 108 depending on how the journey is going.

16

Day 16: Spitzkoppe

After breakfast on the beach at Mile 108, continue the journey south. Along the way you can visit the seal colony at Cape Cross. And then continue to Hentiesbaai where you can refuel. Also a good stop for shopping. After stocking up on provisions, you will continue to the next destination of this self-drive trip; the pointed and characteristic rocks of Spitzkoppe. You will stay at Spitzkoppe Restcamp in the middle of the huge rocks.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 200 km.

17

Day 17: Windhoek (return flight)

In the morning you can still enjoy the sunrise at Spitzkoppe. You then break camp for the last (short) day of travel to Windhoek. Most of the route is now on asphalt. After arriving in Windhoek and returning the 4×4 car, you will be taken to the airport.

Travel distance: 330km.

Note: optional is to extend the trip and stay at a B&B in Windhoek prior to flying back home.

Your custom self drive 4×4 itinerary

All our self drive trips can be adjusted to your personal requirements. Staying somewhere for a day longer or adding another destination is not a problem.
Ask us about the possibilities and we are happy to help you!

Your 4x4 rental car

The default car is a Toyota Hilux 4×4 double cab 2.4 Diesel.

The Toyota Hilux double cab is the most perfect 4×4 rental car for a self-drive safari in Africa.

It has much space and comfort, and has sleeping places in the roof tent. This Toyota Hilux Double Cab 4×4 has a separate boot where you can safely store your travel bags, together with all the camping equipment for your self-drive journey in Southern Africa.

Available for both 2 and 4 people, the Hilux is the best choice. For travels with 5 people (two adults and three children) the Hilux double cab can also be used.

If you’re with just two people, the back seat is especially useful for photo bags, day packs and supplies.

It is possible to upgrade car at extra costs.

Check here all our 4×4 rental cars.

Rates

Here you can see the prices per person for various dates in 2024 and 2025. The Namibia Kaokoland & Damaraland 4x4 Trail is available for 2 to 4 people per car. The default car is a Toyota Hilux 4×4 double cab 2.4 Diesel. The price for 5 people or more can for example be requested and depends on the local possibilities and space in the preferred car. 4×4 cars (Land Cruiser, Hilux DC 2.8) other than the default 4×4 car are available upon request.

20 March - 30 June, (2024)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 1.770,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 1.340,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 1.120,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 390,- per trip.

1 July - 10 November, (2024)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 2.190,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 1.650,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.330,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 390,- per trip.

11 November - 4 January, (2025)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 1.770,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 1.340,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.120,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 390,- per trip.

5 January - 19 March, (2025)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 1.735,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 1.350,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.105,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 390,- per trip.

20 March - 30 June, (2025)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 1.905,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 1.445,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.195,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 390,- per trip.

1 July - 10 November, (2025)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 2.335,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 1.745,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.410,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 390,- per trip.

Included

Toyota Hilux 4x4 Double Cab with complete camping & safari equipment
All accommodation during the journey
Two drivers
GPS & Tracks4Africa software
Advise by experienced self drive specialists
Airport transfers
Support

Not included

International Flights
Entry Fees
Fuel
Food & Drinks
Upgrades to fixed (luxury) accommodations
Upgrades to Toyota Landcruiser or 4x4 camper instead of roof tent
Zero Excess insurance

Highlights

Windhoek

Since 1891 the capital of Namibia

Okonjima Nature Reserve

Etosha National Park

Kunene Rivier

The natural border between Angola and Namibia

Epupa Falls

One of the most spectacular attractions of Kaokoland

Kaokoland

Damaraland

A desert-like region, with rugged rocks and mountains

Twyfelfontein

Red rocks with over 2500 rock paintings.

Spitzkoppe

Imposing peaks in Damaraland.
10 / 10

Skillful people

It was a really good experience and they are skillful to plan and give quick response with answers.

Good knowledge of Africa and the countries there. What to visit and they plan the trip so it suits the customer.
Quick response when you have questions.

Christer Jonson

10 / 10

Adequate hulp

Selfdrive4x4.com biedt adequate en deskundige hulp bij zowel het plannen van het reisschema, het regelen van autohuur en het daarbij horende papierwerk (verzekeringen, transfers) en het vastleggen van de camping- en lodge-locaties.

Anonymous

10 / 10

Perfect organization

Selfdrive4x4.com offers the perfect organization of the trip for selfdrivers.

Strengths

Very easy handling, good communication.

Franziska

10 / 10

Perfect

Perfect, I would recommend it to everybody to work together with it.

Strengths

Friendly people – very fast in answering questions – high knowlede about the things you need at your destination and for a 4×4 driving holiday – easy to comunicate with.

Improvements or suggestions

Right know for my use it was perfect. Especially since I am not next door, and just worked together via internet and phone.

 

Niedereder Raimund

10 / 10

We would recommend Selfdrive4x4.com to our friends

We booked a last minute 17 day self drive trip through Namibia with this company and everything was just perfect. Contact with the company was very pleasant and they kept us posted with updates about the progress of our trip. Gps, maps, book and 12V equipment was sent to our home as soon as our trip was confirmed.

Price wise it was a great deal and everything in Namibia (car and layovers) were to our satisfaction. We would definitely book again with this company and we would recommend it to our friends.

Reinier