Namibia Self Drive 22 days

If you did your shopping yesterday, start early today for the journey to Marienthal. Head for Kalahari and experience first-hand the extensiveness of Namibia. This is an easy first travel day, so it’s perfect to get used to the car and driving on the left. Arrive at the Kalahari Anib Campsite early in the afternoon.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 320 km.

Head farther south today and visit the Quiver Tree Forest and Giant’s Playground, which is a very characteristic rock formation. Quiver trees are strange and rare trees of the Aloe family. The hollow trunks are used by Bushmen to store their arrows. Shoot some stunning landscape pictures here. You stay at Quivertree Forest Restcamp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 280 km.

After breaking up camp, set out for the second biggest canyon in the world: the Fish River Canyon. From there, it’s not too far to the hot springs of Ai Ais, which will take you through a stunning landscape. You can relax there in the (45 degree Celsius) inside and outside pool. You stay at the campsite of Ai-Ais Hotsprings Spa.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 270 km.

After an early morning steam bath, a long trip northwest awaits you. Experience the landscape and the calm of Namibia. In the small village of Aus, you can take lovely walks and spot Namibia’s wild horses. Or take on a mountain bike trail! You stay at Desert Horse Campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 350 km.

Travel to what many call the highlight of their journey through Namibia: Sossusvlei. The road to Sesriem is not bad either, with a picture point at every bend. However, don’t be too excessive with your camera, or you’ll arrive in the dark. You stay at Sesriem Restcamp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 350 km.

A full day to visit the sand dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. It is advisable to start early in the morning, so that you are at the dunes in time for the sunrise. A breathtaking spectacle with red and orange colors and deep shadows. The journey up and down to the dunes is about 120 km. You spend the night at the foot of the Spreets Hoogte pass. This is about a 110 km drive from Sesriem. You will stay at the special Camp Gecko.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 230km

After two nights with the sand dunes and Sesriem, continue your self-drive journey to Swakopmund upon Atlantic Ocean. The road crosses through the Kuisib Canyon and the vast gravel plains of the Namib Desert. Arrive in Swakopmund in the early afternoon. Accommodation is Desert Breeze bed & breakfast with a unique view. In Swakopmund you can dine out in a restaurant if you’d like.

Accommodation: B&B. Travel distance: 350 km.

Discover Swakopmund or go shopping after breakfast. When you’re ready, travel on to the next destination: the characteristic sharp rocks of Spitzkoppe. You stay at Spitzkoppe Restcamp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 160 km.

Continue your self-drive 4×4 deeper into the Damaraland. The stunning views so characteristic of Namibia accompany you to the community based Ugab Rhino Camp. You could just be honoured by a visit from Namibia’s famous desert elephants. On the road to Spitzkoppe you can visit the seals of Cape Cross (which is a detour of about 80 km).

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 200 km.

A special day where the 4×4 is truly indispensable. Adventurous tracks perfect for the 4×4, low gear, and GPS device are today’s goals on the road to Twyfelfontein through a Damaraland landscape that is as unique as it is beautiful. We advise you to use the whole day for this drive even though it’s a short one: it really is a 4×4 track and you’ll generally drive slowly. You could spot ostriches, oryx, various types of antelope and maybe even the extremely shy black rhino today. You stay at Mowani Camp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: about 110 km.

Today, the drive is not too long, so that you can enter the wild north at your own speed. On the way, you might meet Himbas and Herreros. You stay at the campsite of Khowarib Lodge.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 180 km.

After breakfast in the lodge the route continues to the Epupa Falls. There is time to visit the Himba and the waterfalls. The campsite Epupa Falls Restcamp is between the palmtrees next to the falls.

Accomodation: camping. Travel distance: 340 km.

Relax in the morning. Visit the falls and/or the Himba. You will be heading east to the Kunene River Lodge. There are some (often) dry riverbeds. The road is recently improved and only in rainseason there is a chance that you will have to make a detour.

Accomodation: camping. Travel distance: 90 km.

There are two options to drive to Etosha National Park from the Kunene River Lodge. Through Ruacana or Opuwo. The destination of today is Olifantsrus Restcamp in Etosha National Park. In total you will stay four days in the National Park. There is a campsite with watch tower.

Accomodation: camping. Travel distance: 320 km.

The second day in Etosha National Park. From Olifantsrus your trip continues to the central part of the Etosha National Park. In Etosha, you have a good chance of seeing all kinds of wild animals, such as elephants, rhinos, and lions. The illuminated watering places near the rest camps are fantastic. You can easily get there by foot from Okaukuejo Restcamp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 240 km.

The third day of your stay in Etosha National Park. Take another extensive game drive today and head for Halali. You again have the choice between an early morning game drive around the camp, or to break up camp immediately and take your time getting in Halali Restcamp. This may also depend on how long you spent at the illuminated watering hole of Okaukeujo, where you can spot many remarkable animals. It’s not uncommon to see hyenas, lions, or even leopards there.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 70 km.

The fourth day in Etosha National Park. Today there is an extensive game drive towards Namutoni Restcamp waiting for you.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 70 km.

On the way to Waterberg Plateau you can make a stop at the beautiful Hoba Meteorite (the biggest in the world). Then, continue with the 4×4 to Waterberg. You can stop in Grootfontein to buy provisions for the last days in Namibia. You stay at Waterberg Plateau Campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 390 km.

Second day at Waterberg Plateau Campsite. Waterberg Plateau is an ecologically diverse area that is perfect for beautiful walks. The black rhino was reintroduced here successfully in 1989. Join a guided hike with the local rangers.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: resting day.

The last day of your Namibia trip. After returning the 4×4 car to the agency in Windhoek, you will be brought to the Arebbusch Travel Lodge.

Accommodation: lodge. Travel distance: 335km.

The last day of your Namibia trip.  After returning the 4×4 car to the agency in Windhoek, you will be brought back with a shuttle service to the airport.

Travel distance to the airport: 40km.