Namibia Self Drive 18 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 Lodge 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.

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.

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!

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…

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 350 km.

A whole day for the sand dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. We advise you to leave early so that you’ll get to the dunes in time for sunrise. It’s a breathtaking show of reds and oranges dancing around deep shadows.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance 120 km (total retour) + 90 km.

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 a bed & breakfast with a unique view. In Swakopmund you can dine out in a restaurant if you’d like.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance 120 km (total retour) + 90 km.

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

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.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 110 km.

From the Cheetah Farm your self drive continues to 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 the camp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 340 km.

The second 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. 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 third day in Etosha National Park. Today there is an extensive game drive towards Namutoni 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.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 390 km.

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.

Today you will drive onward to the South. The last wild reserve of this trip is Okonjima Nature Reserve. You can drive around or book a game drive with a guide. You will stay at Omboroko Campsite.

Travel distance: 220 km.

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.