9.4/10 based on 42 reviews

Namibia 18 days trip

The 18 days for this incredible Namibia self drive trip allow you to take your time discovering Namibia by 4×4 rental car. See many of the highlights Namibia has to offer. Such as the Fish River Canyon, the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, the desolate Deadvlei, the Namib Desert, Swakopmund and the Atlantic Ocean, Etosha National Park and Waterberg Plateau National Park.

The trip 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 be requested and depends on the local possibilities and space in the preferred 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)

Other alternative routes of this Namibia trip are the 14-day trip and the 22-day trip. You can also opt for a Namibia trip focused on the northern part of the country: Kaokoland and Himba trip.

Keetmanshoop Quiver Tree
Spitzkoppe Namibia
Etosha National Park

Itinerary

  • 1: Windhoek
  • 2: Marienthal
  • 3: Keetmanshoop
  • 4: Ai Ais/Fish River Canyon
  • 5: Aus
  • 6: Sesriem
  • 7: Sossusvlei/Solitaire
  • 8: Swakopmund
  • 9: Spitzkoppe
  • 10: Ugab Rhino
  • 11: Twyfelfontein
  • 12: Etosha National Park (Okaukuejo)
  • 13: Etosha National Park (Halali)
  • 14: Etosha National Park (Namutoni)
  • 15: Waterberg Plateau National Park
  • 16: Waterberg Plateau National Park
  • 17: Okonjima Nature Reserve
  • 18: Windhoek (return flight)
house icon white 2 nights B&B
tipi tent icon white 15 nights camping
car icon white 18 days 4x4 car rental

Route & itinerary

18days
1

Day 1: Windhoek

The first day of this wonderful self-drive discovery of Namibia. When you arrive at the airport, our partner will be there to bring you to the car rental agency so you can collect the car. After an extensive instruction session and the required formalities, your self-drive will truly start. Spend the first night in Windhoek so that you have plenty of time to get to know the 4×4 and the city. Windhoek is also where you’ll have to buy the bulk of your supplies for the self-drive. You stay at Arebbusch Travel Lodge.

Accommodation: B&B. Travel distance: 5 km.

2

Day 2: Marienthal

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.

3

Day 3: Keetmanshoop

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.

4

Day 4: Ai Ais/Fish River Canyon

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 Ai-Ais Hotsprings Spa Campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 270 km.

5

Day 5: Aus

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 in Klein Aus Vista.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 350 km.

6

Day 6: Sesriem

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 Campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 350 km.

7

Day 7: Sossusvlei/Solitaire

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

8

Day 8: Swakopmund

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 bed & breakfast Desert Breeze 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.

9

Day 9: Spitzkoppe

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.

10

Day 10: Ugab Rhino

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.

11

Day 11: Twyfelfontein

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: 110 km.

12

Day 12: Etosha National Park (Okaukuejo)

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. You stay at Okaukuejo Restcamp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 340 km.

13

Day 13: Etosha National Park (Halali)

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 Campsite. 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.

14

Day 14: Etosha National Park (Namutoni)

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

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 70 km.

15

Day 15: Waterberg Plateau National Park

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 stay at Waterberg Plateau Campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 390 km.

16

Day 16: Waterberg Plateau National Park

Another night 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.

17

Day 17: Okonjima Nature Reserve

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.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 220 km.

18

Day 18: Windhoek (return flight)

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.

Changing the itinerary

It is always possible to adapt this journey to your personal wishes. Limiting the journey or adding an extra destination, is no problem at all.
We are happy to help!

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

Prices per person for various dates in 2024 and 2025. The Namibia Self Drive 18 days 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 or 4×4 camper) other than the default 4×4 car are available upon request.

5 January - 19 March, (2024)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 1.765,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 1.390,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.170,-

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

20 March - 30 June, (2024)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 1.890,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 1.510,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.240,-

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

1 July - 10 November, (2024)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 2.350,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 1.815,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.475,-

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

11 November - 4 January, (2025)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 1.890,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 1.510,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.240,-

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
Upgrade to Toyota Landcruiser or Hilux 3.0 (automatic) or Toyota Fortuner (automatic)
Zero Excess insurance

Highlights

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