Northwest Namibia Self-drive Tour (14 Days)

Day 1-2, Swakopmund (380 km)

Following your arrival at the International airport just outside Windhoek; we collect your rental vehicle and you will drive through Windhoek; towards the Atlantic Ocean and the coastal town of Swakopmund; wedged between both the sweltering Namib Desert and the cold Atlantic Ocean. Swakopmund is a bohemian mix of German architecture and African rhythms. The following 2 days are at your leisure.

With palm lined streets and seaside promenades, Swakopmund is a popular holiday destination in Namibia. Its pleasant summer climate and long stretches of beach attract anglers and surfers from all over Southern Africa; resulting in a laid back attitude with an abundant choice of adrenalin activities, misty mornings, and desert heat. It is colorful, it is vibrant, but most of all, it is pure fun.

Overnight at Swakopmund Guesthouse – Breakfast

Day 3, Brandberg (240 km)

Departing Swakopmund, your journey continues through Uis towards the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain, and the Damaraland. This harsh, rocky environment is home to the elusive desert elephant, the black rhino, and also free roaming antelope species. You arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, where you have the remainder of the day at leisure. We recommend participating in an optional afternoon nature drive in the striking Ugab river bed; in search of the desert elephants that reside in this fragile ecosystem.

Returning to the lodge enjoy a sundowner on your terrace or from the lounge offering unmatched views of the Brandberg.

Overnight at Brandberg White Lady Lodge – Breakfast.

Day 4, Damaraland (240 km)

Today proceed further north deeper into the remoteness of Damaraland. En route you should stop at Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO heritage site; where Bushman communities engraved and painted over 2 500 pictures some 6 000 years ago! Optionally; visit the Living Museum of the Damara. Your journey continues further north to the Palmwag Concession; which lies between Kaokoland and the Skeleton Coast; where the flat topped Etendeka Mountains and the carpet of rich red rock greet the tributaries of the Uniab River.

Amid swaying Makalani palms and robust Mopane trees nourished by underground water; your lodge for the night overlooks the sweeping Damaraland landscape sprinkled with green euphorbias.

Overnight at Palmwag Lodge – Bed & Breakfast.

Day 5-6, Kaokoland (110 km)

Continue your safari further north into the rural outskirts of Koakoland. Here you reach your accommodation for the following 2 nights. Guests can visit traditionally living Himba tribes close by.

On the second night, you have the option to experience true safari style traveling; with accommodation in modern dome style tents. The tents provide comfortable beds consisting of a stretcher, a fully made up bedroll, a duvet, and a pillow. Basic communal ablution is provided and ensures privacy; as well as comfort in the wildest of locations.

After an early breakfast, you depart from the guesthouse for a full day excursion. Explore parts of the Hoanib River in search of the elusive desert-adapted elephants and other Namibian wildlife; that call these dry landscapes their home.

In the late afternoon, you will find a suitable spot to set up your camp. While guests enjoy the surroundings and a sundowner drink; the staff will put up the tents and prepare a warm dinner on the open fire. As dawn breaks, your day begins with hot filter coffee / tea and rusks around the fire; before being transferred back to the guesthouse; just in time for a scrumptious breakfast before departing to your next destination. Guests not opting for the sleepout can book the elephant drive as a stand alone activity.

Overnight at Sesfontein Guesthouse (with optional 1 night sleep out) – Breakfast, 1 x lunch, and dinner.

Day 7, Kaokoland (330 km)

Today you’ll reach one of the highlights of Kaokoland. In the far northern reaches of Namibia; Epupa is a magical belt of Makalani palm forest on the perennial Kunene River. There’s something special about this Kaokoland refuge north of Opuwo; where the Kunene River plunges into the gorge below. 200m upstream from the cascading falls; your camp for the night; is a cozy thatched lodge on the riverbank; set under the palms. Dine with a river view; wake to the sound of the falls and the palm thrushes singing in the trees.

Take the golden opportunity to visit the local Himba, one of the last semi-nomadic groups in Africa; join a guided walk in search of the Kunene crocs or; push your adrenalin limit on a rafting trip on the Kunene River (seasonal); follow trails downstream keeping eyes open for wildlife who favor this river’s edge. At sunset join a sundowner drive to a hill overlooking the Epupa Falls.

Overnight at Omuranga Epupa Falls Camp – Breakfast.

Day 8-9, Kunene River (170 km)

Your safari goes ahead with the route taking you further upstream of the Kunene River. With heavy terrain and at times extreme off-road driving required; we recommend taking the route towards Opuwo and turning back north at Epembe; to reach the Lodge on the banks of the Kunene River. Here a lush canopy of indigenous trees provides shade for the chalets.

From the bar and restaurant, a deck extends over the river; making for a spectacular location to enjoy a drink or a delicious meal; with game viewing opportunities. Excitement abounds nearby at Ondorusu Gorge where the adventurous at heart can try whitewater rafting.

Plenty of activities will enrich your stay here in the far north of Namibia. Select from birding, traditional Himba kraal visits, canoeing, and also; fishing from the edge of the Kunene. Close off an adventure filled day with a sundowner boat cruise.

Overnight at Kunene River Lodge – Breakfast and dinner.

Day 10, Etosha National Park (340 km)

Your onward journey takes you back south to the wildlife heaven of Namibia – the Etosha National Park. Enter the most western gate (Galton) into the National Park. This will be your first game drive as it takes you towards the camp for the night. The camp is on a dolomite ridge overlooking the seemingly endless bush savannah. Here you can unwind after an adventure filled day alongside the pool.

Overnight at Dolomite Camp – Breakfast and dinner.

Day 11-12, Etosha National Park (590 km)

The Etosha National Park surrounds a parched salt desert; known as the Etosha Pan and is home to four of the Big Five; that is elephant, lion, leopard, and rhino. The park’s waterholes support a diversity of mammals and birds; including species such as black-faced impala, cheetah, and Namibia’s smallest antelope, the Damara Dikdik.

In the afternoon you travel back to your camp; where you enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure at the lit Okaukuejo Waterhole. Here; abundant wildlife comes to quench its thirst which you can view from close range all through the night.

Overnight at Okaukuejo Camp – Breakfast.

Day 13, Windhoek (440 km)

After breakfast, you travel back to some sort of civilization. Traveling south through bushland savannah reaching the capital in the center of the country; Windhoek. En route, stop at the famous wood carvers market in Okahandja or the craft market in the main street in Windhoek; to pick up the last few souvenirs to take home. Windhoek is a cosmopolitan melting pot of European architecture with African culture; with a variety of excellent restaurants to choose from.

Overnight at The Elegant Guesthouse – Breakfast.

Day 14, Departure (50 km)

After breakfast, we travel back to some sort of civilization to the international airport where after returning your rental vehicle; you may check in on your outbound flight back home.
Includes breakfast.