12 Day Namibia Self Drive Tour

July 16, 2019July 16, 2019admin

Summary of this Budget Safari Package

Experience the vast and otherworldly splendour of Namibia in your own time on this Namibia Self Drive Tour.

Following our recommended self drive itinerary will reveal a slice of the natural wonders of this incredible country over almost two weeks. Enjoy the unique ambience of the capital city Windhoek and other highlights, including game viewing in the immense Etosha National Park and Okonjima Nature Reserve. Travel to the striking Damaraland mountain region, the charming Germanic coastal town of Swakopmund and the highest sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert – a spectacular sight best viewed at sunrise or sunset.

Take the hassle out of planning your holiday to Namibia with this self drive tour which includes accommodation, breakfasts, car hire and a recommended itinerary mapped out with optional activities to make your trip a once in a lifetime experience in Africa.

Itinerary for this Tour

Please Note: This self drive tour itinerary is merely a sample. We can tailor-make your Namibia self drive holiday to suit your needs.

Self Drive Tour Highlights

Windhoek: Begin your journey in the Namibian capital.
Etosha Pan National Park: Enjoy a full day game drive in one of the world’s most famous wildlife parks.
Okonjima Nature Reserve: Stay on a nature reserve renowned for its conservation projects with carnivorous African predators, including cheetahs.
Damaraland: Visit one of Namibia’s most beautiful mountain areas, inhabited by the vibrant Damara people.
Swakopmund: Enjoy miles of empty Atlantic beaches and the unique architecture and culture of this Germanic coastal Namibian town.
Sossusvlei: Marvel at the world’s highest sand dunes and visit the rugged Sesreim Canyon.

Day 1: Windhoek – Namibia

Your self drive holiday adventure begins and ends in the capital of Namibia, Windhoek.

Upon arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport, pick up your rental vehicle at the Avis Car Hire Depot, then drive to your accommodation and begin your exploration of this small but fascinating African city. You can start your trip with a visit to some of the historical and cultural highlights of Windhoek followed by dinner at one of the excellent local restaurants.

Accommodation: Vondelhof Guest House (rooms, en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant), or similar.

Day 2: Windhoek to Okonjima Game Reserve – Namibia

Following breakfast, drive north from Windhoek to the first stop on your itinerary, Okonjima Game Reserve in the Otjozondjupa region. Situated in the Omboroko Mountains (loosely translated as ‘place of the baboons’), Okonjima features the Cheetah Project, which you may choose to visit to learn more about these endangered predators of the African plains.

Travel: Departure – 08h00 / Distance – 250 km
Accommodation: Okonjima Plains Camp (rooms with en-suite bathrooms) or similar.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3 – 5: Okonjima Reserve to Etosha National Park – Namibia

The next destination on your self drive safari is one of the crown treasures of Namibia, the Etosha National Park. Declared a national park more than 110 years ago, Etosha is home to hundreds of animal, reptile and bird species (and, surprisingly, one fish species). With your accommodation based just outside the park, you will be eligible to join several optional game drives. Etosha resorts also feature waterholes with floodlights, enabling excellent night time game viewing.

Travel: Distance – 250 km
Accommodation: Etosha Okaukeujo with Waterhole chalet double rooms or single rooms (with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant), or similar.
Meals: Breakfast (x3)

Day 6: Etosha National Park to Omaruru – Namibia

Depart Etosha bound for Kamanjab, to experience a village populated by the local Himba tribe. You’ll be fascinated by their lifestyle, traditions and beliefs, including a milking ceremony, smoke bath, and herbal medicine around the holy fire. Overnight in the nearby town of Omaruru, which was once a mission station but has now evolved into a hub for local artists, crafts and other artisanal industries.

Travel: Departure – 08h00 / Distance – 250 km
Accommodation: Omaruru Guesthouse (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant or swimming pools) or similar.
Meals: Breakfast

Days 7 & 8: Omaruru to Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund – Namibia

Spitzkoppe is a highly distinctive, curved granite mountain range jutting skyward from the Namib Desert, where you can hike among its massive boulders to view engravings and paintings by ancient Bushmen. Then continue your self drive to the Namibian coastline and the quaint seaside town of Swakopmund, known for its distinctive Germanic architecture and ambience. Here you can participate in several optional activities* or enjoy the promenade and Atlantic Ocean beaches and enjoy a typical Namibian evening meal at one of the town’s many great restaurants (not included).

Travel: Departure – 08h00 / Distance – 250 km
Accommodation: The Stiltz (standard bungalows with en-suite bathrooms) or similar.
Meals: Breakfast (x2)

The following are some of the most popular activities on offer in Swakopmund (optional). Please note that booking ahead to avoid disappointment is highly recommended. All rates are quoted in South African rand and apply per person. All activities may require a minimum amount of individuals, are subject to availability and may not operate at certain times of the year. Please contact us for more information. Should you wish to take part in an activity not listed below, we will happily assist you with reservations and rates.

Living Desert Tour
Township Tour
Sandboarding (lie down or stand up)
Sky Diving
Quad biking (2 hours)
Kayaking
Tandem Shore fishing
Boat fishing
Dolphin, Seal and Whale Cruise

Days 9 & 10: Swakopmund to Sossusvlei – Namibia

A bright and early breakfast followed by a trip from Swakopmund through the fishing town of Walvis Bay sees you arrive in Namib Naukluft National Park, considered to be the oldest desert in the world. On the way, you may not be able to resist a stop at the small village of Solitaire for a slice of their legendary apple crumble (only ever served without cream). Later that day embark on the African cat walk at your lodge and then wake up early the next morning (highly advised to catch the best light) to view the incredible dunes at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, the highest of their kind in the world. At 300 metres or more, these provide spectacular photo opportunities, making for amazing images, especially if there is water in the vlei itself. A stop to view the Sesriem Canyon, carved several million years ago by the Tsauchab River, is also highly recommended.

Travel: Departure – 07h00 / Distance – 400 km
Accommodation: Sossus Dune Lodge (standard bungalows with en-suite bathrooms) or similar.
Meals: Breakfast (x2)

Day 11: Sossusvlei to Windhoek – Namibia

Depart the giant dunes of Sossusvlei and drive back through the deserts and haunting landscapes of Namibia to the capital Windhoek. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the city, and round off your self drive tour with dinner in one of its popular restaurants.

Travel: Departure – 08h00 / Distance – 360 km
Accommodation: Vondelhof Guest House (rooms, en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant), or similar.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Windhoek (End of Tour)

Following breakfast this morning you will depart for Windhoek International Airport to return your rental vehicle in time for your outbound flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Pre-Departure Information

Please take note of the following self drive travel stipulations and requirements:

Tour Transport

Your South African self-drive safari encompasses vehicle rental of a VW Polo Vivo or similar (Avis Car Hire Group B). This includes Premium Insurance, which covers theft and collision damage waiver, theft loss waiver, unlimited kilometres, claim admin fee, tourism levy, VAT, sandblasting damage, personal accident insurance, one additional driver, third party liability insurance, windscreen damage waiver, tyre damage waiver, general liability insurance, location surcharge, undercarriage damage*, rim and hubcap damage.

This insurance does not include fuel, refundable rental deposit, environment contract fee, one-way drop off charges and equipment charges, delivery and collection fees, traffic fine administration fee, child safety seats, GPS navigation, additional spare tyre rental or deposit.

Please note: We do not recommend you drive Group B vehicles on the dirt and gravel roads of Namibia as their poor condition may damage the rental car.

Self Drive Tour Accommodation

We utilise mid-market or standard African lodge accommodation. These will be a variety of lodge types, chalets or tented camps in national parks, either on the riverside or in other interesting locations. Most feature a private bathroom with a shower and toilet and some properties are equipped with swimming pools and/or bar areas.

Tour Meals

Breakfast will be available in the restaurants or dining areas of these establishments. If you have any special dietary requirements, please notify us ahead of time.

Tourist Visas

It is your responsibility as the client to ensure you have applied for and received in good order any visas you may require to legally enter Namibia before your departure date.

Travel Insurance

Kindly note that travel and cancellation insurance is a mandatory requirement for all of our guests and obtaining this insurance is your sole responsibility. You must ensure that you arrange insurance with protection for the entirety of your trip covering personal injury, damage and loss of personal items, such as but not limited to cameras and other electronic items and accessories, loss or theft of luggage, medical costs, repatriation costs, etcetera. For more information see our Travel Insurance guide or talk to one of our travel experts for assistance with obtaining suitable travel insurance.