20 Day Namibia Self-drive

This self-drive safari is fully flexible and can be tailored to suit your interests. Our 20-day option covers the Southern Canyons, ghost town, and ancient Desert with massive dunes in Sossusvlei. Meanders up the coast before heading North to spectator waterfalls before turning South and onto Etosha for your wildlife experience. Namibia offers safe self-travel on dirt and tar roads with 24hrs support.

Day 1 ~ Windhoek-Keetmanshoop

This morning collect your hire vehicle form the city centre or airport to begin your journey South.

You will need an early start as it is a 496km drive to Keetmanshoop, but it’s an easy drive on a quite tar road.

ACCOMMODATION: Guest House

MEALS:

Day 2 ~ Fish River Canyon park

This morning you have an opportunity to visit Quiver tree forest and Giants Playground.

Today’s drive is only 269kms which will have you arriving Ai-Ais and the Fish River Canyon park. Enjoy the hot springs and settle into your accommodation.

ACCOMMODATION: Ai-Ais park chalets

MEALS: Breakfast

Day 3 ~ Fish River Canyon park

Canyon Road House Explore the area today, there are numerous viewing points and hiking trails to enjoy.

ACCOMMODATION:Canyon Road House

MEALS: Breakfast

Day 4 ~ Luderitz

Today you head North before turning East to the coast and the famous town of Luderitz.

ACCOMMODATION: Guest House

MEALS: Breakfast

Day 5 ~ Luderitz

Join one of the guided tour of Kolmanskop is Namibia’s most famous ghost town, and is situated in the Sperrgebiet, (forbidden territory) a few kilometers inland from the port of Luderitz.

ACCOMMODATION: Guest House

MEALS: Breakfast

Day 6 ~ Helmeringhausen

In the midst of the Tiras mountains, and on the edge of the Namib desert the Koiimasis Ranch is picturesquely surrounded by red shining granite rocks.

ACCOMMODATION: Fest Inn Fels Farm-Lodge

MEALS: Breakfast

Day 7 ~ Sossousvlei

Drive straight to the heart of the Namib Desert where we will be staying for the next 2 days. From your camp you have a magnificent views of the mountains.

ACCOMMODATION: Agama River Lodge

MEALS: Breakfast

Day 8 ~ Sossousvlei

Rise early today to catch the sun rising over the spectacular dunes, totally breathtaking. For energetic types you can climb dune 45, or else relax at the bottom of the dune and soak up the atmosphere. Proceed to the 4×4 parking lot and board the shuttle deeper into the desert from there continue on foot into the desert, and on to Deadvlei. (even with a 4×4 this is a restricted area and you aren’t allowed to drive on your own)

After lunch, and perhaps a relaxing dip in the pool set off on the short drive to Sesriem Canyon.

ACCOMMODATION: Agama River Lodge

MEALS: Breakfast

Day 9 ~ Swakopmund

The drive to Swakopmund today takes you through some very unusual scenery, the strangest of which being the ‘moon landscape’. Before arriving at Swakopmund we will stop off at Walvis Bay to visit the flamingo colony that is present most of the year round. On arrival in Swakopmund we will settle you in the lodge and then take an orienteering drive through the small town.

Dinner that night will be spent in a local restaurant, and if you want to experience some Namibian nightlife then your can point you in the right direction!

The following day is spent exploring the markets, shops and beaches of Swakopmund at your leisure.

ACCOMMODATION: Dunedin Star Guest House

MEALS: Breakfast

Day 10 ~ Swakopmund

Morning Boat cruise optional.

The ‘classic’ dolphin cruise, accompanied by dolphins, seals, pelicans, whales, fresh oysters, sparkling wine and much more!

There are numerous fun optional activities for the more adventurous. (Quad biking the dunes, (amazing fun) sky diving, scenic flights over the desert etc.) Kate will gladly assist with prebooking any activities.

ACCOMMODATION: Dunedin Star Guest House

MEALS: Breakfast

Day 11 ~ Spitzkoppe

The Spitzkoppe (from German for “pointed hill or mountain”, also referred to as the “Matterhorn of Namibia”), are a group of bald granite peaks or bornhardts located between Usakos and Swakopmund on the border of the Namib desert of Namibia.

The highest outcrop rises about 1784 meters (5857 feet) above sea level. The peaks stand out dramatically from the flat surrounding plains. The highest peak is about 700m above the floor of the desert below. Other prominences stretch out into a range known as the Pontok Mountains.

The Western face of Spitzkoppe was first climbed in 1946 and has since then drawn many climbers. Many examples of Bushmen artwork can be seen painted on the rocks in the Spitzkoppe area.

Afternoon guided walk available to some of the beautiful rock art in the area.

ACCOMMODATION: Spitzkoppe Chalets with shared ablutions

MEALS: Breakfast

Day 12 ~ Terrece Bay

Today we travel further North along the coast stopping to visit a huge seal colony we will drive up Skeleton coast a short way before reaching the last available and accessible accommodation reachable without a 4X4 and special permits, you will spot and stop at a few shipwrecks on your drive.

357kms

ACCOMMODATION: Bungalows in Terrece Bay (part of Namibian Wildlife Reserves)

MEALS: Breakfast

Day 13 ~ Twyfelfontein, Damaraland

Today we will visit the world heritage site of Twyfelfontein for a guided tour to view one of the largest concentrations of rock art and engravings in the world.

Twyfelfontein has one of the largest concentrations of petroglyphs, i.e. rock engravings in Africa. Most of these well-preserved engravings represent rhinoceros, elephant, ostrich and giraffe, as well as drawings of human and animal footprints. The objects excavated from two sections, date from the Late Stone Age. The site forms a coherent, extensive and high-quality record of ritual practices relating to hunter-gatherer communities in this part of southern Africa over at least 2,000 years, and eloquently illustrates the links between the ritual and economic practices of hunter-gatherers.

ACCOMMODATION: Igowati Lodge

MEALS: Breakfast

Day 14 ~ Kamanjab

We will enjoy a guided walk of the ancient petrified forests, before arriving late afternoon at Otjitotongwe Cheetah farm.

Afternoon cheetah experience.

200kms

ACCOMMODATION: Otjitotongwe Cheetah farm

MEALS: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 15 ~ Ruacana

Today head for Namibia’s Northern border arriving at our lodge intime for lunch.

This afternoon a 1.5hr Himba Village visit is included.

Many of Namibia’s most striking images, recognised world-wide, show the beautiful Himba people with their glowing red skin and intricate adornments.

Kaokoland is home to a Himba population estimated at 12,000. Sadly, their traditional way of life, with its culture of strict rituals, is increasingly at risk from the attractions of 21st century technology and lifestyles, leading many to abandon their nomadic existence by moving to towns and adopting western dress, thereby becoming ‘invisible’ to travellers.

Jewellery, adornments and grooming are all important elements in Himba culture, with the women spending much of their time on beauty care – their unique full-body skin treatment which gives the flesh its characteristically intense, glowing red-brown colour. This treatment is also an effective sun-screen, and avoids frequent washing, which would waste precious water.
Historically, the Himba were pastoralist herdsmen travelling with their goats and cattle from one waterhole to another as the seasons or conditions dictated. Nowadays, their homesteads (kraals) tend to be more permanent.

The Himba people are proud yet friendly, but can take offence at well-meaning travellers who might inadvertently violate their customs. For this reason, and with their permission, we are allowed to escort small groups to a local kraal. There we can translate and help Guests to meet a family without embarrassment, revealing a unique insight into the history and culture of a centuries-old way of life which still survives, virtually unchanged, in this remote area. Photography is also allowed.

387kms

ACCOMMODATION: Kunene River Lodge

MEALS: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 16 ~ Ruacana

This morning there are a number of optional activities available.

Besides its exceptional location, accommodation and hospitality, Kunene River Lodge offers an outstanding range of activities.

Our White-Water Rafting Adventures are in a class of their own and unique in Namibia for the river conditions bestowed by the magnificent Kunene. They suit both novices and the most intrepid experts.
Kunene River Lodge is a Birders’ Paradise. The region hosts some endemic species, and several near-endemics, making it a very exciting area for bird enthusiasts to visit and explore, alone or with a guide.
Dawn is an ideal time to glimpse bird-life and at Kunene River Lodge we love to offer our Guests an early-morning Birding Cruise with opportunities to spot – who knows what?
Everyone has heard about spectacular African sunsets – but what better way of enjoying them than from the river, with a cool drink in your hand on a Sundowner Cruise?
The Himba people are now recognised the world over. We will be delighted to organise an escorted visit to a local family in their kraal so that you can witness their way of life for yourself.
As if all this weren’t enough, there is still more to do and enjoy during your stay – including Fishing, Canoeing, Hiking and Swimming in the pool.

In the late afternoon sunset cruise included.

Every visitor to Africa tells of amazing sunsets and the glowing colours they bestow upon the scenery at dusk.

At Kunene River Lodge we invite you to relax with a drink and watch the spectacle from the ideal vantage point of our riverside Bar deck.

Better still, drift lazily along the river with your favourite tipple on one of our Sundowner Cruises. Look out for wildlife and watch the ever changing hues of the scenery as they are magically transformed, amplified by reflections from the rippling water, as the sun dips second-by-second, and ever more rapidly, behind the far mountains, finally plunging the earth into darkness.

As you drift on, reminisce with your companions on the day’s events and adventures, and look forward to what tomorrow has to offer – or simply soak up the extraordinary beauty of an unforgettable evening in “One of Africa’s Last Great Wilderness Areas”.

And now, our Sundowner Cruises offer a unique and very special bonus feature – but you’ll have to come along to discover what it is .

ACCOMMODATION: Kunene River Lodge

MEALS: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 17 ~ Etosha

We depart early this morning onto one of Africa’s most incredible Wildlife parks Etosha.

For the next 2 days you will be exploring the vast Etosha National Park in pursuit of interesting animals. Each rest camp has a swimming pool and bar area for you to relax and cool off in the heat of the day.

The evenings are spent in the Etosha National Park rest camps, where there is a floodlit waterhole for viewing nocturnal animals

ACCOMMODATION: Okaukuejo Chalets inside the park

MEALS: Breakfast

Day 18 ~ Etosha

In Etosha you have the opportunity to see lions, leopard, elephant, black rhinoceros, herds of zebra, antelope and giraffes, and many other creatures. the birdlife is also very varied, and therefore Etosha is popular with birders.

140kms

ACCOMMODATION: Halali

MEALS: Breakfast

Day 19 ~ Okahandja

Morning game drive out the park and transit day South.

Okanhanja Wood Cavers are a major tourist attraction and offer curios at very low prices. Stone and other products are also available. Most of the items sold are truly African and are made locally. So make sure you visit the entrepreneurs and get something special to take home.

The central region of Namibia is known for its friendly hosts and fine cuisine. A wide variety of birdlife, wildlife, and unique flora, provides our visitors with excellent opportunities to enjoy their stay.

450kms

ACCOMMODATION: Omatozu Safari Camp

MEALS: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 20 ~ Windhoek

Drop your vehicle at the airport for your homewards flight. (Flights not included)

Drop your vehicle off at the airport.

120 kms

Tour ends

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