17 days Namib Desert 4×4 sand dunes hiking and kayak

A 17-day adventurous 4×4 roundtrip through Namibia. The Namib Desert, sand dunes, hiking and kayaking.

About the Namib Desert 4×4 sand dunes hiking and kayak trip

A complete roundtrip where you will discover different hotspots in Namibia. The trip starts and ends in Windhoek. On the program are visits to the Namib Desert, sand dunes in Sesriem, Spitzkoppe, Etosha National Park and Waterberg Plateau. A beautiful and active trip through Namibia with a 4×4 car.

Accommodations during the trip are campsites and B&B’s. The trip is including reliable car rental, insurance, accommodations, and reservations. Park entree fees are also included in the price. 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.

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)

Looking for a different Namib Desert Selfdrive? Check out our 19-day Namib Desert, Etosha National Park and Himba Selfdrive!

Zebra Etosha National Park

Kayak Walvisbay

Sesriem Namibia

Itinerary

1: Windhoek
2: Namib Naukluft National Park
3: Sesriem
4: Sossusvlei/Solitaire
5: Swakopmund
6: Swakopmund
7: Spitzkoppe
8: Mijl Honderdacht
9: Palmwag
10: Palmwag
11: Etosha National Park (Olifantsrus)
12: Etosha National Park (Okaukuejo)
13: Etosha National Park (Namutoni)
14: Waterberg Wilderness
15: Waterberg Wilderness
16: Okonjima Nature Reserve
17: Windhoek (terugvlucht)

Route & itinerary

17days

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. Stay at Arebbusch Travel Lodge.

Accommodation: B&B. Travel distance: arrival day.

Day 2: Namib Naukluft National Park

Today, you will be travelling to Namib Naukluft National Park. This drive is not too far. If you leave Windhoek in the morning, you will have the afternoon for hiking and discovering Naukluft for the first time. The Olive Trail is a 10 kilometers hike which takes up 4-5 hours. Of course it is also possible to make this hike the next morning before you leave for Sesriem. Stay at Naukluft Campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 250 km

Day 3: Sesriem

Today, you can make a short hike in Naukluft National Park before you leave for your next stop. After packing up camp you will start your travel to Sesriem, near the sand dunes of Sossusvlei. You will probably arrive early afternoon to what many call the highlight of their journey to the Namib Desert. Stay at Sesriem Campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 95 km.

Day 4: Sossusvlei/Solitaire

A full day to explore 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. At the end of the day you will drive back to stay at Camp Gecko.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance 240 km.

Day 5: Swakopmund

After the two nights at the sand dunes and Sesriem, your self drive journey continues. The next destination is Swakopmund at the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. You will cross the Kuisib Canyon and the extensive gravel fields of the Namib Desert. Early in the afternoon you will arrive in Swakopmund. For sport enthusiasts you can join activities such as Duneboarding, Skydiving and Paragliding. All the activities can be found on https://www.desertbreezeswakopmund.com/?content=acgallery#activities. In the evening, you can enjoy a diner in a restaurant in Swakopmund. You will stay in Alte Brucke Campsite.

Accommodation: B&B. Travel distance: 350 km.

Day 6: Swakopmund

On today’s program: kayaking! You will hit the water in the Whale Bay, where you can spot seals. The activity ends with breakfast and coffee. In the afternoon you can do a Fat Bike Tour, visit the Namib Desert for a Little Five Tour or go to the Swakopmund Museum. You are staying another night at Alte Brucke Campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: rest day.

Day 7: Spitzkoppe

Discover Swakopmund and/or go (grocery) shopping after breakfast. When you’re ready, travel on to the next destination: the characteristic sharp rocks of Spitzkoppe. Stay at Spitzkoppe Restcamp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 275 km.

Day 8: Mijl Honderdacht

After waking up with a beautiful sunset, your drive to Mile 108 begins. At the Henties bay, you have the opportunity to get groceries and will then continue your trip along the coast. In Cape Cross, you can spend the afternoon and join a Seal Tour or spot shipwrecks on the Skeleton Coast. Later in the afternoon, you will finish the drive to Mile 108 Campsite, a basic but beautiful campsite by the coast.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 200 km.

Day 9: Palmwag

Today you will drive to Palm. Make a stop in the afternoon for a beautiful hike through the dunes. Later this day, you will arrive at Palmwag Lodge, where you will stay in a B&B. Enjoy the sundown and the amazing view at this accommodation. You will stay in Palmwag Lodge Campsite.

Accommodation: B&B. Travel distance: 275 km.

Day 10: Palmwag

Today is all about discovering nature. Go on a Guided Nature Hike or book a Nature Drive. If you seek some more adrenaline, choose a Rhino Tracking Tour. You can also visit the view points on the Uniab River. You will stay another night in Palmwag Lodge Campsite.

Accommodation: B&B. Travel distance: rest day.

Day 11: Etosha National Park (Olifantsrus)

Today’s destination: Olifantsrus Restcamp in the Etosha National Park. A location that has been used in the past as abattoir for the slaughter of a large number of elephants. Nowadays it’s a beautiful campsite with a lookout tower and a watering hole, where rhinos, lions and elephants often come around. You will be staying a total of three nights in Etosha in three different restcamps.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 215 km.

Day 12: Etosha National Park (Okaukuejo)

Your journey continues in Etosha National Park, after 130 kilometres with beautiful views you will arrive at Okaukuejo Restcamp. This formerly military post is famous for its large amounts of animals and its characteristic stone tower. This camp is also the hometown for the Etosha Ecological Institute. Book a guided Night Drive or Game Drive and go on an adventure through nature. End the day with a delicious meal in the restaurant.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 130 km.

Day 13: Etosha National Park (Namutoni)

Today you will drive to Namutoni Restcamp, situaties in the East of Etosha National Park. Take a dip in the swimming pool and enjoy the flavors of the African cuisine. You can also get groceries for the last couple of days of your trip. Visit Small Namutoni, a big pond where giraffes and zebras can be found. Due to the Fisher’s Pan nearby, this is also the ideal location for bird watching.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 135 km

Day 14: Waterberg Wilderness

In the morning you leave Etosha National park. On your way to the Waterberg Plateau it is possible to make a stop a the beautiful Hoba Meteorite – world’s largest meteorite. Continue your trip to Waterberg. This plateau is an ecologically very diverse area that invites for beautiful walks. The black rhino was successfully reintroduced here in 1989. Stay at Waterberg Plateau Campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 390 km.

Day 15: Waterberg Wilderness

A full rest day in Waterberg Plateau National Park. Go on a guided hike with a local ranger and discover this beautiful area! Stay at Waterberg Plateau Campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: rest day.

Day 16: Okonjima Nature Reserve

In the morning you leave Waterberg National Park. The last wild reserve of this trip is Okonjima Nature Reserve. You can drive around or book a game drive with a guide. Stay at Omboroko Campsite.

Accommodation: campsite. Travel distance: 105 km.

Day 17: Windhoek (terugvlucht)

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.

Travel distance: 225 km.

Your custom self drive 4×4 itinerary

All our self drive trips can be adjusted to your personal requirements. Staying somewhere for a day longer or adding another destination is not a problem.
Ask us about the possibilities and we are happy to help you!

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

Here you can see the prices per person for various dates in 2024 and 2025. The Namib Desert 4x4 sand dunes hiking and kayak 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 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.

20 March - 30 June, (2024)

2 people Rate per person € 2.120,-
3 people Rate per person € 1.720,-
3 people Rate per person € 1.490,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 516,- per trip.

1 July - 10 November, (2024)

2 people Rate per person € 2.560,-
3 people Rate per person € 2.030,-
4 people Rate per person € 1.730,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 516,- per trip.

11 November - 4 January, (2025)

2 people Rate per person € 2.120,-
3 people Rate per person € 1.720,-
4 people Rate per person € 1.490,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 516,- per trip.

5 January - 19 March, (2025)

2 people Rate per person € 2.080,-
3 people Rate per person € 1.690,-
4 people Rate per person € 1.475,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 516,- per trip.

20 March - 30 June, (2025)

2 people Rate per person € 2.235,-
3 people Rate per person € 1.815,-
4 people Rate per person € 1.565,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 516,- per trip.

1 July - 10 November, (2025)

2 people Rate per person € 2.665,-
3 people Rate per person € 2.100,-
4 people Rate per person € 1.780,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 516,- per trip.

Included

Toyota Hilux 4x4 Double Cab with complete camping & safari equipment

All accommodation during the journey

Two drivers

GPS & Tracks4Africa software

Kayak excursion

Advice 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

Windhoek

Since 1891 the capital of Namibia

Sossusvlei and Sesriem

Massive dessert dunes near Sesriem

Solitaire

The most famous town in Namib-Naukluft National Park

Swakopmund

A unique beach escape in Namibia

Spitzkoppe

Imposing peaks in Damaraland.

Etosha National Park

Waterberg Plateau National Park

Great hiking place!

Okonjima Nature Reserve

Gallery

Etosha National Park

Kayak Walvisbay

Cape Cross Namib Desert

Sossusvlei Hilux DC

Namib Desert Spitzkoppe

Namib Desert Sossusvlei

Etosha National Park

Sesriem Namibia

10 / 10

Skillful people

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