Namib Desert, Etosha National Park and Himba

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

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.

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.

Don’t miss the sunrise from the rocks before you pack up your camp! 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.

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. Stay at Mowani Camp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 95 km.

Today, the drive is not too long, so that you can enter the wild north at your own speed. On the way, you might meet Himbas and Herreros. Stay at Khowarib Lodge Campsite. From this campsite you can walk or drive into the Khowarib Schlucht, a beautiful canyon.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 180 km.

Reach the most northern point of your Namibia safari self-drive today in the small town of Opuwo in Kaokoland. You can visit a traditional Himba village in the afternoon. After a few nights of camping, the lovely lodge of Opuwo Country Lodge is a welcome change. In Opuwo you can shop for groceries and tank fuel.

Accommodation: B&B. Travel distance: 160 km.

After breakfast in the lodge the route continues to the Epupa Falls. Here the Kunene river flows down into a delta with high palm trees. There is time to visit the Himba and the waterfalls. The campsite is between the palmtrees next to the falls. Stay at Epupa Falls Restcamp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 175 km.

Heading east in a short drive along the river to the next lodge. There are some (often) dry riverbeds. The road is recently improved and only in rain season there is a chance that you will have to make a detour. Stay at the campsite of Kunene River Lodge. The sunset cruise is definitely recommended.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 90 km.

There are two options to drive to Etosha National Park from the Kunene River Lodge. Through Ruacana or Opuwo. The destination of today is Olifantsrus in Etosha National Park. In the past, they used to slay elephants here. Nowadays there is a beautiful campsite in this area, Olifantsrus Restcamp, with a watch tower and lighted watering hole for animals. In total you will stay three days at different campsites in Etosha National Park!

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance ca. 300-350 km.

Today is going to be a long travelling day in Etosha National Park. Early in the morning you will start your journey driving eastward. Make stops at multiple watering holes to spot wild animals before you reach Okaukeujo. A perfect lunch location. Next stop is your final destination for the day, Halali Restcamp. Here too is a lighted watering hole where you can spot some wild animals in the evening, such as hyena’s, lions or even leopards.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 190 km.

The third day in Etosha National Park. Today there is an extensive game drive towards Namutoni waiting for you. You have the choice between an early morning game drive or walk around the camp, or to break up camp immediately and take your time getting in Namutoni. Stay at Namutoni Restcamp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 70 km.

In the morning you leave Waterberg National Park. We advice to start early since a long trip is waiting for you. 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: 470 km.

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: 210 km.