After landing, the rental company collects you at the airport for the 4x4 handover. A full briefing and the formalities come first, then the journey begins.

The first night remains in Windhoek, giving you time to settle in, get familiar with the vehicle and buy most of the supplies for the days ahead.

You stay at Arebbusch Travel Lodge.

After breakfast, there is still time to buy supplies if needed. Then continue to Spitzkoppe.

The granite formations rise sharply above the open plain. Camp among the rocks at Spitzkoppe Restcamp.

Start with sunrise from the rocks at Spitzkoppe if you choose, then pack up and drive deeper into Damaraland.

The route to the community-based Ugab Rhino Camp crosses open, dry landscapes. Desert elephants sometimes move through the area around camp.

You can also add Cape Cross for the seal colony. This adds roughly 80 kilometres.

The 4x4 has more work to do today. The route towards Twyfelfontein follows tracks where four-wheel drive, low range and the supplied GPS can be useful.

The distance is short, but progress is slow. Ostrich, oryx and several antelope species may appear along the way. Black rhino also live in the area, although sightings are less predictable.

You stay at Mowani Campsite.

Today is a shorter driving day as you continue farther into the rugged north.

You may meet Himba and Herero communities along the way. From Khowarib Lodge Campsite, walk into Khowarib Schlucht or explore the canyon by vehicle.

Today you reach Opuwo in Kaokoland. After several camping nights, you return to a lodge.

Opuwo is a reliable stop to stock up om supplies and fill up with diesel for the days ahead.

You stay at Opuwo Country Lodge.

After breakfast, continue to Epupa Falls.

The Kunene River drops through a green landscape of palms. There is time to see the falls and learn more about Himba life in the area.

You camp among the palms at Epupa Falls Restcamp.

A short drive east follows the Kunene River towards Omunjandi Campsite.

Several usually dry riverbeds cross the route. The road has improved, although a detour may still be necessary in the rainy season.

A sunset cruise is a fine way to spend the afternoon.

There are two possible routes from Kunene to Olifantsrus, via Ruacana or back through Opuwo.

Olifantsrus lies in western Etosha National Park. The site was once used as an elephant abattoir. Today there is a campsite, viewing tower and floodlit waterhole.

This is the first of four nights in Etosha, each at a different rest camp.

Continue through Etosha National Park from Olifantsrus. Decide for yourself where to stop and how long to stay at the waterholes.

Elephant, rhino and lion are among the animals you may encounter. The floodlit waterholes at the rest camps are easy to reach on foot.

Your second Etosha night is at Okaukuejo Restcamp.

The third Etosha day can start with an early game drive around Okaukuejo. Return for brunch before packing up, or continue directly towards Halali.

In the evening, spend time at Halali’s floodlit waterhole. Hyena, lion and leopard are among the animals seen here.

You stay at Halali Restcamp.

The fourth Etosha day becomes another extended game drive, this time towards Namutoni.

Leave early and add another loop around camp, or pack up and continue east straight away.

You stay at Namutoni Restcamp.

Leave Etosha in the morning. A longer tarmac drive lies ahead, so an early start makes sense.

The final stop of the self drive is Okonjima Nature Reserve. Explore independently in the 4x4 or book an organised game drive.

You stay at Omboroko Campsite.

The final day of your Namibia journey. Drive back to Windhoek and return the 4x4 at the depot.

A shuttle then takes you to the airport.