17 Days Ultimate Namibia Selfdrive

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17 days 16 nights
3
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Duration
17 days / 16 nights
Group Size
2-2 travelers

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 17-day self-drive safari through the breathtaking landscapes of Namibia, immersing yourself in the diverse wonders this country has to offer. Begin your adventure amidst the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, where the surreal landscape of the Namib Desert captivates with its otherworldly beauty. Explore the iconic Deadvlei, a hauntingly beautiful pan surrounded by ancient camel thorn trees, and climb the towering dunes for panoramic views that will leave you speechless. Continue your journey to the coastal town of Swakopmund, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the desert, offering a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. Experience adrenaline-pumping activities such as sandboarding or quad biking in the dunes, or simply unwind and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of this charming seaside town. Explore the ancient rock engravings of Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a fascinating glimpse into Namibia's rich cultural heritage. Marvel at the thousands of petroglyphs etched into the sandstone cliffs, each telling a story of the indigenous peoples who once roamed these lands. Venture into the rugged wilderness of Damaraland and the Brandberg Mountain, where towering granite peaks and ancient rock formations create a dramatic backdrop for your adventures. Spot desert-adapted wildlife such as desert elephants and black rhinos as you traverse this remote and untouched landscape. Conclude your safari in the legendary Etosha National Park, one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations. Spend your days exploring the vast salt pans and waterholes teeming with life, from herds of elephants and giraffes to prowling lions and elusive leopards. With the freedom of a self-drive safari, you'll have the flexibility to explore Namibia at your own pace, uncovering hidden gems and unforgettable experiences along the way. From the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei to the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha, this 17-day adventure promises a journey of discovery like no other. Embark on a 17-day self-drive safari through the captivating landscapes of Namibia, where every turn of the road unveils a new sensory adventure. Begin your journey amidst the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, where the shifting sands create a mesmerizing symphony of colors under the endless African sky. Feel the fine grains of sand beneath your feet as you climb to the summit, rewarded with panoramic views that stretch to the horizon. Continue your odyssey to the coastal oasis of Swakopmund, where the salty breeze carries the tang of the ocean and the call of seagulls fills the air. Explore the quaint streets lined with colonial architecture, savoring the taste of freshly-caught seafood and the aroma of artisanal coffee wafting from bustling cafes. Journey into the ancient wonders of Twyfelfontein and Brandberg, where millennia-old rock formations whisper tales of bygone civilizations. Trace your fingers over ancient petroglyphs etched into stone, each groove and line a testament to the rich cultural heritage of this land. As you venture into the rugged landscapes of Damaraland, the earthy scent of desert vegetation mingles with the crisp mountain air, invigorating your senses with each breath. Marvel at the surreal landscapes dotted with ancient baobab trees and towering granite peaks, a testament to the resilience of life in this harsh environment. Conclude your safari in the legendary Etosha National Park, where the sights and sounds of the African savannah come to life in vivid detail. Listen to the haunting calls of distant lions as you watch herds of elephants gather at watering holes, their graceful movements stirring something primal within your soul. From the stark beauty of the desert to the teeming wildlife of the savannah, this 17-day self-drive safari promises a sensory journey like no other, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival Windhoek

On arrival at Windhoek International Airport, make your way to the vehicle rental agency to collect your vehicle.
From the airport, drive to River Crossing Lodge via Windhoek for a quick orientation tour of this vibrant and clean city.

On arrival, check in and relax. Enjoy lunch and later in the afternoon you will enjoy a sunset game-drive on the Reserve.
The perfect way to end another fabulous day at River Crossing Lodge. Enjoy a sundowner while you lose yourself in our incredible Namibian Sunset with our experienced guides.

Day 2

Game Drives & River Crossing Lodge

Enjoy an early -morning game-drive where you can expect to see nineteen different species, including Oryx, Kudu, giraffe and wildebeest... Leopard and cheetah are also seen from time to time.
After you game-drive enjoy a breakfast with a view.
Activities include:
Guided and self-guided walks.
Horse-riding.
This afternoon enjoy your last game-drive at this wonderful reserve.
Dinner a rather splendid affair; the sunsets over the horizon and candles light the dining room. In winter, the central fire place radiates warmth like a heart. In summer, watch the day settle as you dine out on the deck.

Day 3

Arrival Sossusvlei

After breakfast, check out by 10 AM and make your way back to Windhoek and Windhoek International Airport. Return your rental vehicle and make your way to the Wilderness Air check-in counter for your charter flight to Geluk Airstrip, Sossusvlei
On arrival, check in to your luxury 'Kulala' and enjoy afternoon tea before departing on an afternoon nature drive.

Day 4

Sossusvlei Tour

You will rise before dawn for you day excursion to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei as well as Sesriem Canyon.
An early start from the Lodge to enter the Namib-Naukluft Park at sunrise, while the temperature is still mild and when the dune contrasts are at their best. You will travel in one of our all-terrain Game viewer vehicles, custom-built in Namibia for the Lodge, with your own specially trained guide who will share all his knowledge of the area, animals, plant life and much more with you.
Regular stops are made on the spectacular ±60-kilometre drive through the dune corridor down to the Vlei to gain information or take in the vistas. At Dune 45, we make a stop to view the world's most photographed dune. Further along, a gradual 2,6-kilometer round-trip guided walk up to Dead Vlei is a must for the healthy visitors. The more energetic have the opportunity to climb to the upper ridge of Big Daddy Dune, one of the highest dunes in this area! We spend time exploring Sossusvlei before returning to the Lodge approximately 5½ hours later in time for lunch.
After lunch you will make your way to Sesriem Canyon. Explore the remarkable depths of Sesriem Canyon. Our experienced guides will share the history behind this magnificent natural canyon carved by the Tsauchab River.
Dinner will be enjoyed at the lodge.

Day 5

Hot-air Balloon Safari Over The Namib Dessert

Rise early for your morning hot-air balloon experience. A spectacular launching and take-off as the sun rises over the world’s oldest desert.
Your destination? The Sossusvlei dunes in the National Park or the splendour of the desert in the surrounding private reserves. Soar with the winds for an hour over the ocean of sand and mountains, endless vista of shadow and light. At landing, the dream is not over. In the middle of nowhere, you come back to earth with an « Out of Africa » Champagne Breakfast.
A memorable Flight Certificate is presented before your nature drive back to your accommodation. Passengers will be back at the lodge approximately 3 to 4 hours later.
After an exciting morning, return to the lodge and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure or partaking in any of the activities on offer.
Activities include:
Afternoon Nature drives
Afternoon Guided walks
Quad-bike rides
E-bike rides
Activities
Kulala Activities

Day 6

Flight To Swakopmund

After an optional morning safari activity and breakfast, check out. The lodge will transfer you to the lodge airstrip for your scenic flight to Swakopmund with Eagle Eye Aviation. The departure time will be confirmed beforehand.
From the Sossusvlei we pass over the Diamond Restricted area where you will still find three old diamond camps before we reach Conception Bay. After passing colonies of Cape fur seals, we see shipwrecks along the coast of the Eduard Bohlen (1909) 500m from the shore and the Shawnee (1976).
We pass the long wall (Namib dunes) before reaching Sandwich Harbour, a wetland of international importance and protected by the Ramsar Convention. We pass the coastal salt mines south of Walvis Bay, attracting thousands of birds. Walvis Bay, Namibia’s major harbour town is our next destination. Midway between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, we pass the Langstrand Holiday Resort and the Dolphin Park Resort on our way to Swakopmund airport.
Swakopmund - situated at the mouth of the Swakop river. This elegant, charming and friendly city with its broad, palm-lined avenues was founded by German settlers - a little piece of Hamburg at the edge of the desert.
On arrival in Swakopmund Airport, you will collect your rental vehicle and make your way to your hotel.
Your hotel offers direct access to the beach and the town’s vibrant street life, quaint architecture, shopping and fine dining.
Spend the rest of the evening at leisure to explore this Jewel of the Desert and go for dinner at one of the many excellent (German) restaurants that this beautiful town has to offer. The hotel also offers on-site restaurants, with views onto the ocean.

Day 7

Dessert Tour

Today you will be part of one of the most spectacular experiences on this whole tour.
Tommy’s Living Desert Tour makes for a jaw-dropping excursion. He will show you a barren piece of desert right in front of you. You will not see 1 living creature, but to your amazement, Tommy will dig out over 25 species of geckos, spiders, snakes, chameleons, legless lizards and many more.
Tommy will show us how plants and small animals survive the unforgiving desert climate, and how they attain water for life. He will also explain the reason for the variety of dune colours and at the end of the tour, you will experience a 'roaring' dune if the weather plays along. This is an experience not to be missed! The tour starts at 08h00 and will end by 13H00, and you will be met at your hotel for pick-up.
The rest of the day is spent at leisure and you will have the opportunity to partake in activities on offer in the area at your own expense.

Day 8

Boatcruise

Depart after breakfast to Walvis Bay harbour for an exciting catamaran trip in the protected lagoon area of Walvis Bay, where the water is calm and abundant with birdlife.
After your 9 am departure, we show you our beautiful Harbour and fishing industry before heading to historic Bird Island where we will keep an eye out for bottle nose dolphins. Leaving behind the coast, we cut across the middle of the bay to go to Pelican Point spotting birds and sea-life along the way- everything from seals and dolphins to whales and turtles! From Pelican Point the boat will follow the inside of the bay up to Walvis Bay's Light House, the Wreck and the Oyster farms.
Experience the thrill of dolphins leaping out of the water alongside the boat, seals that board the boat, fresh oysters and cold champagne on the calm waters of the Walvis Bay lagoon. This tour is very popular with visitors to the coast, as it shows them an important nesting area for shorebirds that the average visitor doesn’t have access to.
Return to Swakopmund in the afternoon and you have the rest of the day at leisure to spend as you wish.

Day 9

Arrival Mowani Mountain Camp

After breakfast, check out and head away from the coast to Twyfelfontein.
On the way, stop at the renowned Brandberg and view the iconic White Lady bushmen painting (time dependent).
Twyfelfontein is situated in the heart of the Damaraland and surrounded by some of the most beautiful wilderness in Namibia.
A true landmark situated in the heart of one of the world’s most magnificent wilderness regions. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Twyfelfontein in Damaraland is home to one of the largest collections of rock-art engravings found in Southern Africa.
Not only did the Khoi-San and tribes of ancient years leave us with a true cultural heritage, but the whole area is characterized by natural wonders such as Doros Crater, Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes, Petrified Forest and desert adapted animals – of which the desert adapted elephant is probably the most well-known species.

Mowani Mountain Camp offers luxury tented accommodation with magnificent desert views. Open air en-suite bathrooms and private decks give you great views of Damaraland and the reliability of nearby Twyfelfontein with its San engravings and paintings is contrasted by the elusive desert adapted elephants.
The Twyfelfontein conservancy has been protecting the southernmost roaming ground of the black rhino and elusive desert elephant. Sustainable eco-tourism and community upliftment is of the utmost importance at Mowani. Guides from the local tribe’s compliment day-time game drives to track mountain zebra, kudu, springbok, klipspringer and if you are fortunate enough... the leopard!  Days are filled with game drives, hot air balloon trips over the Aba-Huab Valley, champagne breakfasts and al fresco meals amidst the dusky landscape beneath Mopani trees.

Day 10

Exploring Mowani Mountain Camp

Mowani Mountain Camp offers luxury tented accommodation with magnificent desert views. Open air en-suite bathrooms and private decks give you great views of Damaraland and the reliability of nearby Twyfelfontein with its San engravings and paintings is contrasted by the elusive desert adapted elephants.
The Twyfelfontein conservancy has been protecting the southernmost roaming ground of the black rhino and elusive desert elephant. Sustainable eco-tourism and community upliftment is of the utmost importance at Mowani. Guides from the local tribe’s compliment day-time game drives to track mountain zebra, kudu, springbok, klipspringer and if you are fortunate enough... the leopard!  Days are filled with game drives, hot air balloon trips over the Aba-Huab Valley, champagne breakfasts and al fresco meals amidst the dusky landscape beneath Mopani trees.

Day 11

Arrival Etosha National Park

After breakfast, check out and head towards Etosha National Park. Enter the Park and enjoy searching for the animals that call this unique Park home.
Etosha National Park is undoubtedly one of the star attractions in Namibia. The Park is largely flat with vast grasslands surrounding its famous Etosha Pan, an extensive salt pan of 5,000 km², the breeding ground of over one million flamingos in the rainy season. Etosha is home to a surprising variety of animals – four of the Big Five and some unusual endemics like the endangered black-faced impala, Hartmann’s Mountain zebra and the world’s tiniest antelope, the Damara dik-dik. It is also home to one of the largest populations of black rhino.
Later in the day, exit the Park and head towards Toshari Lodge, situated just outside the park. You will stay here for 1 night.

Day 12

Arrival Etosha Heights Private Reserve

After breakfast, check out and make your way to Etosha Mountain Lodge.
Located in the exclusive Etosha Heights Private Reserve on the southwest border of Etosha National Park, the lodge has been going strong for over 10 years and we were delighted to take the reins in 2018.
Founded in 1999, Etosha Heights is one of the largest private reserves in Namibia, sharing a 65-kilometre border with the famous Etosha National Park. The reserve offers a robust 600 square-kilometres of unspoiled wildlife, landscapes, and tranquillity; truly a place to reconnect with nature and escape the modern stresses of life. The savannah is punctuated by pods of mopane woodland, thick, riverine forest and those iconic waterholes, attracting animals from far and wide.

On arrival, check in and enjoy a hearty lunch at the lodge. Later in the afternoon you will depart on your first afternoon game drive in the Etosha Heights Private Reserve.

Day 13

Explore Etosha Heights Private Reserve.

Spend a full day at your lodge within the Etosha Heights Private Reserve.
All your meals, drinks and twice daily game drives are included in your stay.

Track endangered black and white rhino in an area that’s renowned for high populations of the elusive and majestic beasts.

Have your cameras at the ready for throngs of antelope and trumpeting herds of Ellies as you game drive through the reserve.

Enjoy the peace and solitude that comes from staying in a private reserve, far from tourist crowds – and any other people for that matter!

Day 14

Arrival Mushara Lodge

After breakfast, check out and enter Etosha National Park at Okaukuejo Camp. Drive through the Park, spending quality time at and around the iconic Etosha Pan.
Spend a full day in the park, exploring all the waterholes and camps and hope for excellent game-viewing along the way.
Exit the Park at Namutoni Gate and check in at Mushara Lodge, situated just outside the eastern border of the park. Located just 8 km from the Von Lindequist Gate on the eastern boundary of Etosha National Park, Mushara Lodge is an ideal overnight stop for visitors to the game reserve. On arrival, check in, relax and settle in before dinner is enjoyed at the lodge.

Day 15

Leopard Tracking Safari

After breakfast, check out and make your way to Okonjima Villa, situated in the Okonjima Private Game Reserve.
On arrival, check in and relax. Later on, you will depart on a Leopard tracking safari, searching for these elusive cats.
Return to camp and freshen up before enjoying a delicious dinner, prepared by your chef.

Day 16

Depart for Windhoek

After breakfast, enjoy your morning at leisure before checking out.
From here, drive back to Windhoek, and check in at the Olive Grove Guesthouse.
Lunch/dinner can be enjoyed at the guesthouse or at Joe's Beehouse.

Day 17

End Of Itinerary

Enjoy breakfast and check out for your drive back to Windhoek Airport. You will leave your rental vehicle at the airport. From here you will fly to Cape Town or Johannesburg (to be confirmed).
You will remember this family safari for years to come and understand why we say...
"Awesome Safaris In Africa!!!"

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Maximum Age: 99 years

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FAQ

Embark on a 17-day self-drive safari adventure through the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Namibia. Begin your journey amidst the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei, where the ancient camel thorn trees and surreal salt pans create an otherworldly atmosphere.
From there, traverse the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, where desert meets sea, offering opportunities for thrilling activities like sandboarding and dolphin cruises.
Explore the rugged terrain of Brandberg and Twyfelfontein, home to ancient rock art sites and dramatic geological formations. Continue your exploration into Damaraland, where desert-adapted Elephants roam freely amidst granite mountains.
Spend unforgettable days in Etosha South and  Etosha National Park, immersing yourself in premier game viewing opportunities, including sightings of Elephants, Lions, Giraffes, and black Rhinos.

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