A Safari Drive favourite, this route allows you to get the most out of Namibia in a two week (ish!) holiday. You'll be visiting some of Namibia's most famous attractions; including Etosha National Park, the dunes of Sossusvlei, The Skeleton Coast and the ancient rock art at Twyfelfontein in Damaraland. You'll stay at a great selection of lodges, tented camps and campsites. It’s also a very good route for first time self-drivers in Africa.
“The perfect first self drive journey. It might be our second too!”
Arrive in Windhoek and we'll transfer you to River Crossing Lodge for your first night's stay in Namibia. Later in the afternoon you will be introduced to your vehicle, and briefed on its equipment, the driving conditions, your route and safety issues. Depending on your arrival time two nights in Windhoek is never a bad thing - giving you plenty of time to recover from your flight and get prepared for your safari.
On this day, after breakfast, you will have a short driver safety course. After which you will be shown where to stock up on food supplies for your camping nights before embarking on your trip. You will then set off to Otjiwa Eagle's Rest for your first night's camping.
Today you drive north to the Onguma Reserve on the edge of Etosha National Park. You will stay in one of Onguma's campsites, either Leadwood or Tamboti. Either is great and provides you with your own site with a private ablution block.
This morning you will head into the wonderful Etosha National Park. You will game drive your way across the park and spend tonight just outside the park at Etosha Safari Lodge.
Leaving the Etosha area today you will drive to Hoada Campsite, which is located on the edge of Damaraland before the Grootberg Pass. Each private campsite has its own ablution facilities all hidden within stunning granite rock formations.
Take the scenic drive to Etendeka Mountain Camp (a Safari Drive favourite), which is set in the north of Damaraland. This remote eco tented camp has a wonderful atmosphere and excellent guides who will make your stay here very special. If you are lucky you will have sightings of giraffe, mountain zebra, oryx and springbok.
Today you will start to head south into the heart of Damaraland where you will be staying at this great little campsite now with a small plunge pool and tuck shop. This is a very scenic area and a visit to the rock art at Twyfelfontein is worthwhile.
Continue south as you drive to Spitzkoppe, which we think is one of the most beautiful areas in Namibia, consisting of an imposing granite rock formation set in the plains. Here you can climb up to Bushman’s Paradise, a small basin tucked between the domes of rock, and view the rock paintings done by Bushman of the past and gaze at the amazing view.
You will drive to the coastal town of Swakopmund, with its palm-lined streets, seaside promenades and fine accommodation. Here you can do a range of activities, including boat trips around Pelican Point to see seals, dolphins and perhaps even humpback whales; for the more energetic there's kayaking or quad biking (on sand dunes); or there's scenic flights (up the Skeleton Coast) or 'living desert' tours.
You have quite a long, but scenic drive as you continue south to the magnificent dunes of Sossusvlei. You will stay at Dead Valley Lodge which is located just inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park entrance and means you can access the dunes an hour before sunrise and an hour after sunset.
Your next destination is just a short drive away from Sossusvlei and located within the NamibRand International Dark Sky Reserve. With only three very private camping spots, you really feel like you are in the middle of nowhere surrounded by wild beauty.
For your last night of camping, you will head to Namibgrens Guest Farm where you will receive a warm welcome from your hosts. Their Mountain Camp has 12 private camping sites each having their own private, open-air ablution facilities and there's a pool for campers to enjoy.
Drive to Sandwerf for your final night in Namibia. This stylish boutique lodge in a tranquil setting with strong sustainability values is an ideal place to end your journey. You can relax and reflect on what has hopefully been a fantastic adventure!
Make your way back to Windhoek airport in time for your flight home. You will hand back your vehicle and have your trip debrief at the airport, prior to boarding your flight. Safe journey home!
Over the years we have researched and refined the list of vehicle equipment that we provide. The equipment is identical in every vehicle but we always ensure you have the essentials for each country and its respective driving conditions.
All our itineraries are tailor made, but here are some of our favourite routes and camp combinations.
Simply, because we care. Our expert team - both in the UK and Africa - work collectively to make sure you have a fantastic holiday. Importantly, we don't outsource any part of our service so we can ensure the correct level of quality and service is delivered.
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Your entire holiday is designed around your requirements. We will create the perfect trip, at your own pace, to your budget.
All our team in Africa live in-country and have travelled extensively. Their knowledge and input is key to a successful self-drive safari.
We don’t mark up for our services, we only take commissions from the suppliers we use. Tailor-made does not have to mean expensive.
All our holidays are 100% financially protected.
