Magical Namibia 12 Day Self Drive Tour
This 12 day self drive tour endeavours to show you the very best parts of Namibia, whilst staying in luxurious accommodation.
Departing from your hotel or airport in Windhoek, you travel West to the Namib Desert for 2 nights to experience the desert and dunes. Continue North, to the Atlantic coastal town of Swakopmund. Desert meets ocean here, which means plenty to do and see. Onwards to Damaraland, home to the elusive Desert Elephants and Black Rhino, and an UNESCO World Heritage Site at Twyfelfontein. Your adventure continues as you head to the western side of Etosha National Park staying on the Ongava Reserve, where the exclusivity and privacy offered ensures that your game-drives are both memorable and exciting. You then journey south to your final location, Okonjima Nature Reserve, a wildlife conservation and rehabilitation centre run by a non-profit organization called the AfriCat Foundation, where you have an excellent opportunity to observe leopard and cheetah.
Magical Namibia 12 Day Self Drive Tour
This 12 day self drive tour endeavours to show you the very best parts of Namibia, whilst staying in luxurious accommodation.
Departing from your hotel or airport in Windhoek, you travel West to the Namib Desert for 2 nights to experience the desert and dunes. Continue North, to the Atlantic coastal town of Swakopmund. Desert meets ocean here, which means plenty to do and see. Onwards to Damaraland, home to the elusive Desert Elephants and Black Rhino, and an UNESCO World Heritage Site at Twyfelfontein. Your adventure continues as you head to the western side of Etosha National Park staying on the Ongava Reserve, where the exclusivity and privacy offered ensures that your game-drives are both memorable and exciting. You then journey south to your final location, Okonjima Nature Reserve, a wildlife conservation and rehabilitation centre run by a non-profit organization called the AfriCat Foundation, where you have an excellent opportunity to observe leopard and cheetah.
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Summary:
• 2 nights at Desert Whisper (Fully Inclusive)
Desert Whisper is an exclusive desert hideaway in the midst of the Namib sands. Sleeping a maximum of 2 adults, this remote hideaway is perfect for a couple seeking privacy in a truly magical setting.
• 2 nights at The Swakopmund Strand Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)
Located on the beach front and just a short five minute walk to the historic centre of this seaside town, with all its shops, cafés, restaurants and bars.
• 2 nights at Mowani Mountain Camp (Full Board + Activities)
Mowani Mountain Camp offers stunning accommodation & breath-taking scenery with magnificent desert views. Guests can explore this beautiful region with nature drives, walks, local excursions to view historic rock art or simply relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
• 3 nights at Ongava Lodge (Fully Inclusive)
Ongava Lodge is a luxury safari lodge, located on top of a hill which offers a beautiful outlook over the private Ongava Reserve and overlooks a well-visited waterhole and the scenery beyond.
• 2 nights at Okonjima Bush Suite (Fully Inclusive)
Okonjima Bush Suite offers guests exclusivity and privacy in their own African bush home, providing a true sense of staying in the untamed African bush. Excellent opportunity for viewing Leopards & Cheetahs.
• Flexible departures any day
Although it is possible to book this self drive tour as shown above, it is entirely customisable. We can add or delete days, change the accommodation used and generally design the tour to suit your individual requirements.
Travelling by road is a great opportunity to appreciate the outstanding landscape & scenery that Namibia has to offer, however it is always important to take things slowly when required and it is not advisable to travel after dark. If you do not like the idea of driving yourself, we can arrange for a Guide to drive you or arrange transport by air. Contact one of our team to discuss your travel requirements.
Itinerary in Detail
DAY BY DAY
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Tour Experiences
Day 1 – WINDHOEK – SOSSUSVLEI
Distance – 350km / Approximate journey time 5hrs
Galton House has facilities available to you to freshen up from the long flight and where you can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee or tea while your Ultimate Safaris guest liaison will provide you with a full safari briefing and assist you with your vehicle handover.
You will be provided with everything that you will need for your self-drive safari; from a map marked with your route to self-drive directions. Also ensure that you have your driver’s license, credit card, and passport on hand to complete the vehicle hire documents.
After the briefing you depart Windhoek onwards to your first overnight destination, Little Kulala. You depart in your rental vehicle and drive onwards, where you will explore the remarkable sights of the Namib Desert. Depending on your arrival, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure at Little Kulala to enjoy your scenic desert surroundings and relax by the pool.
If there is still time today, you may want to visit Sesriem Canyon, a nearby geological attraction. However, if you prefer or if there are time constraints, you can just relax and soak in the scenic and tranquil surroundings as there is plenty of time to do this tomorrow.
Overnight Little Kulala
Suite x 1 – Meals & most local drinks, scheduled shared camp activities guided quad bike excursion.
Suite x 1 – Meals & most local drinks, scheduled shared camp activities guided quad bike excursion.
Day 2 – SOSSUSVLEI
This morning you will rise early for a magical shared excursion into the Namib Naukluft National Park, entering the Park gates at sunrise to capture the dunes whilst the light is soft and shadows accentuate their towering shapes and curves. This area boasts some of the highest free-standing sand dunes in the world.
Your local guide will give you an insight on the formation of the Namib Desert and its myriad of fascinating creatures and plants that have adapted to survive these harsh environs. Once you have explored the areas around Sossusvlei and Deadvlei to your hearts content you can enjoy a picnic in the shade of a camel thorn tree.
Return to Little Kulala in the early afternoon for a late lunch.
The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure (from experience, this is usually welcomed after an exhilarating morning in the dunes) or can be spent on another guided scheduled activity within the nature reserve as offered by the lodge.
Overnight Little Kulala
Suite x 1 – Meals & most local drinks, scheduled shared camp activities guided quad bike excursion.
Day 3 – SOSSUSVLEI – SWAKOPMUND
Distance – 372km / Approximate journey time 5hrs
Today you can have the choice of an early morning start with a memorable balloon flight over the Namib Desert (this is additional cost and will be reconfirmed a day prior). You will be transferred before sunrise to the launch site, which is about 45 minutes’ drive from the lodge (depending on the launch site for that day).
The fascinating drive today takes you northwest through awesome and ever changing desert landscapes of the Namib Naukluft National Park, including the impressive Gaub and Kuiseb canyons. You will meet the coast at the port town of Walvis Bay, where you have the option to visit the lagoon to see the interesting mix of pelicans, flamingos and other sea-birds, before continuing north to Swakopmund where you can enjoy the pleasant seaside location and cooler coastal air.
This afternoon you have the option to explore the shops, waterfront and craft market as appeals, before heading out for dinner at one of the popular restaurants in town. Dinner this evening is for your own account as there are a number of excellent restaurants to choose from. We recommend that you avoid a stay in Swakopmund over a weekend, as most shops close by Saturday afternoon and only a select few open on a Sunday. However, restaurants will be open and tours will be on offer in the morning over weekends.
Overnight The Swakopmund Strand Hotel
Luxury Room – Sea View – Bed & breakfast
Day 4 – SWAKOPMUND
Overnight The Swakopmund Strand Hotel
Luxury Room – Sea View – Bed & breakfast
Day 5 – SWAKOPMUND – DAMARALAND
Distance – 326km / Approximate journey time 4-5hrs
Today you continue your self-drive journey, passing Namibia’s highest mountain, the Brandberg which peaks at 2,573 m above sea level, and take time to view game and absorb the vastness of the scenery along the way.
Damaraland is typified by displays of colour, magnificent table topped mountains, rock formations and bizarre-looking vegetation. The present day landscape has been formed by the erosion of wind, water and geological forces which have formed rolling hills, dunes, gravel plains and ancient river terraces.
It is the variety and loneliness of the area as well as the scenic splendour which will reward and astound you, giving one an authentic understanding of the word ‘wilderness’. If you arrive on time, you can join a scheduled afternoon activity to visit the twyfelfontein rock engravings.
Overnight Mowani Mountain Camp
Luxury Room – Full Board + two activities
Day 6 – DAMARALAND
After an early breakfast you will be treated to an exciting 4×4 excursion to explore this remarkable region and to search for game, especially the elusive desert adapted elephants, if they are in the area. Damaraland is home to a variety of desert adapted wildlife and hidden desert treasures.
If time allows this afternoon, you will embark on a guided excursion to visit the nearby attractions and geological sites of Twyfelfontein rock engravings (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) if this was not done the previous day.
Return to camp with time to freshen up before dinner.
Return to camp with time to freshen up before dinner.
Overnight Mowani Mountain Camp
Luxury Room – Full Board + two activities
Day 7 8 9 -DAMARALAND – ONGAVA RESERVE
Distance – 330km / Approximate journey time 3.5-4hrs
This morning after breakfast you will continue your safari journey towards the southern boundary of the Etosha National Park.
The Ongava Reserve lies on the southern border of Etosha near the Andersson Gate, and it is here you will spend the next three nights at Anderssons at Ongava. This afternoon you can join a guided game drive or just relax and enjoy your surroundings.
The next two days can be spent on guided game drives and walks around Etosha & the Ongava Reserve.
Overnight Anderssons at Ongava
Suite – All meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, selected local drinks & park fees. Excludes premium imported brands & champagne.
Day 10 11 – ONGAVA RESERVE – OKONJIMA NATURE RESERVE
Distance – 240km / Approximate journey time 3hrs
Leaving Ongava Reserve, the drive to Okonjima takes around 3 hours. Apart from the beautiful location, stunning accommodation and wonderful meals the main reason for visiting Okonjima is to view cats. Your activities here are included in this package and centre around viewing leopard & cheetah, visiting a night hide and generally learning about what the AfriCat foundation is doing to preserve these wonderful animals. You will be accommodated in the private Bush Suite and can enjoy a range of
Overnight Okonjima Bush Suite
Bush Suite – All meals, privately guided camp activities & most local drinks.
Day 12
Distance – 226km / Approximate journey time 2.5-3hrs
You will rise early this morning for another memorable guided activity before you return for a sumptuous breakfast.
After freshening up you will depart for Windhoek in the late morning, via the town of Okahandja, to arrive back in Windhoek in the mid afternoon. Upon your arrival in Windhoek you return your rental vehicle, before being transferred to the Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport by a guest liaison in time for your international flight or additionally we can arrange accommodation in Windhoek or make arrangements for an extension to your safari.
Tour Experiences
Day 1 – WINDHOEK – SOSSUSVLEI
Distance – 350km / Approximate journey time 5hrs
Galton House has facilities available to you to freshen up from the long flight and where you can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee or tea while your Ultimate Safaris guest liaison will provide you with a full safari briefing and assist you with your vehicle handover.
You will be provided with everything that you will need for your self-drive safari; from a map marked with your route to self-drive directions. Also ensure that you have your driver’s license, credit card, and passport on hand to complete the vehicle hire documents.
After the briefing you depart Windhoek onwards to your first overnight destination, Little Kulala. You depart in your rental vehicle and drive onwards, where you will explore the remarkable sights of the Namib Desert. Depending on your arrival, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure at Little Kulala to enjoy your scenic desert surroundings and relax by the pool.
If there is still time today, you may want to visit Sesriem Canyon, a nearby geological attraction. However, if you prefer or if there are time constraints, you can just relax and soak in the scenic and tranquil surroundings as there is plenty of time to do this tomorrow.
Overnight Little Kulala
Suite x 1 – Meals & most local drinks, scheduled shared camp activities guided quad bike excursion.
Suite x 1 – Meals & most local drinks, scheduled shared camp activities guided quad bike excursion.
Distance – 302km / Approximate journey time 4-5hrs
Plan to leave Windhoek at a reasonable hour today. This will leave you sufficient time to reach your overnight accommodation in good time and enjoy the scenery on the way. Most of your journey will be on unsealed gravel roads. There are a number of routes to take, we recommended via the Spreetshoogte Pass. The views from the top of the escarpment over the desert plains below
Overnight Desert Whisper (Standard Room / Fully Inclusive)
Day 2 – SOSSUSVLEI
This morning you will rise early for a magical shared excursion into the Namib Naukluft National Park, entering the Park gates at sunrise to capture the dunes whilst the light is soft and shadows accentuate their towering shapes and curves. This area boasts some of the highest free-standing sand dunes in the world.
Your local guide will give you an insight on the formation of the Namib Desert and its myriad of fascinating creatures and plants that have adapted to survive these harsh environs. Once you have explored the areas around Sossusvlei and Deadvlei to your hearts content you can enjoy a picnic in the shade of a camel thorn tree.
Return to Little Kulala in the early afternoon for a late lunch.
The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure (from experience, this is usually welcomed after an exhilarating morning in the dunes) or can be spent on another guided scheduled activity within the nature reserve as offered by the lodge.
Overnight Little Kulala
Suite x 1 – Meals & most local drinks, scheduled shared camp activities guided quad bike excursion.
Day 3 – SOSSUSVLEI – SWAKOPMUND
Distance – 372km / Approximate journey time 5hrs
Today you can have the choice of an early morning start with a memorable balloon flight over the Namib Desert (this is additional cost and will be reconfirmed a day prior). You will be transferred before sunrise to the launch site, which is about 45 minutes’ drive from the lodge (depending on the launch site for that day).
The fascinating drive today takes you northwest through awesome and ever changing desert landscapes of the Namib Naukluft National Park, including the impressive Gaub and Kuiseb canyons. You will meet the coast at the port town of Walvis Bay, where you have the option to visit the lagoon to see the interesting mix of pelicans, flamingos and other sea-birds, before continuing north to Swakopmund where you can enjoy the pleasant seaside location and cooler coastal air.
This afternoon you have the option to explore the shops, waterfront and craft market as appeals, before heading out for dinner at one of the popular restaurants in town. Dinner this evening is for your own account as there are a number of excellent restaurants to choose from. We recommend that you avoid a stay in Swakopmund over a weekend, as most shops close by Saturday afternoon and only a select few open on a Sunday. However, restaurants will be open and tours will be on offer in the morning over weekends.
Overnight The Swakopmund Strand Hotel
Luxury Room – Sea View – Bed & breakfast
Day 4 – SWAKOPMUND
Overnight The Swakopmund Strand Hotel
Luxury Room – Sea View – Bed & breakfast
Day 5 – SWAKOPMUND – DAMARALAND
Distance – 326km / Approximate journey time 4-5hrs
Today you continue your self-drive journey, passing Namibia’s highest mountain, the Brandberg which peaks at 2,573 m above sea level, and take time to view game and absorb the vastness of the scenery along the way.
Damaraland is typified by displays of colour, magnificent table topped mountains, rock formations and bizarre-looking vegetation. The present day landscape has been formed by the erosion of wind, water and geological forces which have formed rolling hills, dunes, gravel plains and ancient river terraces.
It is the variety and loneliness of the area as well as the scenic splendour which will reward and astound you, giving one an authentic understanding of the word ‘wilderness’. If you arrive on time, you can join a scheduled afternoon activity to visit the twyfelfontein rock engravings.
Overnight Mowani Mountain Camp
Luxury Room – Full Board + two activities
Day 6 – DAMARALAND
After an early breakfast you will be treated to an exciting 4×4 excursion to explore this remarkable region and to search for game, especially the elusive desert adapted elephants, if they are in the area. Damaraland is home to a variety of desert adapted wildlife and hidden desert treasures.
If time allows this afternoon, you will embark on a guided excursion to visit the nearby attractions and geological sites of Twyfelfontein rock engravings (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) if this was not done the previous day.
Return to camp with time to freshen up before dinner.
Return to camp with time to freshen up before dinner.
Overnight Mowani Mountain Camp
Luxury Room – Full Board + two activities
Day 7 8 9 -DAMARALAND – ONGAVA RESERVE
Distance – 330km / Approximate journey time 3.5-4hrs
This morning after breakfast you will continue your safari journey towards the southern boundary of the Etosha National Park.
The Ongava Reserve lies on the southern border of Etosha near the Andersson Gate, and it is here you will spend the next three nights at Anderssons at Ongava. This afternoon you can join a guided game drive or just relax and enjoy your surroundings.
The next two days can be spent on guided game drives and walks around Etosha & the Ongava Reserve.
Overnight Anderssons at Ongava
Suite – All meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, selected local drinks & park fees. Excludes premium imported brands & champagne.
Day 10 11 – ONGAVA RESERVE – OKONJIMA NATURE RESERVE
Distance – 240km / Approximate journey time 3hrs
Leaving Ongava Reserve, the drive to Okonjima takes around 3 hours. Apart from the beautiful location, stunning accommodation and wonderful meals the main reason for visiting Okonjima is to view cats. Your activities here are included in this package and centre around viewing leopard & cheetah, visiting a night hide and generally learning about what the AfriCat foundation is doing to preserve these wonderful animals. You will be accommodated in the private Bush Suite and can enjoy a range of
Overnight Okonjima Bush Suite
Bush Suite – All meals, privately guided camp activities & most local drinks.
Day 12
Distance – 226km / Approximate journey time 2.5-3hrs
You will rise early this morning for another memorable guided activity before you return for a sumptuous breakfast.
After freshening up you will depart for Windhoek in the late morning, via the town of Okahandja, to arrive back in Windhoek in the mid afternoon. Upon your arrival in Windhoek you return your rental vehicle, before being transferred to the Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport by a guest liaison in time for your international flight or additionally we can arrange accommodation in Windhoek or make arrangements for an extension to your safari.
Send An Enquiry
Short Contact Form (NEW)
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In our commitment to excellence, we not only strive to exceed our clients’ expectations but also value their feedback. We are proud to present our latest clients’ feedback from Gamewatchers Safaris Clients posted on Trip Advisor.
What Our Clients Say About Us...
In our commitment to excellence, we not only strive to exceed our clients’ expectations but also value their feedback. We are proud to present our latest clients’ feedback from Gamewatchers Safaris clients posted on Trip Advisor.
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