This extraordinary self-drive adventure takes you through the natural highlights of Namibia, from its rich wildlife areas to its charming coastal towns and the wonders of the Namib Desert. Begin your adventure with intimate encounters with big cats at Okonjima and move on to the stark beauty of the salt pans and the rich wildlife of the famous Etosha National Park. Venture into the rugged and rocky landscape of Damaraland, where fascinating desert species exist next to relics of ancient San Bushmen. Immerse yourself in the adventure activities and colonial charm of the seaside town of Swakopmund before heading off to explore an immense sea of sand in the depths of the Namib Desert, at Sossusvlei.

Day 1 - Windhoek, Namibia

 

On arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, you will be met by a representative who will help get you started on the road with your rental car and provide you with a quick briefing of your itinerary.  Kick-start your adventures with an approximate 60-minute drive to your accommodation in Windhoek. This is the main port of call for most tourists and all travellers pass through the city at least once. Situated in a pretty valley, Windhoek boasts buildings very much of a German architectural style. The German presence can be strongly felt in the food, restaurants and, of course, the beer. The Namibian beer is said to be the best in Africa and is brewed in Windhoek.

Olive Exclusive (premier suite) (B) 

 

 

Day 2 & 3 - Okonjima Reserve, Namibia 

 

Wake up to a delicious breakfast before you hop into your car for a three-hour drive to the camp or lodge of your choice at Okonjima Reserve. Okonjima Reserve is situated just west of the renowned Waterberg Plateau Park, amidst the vast plains, scattered with the remnants of ancient sandstone outcrops that skirt the Omboroko Mountains. A Herero name meaning “place of the baboons” this spectacular area is home to the world-famous AFRICAT Foundation, which supports the conservation of the world’s largest free-ranging population of cheetah and Namibia’s large wildcat population. Created as a refuge for rehabilitated predators, the reserve is a haven for cheetah, leopard, spotted hyena and African wild dog, as well as several species of antelope. Visitors to the area can embark on interpretive tours of the foundation as well as enjoying breathtaking nature drives. Adventures include tracking cheetah and leopard on foot, bird watching and the opportunity to embark on the Bushmen Trail, during which guests can experience a day in the life of a San Bushman. Night drives set off after dinner, providing a glimpse into the nocturnal life of the predators, as well as magnificent views of the star-studded skies.

Okonjima Bush Suite (D, BLD, B)

Includes all meals, private guide, vehicle and chef, local spirits and wines and soft drinks, laundry, park and environmental education fee and activities including game drives, leopard & cheetah viewing, large carnivore tracking on foot, Bushmen trails, guided walking trails and bird watching

 

 

 

Day 4 & 5 - Etosha National Park, Namibia

 

Tuck into a wholesome breakfast and head off on a three to four-hour self-drive adventure to the camp or lodge of your choice on the outskirts of Etosha National Park. Etosha is one of Africa’s great wildlife parks and Namibia’s prime wildlife conservation area. Spanning a vast 22 300km, it consists mostly of grassy plains around a huge saltpan, which becomes a beautiful lake after heavy rains and attracts large flocks of pink candy-floss-coloured flamingos - a surreal spectacle. Etosha hosts a vast array of animals, including the Big Five, giraffes and rare and unusual species like the black-faced impala, Hartmann’s Mountain zebra and even the smallest antelope in the world, the Damara dik-dik. Large herds of elephant can also be seen, while predators range from lion to black-backed jackal. The wildlife in Etosha congregates around the watering holes, making for exciting and productive game viewing. Apart from its wildlife, Etosha is also known for its immense salt pans, which covers 4 731km at the heart of the park. Formed by a massive lake that gradually evaporated, this vast stretch of shimmering salt forms a picturesque contrast to the rich range of wildlife found in the park.

Onguma Tented Camp (D, BD, B)

Activities that can be booked at an additional cost include morning games drives in Etosha. Activities available in the Onguma Game Reserve at an additional cost include sundowner and night game drives, guided walking safaris and rhino research drives.

 

 

Day 6 - Ongava Game Reserve, Etosha, Namibia  

 

Today you’ll drive through the breathtaking wilderness of Etosha to Ongava Game Reserve, situated on the outskirts of Etosha. The travelling time will depend on how long you spend viewing the exceptional wildlife you may encounter on your route. Spend the night in Ongava, set on the central outskirts of Etosha National Park. Set off on game drives that explore the Okaukuelo area of Etosha, keeping an eye out for lion, elephant, gemsbok, springbok, red hartebeest and both white and black rhino. Enjoy the freedom of night drives and bush walks in Ongava, where you can track wildlife on foot in the company of experienced guides. Or choose to spend the afternoon at a tranquil hide overlooking a waterhole and wait to see what wildlife sightings the day will bring.

Ongava Tented Camp (D,B)

Activities that can be booked at an additional cost include game drives, guided walks and rhino tracking at Ongava Game Reserve, as well as excursions into Etosha National Park.

 

 

Day 7 & 8 -  Skeleton Coast National Park, Etosha, Namibia

 

After a delectable breakfast hop back into your car for the approximately five-hour journey to Damaraland. The breathtaking mountain region of Damaraland is situated on the eastern side of the Skeleton Coast National Park and southwest of Etosha National Park. An assortment of desert-adapted wildlife such as elephant, rhino, zebra and lion live in this near-barren landscape. A not-to-be-missed attraction is the picturesque Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain, which is home to thousands of ancient rock paintings, most notably The White Lady. Nearby the rocky outcrops of Twyfelfontein feature exceptional Bushmen engravings, which are considered to be some of the best preserved etchings on the continent. Visitors to Damaraland can view one of its more unusual habitats – the Petrified Forest, which dates back millions of years and offers a haunting landscape of gigantic fossilised trees, some up to 30 metres (100ft) in length. Set off into the dunes in search of the elusive desert elephant or choose to explore the area surrounding the camp on foot, getting an intimate glimpse into the vegetation, insects and birds of this rugged area. Ask your guide to take you to see an ancient welwitschia plant, which may live up to hundreds of years. You can also choose to visit Twyfelfontein, where you can marvel at age-old rock engravings, visit the petrified forest or discover the twisted rock formations known as the organ pipes. Or simply relax and enjoy the absolutely tranquillity and sense of peace of this serene destination from the comfort of the sparkling swimming pool! 

Mowani Mountain Lodge (superior view room) (D,BLD, B)

All meals and two activities, which include an elephant / nature drive and an excursion to Twyfelfontein, Burnt Mountain and the organ pipes, as well as a guided nature walk

 

 

Day 9 & 10 - Swakopmund, Namibia  

 

Today you will drive approximately five to six hours to Namibia’s charming seaside town of Swakopmund. This charming little coastal retreat on Namibia’s western coast retains a strong German flavour, from its cobbled streets and picturesque buildings down to its typical German restaurants and pubs. This town is traditionally a holiday spot for locals and foreigners alike, with many opportunities for

adventure sports and some good old-fashioned fun. Swakopmund is an ideal place to relax after a few days in the desert; wash off the sand and sample some of the finely-brewed local beer and renowned fare, including fish, lobster and the utterly delicious Swakopmund oysters.

Swakopmund Guest House (B)

 

 

Day 11, 12 & 13 - Sossusvlei, Namibia  

 

Leaving behind the many sights of Swakopmund, drive approximately five to six hours to the Sossusvlei area, passing through some of Namibia’s most dramatic landscapes en route. One of the highlights of any trip to Namibia is a visit to Sossusvlei, in the heart of the enormous, almost 50 000km Namib-Naukluft Park. Easily accessible to visitors, Sossusvlei is a clay pan, only rarely filled by water, but a place of awe-inspiring beauty. Visitors to the region will be left spellbound by the magnificent and surreal ochre-coloured sand dunes, which rise over 300m into the sky – the highest sand dunes in the world. Adventures include scenic drives with an opportunity to encounter a variety of desert-adapted animals such as gemsbok, zebra, springbok, bat-eared fox, aardwolf, caracal and jackal. Guided hikes lead you to ancient Bushman paintings, while a variety of hiking trails are available. For the more adventurous traveller, quad bike adventures in the dunes are sure to set one's pulse racing! Photograph the fascinating petrified dunes and explore the massive boulders of Bushman’s Koppies, haphazardly strewn one on top of the other. Explore the night sky under the guidance of a professional astronomer or try your hand at photographing the stars. Hot air balloon rides, helicopter flips and scenic flights over the majestic desert landscapes, as well as horse riding adventures, are available nearby.

&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge (D, BLD, BLD, B)

Includes all meals, refreshments, local spirits and wines, laundry, scheduled activities including nature drives, one excursion to Sossusvlei, Sesriem Canyon and Dead Vlei, guided nature walks, quad bike excursions, San rock paintings and stargazing at a state-of-the-art observatory, accompanied by a resident astronomer.  *One balloon safari per person per stay at &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge (not valid in July or August, minimum 2 guests and weather dependant). Ballooning is also closed from 15 January to 15 Feb annually

 

 

Day 14 - End of Tour

 

Today we wave a fond farewell as you embark on the last leg of your extraordinary adventure. A drive of five to six hours will take you back to Hosea Kutako International Airport in Namibia’s capital, where you will drop off your hired vehicle and board your plane for your onward flight. We hope to welcome you on another African adventure in the near future.