HomeTours Self-Drive Tours Namibia Classic Namibia Self-Drive Safari – A Blend of Camping and Comfortable Lodges

Classic Namibia Self-Drive Safari – A Blend of Camping and Comfortable Lodges

From

Windhoek

to

Fish River Canyon

Duration

17 Days

Accommodation

Bed & Breakfast, Campsite, Mid-range Lodge
ActiveCulturalFeatures Wildlife

Tour Overview

Embark on a thrilling self-drive safari through Namibia, where you’ll experience the perfect blend of camping and mid-range lodges. This itinerary takes you through Namibia’s iconic landscapes, from the vast Kalahari Desert to the stunning Fish River Canyon and the world-famous dunes of Sossusvlei. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or adventure seeker, this journey offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Namibia’s diverse wildlife, culture, and natural beauty.

Places You'll See

Highlights

  • Experience Namibia's stunning landscapes with a mix of self-drive camping and comfortable mid-range lodge stays.
  • Discover the Kalahari, Sossusvlei, and Etosha while enjoying guided activities like desert elephant tracking and game drives.
  • Immerse yourself in Namibia’s diverse wildlife, from the Fish River Canyon to the wildlife-rich waterholes of Etosha.

Itinerary

Departure/Return Location:

Hosea Kutako International Airport

DAY 1 - Arrival in Windhoek

You’ll be welcomed at Hosea Kutako Airport and transferred to the car hire depot for vehicle collection. You’ll be shown how to use the camping equipment, how to change a tyre, and more. Afterward, you can stock up on fuel and supplies before checking in to your accommodation for the night.

DAY 2 & 3 - Kalahari Desert

Today, you’ll drive south, heading into the Kalahari. Here, you’ll spend two nights, with plenty of opportunities to soak in the desert landscape. Upon arrival, you’ll join a sundowner drive, offering stunning views as the sun sets over the vast expanse of the Kalahari. On day 3, you’ll head out early for a guided walk with the San Bushmen, learning about their ancient survival skills and connection to this arid land.

DAY 4 - Quiver Tree Forest

Today, you’ll continue your journey to the Quiver Tree Forest. This remarkable site is known for its striking quiver trees, which make for fantastic photo opportunities. The night sky here is equally spectacular, offering incredible stargazing possibilities. Spend the night in this serene location, where the stars above feel closer than ever.

DAY 5 & 6 - Fish River Canyon

You’ll make your way to Fish River Canyon, where you’ll stay at one of the lodges perched on the canyon’s rim for two nights. On day 6, you’ll take a scenic drive along the canyon’s edge, allowing you to appreciate its vast scale and breathtaking beauty. This geological wonder is a must-see and will leave you with unforgettable memories.

DAY 7 - Helmeringhausen

Today, you’ll journey from Fish River Canyon to Helmeringhausen, a charming stopover on your way to Sossusvlei. Enjoy a relaxing evening here before continuing your adventure the next day.

DAY 8 & 9 - Sossusvlei

You’ll now head to Sossusvlei, where you’ll spend two nights. On one of the mornings, you’ll rise early to enter the park at sunrise. The first stop will be Dune 45, a must-see dune with views that are nothing short of spectacular. If you’re feeling energetic, climb to the top for an even better vantage point.
Next, you’ll can Big Daddy, one of the tallest dunes in the area. Afterward, you’ll explore the Sossusvlei and Deadvlei salt pans, a landscape unlike anything you’ve seen before. The striking contrast of white pans surrounded by red dunes creates an otherworldly scene, perfect for photography. You’ll finish the day with a visit to Sesriem Canyon, a beautiful natural gorge carved by the Tsauchab River.

DAY 10 & 11 - Swakopmund

Today, you’ll make your way to Swakopmund, a coastal town known for its German colonial architecture and seaside charm. Spend the next two nights exploring the vibrant town and its surroundings. The following day, you can embark on a variety of exciting activities. Sandboarding down the towering dunes is a thrilling experience, or you can take a quad biking adventure through the desert. If you prefer something more relaxed, a catamaran cruise offers the chance to spot dolphins and seals along the coast. For the thrill-seekers, tandem skydiving provides stunning aerial views of the desert landscape. Alternatively, join a Living Desert Tour to uncover the secrets of this unique desert ecosystem.

DAY 12 & 13 - Damaraland

You’ll head up to Damaraland today, a region of rugged beauty, rich history, and vast open spaces. If you’re up for a detour, take a 2-hour trip to the Cape Cross Seal Colony along the way. Here, you'll encounter one of the largest breeding colonies of Cape fur seals. The sight and sound of thousands of seals basking on the rocks and playing in the waves is an unforgettable experience. As you continue towards Damaraland, you'll be immersed in striking landscapes, with rocky hills, ancient valleys, and the occasional glimpse of desert-adapted wildlife. On the second day of your stay, you'll embark on a guided desert-elephant tracking excursion. This thrilling experience takes you deep into the wilds of Damaraland, where you’ll search for the elusive desert-adapted elephants. Your expert guide will share fascinating insights about the elephants’ behaviour and the challenges they face in this harsh desert environment. It’s an incredible opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural, remote habitat.

DAY 14 & 15 - Etosha National Park

Your adventure continues to Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves. On the second day, you’ll have the chance to self-drive through this vast wilderness, moving from waterhole to waterhole in search of game. The park is teeming with life, and you’ll likely spot elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and an abundance of antelope. If you'd like a break from driving, you can join one of the early morning or evening guided game drives. These provide a deeper insight into the park’s ecosystems and are led by knowledgeable guides who can spot animals from afar that might otherwise go unnoticed. For those eager to experience a different side of Etosha, night-time game drives are an exciting option. As darkness falls, you'll venture out under the stars in search of nocturnal animals, such as leopards, hyenas, and other creatures that emerge when the sun sets. It’s an entirely different way to experience the park’s wildlife!

DAY 16 - Waterberg

Before heading back to Windhoek, you’ll spend the day in the beautiful Waterberg region. Here, you have the chance to visit the Cheetah Foundation, a conservation organisation dedicated to the protection of cheetahs in Namibia. During your visit, you’ll learn about the foundation’s efforts to rehabilitate and release cheetahs into the wild. You may even get the chance to see these magnificent creatures up close during a guided tour of the sanctuary. After your visit, enjoy the stunning views of the Waterberg Plateau, where towering cliffs and verdant plains create a picturesque backdrop. It’s a great way to wrap up your safari before returning to capital.

DAY 17 - Return to Windhoek

It’s time to head back to Windhoek and return your rental vehicle by 16H00. If time allows, stop by the Wood Carvers Market in Okahandja for some souvenir shopping. Here, you can browse a variety of hand-crafted wooden sculptures and traditional Namibian artwork, perfect for taking home a unique memento of your journey. Afterward, return the vehicle to the car hire depot. Once the vehicle has been checked in, you will be transferred to Hosea Kutako Airport for your onward journey, bringing your unforgettable Namibian safari to a close.

Things to do

What's Included

  • Airport Transfers
  • 4x4 Rental with Camping Gear
  • Bed & Breakfast / Mid-Range Lodge
  • Vehicle Excess

What's Not Included

  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Drinks
  • Fuel
  • Rental Vehicle Insurance
  • Gratuities & Tips
  • International Flights (Arrival & Departure)
  • Items of Personal Nature
  • Park Entry Fees & Permits
  • Travel Insurance
  • VISA (If Applicable)

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

What our customers ask about this tour

Is this self-drive safari suitable for first-time visitors to Namibia?

Absolutely! This itinerary offers a balance of guided activities and self-drive, making it ideal for both experienced travelers and first-timers. Detailed information about driving distances and road conditions ensures you feel comfortable every step of the way.

Do we need to bring our own camping equipment?

No, the car hire company provides all the necessary camping equipment, including tents, bedding, and cooking gear, so you don’t need to bring anything extra.

Are guided activities included in the price?

Guests can customise their safari to include the guided activities of their choice. With so much to see and do, you'll have plenty of options to tailor your adventure.

Can’t find the answer to your question?

Reach out to our experts with your enquiry, they usually respond in less than 2 hours.

Good to Know

Currency

In Namibia, the official currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD), which is pegged to the South African Rand (ZAR), and the Rand is also widely accepted.

In Botswana, the local currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP), though South African Rand may be accepted in some places.

In Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL) is used, but US Dollars, South African Rand, and other currencies are commonly accepted, especially in tourist areas.

In South Africa, the official currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). It is widely accepted across the country and can also be used in Namibia, where the Namibian Dollar (NAD) is pegged to it.

Travel Requirements for Adults with Children Under 18

Adults travelling with children under 18 must provide the child’s original Birth Certificate and a consent form if only one parent is accompanying the child. Failure to present these documents may result in denied entry.

Visa

Unfortunately, we do not offer visa application services. Whether you require a visa depends on your nationality and your destination. If your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you’re visiting, you will need to apply for a visa before your departure. Additionally, some countries may require an invitation letter for the Namibian Embassy to process a tourist visa. If needed, guests can contact us for assistance with obtaining the invitation letter.

Keep Exploring

Namibia’s Untamed Treasures Fully Guided Tour
Fish River Hiking Trail
Cape Cross Seal Colony: A Fascinating Wildlife Sanctuary in Namibia

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Sustainability Initiatives

Animal Welfare
We do not offer any tours involving elephant rides or any activities that exploit animals for entertainment.

Supporting Destinations
We consciously try to reduce over-tourism by taking travellers outside of the main visitor hubs. We hire local guides.