We Love —
- Visit a land of striking natural beauty on this immersive tour to some of Namibia's must-see sights.
- On this 10-night self-drive tour, you can experience some of the best game viewing in Africa at Etosha National Park, visit unique treasures such as the Kalahari Desert and the stunning sand dunes at Sossusvlei.
- Stay in a selection of rustic lodges and hotels on the tour and enjoy the services included such as car hire and various meals along the way!
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your Itinerary In Brief —
Want to experience a timeless journey? With this 10-night self-drive tour, set off on an unforgettable adventure through the fascinating landscapes of Namibia. At the wheel of your rental car, you will discover the treasures of this country at your own pace. At each stage, you will be able to rest in comfortable hotels selected with care, and opt for handpicked excursions to fill you with wonder a little more each day...
Your itinerary
Day 1: Windhoek International Airport - Windhoek
Day 2: Windhoek - Onguma Private Game Reserve
Day 3: Etosha South
Day 4: Etosha Oberland Lodge, Etosha South
Day 5: Etosha South - Twyfelfontein
Day 6: Twyfelfontein - Swakopmund
Day 7: Strand Hotel Swakopmund, Swakopmund
Day 8: Swakopmund - Namib Desert
Day 9: Desert Hills Lodge, Namib Desert
Day 10: Namib Desert - Kalahari Desert
Day 11: End of the itinerary
Your Itinerary In Detail —
Day 1 & 2: Windhoek
Day 1: Windhoek International Airport - Windhoek
A tour consultant will meet you at Windhoek International Airport, hand you the travel documents and assist you with the check-in procedure.
Drive to Windhoek.
Windhoek, the administrative, judicial and economic capital is also the heart of Namibia. The city has kept a very important Germanic imprint that can be seen in the streets and avenues, mainly in the architecture. Windhoek offers a friendly atmosphere with its modern hotels and welcoming guesthouses. You will find a diverse mix of cultures that represents the image of Namibia today. Small in comparison to other African megacities, Windhoek is surprisingly clean, quiet and provincial in character.
Day 2: Windhoek - Etosha East
Depart on the B1, heading due north, to Otjiwarongo. Drive through Okahandja, a small town, famous for its craft market specialising in wooden objects. Continue to Otjiwarongo, which means "the land of the fat cattle", the beginning of the farming and livestock region that stretches north-east towards the Caprivi.
Drive to Namutoni, the eastern entrance to Etosha National Park, known as Von Lindequist, via Otavi and Tsumeb.
In the vast arid space of northern Namibia lies one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in southern Africa. Etosha National Park offers an excellent Safari in one of the most accessible locations in Africa. Zebra and springbok are scattered across the endless horizon, while the many waterholes attract black rhino, lion, elephant and large numbers of antelope. Etosha, which means "place of dry water", contains a huge, flat depression (or pan) of about 5,000 km². The pan provides a beautiful silvery white backdrop of shimmering mirages in an area of semi-arid savannah and thorn scrub. The pan itself contains water only after very good rains and sometimes only a few days a year, but it is enough to stimulate the growth of a blue-green algae that attracts thousands of flamingos.
Tip: The late afternoon is a magical time for the animals in Etosha National Park. The heat and the scorching sun subside and a warmer temperature sets in. Life returns and the thirsty animals head for the various waterholes. An excursion at this time is a magical moment, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, etc., all are there.
Optional Activity: Guided safari (additional fee)
Day 3-5: Onguma - Etosha South
Day 3: Etosha South
Suggestion: Full-day game drive in Etosha National Park to see the African wildlife. You will have time to walk all the tracks from waterhole to waterhole to catch the animals coming to drink.
Okaukuejo Camp is the headquarters of the reserve and is considered the pearl of Etosha. Its waterhole attracts visitors from all over the world. Morning walks around this camp will take you on a trail of savannah elephants. Famous for its large number of black rhinos and lion families, this part of Etosha is best enjoyed in the early morning or late afternoon.
Day 4: Etosha Village, Etosha South
Suggestion: Full-day game drive in Etosha National Park in your own vehicle to see the African wildlife.
Optional Activity: Guided game drive in Etosha Village (additional fee)
Day 5: Etosha South - Damaraland
Drive to the Vingerklip geological formation.
With a size of 47,990 km², Damaraland had a population of approximately 44,000 in 1964. Khorixas is the largest town in Damaraland (11,000 inhabitants today). The terrain consists of arid plains covered by savannahs dominated by mountains, some of which are the remains of ancient volcanoes (such as Spitzkoppe). The highest point is Königstein (2,573 metres in the Brandberg massif). Occasionally, one finds remnants of petrified forests, signs that the vegetation and climate were completely different millions of years ago. The area is also rich in rock paintings.
Suggestion: On the road between Khorixas and Outjo you can see the Vingerklip, a strange 35m high rock formation whose original shape has been gradually reduced by erosion.
Day 6-11: Damaraland - Swakopmund
Day 6: Damaraland - Swakopmund
Drive to Twyfelfontein.
Suggestion: Twyfelfontein: In the heart of Damaraland, this cave site with its hundreds of rock engravings is a must-see. Here, on a small red sandstone plateau at the foot of a spring that was probably once abundant, a people who have now disappeared have left an incredible bestiary engraved on the rock for future generations. Animals, also disappeared or still existing, various prints, abstract representations, are all witnesses of a great cave art. The visit is accompanied by a local English-speaking guide. The walk takes about 2.5 hours.
Drive to Swakopmund. You will leave the magnificent Damaraland landscape of inselbergs, isolated island-like rocks. As you approach Uis, you will see the highest mountain in the country, the Brandberg, which at 2,573 metres is home to Bushman paintings, the most famous being the White Lady. After Uis, you start your journey through the Namib Desert. You continue your journey with the Atlantic Ocean slowly looming on the horizon.
Swakopmund, a town with an important historical past and the most popular resort on the Atlantic Ocean for Namibians. Built at the beginning of the German colonial period as a port, this charming town, built according to Germanic architectural references, has retained its unique character over time and through political changes.
Afternoon at leisure to visit the town.
Day 7: Swakopmund Sands Hotel, Swakomund
Drive to Walvis Bay.
Optional Activity: Catamaran Cruise (additional fee)
Return to Swakopmund in the afternoon.
Day 8: Swakopmund - Namib Desert
Drive to the Namib Desert. Cross the Gaub Pass and the Kuiseb Pass. Geological formation with folded schists through which the Kuiseb River has carved an impressive canyon. This river marks the boundary between the immense rocky plains of the north and the sea of sand that joins the Orange River. Crossing the Tropic of Capricorn between the two passes.
Solitaire is a small town in central Namibia near the Namib-Naukluft National Park. This hamlet, which has retained its 1950s character, is an almost obligatory stopover. The place is particularly isolated and is sometimes referred to as the Baghdad Café of Namibia!
Tip: Located only 1.5 km from the campsite, Elim Dune is an ideal stopover when you arrive in Sesriem in the late afternoon (especially if you stay overnight). From Sesriem you can walk to it. You will hear the sound of the geckos singing, look at the ground and you will see small burrows where they take refuge. From the top of the dune, the panoramic view is dazzling: a belt of red dunes to the west and a vast plain of pastel colours crossed by an imposing mountain range to the east. Count on +/- 2 hours of walking.
Optional Activity: Scenic safari on the reserve of the lodge (additional fee)
Day 9: The Elegant Desert Lodge, Namib Desert
Suggestion: A visit to Sossusvlei and the Tsauchab Valley will allow you to discover the central Namib and its giant dunes. Sossusvlei, is above all the terminus of a river which, a few thousand years ago, flowed into the Atlantic. Today the rain has disappeared and the river no longer has the strength to reach the ocean. The dunes, pushed by the wind, have gradually covered the valley. In some years the river water reaches the foot of the dunes and forms a lake at Sossusvlei. A visit to this site in the morning is, thanks to the play of light on the dunes, dazzling.
Discover Dead Vlei, a dry lake whose white sand contrasts with the red dunes. A magical sight, where only a few thousand-year-old dead trees stand out in the background. You will be rewarded for your efforts when you see the view from the top of a dune.
Tip: Sesriem, entrance to the Namib-Naukluft National Park, southern section. The Sesriem Canyon was a vital place for the Nama, Herero and Damara people. This 50 m deep gorge was carved out by the Tsauchab River. Sesriem means 6 straps, which was necessary to bring up the buckets of water from the gorge. The presence of a permanent spring has over the centuries aroused the covetousness of these different peoples. Now inhabited mainly by birds, the spring and canyon are a great place to explore.
Day 10: Namib Desert - Kalahari Desert
Leaving Sesriem, your route takes you along the Nubib Mountains to the east of the Namib Desert, the Zaris Pass offers an aerial view of the crevices and grooves that make this place special. The vastness of the plain on the heights of the Maltahöhe plateau offers a landscape as far as the eye can see.
Drive to the Kalahari Desert and the town of Mariental.
The arid, semi-arid sandy Kalahari Desert lies between the basins of the Zambezi and Orange Rivers and covers a large part of Botswana and extends into Namibia and South Africa over an area of approximately 900,000 km². Part of this desert is scrubby and becomes excellent grazing land after good rains. The Kalahari Basin covers an area of 2.5 million km2, including parts of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Kalahari is still home to the Bushman people, who were the original inhabitants of southern Africa.
Optional Activity: Kalahari Scenic Safari (additional fee)
Day 11: End of itinerary
Drive to Windhoek International Airport.
Please arrive 2 hours before your flight.
Your Hotels —
HAND-PICKED JUST FOR YOU
At each stage of your stay, you will be staying in a Standard Room in comfortable, carefully selected accommodation. You'll be able to recharge your batteries every day and make the most of your Namibia escape! Pictured is a Standard Room at Vingerklip Lodge.
Your hotels and lodges during the 10-night self-drive tour:
- Windhoek: The Elegant Guesthouse (or similar)
- Etosha National Park: Onguma Bush Camp (or similar)
- Etosha North: Etosha Village (or similar)
- Damaraland: Vingerklip Lodge (or similar)
- Swakopmund: Swakopmund Sands Hotel (or similar)
- Namib Desert: The Elegant Desert Lodge (or similar)
- Kalahari Desert: Intu Afrika Camelthorn Lodge (or similar)
Your Dining Choices
On this 10-night tour, you will be offered a package that includes 8 breakfasts and 2 dinners (excluding drinks).
In Namibia, meat is very important. You will be able to taste dried and spiced meat, boerewors sausages and the inevitable braai, the local barbecue, an institution. Don't hesitate to accompany it with mieliepap (or pap), a sticky cornmeal traditionally eaten by hand, pumpkin or orange squash. For drinks, try (in moderation) the local beer, Windhoek Lager, or South African wines and roiboos tea, which are a real treat!
Your Optional Excursions —
Etosha Safari by Etosha Village (day 4)
Choose to add on an Etosha Safari on day 4. This safari takes place in an open 4x4 vehicle with an English-speaking guide.
Boat Cruise Walvis Bay (day 7)
Choose to add on a catamaran cruise from Walvis Bay harbour to observe marine life. Witness dolphins, sea lions and more! Your trip includes a tasting of oysters on board.
Scenic drive at Elegant Desert Lodge (day 8)
Choose to enjoy a scenic trip to the lodge reserve at the end of the afternoon in an open 4x4 vehicle with an English-speaking guide.
Scenic drive at Intu Afrika (day 10)
Choose to enjoy a Scenic Drive at Intu Afrika on Day 10. Depart in the afternoon for a nature safari on the lodge's private reserve. You will discover the desert, from dune to dune, and will be able to see antelopes sheltering in the shade of the acacias. The drive ends with an aperitif (called a sundowner by the locals) on top of a dune to watch the sun set over the Kalahari.
Safari at Onguma (day 2)
Choose to enjoy a safari on the Onguma private reserve in an open 4x4 vehicle with English-speaking guide.
Your Journey to Namibia —
Flights:
You may choose from Economy, Premium or Business class flights on sectors that they operate, at the next stage of the booking process. The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Transfers:
Transfers are not included with this offer.
Car Hire:
For the freedom to explore your destination at your own pace, make the most of included car hire with your booking. Please note you cannot be guaranteed a specific make of car within a certain group. The lead name on the booking will be confirmed as the named driver. The named driver must present a credit card in their name when collecting the car (credit cards in other names will not be accepted). The named driver must also present a full valid driving licence on the collection of the vehicle and in some cases, a credit card or cash deposit will be required. Please ensure that you check your car hire documents carefully once received as this will advise if there are any taxes/charges to be paid locally as well as potential mileage restrictions. Other fees may be applicable in addition to the cost of your car rental for any additional products added to your car rental. Important information about offers without a flight:
To ensure that your rental car is available upon arrival, please notify us of your flight schedules within 48 hours of making your reservation by filling out the relevant form in your member account. Without this information, your car may not be available on time.
Your Destination —
Namibia
Located in southwestern Africa, Namibia boasts a well-developed infrastructure, some of the best tourist facilities in Africa, and an impressive list of breathtaking natural wonders. Visitors can explore the capital of Windhoek and discover the lovely coastal town of Swakopmund boasting remnants of the country’s German influence, reflected in the architecture, culture, cuisine and the annual Oktoberfest celebrations.
To properly appreciate this extraordinary country, you will have to venture out of the cities to explore the remarkable natural landscapes Namibia has to offer. These include: the impressive Fish River Canyon; the vast Etosha National Park teeming with abundant wildlife, such as lions, desert-adapted elephants and the Hartmann's Mountain Zebra; the hauntingly beautiful Kalahari Desert; and of course the Namib Desert stretching for over 2000 km along the magnificent Atlantic Coast. Namibia is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable African experience in a uniquely beautiful untamed wilderness.
