Namibia Rental Car Round Trip - Africa's Diamond

After your landing, our representative (carrying a sign with your name and our itravel logo) will be waiting to meet you in the arrival hall and welcome you with your personal travel documents. They will assist you with the rental car pick-up and introduction. If you like, they can also help you buy a SIM card and withdraw money.

After picking up your vehicle, you will drive to your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, today you will have the opportunity to explore Windhoek, the charming capital of Namibia nestled in a valley, where historic buildings from the German colonial era share space with contemporary architecture. Soak up Windhoek's special flair, a blend of Western and African culture. In the evening, enjoy the comforts of your hotel and look forward to the coming days of your Namibia car rental tour.

Windhoek Airport - Windhoek Hotel: approx. 45 minutes / approx. 50 km

1 night stay with breakfast in Windhoek, Namibia

Today, after breakfast, you will drive towards Sossusvlei. On the way there, you will stop in the small village of Solitaire, located at the gates of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Although the village actually consists of only a gas station, a few stores, a post office and a bakery, it has become quite famous. The bakery in the village, which is located on the main routes between Windhoek, Walvis Bay and Sossusvlei, has one of the best apple pies in the southern hemisphere. What also makes this little desert oasis on the edge of the Namib so special are the unique photos one can capture that arise from old car wrecks surrounded by succulents - especially sap-rich plants. Enjoy the atmosphere before arriving at your accommodation.

Once in Sossusvlei, you will also reach the highest sand dunes in the world. One day is enough to leave spectacular images imprinted in your mind for a lifetime. The paprika red sand and the view up to the crest of the huge sand mountains will take you to a world of natural wonders sculpted by the wind.

Your lodge for tonight is nestled between camel thorn trees right in the Namib Desert.

Optional:

If you would like to try a piece of the famous apple pie at the Solitaire Moose Macgregor bakery, we will be happy to make a reservation for you.

Windhoek - Sossusvlei: approx. 4 hours / approx. 300 km

2 nights with half board in Sossusvlei, Namibia

In the early morning you can witness live how the rising sun transforms the sea of dunes into a scenery of different colors and shadows. Hike up to one of the over 300-meter-high dunes early in the morning and enjoy the fascinating view of the endless desert sea. The magic of colors exudes a special charm here. Delicate orange, apricot and strong red alternate on the horizon. There are about 500 camel thorn trees in Deadvlei, creating a mystical scenery.

Driving towards Sesriem, you will encounter an amazing landscape defined by the eponymous Sesriem Canyon. Petrified dunes and 30 meter deep gorges create a surreal picture. In some places the canyon is only two meters wide. The light coming in from above creates a contrasting play of shadows on the rock walls. The canyon becomes wider and shallower at the end and leads into Sossusvlei.

Optional:

If you are in the mood for more adventure and one of the most beautiful sunrises you will ever see, don't miss the optional hot-air balloon ride over the oldest desert in the world. You will be picked up from your accommodation early in the morning (about 45 minutes before sunrise). Once the hot-air balloon is ready to go, it’s time to soar over oceans of sand and mountains contoured by light and shadow. After landing, a champagne breakfast awaits you, out-of-Africa style, in the middle of nowhere. Finally, you will receive a flight certificate before being transported back to your accommodation. Please pre-book this experience well in advance with your travel consultant. The transfer, a champagne breakfast, park entrance fee and a flight certificate are included in the price. The excursion lasts three to four hours.

After today's breakfast, you will continue your drive north. Your Namibia car rental round trip will take you to the coast to the colonial small town of Swakopmund, ready to welcome you with a North Sea resort flair. Swakopmund's landmark is the 21-meter-high lighthouse. Stroll along the numerous half-timbered houses on the coast and try the best Black Forest cake in town at Café Anton. You can end the day with a delicious fish dish.

Sossusvlei - Swakopmund: approx. 4 hours 30 minutes / approx. 345 km

2 nights with breakfast in Swakopmund, Namibia

For the next day of your Namibia car rental tour, we recommend an excursion to Walvis Bay (the drive lasts approx. 20 - 30 minutes). The towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are connected by a beautiful coastal road. The lagoon is one of the most important wetlands in Africa, considered home by thousands of migratory birds.

Optional:

Explore the coast from the water and take an exciting catamaran tour from Walvis Bay to encounter dolphins, seals, pelicans and other marine life. In Walvis Bay you will also find oysters, which are cultivated here in oyster beds. The approximately three-hour-long excursion includes a light buffet lunch and two glasses of sparkling wine. Please book this experience well in advance with your travel expert.

If you love the desert, the half-day Living Desert Tour is just right for you. With a professional guide at your side, you will learn a lot of interesting facts about the special ecosystem of the dune belt between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. Follow the animal tracks in the sand and get from one extraordinary photo stop to the next. The flora and fauna have adapted perfectly to this special environment and will surely provide for one or the other exciting encounter. Please book this experience well in advance with your travel expert.

If you want to get to know the endless expanses in a different manner, we recommend a quad bike tour. Experience the vastness of the shifting sand dunes on your quad bike! An experienced guide will lead you across the Swakop River estuary and riverbed. You will feel the wind on your skin and experience the boundless freedom of the desert first hand. Eco-friendly routes guarantee that the very sensitive desert system will not be damaged. Before departure, you will receive a complete safety briefing. The price of the approximately two-hour tour includes helmets, goggles, gloves, gasoline, transportation and cool drinks. In addition, you will receive an explanation on how to ride quads in an environmentally friendly way. Please book this experience in time with your travel expert.

If what you crave is pure adventure, feeling the wind in your hair and the sand between your toes? Then off into the desert and onto the sandboard! The Namib Desert is one of the oldest in the world and is home to some of the largest sand dunes on earth. There is no better way to experience this natural wonder than to zoom down on a traditional Swakopmund sandboard. Over the years, equipment has evolved from a simple piece of cardboard to specialized snowboards built for acceleration on sandy surfaces. There are two types of sandboarding: standing up and lying down. When lying down, you slide headfirst down a dune on a specially polished board, reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour. To master standing your way down the dune, some snowboarding or surfing experience is helpful, but not necessary. The cost of the approximately four-hour excursion includes transfers, a light lunch and safety equipment. You can choose between the standing or lying down. Please book this experience well in advance with your travel expert.

Today the journey goes further inland, to Damaraland. It is still inhabited by the Damara, who belong to the oldest inhabitants of Namibia. The landscape consists of unusual mountains and wide plains. Here you can visit famous natural attractions like the Organ Pipes, the Petrified Forest, Burnt Mountain and Twyfelfontein over the next few days. The Organ Pipes are a five-meter-high basalt formation shaped by lava about 120 million years ago. In the Petrified Forest, you will find the remains of 280-million-year-old tree trunks.

Swakopmund - Twyfelfontein: approx. 4 hours / approx. 350 km

2 nights with half board in Twyfelfontein, Namibia

The mountains of Twyfelfontein are home to the largest assemblage of petroglyphs in the world. The engravings adorn a series of red sandstone slabs. The valley was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007 and is a highlight of your Namibia car rental tour. In addition to drawings of the Big Five, there are also drawings of whales. This suggests that the sea was once much closer to the area.

Optional:

You can take an exciting excursion into the surrounding area from your lodge. Choosing between 2 or 4 to 6 hours, you can marvel at the wonders of Twyfelfontein, including drinks, as well as visit the Burnt Mountain, as well as the Organ Pipes during an English-speaking guided tour. Refreshments, snacks and the park entrance fee are included. Please book this experience well in advance with your travel expert.

Another excursion takes you to the gentle pachyderms in the area. Set out to search for elephants and meet other animals during your English-speaking guided nature drive. The duration is 4 to 6 hours. Drinks are included. Please book this experience well in advance with your travel expert.

After a hearty breakfast, we will head into the wilderness of Etosha National Park. This is considered one of the most famous attractions in Namibia. Endless expanses and bush savannahs surround the salt desert, which is also known as the Etosha Pan and can be spotted even from space. The open steppe landscape is home to elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras and a wide variety of bird species. With a little luck, you will be able to observe these animals. In the national park, you will stay in a camp that offers guided game drives in an open jeep as an option.

Optional:

Take an optional, full-day safari of approximately 9 hours or a half-day safari of 5 to 6 hours duration at Etosha National Park and experience the breathtaking wildlife up close. Please book this experience well in advance with your travel expert.

Camp Kipwe - Etosha Safari Lodge: approx. 2 hours / approx. 200 km

2 nights with breakfast in Etosha National Park, Namibia

Drive to the eastern part of Etosha National Park today, where you can explore other regions of the game reserve and experience the African bush. With a little bit of luck and silence, observe the animals in the magnificent landscape of the game reserve. This will surely be an unforgettable experience. About two thirds of the park is open to visitors. You can enter the remaining part accompanied by a ranger.

In the evening, enjoy the great ambience of the lodge and the delicious cuisine under the stars.

Optional:

Experience the diverse landscape and observe the numerous extraordinary animals in the wild during a morning or afternoon safari - an exciting experience. Water and park entrance fees are included in the approx. 4-hour excursion. Please book this experience well in advance with your travel expert.

Etosha Safari Lodge - Mushara Lodge: approx. 3 hours / approx. 180 km

1 night stay with half board in Etosha National Park, Namibia

Sure, today you can sleep in but, when you're in Etosha National Park, getting up early is worth it. Pack your camera and start your last day in Etosha. You can venture on another game drive today and, with a bit of luck, get up close and personal with elephants, wildebeest and other species. The biodiversity here is impressive. Mostly the animals gather at waterholes, which can be found everywhere in the park. In the evening, you will return to your comfortable lodge.

Optional:

Luckily you've packed enough memory cards, because today you can take more snapshots of Etosha National Park's great biodiversity on another morning safari for about 4 hours. Water and park entrance fees are included in the excursion. Please book this experience in advance with your travel expert.

Today you will leave the wilderness and drive south. Your next accommodation awaits you near Otjiwarongo. You should definitely make an excursion to the Waterberg Plateau. The Waterberg is a striking table mountain massif that rises 200 meters from the surrounding plain. The park is known for numerous endangered species of animals that have been settled here. These include black and white rhinos or roan antelopes. The local trails invite you for wonderful hikes. You can also visit the Cheetah Conservation Fund at Okonjima, a private nature reserve with a large cheetah population.

Optional:

On the way there, you can stop at Okonjima at the Cheetah Conservation Fund, a private nature reserve where the world's largest cheetah population lives. Founded in 1990 by the conservation organization, research and educational facilities have been established here and provide a lot of interesting background information about the animals and their protection. The excursion includes a tour of the main facility and the education center, the museum, the veterinary clinic and the dairy. Learn more about cheetahs as well as the dogs and the livestock that live in this facility. The English-speaking guided tour lasts about 1 hour. Please book this experience well in advance with your travel expert.

Etosha National Park - Wilderness Area: approx. 3 hours / approx. 340 km

Overnight stay with half board in the Wilderness Area, Namibia

You will drive back to Windhoek. Here you have the opportunity to do some last-minute souvenir shopping before your Namibia car rental round trip ends. Immerse yourself one last time in the everyday life of Namibia - how about a visit to the colorful and lively Oshetu Market? In the evening, we recommend dinner at Joe's Beerhouse - a real institution of the city. "If you have not been to Joe's Beerhouse, you have not been to Windhoek", as they say.

Wilderness Area - Windhoek: approx. 2 hours / approx. 230 km

Overnight stay with breakfast in Windhoek, Namibia

Your last day in Namibia has arrived. Drive to the international airport in Windhoek today and drop off your rental car. Think about all the memorable experiences you had during this trip.

Windhoek - Windhoek Airport: approx. 35 minutes / approx. 40 km

itravel - for that moment.

Windhoek Country Club Resort ****, Windhoek, Namibia (1 night)

Located outside the city center, the luxurious Windhoek Country Club welcomes you. The spacious rooms are modern and stylishly decorated and feature a bathroom with a bathtub, a TV, coffee and tea facilities, a minibar, air conditioning and a balcony. Relax by the pool in the beautiful garden setting and get a massage at the on-site spa or play a round of golf at the on-site golf course. Before ending the day with a glass of wine on the cozy sun terrace, enjoy local cuisine and a selection of South African steaks in the restaurant.

Sossusvlei Lodge****, Sossusvlei, Namibia (2 nights)

Sossusvlei Lodge welcomes you at the entrance of the Namib Naukluft Park with fascinating views of the red sand dunes and Sesriem Canyon. The rooms are spacious and have all the amenities. These include a private bathroom, two twin beds, a safe, air conditioning, a refrigerator and a veranda. Enjoy a delicious dinner on the inviting restaurant terrace overlooking the illuminated waterhole, and end the eventful day with a cocktail in the bar. Relax by the pool - the attentive staff is always on hand to help.

Swakopmund Guesthouse****, Swakopmund, Namibia (2 nights)

The renovated complex consists of two-story houses in ocher and white columns. The ambience feels fresh and modern. The breakfast room welcomes visitors with wicker and wooden furniture. Within a few minutes you can reach the beautiful downtown of Swakopmund. The cozy rooms of the guesthouse all have a TV, minibar and en suite bathroom.

Camp Kipwe****, Twyfelfontein (2 nights)

The camp is located in the heart of Damaraland, at the foot of the impressive Rag Rock formation. The round rooms are modeled after the surrounding landscape and fit perfectly into the overall picture. The main house of the camp is open on all sides and is slightly elevated so that beautiful views of the landscape are guaranteed. A small rock swimming pool invites you to relax. White, green and beige tones prevail in every room, creating a cozy atmosphere. A private covered bathroom is located outside each room and is built into the rocks. Each of the 8 double rooms has a small veranda that offers a fantastic view of the landscape.

Etosha Safari Lodge****, Etosha National Park, Namibia (2 nights)

This accommodation is located on a hilltop and offers magnificent views of the hills surrounded by mopane trees. The 65 detached bungalows feature en suite bathrooms, a fan, mosquito nets, tea and coffee facilities, and a private veranda. You'll also find a restaurant, bar and three pools at your lodge. You can easily reach Etosha National Park, which is about ten kilometers from your accommodation.

Mushara Lodge***+, Etosha National Park, Namibia (2 nights)

The lodge is located about 8 km from the eastern entrance, the Von Lindequist Gate. The main building houses a bar, a fire pit for cozy winter evenings, a reading corner and the lodge's restaurant. A veranda with a grass roof adjoins the restaurant. A swimming pool provides an opportunity to cool off in hot temperatures. The design of the lodge is the perfect combination of traditional African and modern art. The tastefully decorated rooms all have air conditioning, a mosquito net, a telephone and a minibar. The chalets are arranged in a horseshoe shape around the swimming pool and offer sufficient privacy for each guest due to sufficient distance.

Okonjima Plains Camp***+, Wilderness Area, Namibia (1 night)

The African style camp was built from natural materials and is located west of the Waterberg Plaetau Park. The main building has a swimming pool where you are welcome to cool off. A covered fireplace guarantees coziness on cooler winter evenings. The modern rooms offer all the amenities for a happy vacation. The View Rooms offer plenty of privacy, a view of the bush from the veranda, a mini-fridge, tea and coffee facilities and a spacious bathroom.

River Crossing Lodge ***, Windhoek, Namibia (1 night)

Located on a hill near Windhoek, the lodge is built in the style of a farm. The modern rooms are equipped with a TV and a small fridge, and have a balcony. Enjoy breakfast in the outdoor restaurant with fascinating views over the surrounding hilly landscape. The outdoor pool also offers beautiful views.

Duration of the trip: 14 days / 13 nights

Included

• 13 nights in the above mentioned accommodations or similar:
  • 1 night at the Windhoek Country Club Resort**** with breakfast in a standard room in Windhoek.
  • 2 nights at the Sossusvlei Lodge**** with breakfast and dinner in a superior room in Sossusvlei
  • 2 nights at the Swakopmund Guesthouse**** with breakfast in a deluxe room in Swakopmund
  • 2 nights at the Camp Kipwe**** with breakfast and dinner in a bungalow in Twyfelfontein
  • 2 nights at the Etosha Safari Lodge**** with breakfast in a double room in Etosha National Park
  • 2 nights at the Mushara Lodge***+ with breakfast and dinner in a double room in Etosha National Park
  • 1 night at the Okonjima Plains Camp***+ with breakfast and dinner in a View room in the Wilderness Area
  • 1 night at the River Crossing Lodge*** with breakfast in a double room in Windhoek
• Meals as per program
• 14 rental days Renault Duster (or similar) including all additional drivers, exemption from theft and collision damage, personal accident insurance, unlimited kilometers, airport surcharge, tourism tax, VAT of 15%, carbon emission tax, document administration fee, tire, hubcap, rim, water, windshield, sandblast and underbody damage, sat nav device
• Detailed travel documents incl. travel description
• The from-price is valid in the travel period 01.12.21 - 28.02.22

Optional experiences

• Etosha National Park
  • Morning or afternoon safari in Etosha National Park including water and park entrance fee (approx. 4 hours)
• Walvis Bay
  • Catamaran tour including light buffet lunch and two glasses of sparkling wine (approx. 3 hours)
• Walvis Bay / Swakopmund
  • Living Desert Tour including English-speaking local guide (half day)
• Swakopmund
  • Quad Bike Tour including helmet, goggles, gloves, fuel, transport and cool drinks (approx. 2 hours)
• Twyfelfontein / Damaraland
  • Guided excursion to Damaraland (half day)
• Okonjima
  • Visit to the Cheetah Conservation Fund and the cheetah population protected there. (approx. 1 hour)
• Sossusvlei
  • Hot-air balloon flight including transfer, a champagne breakfast, park entrance fee and flight certificate (approx. 3 to 4 hours)

Not included

• International flights
• Taxes and fees of the flights are subject to change
• Meals and beverages not mentioned in the scope of service
• Optional excursions (sightseeing, entrance fees, tours)
• Tips and personal expenses
• Travel protection
• PCR test, if still required
• Park entrance fees
  • Etosha Park entrance fee: NAD 150 per person (valid 24 hours from entrance)
  • Sossusvlei park entrance fee: NAD 150 per person (valid 24 hours from entrance)
• optional shuttle transfer from the parking lot to Sossusvlei: NAD 180 per person

Services & Notes

• You can find information regarding the entry requirements for minors in Namibia on your country’s foreign office’s website.