Namibia Self-Drive Tour - Highlights of Namibia

Welcome to Namibia: After landing, you will receive a warm welcome in the arrival hall from our representative, who will be carrying a sign with your name and our itravel logo. They will assist you with the rental car pick-up and hand over your personal travel documents for your Namibia self-drive tour. If you like, they can also help you buy a SIM card and withdraw money.

After you have taken over your vehicle, you will drive to your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you will have the opportunity to explore Windhoek today. The charming capital of Namibia is nestled in a valley, where you will find historic buildings from the German colonial era sharing space with contemporary architecture. Soak up Windhoek's special flair, a blend of Western and African culture. In the evening, enjoy the amenities of your hotel.

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

1 night stay with breakfast in Windhoek, Namibia

Today you will start your journey with the rental car by traveling north, in the vicinity of the Waterberg Plateau. You will spend the night at the Okonjima Plains Camp. The private nature reserve is home to the largest wild cheetah population in the world. Alternatively, you can join one of the many safaris offered by the camp (optional).

Another option for today’s itinerary is a trip to the Waterberg Plateau. This unique area is known worldwide for its biodiversity. Rhino, Cape buffalo, sable antelope and other endangered species have found their home here. It is this uniqueness that attracts visitors from all over the world to the Waterberg.

Windhoek Hotel - Wilderness Area: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes / approx. 220 km

1 overnight stay with half board in the Wilderness Area, Namibia

Today's destination is the Etosha National Park. Your charming lodge is located just 8 km from the park's entrance gate. From here you can take part in optional game drives to Etosha Park. The national park is considered a wildlife paradise worldwide, known for its vast plains. Visiting it is one of the highlights of any trip to Namibia. In the center of the reserve is an extensive salt pan, visible even from outer space. The legendary Big Five are present here, of course: With a little luck, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, lions and leopards will run in front of your lens.

Wilderness Area - Etosha National Park: approx. 3 hours / approx. 311 km

2 nights half board in Etosha National Park, Namibia

The Etosha National Park is home to the largest concentration of wildlife in Namibia. In addition to the Big Five, 130 other mammal species, such as giraffes, zebras, hippos, various monkey species, wildebeests, hyenas or wild dogs can be found in the park. They stride majestically through the steppe. During the dry season, the water holes are especially popular. Here you can find huge herds of animals and look directly into their eyes. As soon as it starts to rain, numerous flamingos come to the waterholes to breed and raise their young.

Today you will drive to the southern part of Etosha National Park. Your camp is located 17 km from the entrance of the park. It is known for its floodlit waterhole.

In the early morning hours, the animals gather around the waterhole to quench their thirst. Your camera will be working at full speed! In the evening, the watering hole is floodlit. A great spectacle begins as the animals gather in large flocks. The camp is the best place to see the endangered black rhino. You can often see it drinking at the watering hole alongside elephants and lions.

2 nights with breakfast in Etosha National Park, Namibia.

Today, on your Namibia car rental round trip, mysterious and enigmatic Namibian rock engravings lure you into a supposedly deserted area. The approximately 2,500 engravings, the oldest about 5,000 years old, were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The path to the drawings is winding and steep. Suddenly youwill be standing in front of the stone drawings and feel transported back in time.

Etosha National Park - Twyfelfontein: approx. 2 hours / approx. 202 km

2 nights half board in Twyfelfontein, Namibia

Only a few kilometers from Twyfelfontein lie the Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes. The Burnt Mountain is a mountain range with black and gray rocks of volcanic origin. The organ pipes owe their name to their arrangement, which actually resembles pipes of an organ.

Swakopmund is one of the most popular towns in Namibia and should not be missed on your Namibia self-drive round trip. This charming town between the desert and the sea is characterized by well-preserved Art Nouveau buildings from the German colonial period. A landmark of the town is the Woermann House, located in Bismarck Street. The building complex started being built in 1894 by the Damara and Namaqua Trading Company, which became known Woermann, Brock & Co in 1909. The 25-meter-high Damara Tower, which served as an observation tower, is a striking feature. The 21-meter-high lighthouse from 1910 is hardly lower. The Swakopmund Museum also provides impressive insights into the history and culture of the country. It also boasts collections of native animal and plant species and is definitely worth a visit. If you want to experience old Berlin flair, then you should visit the Hohenzollern House from 1906. In that same year, the city's prison was built by the later government architect Otto Erl.

3 nights with breakfast in Swakopmund, Namibia

Visiting Walvis Bay and exploring the lagoon where numerous bird species, such as pelicans, cormorants or flamingos live and breed is very wothwhile.

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 addition to the playful dolphins, this bay is also home to seals that live close together in colonies. Only the Walvis Bay oysters, cultivated in oyster beds here, live even closer together. The price of the approximately three-hour-long excursion is EUR 59 per person and includes a light buffet lunch and two glasses of sparkling wine. Please pre-book this experience well in advance with your travel expert.

If your heart beasts faster for 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 go from one spectacular photo stop to the next. The flora and fauna have adapted perfectly to the fascinating environment and will surely provide for one or the other exciting encounter.

If you want to explore the endless expanses and the beauty of the landscapes in a different way, we recommend you a quad bike tour. Experience the boundless expanse of the shifting sand dunes on your quad bike! An experienced guide will lead you across the Swakop River estuary and the riverbed. You can feel the wind on your skin and experience the boundless freedom of the desert first hand. Eco-friendly routes assure that the very fragile desert system will not be damaged. Before departure, you will receive a complete safety briefing. The approximately two-hour tour includes helmets, goggles, gloves, fuel, transportation and cool drinks. Additionally, you will receive an explanation on how to drive quad vehicles in an environmentally responsible manner. Please pre-book this experience well in advance with your travel expert.

If what you crave is adrenaline coursing through your body and feeling the wind in your hair and the sand between your toes, it’s time for sandboarding. 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 jet down headfirst or on a traditional Swakopmund sandboard. Over the years, the equipment has evolved from a simple piece of cardboard to specialized snowboards built for speed on sandy surfaces. There are two types of sand boarding: the standing up and the lying down categories. If you want to sandboard lying down, you will slide headfirst down a dune on a specially polished board and reach speeds of up to 80 km per hour. If you want to master the dune standing up, you literally surf your way through the sand. This type of sandboarding is recommended for those with snowboarding or surfing experience. The four-hour excursion includes transfers, a light lunch and safety equipment. Please book this experience in advance with your travel expert.

Your rental car tour will take you toward Sossusvlei after breakfast. On the way, stop at the small village of Solitaire, at the gates of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Although the village actually only consists of a gas station, some stores, a post office and a bakery, it has risen to great fame. The bakery on the main traffic routes between Windhoek, Walvis Bay and Sossusvlei sells one of the best apple pies of the southern hemisphere. What's also special about this small desert oasis on the edge of the Namib are the unique landscapes of old car wrecks surrounded by succulents - especially sap-rich plants. Don’t forget your camera and soak up the atmosphere before heading to your accommodation.

Arriving in Sossusvlei, you will also reach the highest sand dunes in the world. One day is enough to remember this place forever. The paprika red sand and the view upwards to the crest of the huge sand mountains will take you into a world of natural wonders sculpted by the wind.

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

2 nights with half board in Sossusvlei, Namibia

In the early morning, you can witness how the rising sun transforms the sea of dunes into a scenery of different colors and shadows. Climb the Big Daddy or the famous Dune 45 and experience this spectacle from above.

If you drive towards Sesriem, you will encounter another fascinating 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 exciting shadow plays on the walls. The canyon becomes wider and shallower at the end, leading to Sossusvlei.

Optional:

If you're up for more adventure and one of the most spectacular sunrises of your life, don't miss the optional hot-air balloon ride over the world's oldest desert. You will be picked up from your accommodation early in the morning (about 45 minutes before sunrise). Once the balloon is ready, it's time to soar over oceans of sand and mountains contoured by light and shadow. Upon landing, return to earth with a champagne breakfast, 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 expert. The transfer, a champagne breakfast, park entrance fee and a flight certificate are included in the price. The duration of the excursion is 3 to 4 hours.

Your next stop on the Namibia self-drive tour is the southern end of the Namib-Naukluft Park: the Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park (Klein-Aus Vista), west of the town of Aus. Here the Namib Desert drops from an altitude of about 1,500 meters to sea level. Solitude, vastness, silence and magnificent sunsets - this is the ambience. The legendary desert horses of Garub live a few kilometers away. With a little luck, you can observe them in their natural habitat.

You should not miss the ghost town of Kolmankop, which is actually called Kolmanskop. When the diamond rush broke out in 1908, hopes for quick fortune were high. Up to 1000 kilograms of diamonds were mined here until shortly after World War I. The city flourished and developed into a vibrant economic center. But after the war, diamond discoveries declined sharply and the city fell into ruins, buried by the sand over time.

Between desert and sea lies the sleepy town of Lüderitz. Steeped in history, it is the oldest German town in Namibia, named after the Bremen merchant Adolf Lüderitz. The Woermann House is probably the best place to admire the distinct Art Nouveau style of many of the old colonial buildings. In addition, there are 11 national monuments to admire in this small town.

Soussusvlei - Namib-Nauklft Park: approx. 5 hours / approx. 380 km

2 nights with breakfast in Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia

The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon on earth. It is located in Namibia and consists of one of the natural wonders of Africa. Today you will experience this wonder up close. Our tip: Hikers' Point is a viewpoint located in the west. The magnificent view of the Hell's Bend is a feast for the eyes. The fascinating, wild course of the canyon offers many other exciting panoramic views besides these.

Namib-Nauklft Park - Fish River Canyon: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes / approx. 295 km

2 nights half board in Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Few large mammals live in the rugged wilderness of the Fish River Canyon but with a little bit of luck you may spot klipspringer, kudu, steenbok, Hartmann's mountain zebra and rock hare. Hikes through the canyon are popular during the cooler winter months, between May and August. The impressive moonscape on the canyon floor is a special highlight of all hiking trips.

This place is hard to leave. Make the most of your last night at your lodge.

Today you will drive towards Mariental, to the foothills of the Kalahari Desert. The Kalahari is part of a vast sand basin that stretches from Angola through Namibia and Botswana to Zimbabwe. The intense orange sand sea and dune waves are characteristic of this landscape. However, this desert is actually a dry savannah. Thorn bushes, grasses and acacia trees prevail. You can often find the conspicuous nests of the weaver birds in the camel and acacia trees.

Fish River Canyon - Kalahari: approx. 5 hours / approx. 440 km

2 nights with breakfast in Mariental, Namibia

Drive back to Windhoek today. Take a walk through the lively colonial city. In the evening, if you feel like ending the day relaxing with a romantic sunset, we have a few recommendations of lovely places for cocktails, of course. Our tips: Avis Dam, Little Dome and Lovers Hill.

Kalahari - Windhoek: approx. 3 hours / approx. 290 km

1 overnight with breakfast in Windhoek, Namibia

The last day of your exciting Namibia self-drive tour has arrived. Today you will drive to the airport in Windhoek and drop off your rental car.

itravel - for that moment.

Windhoek Country Club Resort ****, Windhoek, Namibia

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, head to the restaurant for local cuisine and a selection of South African steaks.

Otjiwa Safari Lodge, Otjiwarongo, Namibia

Otjiwa Safari Lodge is located on the grounds of the country's oldest game farm. Over 25 species of mammals roam here. Numerous bird species can also be admired. The lodge offers modern and private chalets, with bright colors and natural materials in African style. The chalets are air-conditioned and offer magnificent panoramic views. Enjoy this authentic atmosphere of traditional and lived hospitality and relax in the pool.

Mushara Lodge***+, Etosha National Park, Namibia

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, mosquito nets, telephone and minibar. The chalets are arranged in a horseshoe shape around the swimming pool and offer sufficient privacy for each guest due to sufficient distance.

Etosha Safari Lodge****, Etosha National Park, Namibia

This accommodation is situated 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.

Damara Mopane Lodge**+, Twyfelfontein, Namibia

Damara Mopane Lodge is nestled amidst extensive herbaceous gardens. Built under Mopane trees, the impressive main building of the complex has its interior walls decorated with the well-known motifs of the rock paintings and engravings from Twyfelfontein. The chalets offer privacy and are air-conditioned. Enjoy delicious dishes and home-grown spices in the restaurant and relax in the large swimming pool. A highlight is the viewing platform, from which you can enjoy the landscape with a delicious drink.

Swakopmund Guesthouse****, Swakopmund, Namibia

The newly renovated facility consists of two-story houses in ochre 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.

Sossusvlei Lodge****, Sossusvlei, Namibia.

Sossusvlei Lodge welcomes you at the entrance of Namib Naukluft Park with fascinating views of the red sand dunes and Sesriem Canyon. The rooms are spacious and have every amenity. 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. You can also just relax by the pool, with the attentive staff always on hand to help.

Klein Aus Vista***, Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia

Solitude, vastness, silence and magnificent sunsets - this is the ambience of Eagle's Nest Lodge. About 15 minutes by car from the reception at Desert Horse Inn, 8 charming chalets stand on a mountainside. A fascinating view into the infinity of the desert awaits you. Each chalet was built of natural stone and is equipped with a bathroom, kitchenette and private veranda. The bungalows are built around huge boulders and have been perfectly integrated into the natural surroundings.

Gondwana Canyon Lodge***, Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Gondwana Canyon Lodge is located in the Gondwana Canyon Park, not far from Fish River Canyon. The lodge consists of bungalows made of natural stone, with thatched roofs that fit perfectly into the mountainous landscape and offer beautiful views. The former farmhouse has been lovingly restored and the rooms, designed with natural materials, have a private bathroom with shower as well as a hairdryer. The bungalows are built on and into the surrounding rocks and offer you peace and privacy. Relax by the pool amidst the beautiful garden scenery and enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant. You can end the evening in comfort at the bar.

Kalahari Anib Lodge****, Mariental, Namibia

Amid the red dunes of the Kalahari, Kalahari Anib Lodge appears like a green oasis. The green grounds stand out against the red sands of the Kalahari. The beautiful palm trees and acacias in the courtyard provide you with shade. From the swimming pool, you have a great view over the vastness of the Kalahari Desert.The comfortable rooms are located in bungalows and are all equipped with bath/shower and toilet.

River Crossing Lodge ***, Windhoek, Namibia

Located on a hill near Windhoek in the Auas Mountains, the lodge is built in the style of a farm. The modern rooms have TVs, a small fridge and balconies. Enjoy breakfast in the outdoor restaurant area with mesmerizing views of the surrounding rolling countryside. The outdoor pool also offers you beautiful views.

Duration of the trip: 21 days / 20 nights

Included

• Meet & Assist at the airport in Windhoek
• 20 nights in the above mentioned accommodations or similar:
  • 1 night at the Windhoek Country Club Resort**** with breakfast in a standard room in Windhoek.
  • 1 night at the Otjiwa Safari Lodge with breakfast and dinner in an elegant room in the Wilderness Area
  • 2 nights at the Mushara Lodge***+ with breakfast and dinner in a double room in Etosha National Park
  • 2 nights at the Etosha Safari Lodge**** with breakfast in a double room in Etosha National Park
  • 2 nights at the Damara Mopane Lodge with breakfast and dinner in a standard room in Twyfelfontein
  • 3 nights at the Swakopmund Guesthouse**** with breakfast in a deluxe room in Swakopmund
  • 2 nights at the Sossusvlei Lodge**** with breakfast and dinner in a superior room in Sossusvlei
  • 2 nights at the Klein Aus Vista*** with breakfast and dinner in a superior room in Namib-Naukluft Park
  • 2 nights at the Gondwana Collection Canyon Lodge*** with breakfast and dinner in a standard room in Fish River Canyon
  • 2 nights at the Kalahari Anib Lodge**** with breakfast in a Comfort room in Mariental
  • 1 night at the River Crossing Lodge*** with breakfast in a double room in Windhoek
• Meals according to the program
• 21 days of rental car - 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 following travel period: 01.07.21 - 31.10.21

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 - desert discovery tour including English-speaking local guide (half day)
• Swakopmund
  • Quad Bike Tour including helmet, goggles, gloves, fuel, transport and cool drinks (approx. 2 hours)
• Sossusvlei
  • Hot-air balloon ride including transfer, a champagne breakfast, park entrance fee, flight certificate (approx. 3 to 4 hours)

Not included

• International flights
• Taxes and fees of flights are subject to change
• Transfers
• Optional excursions (sightseeing, entrance fees, etc.)
• National park entrance fees
• Meals and beverages not mentioned in the scope of service
• Personal expenses, such as minibar and tips
• Travel protection
• PCR test, if still required
• Visa, entry and/or exit fees, if required

Services & Notes

• Please inform yourself on the website of your country’s foreign office about the entry requirements for minors in Namibia.