Namibia self-drive adventure & hiking trails

Windhoek

Day 1: Welcome to Windhoek

Welcome to Windhoek! On arrival at the airport, you will be met by a representative for your transfer into the city. Following a vehicle handover, make your way to your accommodation for the evening, and enjoy dinner at one of Windhoek's popular restaurants. Be sure to get a good night's rest, as tomorrow you'll be taking on the long road to the desert!

Windhoek - Namib Rand Nature Reserve

Day 2: Venture across desert sands

From Windhoek, depart for the NamibRand Nature Reserve, one of the largest privately-owned game parks in southern Africa, which spans a whopping 172,200 hectares and encompasses four distinct ecosystems. Here you'll encounter the dunes of the Namib Desert, alongside rocky outcrops, mountains, gravel plains and sandy flats, which myriad wildlife call home - from jackals and hyenas to antelopes and colorful bird species.

You'll arrive at the Tok Tokkie Trails base by 2pm, to be welcomed with refreshments. Your luggage will be transferred to your overnight camp as you visit the Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust, then set out down immersive trails. Make your way across rolling sand dunes, feeling at one with the desert's unique beauty, before reaching your camp to unwind with a sundowner. If you're lucky, you'll get to marvel at a clear starry night sky come nighttime.

Namib Rand Nature Reserve

Day 3: The wonders of the Namib Desert

Early this morning, wake up to a hot drink and light brakfast before heading out for a desert walk. Soak up breathtaking views of the dunes and plains, letting your senses come alive amidst the oldest living desert in the world. Walk over a mountain saddle and descend gently to a dry riverbed, as your guide explains the wonders of the Namib to you - how the desert flora survives, how insect and reptile life adapts to the harsh environment, and more.

Stop in a shady spot for lunch, before starting back up and heading to your second overnight spot, where a sundowner and delicious dinner await. The endless sea of dunes unfolding before your eyes will be truly mesmerizing, as you spend the night on a stretcher bed under the open sky!

Namib Rand Nature Reserve - Sossusvlei

Day 4: Journey to Sossusvlei

Waking to the soft early morning light, you will once again fuel up with a hot drink and breakfast before heading out through the dune field. The soft and rolling dunes are interspersed by camel thorn trees, which provide welcome shade for a rest. Today’s walk is easy and you'll arrive back at approximately 11.30am, ready to pack your bags and set off for your accommodation in Sossusvlei.

A truly humbling place, your homestead lodge is sheltered by surrounding mountains and overlooks the distant dunes of the Namib Desert in the west. Stylish thatched chalets make for a cozy night's rest, and have been designed in-keeping with the natural surroundings. The farm-fresh flavors served at mealtimes, the outdoor pool, and the tranquil atmosphere will make you wish you never had to leave this sanctuary.

Sossusvlei

Day 5: Feel the magic of Sossusvlei

You'll have a full day to spend getting to know the magic of the Sossusvlei salt pan! Wake up early for a quick bite and hot drink, then make your way into the park grounds to explore all the sights: Dead Vlei, the Big Daddy Dune, and the Sesriem Canyon. In the afternoon, you've the option of setting out on a sundowner drive to soak up the views as the day comes to a close.

Sossusvlei - Swakopmund

Day 6: Head to the coast!

Early in the morning, leave Sossusvlei behind as you make your way to the cooler climes of the Namibian coast. Along the way, don't miss the otherworldly Moon Landscape and Welwitschia Plains.

Part of the Skeleton Coast, Swakopmund makes a great base to kick back and relax. Known for its colonial architecture, wide open avenues, laid-back vibe and surrounding desert terrain, this seaside resort town offers a unique mix of Namibian and German influences for you to explore. Enjoy dinner at one of the top-tier restaurants overlooking the turbulent Atlantic Ocean, before settling down for the night at your accommodation.

Swakopmund

Day 7: At leisure in Swakopmund

Spend a full day at leisure in Swakopmund, carving out your own itinerary or perhaps enjoying the many organized activities on offer locally. In this town where dunes meet the sea, you'll have endless opportunities for fun adventures.

Swakopmund - Twyfelfontein

Day 8: A very special stay in Twyfelfontein

Leaving Swakopmund behind, it's on to the Twyfelfontein area in Damaraland. Today's drive takes you through the Skeleton Coast National Park, and while this will lengthen the overall journey time, the entrancing views will be well worth it. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the sights of Twyfelfontein, including a visit to the Damara Living Museum, before unwinding at your lodge accommodation.

Nestled amidst the rolling boulders of a granite outcrop, your lodge camp is just a 10-minute drive from the Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings and within walking distance from the Huab River Valley. Your furnished tent comes with a solar-heated hot shower, basin and toilet, a shaded terrace with chairs, and two beds. The views from this accommodation are unparalleled - a wonderful invitation to relax amidst the surreal valley landscape.

Twyfelfontein - Palmwag Concession

Day 9: Explore the Palmwag Concession's remote landscape

Spend the morning at leisure, enjoying your incredible surroundings before traveling on to Palmwag Lodge, on the Uniab River within the Palmwag Concession nature reserve. Hand your luggage over to a driver, who will safely deliver it as you simultaneously embark on a two- to three-hour walk to your first overnight campsite. The scenery on the way is incredible - look out onto pristine rocky plains set against the Namibian sky, and keep your eyes peeled for bird life at all moments.

Set in the foothills of the Grootberg Massif, your campsite offers an authentic and exhilarating experience in nature. Surrounded by remote and untouched landscapes, you'll sleep under the stars and enjoy wholesome meals, cooked and eaten around an open fire.

Palmwag Concession

Day 10: Journey to Crystal Mountain

After a night under the stars, wake to the sounds and smells of the wilderness, and enjoy a full cooked breakfast before starting your walk to Hill Camp. The six- to seven-hour route is spectacular and your guide will be on hand to share all about the local area, wildlife and history. Stop for refreshments before eventually reaching your destination in the early afternoon, where you'll enjoy late lunch and a siesta.

Hill Camp is situated at the top of Crystal Mountain, surrounded by abundant crystals and rock formations. In the afternoon, take a short sundowner walk around the plateau, before a simple yet delicious dinner around the fire. Finally, settle down beneath the stars on your sleeping platform, perched on the edge of the mountain.

Palmwag Concession - Etosha National Park

Day 11: Journey to Etosha National Park

Today, enjoy a short morning walk or transfer straight down to the Etendeka Mountain Camp, for a scenic drive back to Palmwag Lodge. The next leg of today's journey takes you to the grounds of Etosha National Park, where a few days of wildlife-rich experiences await! Enjoy self-drive game drives inside the park or optional lodge activities, or simply unwind at your accommodation, situated only 2km from the Andersson entrance gate to Etosha National Park.

Etosha National Park

Day 12: The delightful wilds of Etosha East

Today, you'll make your way to the park's eastern side, a protected sanctuary with vast open plains and semi-arid savannah grasslands, dotted with watering holes and secluded bush camps.

This outing could take all day, as it will serve as a full-day game drive: travel slowly through the park, stopping at numerous waterholes along the way, to observe abundant wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, lions, black rhinos, and a rich variety of bird life including flamingos and ostriches. Later on, why not join an optional sundowner drive back at the lodge, to end the day on a high note.

Etosha National Park

Day 13: Another day of wildlife-watching

You'll spend another day dedicated to amazing wildlife-viewing opportunities: set out on a morning, afternoon, or full-day self-drive game drive in the park, or for extra comfort and ease, opt for a guided drive in an open 4x4 vehicle (additional charge).

Etosha National Park - Okonjima Nature Reserve

Day 14: Into the Okonjima Nature Reserve

Leaving Etosha National Park behind, make your way to Central Namibia to visit the AfriCat Foundation, amidst the secluded wilderness of the Okonjima Nature Reserve.

It's then on to your accommodation, the Okonjima Plains Camp, for check-in; there, you could partake in a selection of activities, with incredible options that include guided bush walks and game drives in search of elusive leopards, or simply unwind at the campsite after your journey. It's your last full day in Namibia, so spend it exactly as you wish!

Okonjima Nature Reserve - Windhoek

Day 15: Goodbye, Namibia

Today marks the end of your Namibian adventure: after breakfast, make your way back to Windhoek, where you'll drop off your rental car and transfer to the airport in time for your flight back home.