Namibia self-drive: from desert dunes to thundering falls

Windhoek

Day 1: Welcome to Windhoek

You'll be touching down in Windhoek, your first port of call on a wonderful adventure! Capital of Namibia, it's fascinating to explore, whether you're marveling at its colonial architecture, taking a tour of its iconic Christuskirche and museums, or getting your first taste of local flavors for dinner.

After arriving into Hosea Kutako International Airport, pick up your retal car and self-transfer to your accommodation in the city. You'll have the opportunity to explore to your heart's content, before relaxing for the night ahead of a packed trip.

Windhoek - Mariental

Day 2: Journey into the Kalahari

Today, leave Windhoek behind and drive to the Kalahari Desert, taking moments of pause along the way to soak up a wealth of unique experiences. Make a photo stop amidst panoramas of sandy landscapes and acacias; spot antelopes, birds, and a rich variety of wildlife as you drive; and stop for dinner with sunset views across the desert landscape. As you journey into Namibia's heart, you'll feel as though you've found your own personal slice of paradise. Overnight near Mariental.

Mariental - Namib Desert - Sesriem

Day 3: The delights of the Namib Desert

Continue your journey by making tracks into the Namib Desert, with more scenic highlights along the way. The Namib itself is truly unforgettable, and an iconic part of any trip to Namibia: the world's most ancient desert, and the only coastal desert on Earth, its unique landscape is made up of mountains, sand dunes and gravel plains, and is home to a great variety of wildlife.

Arrive into Sesriem, a conveniently-located settlement for exploring the Namib. You'll have the afternoon free to spend at your leisure, perhaps with an excursion to the dunes of Sossusvlei. Overnight in Sesriem.

Sesriem - Sossusvlei - Sesriem

Day 4: The dunes of Sossusvlei

If you didn't get to yesterday, today will be your chance to marvel at the dunes of Sossusvlei - some of the highest in the world, which you'll definitely not want to miss while you're here.

Hike to Dead Vlei, a dry clay valley with surreal-looking dead trees, then take a lunch break in a shady picnic area in the middle of the desert. Kick back to admire the unique landscape that unfolds before you and observe the resident wildlife - you may encounter springbok, oryx, ostriches, and curious reptiles, amongst others. Overnight in Sesriem.

Sesriem - Namib Naukluft Park - Swakopmund

Day 5: Travel to the coast

Drive towards the Atlantic through the expansive and otherworldly reaches of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, eventually arriving into the coastal city of Swakopmund. There, take time to relax as you check into your accommodation, and spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the city's sights at your pace. Walk along the beachfront, perhaps, or visit the Night Market to feel the local buzz after dark. Overnight in Swakopmund.

Swakopmund - Walvis Bay - Swakopmund

Day 6: Explore the serene Walvis Bay

Today, you've the option of taking a boat trip on the spectacular Walvis Bay Lagoon, known for its rich bird life - particularly a large number of resident flamingos. You may even have the chance to spot dolphins as you cruise serenely across its waters.

Alternatively, choose to simply relax in Swakopmund: take time to explore its colonial features in depth, and get your fill of culture at the Swakopmund Museum and Kristall Galerie - home to the world's largest known quartz crystal cluster. Overnight in Swakopmund.

Swakopmund - Erongo Mountains - Omaruru

Day 7: Venture into the mountains

Leaving the coast behind, it's time to drive inland to the Erongo Mountains, known for their impressive granite formations and hiking trails. You'll make a stop in the charming town of Omaruru, famous for its art galleries and craft shops. Arrive at your accommodation and take the opportunity to relax after your travels, enjoying a quiet overnight stay in Omaruru.

Omaruru - Etosha National Park

Day 8: The wildlife wonders of Etosha National Park

Today, it's time for one of the highlights of your trip: your first trip into Etosha National Park, one of Africa's most famous game reserves! You'll stay in lodge-style accommodation nearby, and enjoy the wonderful opportunity to spot a rich array of wildlife on a game drive through the park - as far as classic Namibian experiences go, you could really do no better. Home to four of Africa's Big Five, the park also houses giraffes, meerkats, mongoose, cheetahs, caracals, and many more colorful creatures.

Etosha National Park

Day 9: Another day of adventures in Etosha

Take another day to further explore the depths of Etosha National Park, which sprawls out across more than 22,000 sq km. Spend your time wildlife-watching, snapping photos while out on game drives, and visiting various watering holes to observe the animals as they refresh themselves. Soak up this mesmerizing landscape before spending a second night's stay near the park grounds.

Etosha National Park

Day 10: Explore the park's lesser-known areas

Today, you'll get to drive to the eastern part of Etosha National Park, which is less busy and allows for more intimate game viewing experiences. Take the day to admire more of the park's fascinating wildlife, making epic discoveries and learning from your guide as you go. This is your last day in Etosha, so make the most of it! Overnight stay next to Etosha National Park.

Etosha National Park - Kavango River - Rundu

Day 11: Hit the road to Rundu

Leaving Etosha National Park behind, pack up your rental car and drive on towards Rundu, capital of the Kavango-East Region in northern Namibia. You'll travel through the cities of Tsumeb and Grootfontein en route, with opportunities for photo stops and time to observe the local flora and fauna along the way.

If you wish, astronomy enthusiasts could stop to visit the Hoba meteorite near Grootfontein, while nature lovers can take an optional boat trip on the Kavango River to experience the diversity of birds and riverside life. Overnight in Rundu.

Rundu - Mahango National Park - Divundu

Day 12: Rich wildlife encounters in Mahango

After a few days spent exploring Namibia's more iconic attractions, it's time to drive to the village of Divundu and visit Mahango National Park, one of Namibia's smaller yet beautifully diverse parks. Take a boat safari on the Kavango River that snakes through the park, with opportunities to spot hippos, crocodiles and waterfowl along the way - this is a scenic and tranquil way to soak up more of Namibia's natural splendor. Follow this up with a land safari through the park, observing even more stunning wildlife, before relaxing with a sunset cruise back on the Kavango River. Overnight in Divundu.

Divundu - Bwabwata National Park - Divundu

Day 13: A day exploring Buffalo National Park

From Divundu, drive out to visit to another striking yet lesser-known side of Namibia: Bwabwata National Park, otherwise known as Buffalo National Park. In this protected area, you've the possibility of taking guided hikes with experienced rangers to learn about the park's ecology, as well as observe more animals in their natural habitats. Return to Divundu afterwards, for a relaxing overnight stay.

Divundu - Kongola

Day 14: Relax & enjoy village living

Bidding farewell to Divundu, make tracks for the next stop on your itinerary, Kongola - a village on the banks of the picturesque Kwando River. After days of wildlife encounters and being on your feet, you've a chance to recharge your batteries and make like a local! Immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings and sample the delicious cuisine, taking time to unwind on an overnight stay either near Kongola or in Nkasa Rupara.

Kongola - Bwabwata National Park - Kongola

Day 15: Into the depths of Bwabwata

From your base, you'll set out today for a mesmerizing boat trip through the river delta in Bwabwata National Park - a great opportunity to explore the rich bird life and river landscape. Then, disembark to take a guided hike through selected areas of the park, for closer encounters with the resident fauna and spectacular flora. Return to your accommodation afterwards, for an overnight stay near Kongola surroundings or in Nkasa Rupara.

Kongola - Chobe National Park - Kasane

Day 16: Encounter elephants in Chobe National Park

After 15 days of falling for the sights and sounds of Namibia, you'll now get to enjoy a change of scenery as you journey across the border, to the town of Kasane in Botswana. From there, visit the famous Chobe National Park, known for its huge elephant population. Boat trips down the Chobe River are especially great for the unique wildlife-viewing opportunities they offer. Overnight in Kasane.

Kasane - Chobe National Park - Kasane

Day 17: Take a deeper dive into Chobe National Park

From your accommodation in Kasane, take more time to explore the expanse of Chobe National Park, where you'll enjoy a guided morning game drive - a great way to start the day off on the right foot. You could then take a guided bush walk led by an experienced ranger, following the trails of resident wildlife to learn about their every secret. Overnight in Kasane.

Kasane - Victoria Falls - Kasane

Day 18: The magnificent Victoria Falls

From Kasane, take a day trip to the majestic Victoria Falls, one of the most impressive natural wonders in the world! You'll be traveling from Botswana to Zimbabwe for this excursion, and don't worry - you'll join a safe shuttle service that ensures a stress-free experience.

Stand in awe as you take in the sheer power and beauty of the waterfalls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that simply must be witnessed up-close. A guided tour will help you make the most of your time, as you venture along to the best viewpoints. You'll return to Kasane afterwards, for another overnight stay.

Kasane

Day 19: Spend a free day at leisure

Today, you'll have some free time to further explore your surroundings. Opt to join an array of activities, such as helicopter adventures over the falls, boat trips on the Zambezi, or visits to local villages - however you want to spend the day, you'll have endless options to enjoy! It's your final full day on this magnificent trip, so fill it with everything you'd like to make it perfect. Overnight in Kasane.

Kasane - Victoria Falls Airport

Day 20: Time to say goodbye!

From your accommodation, it's time to transfer to Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe for your return flight home or onward journey to your next destination. Thank you for visiting Namibia, glimpsing some of the treasures of Botswana and Zimbabwe along the way - come back again soon!