Family self-drive: Namibia's wonders from Windhoek to wildlife

Windhoek

Day 1: Touchdown in Windhoek

Welcome to wonderful Namibia! Arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport, where you'll be greeted by your tour guide's warm welcome. You'll be briefed on your itinerary, after which you'll head off to collect your rental car. Transfer to your accommodation for check-in, take a moment to relax, and if you have enough energy to burn following your travels, head on out to explore Windhoek's shops and historical sights. Overnight in Windhoek.

Windhoek - Kalahari

Day 2: Journey to the Kalahari Desert

Leaving the city behind, today you'll drive from Windhoek via Rehoboth to the Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve, a private reserve spread out across 18,000 hectares.

Once safely on its scenic grounds, check into your accommodation and embark on an afternoon drive to admire the sunset - a truly magical way to kick off your rural exploration of Namibia.

Enjoy an overnight stay in the Kalahari Desert, amidst a classic landscape of red dunes and grass-covered valleys - and keep your eyes peeled for the resident wildlife, which includes oryx, giraffes, springboks and zebras.

Kalahari - Sesriem

Day 3: Venture to the Namib Desert

Today, pack up and drive from the Kalahari Desert towards the Namib Desert, which offers more otherworldly landscapes for nature-lovers to enjoy. You'll travel across the Tsaris Pass towards the Namib-Naukluft National Park, located between the Atlantic Ocean coast and the edge of the Great Escarpment. Stop once you've reached Sesriem, your base for an overnight stay in the Namib Desert.

Sesriem

Day 4: Explore spectacular dunes & canyons

A day of outdoor exploration in the Namib Desert awaits! Wake up early to witness the stark beauty of the Sossusvlei dunes at sunrise, a truly magnificent sight and a bucket list-ticking experience for many.

You'll then continue on to the Sesriem Canyon to explore its rugged terrain. As you venture to the canyon floor, you'll have the chance to enjoy some respite from the desert heat. Return to your accommodation in Sesriem to relax for the rest of the day, ahead of an overnight stay.

Sesriem - Sossusvlei - Swakopmund

Day 5: Journey to the coast!

Pack your bags and hop back into your rental car to drive from Sossusvlei to Swakopmund via Solitaire  - a journey of around five hours, yet well worth it for the chance to soak up the surreal scenery as it rolls by. Cross the Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons along the way, and if you wish, opt to visit the lagoon of Walvis Bay to observe a striking display of flamingos, alongside many other bird species frolicking in the waters.

Arrive into Swakopmund to check into your accommodation and relax, soaking up the coastal breeze and laid-back atmosphere. If you have some energy after your travels, head out for a stroll along the jetty, venture to the Swakopmund Lighthouse, or visit the Mole area for some retail therapy.

Swakopmund

Day 6: A day at leisure in Swakopmund

Good morning, Swakopmund! Spend the day at your own pace, exploring the city and its German-influenced colonial architecture. You'll have the chance to take part in a selection of optional activities, from desert tours to boat trips - whether you'd rather be out at sea or on firm ground, you'll find the perfect experience for you.

As one of Namibia's most scenic coastal destinations, Swakopmund has plenty to please. If you don't fancy an outdoor adventure, why not hop across some of the city's most intriguing sights: visit Swakopmund Museum for a dose of local archaeology, zoology and more; settle down for lunch at a seafood restaurant near the jetty; visit the art gallery within the historical Woermannhaus; and sink your feet into soft sand on the beachfront.

Swakopmund - Twyfelfontein

Day 7: Take the scenic route to Twyfelfontein

Leaving Swakopmund behind, check out of your accommodation and drive along the west coast to your next port of call, Twyfelfontein. You've the option of taking a more scenic route (approximately one to two hours longer) via the Skeleton Coast, to witness this fantastic and eerie landscape where coastal sand dunes house the world's largest ship cemetary. As part of today's drive, you could also opt to visit the fur seal colony at Cape Cross, a must-do for wildlife lovers. Finally, you'll arrive into Twyfelfontein for an overnight stay.

Twyfelfontein - Palmwag - Sesfontein

Day 8: Explore ancient rock engravings

Today, immerse yourself in local history and wonder as you visit Twyfelfontein's ancient rock engravings, a UNESCO-listed attraction showcasing well-preserved depictions of animals, human figures and ritual practices, dating back at least 2,000 years.

Stop for lunch in Palmwag, and opt to visit a traditional Himba village to learn about their way of life and traditions. Come evening, you'll reach the settlement of Sesfontein and sit down for dinner - a feast of local specialties complete with traditional music. Overnight in Sesfontein.

Sesfontein - Hoanib Valley - Sesfontein

Day 9: See the wildlife of the Hoanib Valley

Today you'll set out on a day game drive, accompanied by a guide from your lodge accommodation. Traveling in an open off-road vehicle, you'll venture into the beautiful Hoanib Valley towards the Skeleton Coast. The valley is home to desert-adapted elephants and giraffes, as well as lions, baboons, springboks, oryx, antelope, jackals, and hyenas - so keep your eyes peeled and always have your camera at the ready for unforgettable moments! As well as hosting diverse wildlife, the Hoanib Valley offers a very impressive landscape of huge ana trees, gorges, dunes and desert.

After a day of outdoor pursuits, return to your accommodation in Sesfontein, to relax and spend the night. If you wish, you've the option to enjoy an exciting overnight guided camping experience - you won't need to have brought any equipment along, as this will be provided by the lodge.

Sesfontein - Etosha National Park

Day 10: Into the wilds of Etosha National Park

From Sesfontein, drive to Galton Gate on the western side of the Etosha National Park - the next stop on your exciting Namibia itinerary. A rightfully iconic destination, this sanctuary is home to a formidable array of wildlife, including four of Africa's Big Five, and is best enjoyed over several days.

Check into your lodge accommodation here and spend some time relaxing, as you soak up the photogenic surroundings. You can opt to set out on a sunset drive or night drive (dependent on your chosen accommodation), for a wonderful chance to see the park's nocturnal animals as they emerge for the evening.

Etosha National Park

Day 11: Explore the park's lesser-known areas

On today's game drive through Etosha National Park, you'll venture through its western part towards Okaukuejo village and the Anderson Gate area. Visit lesser-known watering holes and lookout points for unique wildlife-viewing opportunities, before taking a lunch break in one of the park's tranquil picnic areas. In the afternoon, continue your drive to witness animal activity during the hotter hours of the day. Return to your lodge for an overnight stay - depending on your preferences, you could choose to stay in a lodge either within or outside of the park grounds, near the Anderson Gate area.

Etosha National Park

Day 12: Early-morning wildlife encounters

Begin your day with a final game viewing in Etosha National Park, giving you the chance to experience the local wildlife in the early morning hours. Take some time afterwards to relax after your early start, then enjoy lunch al fresco, with the breathtaking landscape all around you. You've the rest of the day to spend at leisure, simply unwinding in this serene wildlife haven.

Etosha National Park - Okonjima

Day 13: Learn about local conservation efforts

After a few blissful days amidst the wildlife of Etosha, continue your journey on to Okonjima, home of the AfriCat Foundation - an organization dedicated to the protection and research of big cats such as cheetahs and leopards. Take part in a guided safari to observe and marvel at these big cats in their natural environment, and visit the AfriCat research center to learn more about the foundation's work to protect endangered species. Come evening, you've the option to take part in a night hike - an amazing opportunity to discover the resident nocturnal wildlife, and a great way to end your trip on a high note. Overnight in Okonjima.

Okonjima - Windhoek

Day 14: Goodbye, Namibia

Your final hours in Namibia have sadly arrived! After checking out of your accommodation, leave Okonjima behind and return to Windhoek. Optionally and if time allows, visit the buzzing craft market in Okahandja en route, before finally returning your rental car and transferring to the airport. Your onward flight awaits now - safe travels and come back soon!