Introduction to Namibia – Self-drive – Exclusive

See the full digital itinerary with videos and a ton of photos here

This itinerary essentially follows the same route as our Classic tour, but with a higher standard of accommodation. You’ll start and finish in Windhoek, the country’s capital,  travel north to the legendary Etosha National Park for some wildlife spotting., then drive in the direction of the Skeleton Coast, before heading south to Swakopmund.

Finally, it’s time for the incredible dunes of the Namib desert and the chance to climb “Big Daddy”…

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Day 1

Upon arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport, our representative will meet you at arrivals and transfer you to your accommodation for the night.

Windhoek Gardens Boutique Hotel is located 5 minutes away from the centre of Windhoek, making it a perfect mix of convenience and practicality.

You can explore Windhoek in the afternoon and evening, enjoying a meal at one of the city’s many excellent restaurants – or simply relax at the hotel.

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Day 2

Driving Distance: 267.44km                      Approximate Travel Time: 3:00 hours

You travel north, and can stop at small towns along the way including Okahandja, where you can visit Namibia’s largest wood carving market.  The market is operated on a local co-operative basis and is one of the best places to shop for truly Namibian souvenirs.  Continuing north, passing through farmland, aim to arrive at Okonjima during the middle afternoon, giving you time to relax for a while before heading out on to the property to take part in the afternoon’s optional activity.

Okonjima is the home of the Africat Foundation, a specialist conservation concern that centres its operations on the African Big Cats, particularly cheetah.  This afternoon you will be taken on a tour during which you will be able to meet, close-up-and-personal, some of the cheetah that are going through the Africat rehabilitation programme.

Most of the animals currently living at Okonjima have been rescued from various desperate situations, being orphaned or caught in a trap, and the aim of the rehabilitation process is to attempt to re-introduce them into the wild.

After the educational tour you return to camp for dinner.

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Day 3

Driving Distance: 355.56km                     Approximate Travel Time: 4:05 hours

An early start and continuing north you pass through some small towns, where you can stop for a break if you wish.

Continuing on to East Etosha and Onguma Game Reserve, aim to arrive in time for lunch, giving you time to relax before heading into the Reserve during the cool of the late afternoon for our first game drive.

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Day 4

Optional:  morning and afternoon game drives into Etosha National Park with the Lodge.  Onguma sunset drive on own Reserve.

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Day 5

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Day 6

Driving Distance: 304.80km                     Approximate Travel Time: 4:50 hours

Today you head into one of the most beautiful desert regions in Namibia, Damaraland.  You can visit the ancient Bushman rock engravings at Twyfelfontein before arriving at the spectacular Country Lodge.

Optional:  Petrified Forest on route to Lodge.  Damara Living Museum, Organ pipes, burnt mountain and Twyfelfontein rock engraving site

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Day 7

Driving Distance: 331.93km                     Approximate Travel Time: 4:30 hours

From here you head deeper into the desert and pass Namibia’s highest mountain, The Brandberg, (2573 m) and more beautiful Damaraland scenery.  We recommend a stop in the small town of Uis, an old mining town, and one of the best places to buy semi-precious stones, for which Namibia is famous.  Here, rough Amethyst, Tourmaline etc can be found at bargain prices.

From here you turn directly west and cross the gravel plains on your way to the Atlantic Ocean and the Skeleton Coast.  Meeting the ocean at HentiesBay, you can first head north along the coast to visit the seal colony at CapeCross.  At certain times of the year as many as 100,000 CapeFur seals congregate.

The next destination is Swakopmund, following the Skeleton Coast into Namibia’s premier seaside town.  You should aim to arrive in the late afternoon giving you time to explore the town on foot before sunset.

Tonight you can take the chance to sample one of the excellent restaurants.  The seafood in Swakopmund is superb.

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Day 8

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Day 9

Driving Distance: 357.46km                     Approximate Travel Time: 4:40 hours

Your first stop is at Walvis Bay, situated about 40 km south of Swakopmund.  South of the town there is a large marine lagoon which is home to a vast array of marine bird-life, in particular flamingos.

You can make a short visit to the lagoon to see the birds and a short visit to Walvis Bay if you need anything for the long drive. Then it’s time to head out into the desert.  The second part of your journey today takes you across more of the seemingly endless Namib gravel plains.  Then the landscape suddenly changes and you are into the mountain desert.

You traverse both the Kuiseb and Gaub passes, driving both times to the river beds at the bottom of the canyons and then climbing the long steep road to the top and the spectacular panoramas the mountains give you.  Again the scenery changes as you make your way down to the dune fields. You cross some open grass savannah and farmlands before the terrain begins to give way to the immense red sand dune desert of the Namib and from here it is only a short distance to your next stop, Desert Homestead Lodge.

Aim to arrive during the late afternoon and watch the colours glow and change on the distant mountains to the east.

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Day 10

Optional:  Guided Sossusvlei drive with the Lodge;  afternoon nature drive.

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Day 11

Driving Distance: 307.28km                     Approximate Travel Time: 4:00 hours

After breakfast you begin our journey over the mountains and along scenic roads, back to Windhoek.  Stop at Solitaire to stretch your legs then proceed back to Windhoek via the Khomas Hochland Mountain range back to civilization.

Return your hire car and we transfer you back to your accommodation. Spend your last afternoon and evening in Namibia in the capital and overnight at your hotel in Windhoek.

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Day 12

Included

Included:

Accommodation as stated

Meals as stated

Vehicle

Includes for vehicles on SEC cover
Unlimited kilometres

2 Drivers

Collision damage waiver

Theft loss waiver

VAT

Where applicable camping equipment

Super Excess Cover (SEC) includes glass and tyre damages. If an accident occurs and it is not caused by the renter, the excess will be Zero.

Excluded

Excluded:

Meals other than specified

Additional activities

Entrance fees to National parks

Fuel

Alcoholic beverages

Soft drinks & bottled water

Personal travel insurance and items of a personal nature

International flights

Airport taxes

Excludes for vehicle

Blocked deposit of N$2000.00.
Rates exclude: Fuel, tyre, lights, windscreen and damages.  Delivery and collection fee.  Additional driver (3rd+) fees (20.00 N$ per day per person).  Over border permit fees of 500.00 N$ per country.  Excess options.  Handling Fee of 450.00 N$ for damages.  Traffic tickets. 50.00 N$ contract fee (stamp duty) Contract Fee.  Water and under carriage damage.  Tow in charges where damage was caused by negligent driving.  Roof or Body damages not caused by accident/collision.

General: Rentals are subject to the standard rental conditions as described on the current brochure and rental agreement. Driver minimum age is 23 and maximum age is 70 years. Only accept driving licenses in English or international driving licenses. The Renter must have a valid credit card for the excess deposit. (Visa or Master Card only).  Early returns are not refundable. Rental charges are calculated from the time the vehicle reserved. Late collections are not credited. Night driving outside of towns is not allowed.

Should an accident however occur, where no other vehicle or animal is involved, the excess will be payable by the renter. Every damage caused by the renter is payable up to the excess amount. Car accessories and camping equipment are not insured.  If vehicle is damaged due to negligence, the full damage value is payable. Replacement vehicle: In case of an accident the renter has to sign a new contract, new excess, has to pay the rent for the remaining days and the tow in costs. The security of the excess chosen is required by credit card on collection of the vehicle. Insurance conditions and excesses may be changed without prior notice.