Namibia Self-Drive Safari
Day 1 – Windhoek
On your arrival into Windhoek, you will collect your hire car and head to the guesthouse for the night. Below are some examples of the things you will see along your journey and why a self-drive safari to Namibia is worth it.
Days 2, 3 and 4 – Etosha National Park
Head north out of Windhoek enroute to Etosha National Park, Namibia’s top wildlife destination and home to some incredible game viewing including leopard, lion, cheetah, elephant as well as black and white rhino. Etosha is a very easy park to explore on your own. The road network is well maintained, and the maps are easy to use. The best places to find the animals are at the main waterholes that are pumped. Here you will see large herds of springbok, oryx, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, elephant and if you are lucky lion and cheetah.
Days 5 and 6 – Damaraland
Today you leave Etosha and head west towards Damaraland. This is a vast expanse of open plains, mountain ranges, dry riverbeds, desert adapted wildlife and ancient bushmen paintings and rock engravings. Spend the day exploring Damaraland from Petrified Forest to Twyfelfontein’s ancient rack engravings. The area is rich in history and things to see and do and is easy to explore on your own.
Days 7 and 8 – Swakopmund
From Damaraland you continue west towards the coast and the town of Swakopmund. As you get closer to the ocean you will feel the temperature drop and may possibly come through thick ocean fog that is responsible for hydrating many of the animals and plants found in the desolate interior. Spend the day in Swakopmund and enjoy the “buzz” of town life on the coast of Namibia. From Swakopmund, you can explore nearby sand dunes that link the desert and beach, head north to a Cape Fur Seal colony or relax in town and enjoy the restaurants and shops.
Days 9 and 10 – Sossusvlei
Today you leave the coast and head back inland, heading towards the Sossusvlei. First you drive south along the coastal road to Walvisbay. Time permitting, it is worth a stop in Walvisbay to do a harbor boat tour. Depart early in the morning and head straight to Deadvlei, the main attraction at Sossusvlei. A large salt-vlei surrounded by towering red sand dunes and with eery petrified trees still standing. This is a very picturesque scene, so spend your time exploring, taking photos, and climbing the towering dunes. This afternoon, head to Dune 45 for sunset and watch as the sunsets over the red dunes of the Namib Desert.
Day 11 – Windhoek
From Sossusvlei head north back to Windhoek for the night. Return the car at the airport in time for your flight out