Classic Namibia Safari: An Epic 16-Day Self-Drive Adventure

Overview Set out on a 16-day journey through Namibia’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife havens on this Classic Namibia Safari. Designed as a self-drive experience, this adventure invites you to traverse everything from bustling Windhoek to the stark, stunning beauty of the Namib Desert and remote areas of Damaraland, before concluding in Windhoek for your departure. With both luxury and standard accommodation options available, you can tailor the experience to suit your style.

Tour Itinerary & Highlights

Day 1 – Windhoek Your adventure begins in Windhoek, Namibia’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival, a rental agent will guide you through the car rental process and help you settle in. Later, collect your detailed travel documents and map from our team. Take the rest of the day to relax, then head into town for a dinner at a local favorite like Joe’s Beerhouse.

Accommodations:

• Luxury: The Weinberg Windhoek

• Standard: The Elegant Guesthouse

Days 2 & 3 – Sossusvlei Next, drive south into the heart of the Namib Desert—a journey that lasts about 5-6 hours with plenty of scenic stops. As the landscape transforms from ochre sands to the world’s oldest desert, choose a route that takes you along the Remhoogte or Spreetshoogte Pass, and enjoy a brief refreshment stop at Solitaire. Arriving in Sossusvlei, prepare for early morning excursions among the towering dunes, Dead Vlei, and otherworldly vistas that define this landscape.

Accommodations:

• Luxury: Namib Outpost

• Standard: Desert Quiver Camp

Days 4 & 5 – Swakopmund Traveling from the desert to the coast, you’ll reach the charming town of Swakopmund, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and rugged dunes. During this five-hour drive, keep an eye out for Hartmann’s mountain zebras and ostriches, and don’t miss another visit to Solitaire for some home-baked delights. Once in Swakopmund, explore the town’s vibrant shops, local restaurants, and sandy beaches. A visit to the nearby Walvis Bay Lagoon—an important RAMSAR wetland—is a must for spotting flamingos and pelicans, and you can also enjoy an array of desert and ocean-based activities.

Accommodations:

• Luxury: Strand Hotel

• Standard: Swakopmund Luxury Suites

Day 6 – Damaraland Begin your inland journey into the rugged terrain of Damaraland—a region famed for its dramatic rock formations, vast plains, and dry riverbeds. Your drive along the Skeleton Coast includes a stop at Cape Cross, where you can observe the world’s largest breeding colony of Cape fur seals. Explore features like the lichen fields, salt pans, and even a glimpse of Brandberg Mountain. In Damaraland, join game drives in search of desert-adapted elephants, black rhinos, and giraffes. Make sure to visit the ancient rock engravings at Twyfelfontein and the Damara Living Museum, and consider booking a guided elephant-tracking tour for a closer encounter with wildlife.

Accommodations:

• Luxury: Mowani Mountain Camp

• Standard: Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp

Days 7 & 8 – Remote Damaraland Push further north into the remote regions of Damaraland, such as the breathtaking Palmwag Concession. Over these two nights, your journey deep into the wild is accentuated by dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife. Enjoy guided game drives, scenic excursions, and relaxing sundowners, and explore on foot along designated hiking trails—all fully integrated into your stay at Desert Rhino Camp.

Accommodations:

• Luxury: Hoanib Valley Camp

• Standard: Palmwag Lodge

Day 9 – Kaokoland Venture into the remote region of Kaokoland, where the scenery shifts to rocky outcrops and expansive plains. As you travel north, take a break at Sesfontein and continue via Joubert Pass. Here, the highlight is meeting the Himba people—a chance to learn about their ancient customs and way of life. Enhance your visit by booking a Himba Village tour led by knowledgeable local guides.

Accommodations:

• Luxury & Standard: Opuwo Country Hotel

Day 10 – Etosha National Park – WestHead south into the western reaches of Etosha National Park, a lesser-explored section known for its broad grassy plains and excellent wildlife encounters. On your drive, keep your camera ready for spontaneous wildlife sightings. Once there, embark on an afternoon or evening game drive to capture the park’s distinctive beauty and diverse fauna.

Accommodations:

• Luxury: Safarihoek Lodge

• Standard: Hobatere Lodge

Days 11 & 12 – Etosha National Park – South Spend two immersive days in Etosha’s southern regions where wildlife abounds. Enjoy additional game drives, with each waterhole presenting unique opportunities for sightings and photography. This part of the park is ideal for those wanting to see Namibia’s wildlife up close as they congregate around water sources during the cooler parts of the day.

Days 13 & 14 – Etosha National Park – East Continue your exploration of Etosha as you venture to its eastern areas. Here, the park’s varied habitats host a different spectrum of animal life. Whether it’s spotting a lioness with her cubs along a gravel road or watching elephants and zebras mingle at busy waterholes, each day promises new wildlife encounters and stunning photographic moments.

Day 15 – Central Namibia Travel into the heart of Central Namibia, where vast open plains meet distant mountain ranges. This day offers a reflective pause in your journey—a chance to take in the endless red dunes and sweeping landscapes that have become synonymous with Namibia’s allure.

Day 16 – Windhoek (Departure) Conclude your safari by returning to Windhoek, where you can enjoy a final taste of Namibian culture before your departure. Depending on your schedule, relax with a leisurely morning and prepare for a smooth transfer to the airport.

Tour Highlights

• Climb Dune 45 or Big Daddy to admire panoramic views of Dead Vlei and a boundless sea of sand.

• Experience Swakopmund, where the dunes meet the sea at Namibia’s premier activity centre.

• Discover ancient wonders at Twyfelfontein, Burnt Mountain, and the Organ Pipes.

• Engage with the authentic culture of the Himba tribes.

• Traverse Etosha National Park from its western grassy plains to the eastern waterholes for outstanding game viewing.

• Visit the AfriCat Foundation for an enclosure drive or a trekking game experience on Namibia's oldest game farm.

• Witness the Namib Desert’s endless red dunes, capturing the essence of vast, open landscapes and distant mountains.

• Encounter wildlife such as rhinos, elephants, and lionesses in their natural habitats, creating unforgettable moments at sunset and around busy waterholes.

Included & Excluded ItemsYour tour package covers a comprehensive array of inclusions, such as accommodations, vehicle hire, and 24/7 in-country support, along with a detailed travel diary featuring maps, itineraries, and booking vouchers. Exclusions typically involve international flights, specific meal details (which vary by lodge), personal travel insurance, visa arrangements, fuel, optional extra activities, and park entry fees.

Pricing (2025)Pricing is based on per person sharing rates, with quotes available in South African Rands (ZAR) for Namibia and South Africa, and US Dollars (USD) for Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Options vary between Luxury, Standard, and Camping, with different rates for low and high seasons. For detailed pricing information based on your party size and travel dates, please consult our pricing guide or contact us directly.

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