Namibia Self-Drive – 12 days

After breakfast leave Windhoek and drive north to your first destination, Okonjima Game Reserve in the Otjozondjupa Region. Okonjima is nestled among the “Omboroko Mountains” and roughly translated means “Place of the baboons”. In the afternoon you have the option to visit the Cheetah Project and learn more about these endangered animals.

Today you will travel to Namibia’s well-known Highlight of the North – Etosha National Park. Your accommodation is just outside Etosha Park. You will be able to embark on optional game drives through the park hopefully spotting a variety of wildlife during your stay. The resorts also offer fabulous floodlit waterholes, which provide excellent game viewing at night.

This morning bid farewell to the wild animals of Etosha and head to Kamanjab where you have the opportunity to visit a local Himba village to find out more about their traditions and lifestyle. Experience the milking ceremony and the smoke bath, and learn about their beliefs surrounding the holy fire, their ancestors and herbal medicine. Continue on to the town of Omaruru where you stay overnight. Once a mission station, the settlement has great historic significance and has evolved into an artistic hub for local crafts and small industries.

After breakfast, continue to Spitzkoppe – an iconic group of curved, granite mountains with vivid colours. We suggest taking a walk amongst the boulders to view the ancient Bushmen paintings and engravings. After this, continue south west from the dry interior of Namibia to the charming coastal town of Swakopmund. Here you will have the opportunity to partake in the many optional activities on offer. Alternatively, just soak up the atmosphere of this quaint German town and enjoy its beauty and beaches. In the evening, perhaps enjoy a typical Namibian meal in one of the many restaurants (own expense).

An early morning start takes you from Swakopmund south through Walvis Bay on your way to the Namib Naukluft National Park. On the way there why not make a stop at the small settlement of Solitaire where you will have a chance to sample their world renowned Apple Crumble. That evening you have the opportunity to embark on a wild cat walk at the lodge. The next morning it is advisable to wake up early in order to visit the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. We also recommend a stop to view the Sesriem Canyon, which was carved millions of years ago by the Tsauchab River.

Today you leave the desert behind you and travel back to Windhoek, through the beautiful countryside. Once you arrive the rest of the afternoon can be spent at leisure, and dinner can be enjoyed in one of the many fabulous restaurants in the city.

This morning after breakfast, drive to Windhoek International Airport to drop off your hire car in time for your departure flight.