Classic Namibia self-drive safari

After breakfast, you’ll set off from Windhoek and drive to Sesriem. The journey will take about half a day and take you through the red dunes at the feet of the Naukluft Mountains. You’ll notice how the landscape quickly changes around you, becoming dryer as you enter the desert. Arriving at your lodge, you may like to relax around the pool or enjoy a drink as the sun sets.

Today, we’d recommend exploring the Namib Desert's largest sand dunes. You may like to visit nearby Dune 45, Big Daddy dune and Deadvlei, where barren acacia trees rise from the orange sand and white salt pan. Alternatively, you could take a guided walk to see some of the area’s wildlife, watch the sunrise from a hot-air balloon, go quad biking or stargaze up into the dark sky.

Today you’ll drive through the desert to the picturesque coastal town of Swakopmund. Established by German colonists in 1892, European influence can still be seen today in German architecture, restaurants, and pubs. Today, it’s a popular resort town for locals and visitors alike. After checking into your guesthouse, you may like to explore on your own or visit the museum, shops, and galleries. We’ll share our recommendations for your evening meal and pre-book your reservation for a delicious dinner.

This morning, we’ve included a gentle kayaking trip to Pelican Point, offering the chance to see playful Cape fur seal colonies. Your guide will meet you this morning and drive you to the starting point, from where you’ll be shown your kayak. Taking to the water, there’s a chance you’ll see dolphins and sun fish in addition to around 300 seals. In the afternoon, you may like to go sandboarding or quad biking in the nearby dunes.

Today you’ll leave Swakopmund. If taking the coastal route, you may like to stop at the Cape Cross seal colony and visit a shipwreck at Durissa Bay, one of the many shipwrecks along the Skeleton Coast. Your drive to Damaraland will take you past mountains, open plains, dry river beds and even desert-adapted elephants if you’re lucky. We’d recommend heading up the many steps to the sundowner spot at Camp Kipwe to take in the sunset; the view more than makes up for the climb.

Today is yours to explore Damaraland independently. We’d recommend joining a guided safari drive to see desert-adapted animals in the morning. In the afternoon, you may like to visit the petrified forest or the ancient San rock art in nearby Twyfelfontein. With over 2,000 historic engravings, you’ll get a real insight into life over 6,000 years ago and how the landscape has changed over time.

You’ll head to Etosha National Park today, passing through canyons of reddish rock. After a journey of around half a day, you’ll arrive at the park gates and drive to your camp. We’d recommend keeping an eye out for giraffes, lions, springbok, and zebras along the way. Your camp is conveniently located next to a renowned waterhole, and it’s not unusual to see multiple species gathered around at one time.

Today you’ll have the opportunity to explore Etosha National Park further. Despite being one of Africa's largest national parks, Etosha is easy to navigate on your safari drives. Your camp’s staff can recommend the best places for sightings. You’ll be able to linger at different waterholes, where giraffes, zebras, and oryx gather to quench their thirst, or you may like to visit Etosha Pan, a large salt pan that’s visible from space.

Beginning your journey south, from Etosha, you’ll drive to Okonjima Nature Reserve in the Central Highlands. Okonjima is the home of the AfriCat Foundation, which is dedicated to protecting Namibia’s wildlife, particularly cheetahs and leopards.

Join Okonjima’s experienced guides on morning and afternoon safari drives to track the leopards in the reserve. They’ll start by introducing you to the AfriCat Foundation and the history of Ojonjima. Some of the leopards have been radio-collared for conservation purposes, and your guide will track the signals in the hope of finding the elusive cats. On the afternoon drive, you’ll stop at a safe spot and enjoy a drink of your choice as the sun goes down before returning to the main camp for dinner.

On your final day in Namibia, you’ll drive back to Windhoek, stopping for lunch along the way. Heading back to the airport, you’ll drop off your rental car in time for your international flight and journey home.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.