Namibia, Wildlife Tours

The Complete Namibia Self-Drive Adventure

Scroll
Tailor-Made Tour
13 Days
From 1773
Big Cat Safari
Culture and Archaeology
Self Drive

Tour Introduction

13 Days from  1773 per adult.

For those with a sense of adventure, this excellent self-drive itinerary of outstanding value and breadth takes the intrepid traveller to many highlights of Namibia, including those in the less visited far south at Fish River Canyon (Africa’s largest canyon), Aus and Lüderitz. A road trip for those who enjoy the adventure of the journey as much as the journey’s end, the tour involves driving through magnificent and ever-changing scenery in remote regions of Namibia, providing a priceless experience in Namibia at a very affordable price.

Full Itinerary

Price from  1773 per adult. Based on sharing double / twin rooms
Day 1
Arrive Windhoek

Arrive Windhoek, met on arrival and transfer to the centre of Windhoek. There will be a briefing and information given before the hire car is delivered.

Staying at Rivendell Guesthouse. Includes Breakfast.

Day 2
Etosha National Park

Drive north for a visit to the Africat large predator rehabilitation centre. After lunch, continue through Otjiwarongo and Otavi to eastern Etosha National Park. Take a self-drive safari in Etosha if time allows, or simply relax in the lovely surroundings at the lodge.

Staying at Mushara Bush Camp. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 3
Etosha National Park

Today, take a leisurely drive westwards through Etosha National Park, game viewing as you go. Arrive at Okaukeujo. Optional night time safari for nocturnal animals in an open safari vehicle or simply enjoy animals coming to you at the camp's famous waterhole. The waterhole attracts many thirsty antelopes and elephants during the day and at night black rhino and lion are frequent visitors.

Staying at Okaukuejo. Includes Breakfast.

Day 4
Damaraland

Drive through the dramatic and vast landscape scenery to Damaraland. It is possible to visit the Petrified Forest en route and/or the Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings (World Heritage Site), Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes.

Staying at Vingerklip Lodge. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 5
Swakopmund

Continue south from mountainous Damaraland to the gravel plains, dunes and coast at Swakopmund. There will be time to explore this quirky seaside town and arrange the next day’s activities. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Staying at Cornerstone Guesthouse. Includes Breakfast.

Day 6
Swakopmund

Day at leisure in Swakopmund. Optional excursions include kayaking or a luxury catamaran cruise from Walvis Bay in search of dolphins, seals and other marine wildlife, a Living Desert Tour, a scenic flight over the extraordinary Namib Dune Sea and coast with shipwrecks and abandoned diamond mines (highly recommended), adventure activities, museum and more.

Staying at Cornerstone Guesthouse. Includes Breakfast.

Day 7
Namib Desert

Today takes you on a drive past the towering dunes of the Namib Desert to your lodge near Sesriem and Sossusvlei.

Staying at Agama River Camp. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 8
Namib-Naukluft National Park

Self-drive to Sesriem and into the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Take a stunning walk (or optional shuttle) to Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. These two natural clay pans offer sensational natural wonders with outstanding photographic opportunities. The moon-like landscape includes sand dunes over 300 metres high and 500 year-old dead trees in the pans. Return to Sesriem and visit the Sesriem Canyon.

Staying at Agama River Camp. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 9
Aus

Now head to the spectacular far southern region of Namibia. Arrive at your lodge near the small town of Aus. Take a self-guided walk or optional nature drive to see the famous Garub wild horses. Perhaps visit the worthwhile information centre in Aus to learn about the fascinating human and natural history of the area.

Staying at Klein Aus - Desert Horse Inn. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 10
Luderitz

A relatively short drive takes you to Luderitz for an optional boat cruise or drive to Diaz Point for birding. Visit the ghost town of Kolmaskop with an optional tour of the buildings of this abandoned diamond-mining town, gradually being consumed by the Namib Desert. Return to Klein Aus.

Staying at Klein Aus - Desert Horse Inn. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 11
Fish River Canyon

Head further south along the Fish River Canyon. The canyon is 160 km long, 27 km wide and over 500 metres in depth making it the largest canyon in Africa and the second biggest in the world. Visit the Hobas viewpoints and take a short walk along the canyon edge for a breath-taking sunset.

Staying at Canyon Roadhouse. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 12
Kalahari Desert

Make your way north to Keetmanshoop and Mariental, Strampriet and your next lodge in the Kalahari Desert. Relax and celebrate your last night in Namibia, or join a scenic drive in Gondwana Kalahari Park.

Staying at Kalahari Farmhouse. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 13
Depart Windhoek

End your road trip back in Windhoek. Return the hire car and connect with your international flight home.

Includes In-flight Meals.

Tour Accommodation

Namibia Windhoek

Rivendell Guesthouse

Overview

Rivendell Guest House is a small welcoming bed and breakfast a short walk from Windhoek’s city centre. It makes a good-value, convenient stopover on your way in and out of Namibia.

The attractive, friendly guesthouse is located in a safe district and has off road parking, a security guard and is gated at night. The rooms are simply furnished but clean and comfortable and most have private attached bathrooms. Some rooms have air-conditioning and tea and coffee making facilities but all have ceiling fans and mosquito nets.

Rivendell has an attractive garden with many cacti, and a swimming pool to enjoy as well as communal lounge with a digital satellite TV. WiFi is available in the communal areas and a laundry service is available on request. The guesthouse staff have excellent local knowledge and will be delighted to assist you with any requests.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
10
Facilities

Some private bathrooms, ceiling fans, mosquito nets, lounge, satellite TV, swimming pool, off-road parking, Wi-Fi and laundry service.

Optional Activities

City tours of Windhoek and excursions to areas further afield.

Namibia Northern Namibia

The Mushara Collection

Overview

Situated between 8km and 10 km from the eastern Von Lindequist entrance to the world famous Etosha National Park, the impressive and varied Mushara collection of privately owned properties includes Mushara Outpost, Mushara Lodge, Mushara Villa and Mushara Bushcamp.

The mid-range Mushara Lodge is perfect for an overnight stop once you have arrived from the south of Etosha. The main area has a library, lounge, bar and restaurant, and there are 10 spacious chalets, one family unit, and a triple and two single rooms. One particular feature is the large swimming pool surrounded by gardens often grazed by passing warthogs.

Resembling an old farmhouse, the attractive Mushara Outpost’s open main building houses the dining room, lounge and bar and has a wraparound verandah, and an outside fire site with seating for sundowners. The accommodation is built on stilts and constructed like a traditional safari-style tent – light and airy with comfortable beds mounted off the floor on wooden decking. All of the tents have private bathrooms and glass fitted hot water showers, air-conditioning, mini-bar, safe, tea and coffee facilities and telephone: electricity power points are also available.

Villa Mushara is the choice for those seeking privacy. The two exclusive 140 square metre villas have a/c, private plunge pools and outdoor covered salas with day beds affording views of the bush. Each villa has a lounge area, small library and music system, and meals can be taken in your villa for maximum privacy.

Mushara Bushcamp is the Collection’s budget offering, particularly suitable for families. It can accommodate 32 adults and 8 children in tented rooms, and the main building is thatched with a true bush camp feel to it.

Mushara makes a good base from which to explore the eastern side of Etosha National Park. or for an overnight stopover after a day spent traversing the park and before heading off to your next location.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
Yes
Facilities

The Bush Camp has dining room, lounge, bar, verandah, air-conditioning, mosquito nets, mini-bar, safety deposit box, tea and coffee-making facilities, telephones and private bathrooms. The Villas have plunge pools and open air salas with daybeds. The Outpost has tented rooms built above the ground on stilts next to the bush, and a charming main building. The Lodge's swimming pool is a strong feature and will appeal to families.

Local Wildlife

Etosha National Park is one of the greatest wildlife refuges in southern Africa. There are large concentrations of springbok, kudu, impala, gemsbok, giraffe, and elephant and there is still a reasonable population of black rhino and a smaller numbers of white rhinos. Lions and spotted hyenas are seen on most game drives and even hunting is occasionally seen. A total of 114 mammal species inhabit the park and there have 110 reptile species recorded too. The park is also superb for birding and several endemic species can be tracked down.

Optional Activities

Game drives and nature walks in Etosha National Park.

Namibia Northern Namibia

Okaukuejo Camp

Overview

Okaukuejo was the first tourist camp to open in the now world famous Etosha National Park and is famous for its floodlit waterhole where visitors can observe myriad wildlife congregating and interacting at close quarters.

There are 104 chalets at the government-run camp spread across six accommodation styles. The most luxurious accommodation is in five premier waterhole chalets that have a lounge, fridge and upstairs a large double bedroom with queen size beds, separate washbasins, private shower, wardrobe and patio with sun loungers. There are also 30 standard waterhole chalets with views of the waterhole but are smaller and lack the spacious living area. For families, there are two large self-catering chalets with room for four and a kitchenette and lounge.

Located a little further back from the main camp are twenty bush chalets that have a small living area, private bathroom and comfortable beds plus a BBQ facility. Also within the Camp are 45 double occupancy en suite rooms and two with disabled access.

There is a buffet restaurant, bar, fuelling station, curio shop, post office and viewing tower. The camp also offers two large swimming pools and a separate, shallow children’s pool.

The camp was originally established by the military in 1901 and is located just 17 km from the Andersson’s entrance to the Etosha National Park. Game drives and nature walks are available and at night the shy and endangered black rhino regularly visits the waterhole. This is actually one of the most reliable places in Africa to watch black rhinos as they are well protected in Etosha and have few other options for drinking in the immediate area.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
Yes
Rooms
104
Facilities

Private bathrooms, restaurant, lounge, bar, swimming pool, curio shop, food shop, post office, viewing tower, fuel station, BBQ facility, air-conditioning, fridge and tea and coffee facilities.

Namibia Swakopmund

Cornerstone Guesthouse

Overview

Just a short walk from the sea and Swakopmund’s town centre is this small, private bed and breakfast guesthouse. Occupying a quiet corner of Swakopmund’s ‘old town’ near the marine museum and the old brewery, Cornerstone Guesthouse offers the charm and intimacy of a family-run bed and breakfast combined with some of the amenities of a luxury hotel.

Accommodation is in seven en suite rooms, of which five are double/twins and two are family rooms. All are spacious with smart décor and attractive tile and wood flooring, table and chairs and private modern bathrooms. Facilities include digital safes, flat screen satellite TVs, WiFi and minibars.

Within a few minutes you can walk to beaches, cafés, restaurants, lively pubs, Swakopmund tourist attractions and a variety of interesting shops and markets, making this an ideal and welcoming base.

The town resembles a small, German coastal resort, nestled between the desert and the sea, combining colonial architecture with good shops, restaurants, museums, craft centres, art galleries and cafés.

The owners of Cornerstone also rent out a three-bedroom, fully equipped self-catering apartment practically on the seafront and very close to the famous Tug restaurant. Well appointed and decorated in a modern nautical theme, the ground floor flat has a patio and small front garden with views out to sea and a secure garage behind electronic gates to the rear. If renting the apartment, guests are still welcome in the main guesthouse, a short walk away, for an inclusive breakfast each day.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
7
Facilities

Private bathrooms, digital safety deposit box, TV, mini-bar, laundry service, breakfast room and Wi-Fi Internet access.

Local Wildlife

A catamaran cruise in Walvis Bay gives the opportunity to see huge colonies of fur seals and white pelicans. The endemic Heavside’s dolphin and dusky and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are also often spotted on the cruise. Mola mola (sunfish) and leatherback turtles are less likely but also possible sightings.

Optional Activities

Catamaran trips in Walvis Bay, sightseeing tours of Swakopmund, inland tours across the dunes to Sandwich Harbour, Tommy's excellent and amusing Living Desert tour which seeks out smaller desert adapted fauna, and visits to historical sites.

Namibia Southern Namibia

Agama River Camp

Overview

The Agama River Camp is situated 32km from Solitaire and has just 10 bungalows within view of the rugged Naukluft Mountains.

Accommodation is in private air-conditioned bungalows decorated with warm African colours. They are equipped with a large living area, patio, private bathroom, two extra-large twin beds, a wall mounted desk, cupboard and a ceiling fan. Each bungalow also has rooftop access where another bed is available for those who wish to sleep under the stars.

The communal building at the lodge has a restaurant, well stocked bar, lounge and free Wi-Fi is available here. Outside is a terraced patio and swimming pool with sun loungers.

The lodge also provides a traditional camping ground with small safari tents and dining and bathroom facilities.

Activities at the lodge are undertaken on a self-organised basis and there are trails to explore and longer hikes in the Naukluft Mountains. The camp is just under an hour’s drive from the entrance to Sossusvlei.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
Yes
Rooms
12
Facilities

Private bathrooms, dining room, lounge, swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, ceiling fan and air conditioning.

Route Map

Departure Dates

This tour has no set departure date and can be tailored to suit your travel requirements. Contact us for more details.

Travel Information

Are International Flights Included?

No. Please contact us for a quote if required.

Best Visited:

January to January

Are you ATOL Registered?

Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.

Alan Godwin

Area Specialist

If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965

This was our second visit to Namibia in just over 12 months, with Reef and Rainforest and our seventh consecutive wildlife trip with them. I think that speaks for itself. This year we were particularly keen to try and observe some desert adapted Lions. The Lions found in ‘The Namib Desert’ are genetically identical to those found in the rest of Southern Africa but have adapted to live in one of the harshest environments on earth. They number around 150 and have a huge range, and are rarely seen. They came to prominence in the outstanding documentary film ‘Vanishing Kings’. The best chance of observing members of this subset of Lions is during a stay at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, although sightings cannot be guaranteed and weeks can pass by without any success. Therefore a stay at this camp was at the heart of our itinerary and we were very lucky to spend time with a Lioness and her niece who had killed an Oryx in the conservancy. The camp itself is absolutely outstanding in every respect and the location is just spectacular.

Visitors should be aware that this is not ‘The Serengeti’ and that the wildlife is quite thin on the ground. However you would have to be very unlucky not to see Elephant, Giraffe and several other species. Whilst we were out in the desert we were lucky to bump in to Dr P. Stander who has dedicated the whole of his adult life to the conservation of The Desert Lion, what a thrill. The day trip out to the coast was pretty special as well.

The rest of the itinerary worked very well and we were very pleased to have three full days in Etosha N.P. where we recorded 25 mammal species, including 32 individual Lions, observed the aftermath of 4 zebra kills, 11 Rhinoceros (both Black & White), an African Wildcat and the rarely seen in Etosha, elusive Leopard.

So a big thank you to ALL at Reef and Rainforest, another highly successful trip, you certainly delivered again.

Mr JW - Scottish Borders