Namibia, Wildlife Tours

In Complete Privacy: A Namibia Self-Drive Tour

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Tailor-Made Tour
12 Days
From 6755
Big Cat Safari
Birding
Self Drive

Tour Introduction

12 Days from  6755 per adult. Prices based on rates applicable at the time of costing which may vary. Please ask for a definitive quote

For discerning travellers who enjoy the independence of self-drive* while coming into contact with as few other visitors as possible, this top-notch tour is ideal.

The extra-special programme encompasses all the major highlights you could wish for in Namibia: Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland and the amazing Etosha National Park, both the south and east sides. The difference is that we have designed it to minimise contact with other people.

In Windhoek, luxuriate in the ultra-modern Olive Exclusive suite where staff will deliver dishes to your door. The same goes for Desert Whisper, Mowani Camp and Villa Mushara. In Swakopmund, you can use the kitchen of your private apartment to cater for yourselves and we can organise grocery deliveries for you. At Etosha Heights you will have the security of your own Safari House with private guide and chef: the nearby hide will also reveal some of fascinating wildlife which inhabits the private reserve. When traversing Etosha from south to east, enjoy a full day of self-drive game viewing before arriving at your next lodge, Villa Mushara from where you have time to explore the park’s eastern side for incredible wildlife viewing which can include dik dik, elephant, giraffe, zebra, rhino, lion, kori bustard and secretary bird.

*If you don’t wish to drive yourself, we can arrange for a private guide to take care of all the driving, indicate points of interest along the way and be on hand to sort out any potential problems which might occur (additional cost).

Full Itinerary

Price from  6755 per adult. Based on sharing double / twin rooms
Day 1
Windhoek

Arrive into Windhoek and transfer to your hotel in town. Arrive and settle in. Your hire car will be delivered to the hotel today with documents to sign.

Staying at The Olive Exclusive. Includes Breakfast.

Day 2
Sesriem

Drive south from Windhoek to the Sesriem area near the Namib Naukluft National Park. Arrive at your exclusive lodge and settle in.

Staying at Desert Whisper. Includes All Meals.

Day 3
Sesriem

Early morning departure for a guided visit to the ancient dunes and salt pans of the Namib Naukluft National Park. See in the sunrise over the massive dunes and arrive at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Park the car and walk the dunes and pans.

Staying at Desert Whisper. Includes All Meals.

Day 4
Swakopmund

Drive north to Swakopmund, perhaps stopping at Solitaire en route. Arrive at the town and find the Cornerstone Guesthouse. They will show you where to go and afterwards, settle into your three-bed exclusive apartment. If you require groceries to be delivered before arrival, let us know.

Staying at Cornerstone Guesthouse - Atlantik Sicht Apartment. Includes Breakfast.

Day 5
Swakopmund

You have a free day with a choice of optional activities: eg Tommy's Living Desert Tour (recommended), half day catamaran cruise from Walvis Bay, full day tour over the dunes to Sandwich Harbour. In your free time you can wander around the safe, lively seaside town and admire the German colonial buildings.

Staying at Cornerstone Guesthouse - Atlantik Sicht Apartment. Includes Breakfast.

Day 6
Twyfeltontein

Drive north to Damaraland and visit Twyfelfontein, a remarkable collection of ancient rock art (or petroglyphs) many thousands of years old. Perhaps also visit the Organ Pipes rock formation. Arrive at your lodge and settle in.

Staying at Mowani Mountain Camp. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 7
Etosha Heights

Continue onwards to the Etosha Heights private reserve, adjoining the southern border of Etosha National Park.

Staying at Etosha Mountain Lodge. Includes All Meals.

Day 8
Etosha Heights

A full day to enjoy exclusive game drives in the private reserve and spend time at the hide. Relax at your exclusive residence when at leisure and perhaps swim in the pool followed by a BBQ.

Staying at Etosha Mountain Lodge. Includes All Meals.

Day 9
Etosha East

Leave Safari House after an early breakfast and drive to the southern entrance for Etosha National Park. Spend the rest of the day traversing from south to east viewing the amazing wildlife at the waterholes, in the forest and on the grasslands. Perhaps stop for lunch at Halili Camp which is roughly midway. Depart before sundown through the eastern Von Lindquist Gate and arrive shortly thereafter at your lodge.

Staying at Villa Mushara. Includes All Meals.

Day 10
Etosha East

Re-enter the park on private morning and afternoon game drives with your own safari guide to explore the eastern side of Etosha National Park. Stop off at the many waterholes for your best chances of seeing the most wildlife.

Staying at Villa Mushara. Includes All Meals.

Day 11
Windhoek

Leave Etosha and drive back to Windhoek. Check in once more to your suite at the luxury hotel and enjoy your last night.

Staying at The Olive Exclusive. Includes Breakfast.

Day 12
Depart Windhoek

Drive to the airport and drop off your car. Check in for your flight home.

Includes No Meals.

Tour Accommodation

Namibia Windhoek

The Olive Exclusive

Overview

The Olive Exclusive (not to be confused with the Olive Grove Hotel next door) is a welcoming boutique hotel situated close to Windhoek’s city centre in the quiet, peaceful suburb of Eros. Nestled amidst an olive tree plantation, this relatively new, luxurious hotel provides exclusive detached suite accommodation with beautiful views over the olive trees towards the Windhoek Mountains. Guests have access to a sparkling communal pool, bar and restaurant.

All suites have their own lounge area and dining room, giving guests the option of dining in their own room or joining other guests in the main restaurant. The en suite rooms offer all the added luxuries of satellite TV, iPod music system, fully-stocked mini-bar, premier wine selection, direct-dial telephone, air-conditioner, hair dryer, wall-mounted safe, personal computer, complimentary wireless internet access, goose down duvets, 100% cotton linen and contemporary style in abundance.

The overall feel is one of indulgent luxury, while still retaining an ambience of simplicity and elegance.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
7
Facilities

Restaurant, swimming pool, massage service, lounge and bar, free Wi-Fi, laundry service, TV, room safe and mini bar.

Namibia Central Namibia

Desert Whisper Lodge

Overview

This place is really special: an isolated luxurious living pod for two, of ultra-modern design, set on a hillside with fabulous views across a deserted arid landscape. There are no other rooms, just yours, yet you have a private reception with dedicated host and a personal chef who will prepare your meals to your dietary specifications subject to available ingredients.

Desert Whisper’s location is ideal for a visit to one of Namibia’s highlights: Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, both in the Namib Naukluft National Park, a UNESCO world Heritage Reserve.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
Yes
Rooms
1
Facilities

Single unit resort for two guests maximum, with en-suite bedroom, plunge pool connected by walkway, open plan lounge and dining area, well stocked bar, fully equipped kitchen, deck. Own personal reception, dedicated host.

Local Wildlife

Oryx

Jackal

Ostrich

Optional Activities

Visit to Sossusvlei and the Namib Naukluft National Park

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 Northern Namibia

Mowani Mountain Camp

Overview

Mowani Mountain Camp is a traditional African safari style property with just 12 luxury tented rooms spread across a rocky outcrop providing stunning views across the plains of Damaraland. The camp is in the south of the great Damaraland region between the Ugab and the Huab rivers and is the luxury sister property of Camp Kipwe. It is perfectly suited to honeymooners and other couples who might be on second honeymoons.

There are two choices of tented rooms: the Superior View Rooms (as the name suggests) have outstanding panoramic views of the dramatic desert landscape and are positioned on the edge of the camp giving plenty of privacy. Standard Rooms lack the sensational views being more centrally positioned yet are skilfully built around the huge granite boulders. In addition, two suites are available: the Mini Suite with a/c living area and satellite TV, and the Mountain Suite with additional butler service, a/c living room, private dining, CD music centre and bar.

All the tents have private bathrooms and smart colonial décor with lavish furniture, tea and coffee making facilities, safety deposit box, and large comfortable twin beds with mosquito netting.

At the heart of the camp is a beautiful thatched dome building with an elegant dining room and lounge, and just below is a small but inviting swimming pool nestled between ancient rocks complete with sun loungers and extensive views.

The camp has a communal camp fire for evening drinks and discussions, and there is a beautiful rock a little further away designated as a sundowner spot for those looking for extra privacy.

Activities include game drives and nature walks and the local population of desert-adapted elephants can often be tracked down.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
12
Facilities

Private bathrooms, dining room, lounge, swimming pool, cable TV, safety deposit box and laundry service.

Local Wildlife

The wildlife in the area occurs in low densities but springbok, besia oryx, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, black-backed jackal, birds and rhino are present.

Optional Activities

Longer excursions to see the rock art at Twyfelfontein, the geology at Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes are also available.

Namibia Northern Namibia

Etosha Mountain Lodge

Overview

Etosha Mountain Lodge is most notable for its tranquil setting, perched high on the side of a dolomite hill with stunning 180 degree views over the vast Etosha Heights private reserve.

The reserve offers 600 square-kilometres of unspoiled wildlife, landscapes, and tranquillity. It borders Etosha National Park to the north which is the standout reserve for wildlife in all Namibia.

The traditional lodge features nine comfortable chalets, all of which offer en suite bathrooms as well as indoor showers and bathtubs, fridges in the room and battery charging facilities.

Everything at the lodge runs on solar, keeping things clean and green (but they do have a backup generator too just in case).

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
9
Facilities

A reception area, lounge, dining room, bar, swimming pool with a sun deck, a wine cellar and complimentary laundry service. WIFI is available but unlimited WIFI is accessible for a $50 donation to the reserve’s anti poaching program.

Local Wildlife

On a game drive from Etosha Mountain lodge, you are likely to find elephants, kudu and springbok scattered across the savannah, whilst the herds of antelope, lion, cheetah and even leopard are never too far away. The endangered white rhino wander between the private reserve and nearby Etosha National Park.

Optional Activities

Morning, afternoon and night Game drives, private sundowners, Bush meals and picnics can be arranged on request, day trips to Etosha National Park and visit one of the most impressive and professional anti-poaching stations in Namibia.

Namibia Northern Namibia

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 Bush Camp, Mushara Lodge, Villa Mushara and Mushara Outpost.

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 Bush Camp 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

Mushara Lodge has 10 x thatched chalets, one family chalet, one triple room and two single rooms. There is a thatched public area which includes a small library, a bar and wine cellar, a lounge with a fireplace, dining area and curio shop. There is also a central swimming pool. Each chalet includes air-conditioning, en suite bathroom alongside a separate toilet, mosquito net, mini-bar, safe, tea and coffee station, sockets for charging, and direct telephone connection. Wi-Fi is available in each chalet as well as the public area.

Villa Mushara consists of two villas. Each has a small private library, a plunge pool, en suite bathroom mini bar and CD collection.

Mushara Bush Camp has a restaurant, swimming pool and 16 custom made en suite tents, built from canvas, wood and local limestone. They each have a private veranda, and four of the tents can accommodate two children as well as two adults. In each tent is a coffee station, safe deposit box, mosquito net, hairdryer, floor fan and power sockets. Wi-Fi is available in the main communal building.

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.

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.

Flight Info:

Fly BA or Virgin to Johannesburg and connect to Windhoek. Alternatively, fly Lufthansa to Frankfurt, connecting with Air Namibia to Windhoek.

Best Visited:

March to November

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

Beautiful country with a wide range of opportunities on offer – wildlife viewing, varied scenery, culture and memorable sunsets. The colours, shapes and shadows of Deadvlei at dawn will stay with me forever. Very helpful and informative discussions with Alan Godwin before booking.  Everyone in country did their bit at the right time in the right place. I felt very well looked after. The care and attention to detail was outstanding and this helped me to relax and enjoy the experience and enabled me to begin to make new but different memories.

Mrs RF- Suffolk