Namibia’s Skeleton Coast: Self-Drive Tour
Tour Introduction
Embark on a captivating 14-day self-drive odyssey through Namibia’s haunting Skeleton Coast, dramatic interior, and wildlife-rich northern plains. Begin in Windhoek, then head south to the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei, where burnt-orange sands rise like waves and ancient camelthorn trees cast long shadows across the salt pans. Journey onward to Swakopmund, a coastal town steeped in German colonial charm, offering a thrilling mix of adventure and relaxation—from kayaking with playful Cape fur seals to quad biking across the shifting desert sands. Follow the Atlantic northward into the Skeleton Coast, a haunting realm of shipwrecks, bleached whale bones, and fog-draped beaches, where desert-adapted wildlife ekes out a living in one of the planet’s most inhospitable yet mesmerising landscapes.
Turning inland, explore the rugged terrain of Damaraland, home to elusive desert elephants, towering granite outcrops, and ancient San rock engravings etched into the stone. Your journey culminates in the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha National Park, where shimmering salt pans and waterholes attract lion, rhino, and vast herds of antelope. Conclude with a stay at Okonjima, where AfriCat’s pioneering conservation work offers intimate encounters with leopards and cheetahs. With handpicked lodges, dramatic scenery, and exceptional wildlife viewing, this itinerary delivers a deeply immersive experience—perfect for independent travellers seeking solitude, adventure, and the raw beauty of Namibia’s untamed landscapes.
Full Itinerary
Arrive at Windhoek international airport and pick up your 4x4 hire vehicle. Drive into Windhoek and check in to your hotel.
Staying at The Weinberg. Includes No Meals.
After breakfast, depart Windhoek and drive south, continuing southwest toward the Sesriem area. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. During your stay at Namib Outpost, you may choose from a range of included excursions, including those offered by the nearby Desert Homestead Lodge.
Staying at Namib Outpost. Includes All Meals.
Spend the day exploring the remarkable surroundings of Namib Outpost, located within a private nature reserve adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Namib Sand Sea. Guests are invited to take part in a variety of lodge activities, including guided excursions to Sossusvlei, horse safaris, and scenic tours through the striking desert landscape.
Staying at Namib Outpost. Includes All Meals.
Drive north via Walvis Bay to the coastal town of Swakopmund, known for its colonial architecture, desert surroundings, and refreshing sea breeze. Founded in 1892, it blends German heritage with Namibian charm and offers a range of activities including quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, and desert tours.
Staying at The Delight Swakopmund. Includes Breakfast.
Spend a full day enjoying Swakopmund at your leisure. Explore the town’s colonial architecture and vibrant cultural blend, browse local shops, galleries, and cafés, or choose from a variety of optional activities such as desert tours, quad biking in the dunes, scenic flights over the Skeleton Coast, or a relaxed stroll along the oceanfront promenade.
Staying at The Delight Swakopmund. Includes Breakfast.
After breakfast, depart Swakopmund and head north to Möwe Bay. From here, enjoy a guided transfer through the Skeleton Coast National Park, known for its stark desert landscapes, shipwrecks, and Atlantic surf. Continue to Shipwreck Lodge, set among dunes with sweeping ocean views in the heart of the Skeleton Coast Central Concession.
Staying at Shipwreck Lodge. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Spend the day exploring this remote stretch of the Skeleton Coast. Activities may include a guided 4x4 excursion into the Hoarusib River Valley—home to desert-adapted wildlife such as elephants—quad biking, dune boarding, or a late afternoon sundowner drive. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the field or return to the lodge for lunch.
Staying at Shipwreck Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Return to your vehicle at Möwe Bay and journey inland through the striking Hoanib River Valley, one of Namibia’s last true oases and a haven for desert-adapted wildlife. Continue to Hoanib Valley Camp, set in the heart of remote Kaokoland, where vast desert landscapes meet rugged mountains. Spend the afternoon settling in or exploring the area on a guided nature walk or scenic drive.
Staying at Hoanib Valley Camp. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Spend the day exploring the remote wilderness surrounding Hoanib Valley Camp. Join a morning or afternoon game drive to learn about the region’s unique flora and fauna, including the giraffe research conducted in partnership with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. Alternatively, enjoy a guided nature walk to experience the landscape up close and gain insight into this extraordinary desert ecosystem.
Staying at Hoanib Valley Camp. Includes All Meals.
Continue east into the heart of Damaraland, ascending the dramatic Grootberg Plateau. Along the way, pass through rugged landscapes and remote communities, with possible encounters with Himba and Herero people. Arrive at Grootberg Lodge, a pioneering community-owned property offering sweeping views and access to desert-adapted wildlife. Optional activities include nature walks, birdwatching, and a sunset 4x4 drive to a stunning viewpoint atop the plateau.
Staying at Grootberg Lodge. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Depart Grootberg Lodge and drive east toward Ongava Game Reserve, which borders the southern edge of Etosha National Park. This renowned private reserve offers exceptional wildlife viewing, including close encounters with rhino, and is home to Anderssons at Ongava—a lodge combining luxury with cutting-edge conservation. Optional activities include guided game drives, nature walks, and visits to the Ongava Research Centre.
Staying at Anderssons at Ongava. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Enjoy a full day exploring Ongava Game Reserve and nearby Etosha National Park. Begin with a guided morning game drive into Etosha, known for its large herds of plains game and excellent wildlife viewing around seasonal waterholes. Back at Ongava, visit the interactive Visitor Centre to learn about the region’s ecology and conservation efforts, or take part in a guided night drive to spot nocturnal wildlife.
Staying at Anderssons at Ongava. Includes All Meals.
Depart Ongava and travel south to Okonjima Nature Reserve, nestled between Etosha and Windhoek. This renowned reserve is home to the AfriCat Foundation, dedicated to the conservation of Namibia’s carnivores. Settle into your lodge and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, with time to relax or explore the area.
Staying at Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Begin the day with a guided leopard tracking experience in the Okonjima Nature Reserve, joining expert guides in monitoring free-roaming leopards as part of ongoing conservation research. This immersive activity offers a chance to observe these elusive predators in their natural habitat. After the morning excursion, drive south to Windhoek to connect with onward travel or enjoy an optional overnight stay in the capital.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
The Weinberg
Overview
The Weinberg Hotel in Windhoek, Namibia, is a premium destination that combines comfort with refined style. Located in one of the city’s upscale neighborhoods, it offers meticulously designed spaces and top-notch amenities for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel’s standout feature is its rooftop terrace, which provides panoramic views of Windhoek and its striking surroundings, ideal for unwinding or hosting events. Guests can also indulge in exceptional dining experiences at its restaurants, which serve a blend of international and local flavours.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Garden, laundry service, ATM, 24-hour front desk, bar, breakfast floor, Wi-Fi, 24-hour security.
There are 29 standard double/twin rooms; 12 comfort rooms incl. 5 twin/double rooms, 7 family rooms (2 adults and 2 children under 12 years).
Rooms include: air conditioning/heating, safe, satellite TV, en suite bathroom with shower, basic toiletries, tea/coffee facilities, fridge, hairdryer.
Namib Outpost
Overview
Set on the edge of the vast Namib Desert, Namib Outpost is a stylish and intimate lodge offering rare solitude in one of Namibia’s most dramatic landscapes. With just a handful of thoughtfully designed chalets, each positioned to maximise views of the endless plains and distant dunes, the lodge provides a peaceful retreat far from the crowds. Natural materials and soft tones blend seamlessly with the surroundings, creating a calming, contemporary aesthetic. Guests can relax on private decks, watch oryx and springbok roam the horizon, and soak in the silence that defines this remote corner of the world.
Located within easy reach of the iconic Sossusvlei dunes and Sesriem Canyon, Namib Outpost is ideally placed for exploring the highlights of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Guided excursions reveal the surreal beauty of shifting sands, ancient desert-adapted flora, and the subtle wildlife that thrives in this arid environment. After a day of discovery, return for sundowners with panoramic views and a candlelit dinner under the stars.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant and bar, swimming pool, lounge and fireplace, sunset deck, observation deck, Wi-Fi in communal areas, laundry service, airstrip access, shaded parking.
All suites have the following: Private shaded viewing decks with pool loungers and sun loungers, air-conditioning, outdoor shower (11 of the suites), tea/coffee station, minibar (all inclusive), mosquito net, safe, hairdryer, bathrobe and slippers, range of toiletries in the shower.
Optional Activities
Excursions to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon, horse safaris and guided trail rides, hiking trails, hot-air ballooning and scenic flights (on request), sundowner drives, nature walk.
The Delight Swakopmund
Overview
Opened in 2015, The Delight is centrally located in the heart of Swakopmund close to the Mole, a small town beach, and various popular restaurants such as seaside eateries the Tug, Wreck and Jetty, useful since the hotel only serves breakfast.
Colourful paintwork and modern decorations gives the hotel a wonderfully contemporary look and feel. The rooms are arranged around a central quadrangle providing a safe space for children.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Double or two-storey family rooms, each with en suite, a/c, climate control, safe, minibar, WiFi, patio, kettle, tea/coffee. In the hotel there is a breakfast room, bar, curio shop, lounge area, small gardens. Laundry service is available and there is 24-hour concierge service.
Shipwreck Lodge
Overview
Shipwreck Lodge is in a stunning location situated at the mouth of the River Hoarusib, on the skeleton coast surrounded by desert sands and with views as far as the Atlantic Ocean. Inspired by the ship wrecked boats that are scattered along the coast, the striking collection of wooden units catch your eye as you approach.
There are ten guest rooms available here with eight standard units and two for families. Each unit is constructed from wood and glass, featuring details such as beams and portholes. Each unit comes with their own deck and a set of chairs and a small table. A standard room includes a double bed or twin beds, bedside tables, a seating area, and a tea-and-coffee station. Each family room benefits from all these amenities, in addition to sleeping space for a maximum of two children. All of the rooms are solar powered. There are wood burning stoves to keep you feeling cosy in case you feel the chill at night.
The main central lodge building resembles a long wrecked boat which houses the restaurant, bar, and reception. You’ll find a welcoming lounge with a selection of comfortable seating for you to unwind in with a drink after a day of exploring the coast.
Whilst Shipwreck Lodge is a family friendly lodge, it’s important to keep in mind that only children over the age of six are allowed to stay and children under the age of 12 may not be able to take part in some of the activities.
Shipwreck Lodge can be accessed via light-aircraft flight from Windhoek to Möwe Bay, the nearest airstrip. You can also transfer by road from Swakopmund (8 hours) or Namibia’s capital (11½ hours), in the comfort of an air-conditioned 4×4 driven by a member of the lodge’s staff. Self-drivers are not permitted within Skeleton Coast National Park, but you can approach as far as Möwe Bay, where a staff member will pick you up and give you a lift for the rest of the journey.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
A restaurant, bar and lounge, fireplace in the lobby, Free WIFI in public areas, a 24 hour front desk to book tour excursions. Each tent features an indoor and outdoor shower, fireplaces, bath, twin vanity area, minibar, safe, fans and mosquito nets.
Local Wildlife
Being close to the coast you are sure to see the most iconic species which are the Cape fur seals that line the rocky shoreline in large colonies. Birdlife is also rich along this coastline. You may see Rüppell’s korhaans and Benguela long-billed larks. Further toward the coast, you should also be able to spot tractrac chats, as well as jaegers and skuas around the seal colonies. Game drives take place within the national park, and among the rolling dunes you can look out for species such as desert-adapted lion, black rhino, elephant, brown hyena, baboon, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, and black-faced impala. Sightings can be rare however.
Optional Activities
Game drives, sundowner drives, 4×4 excursions, and shipwreck visits. Drives are also available along the Hoarusib river, to marvel at the Clay Castles, structures resembling cliffs that the flow of water has carved into the desert. Visit the famous shipwrecks of Suiderkus and Karimona.
Hoanib Valley Camp
Overview
The beautiful Hoanib Valley Camp was created out of a joint venture between the local communities and the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.
This small stunning camp is a remote retreat and can be accessed by light aircraft from Windhoek. Road transfers are possible from the capital which would be around an 8 hour drive or 7 hours from Swakopmund. If you decide to self drive then it is possible to park at Fort Sesfontein and enjoy the final part of the journey on a game drive provided a member of the camp staff.
The tents are raised from the ground but not too high so they are easily accessible without lots of steps. Each of the tents come with private verandas overlooking the valley and with a rugged mountain backdrop behind. The tents have comfortable beds, bedside tables, a seating area, wildlife artwork and ensuite facilities with both indoor and outdoor showers. Five of the tents can accommodate 2 people and there is one family tent that can comfortably sleep two adults and two children.
The accommodation is booked on a full-board basis, including all meals which are provided in the main building dining room or outside on the deck.
The fire pit is a perfect spot to unwind at the end of the day and socialise with other guests if you wish to.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
A restaurant, bar, dining room, lounge, fire pit, free WIFI, viewing deck and laundry service. Solar energy provides the electricity and water heating.
Local Wildlife
The surrounding area attracts a large selection of mammals including rhino, elephants, mountain zebra, leopards, the desert-adapted lion, hyenas, oryx, kudu, and springbok.
There are also a variety of birds including ostrich, Verreaux’s eagle, Monteiro’s hornbill, and Rüppell’s bustard.
Giraffes are especially important to the lodge as they work closely with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation to protect and monitor them.
Optional Activities
Game drives, rhino tracking, stargazing, nature walks, desert drives, find out more about local giraffe conservation and visit the local communities.
Grootberg Lodge
Overview
Set high on the edge of the stunning Etendeka Plateau in Namibia, Grootberg Lodge boasts breathtaking views of the dramatic Klip River Valley. This eco-friendly lodge is situated within the Khoadi-Hôas Conservancy, a groundbreaking community conservation area, and offers visitors the chance to enjoy a responsible tourism experience while directly supporting the local community. Guests can unwind in charming, comfortable chalets with panoramic views, savour delicious meals in the main dining area, and embark on thrilling excursions, such as guided nature walks, black rhino tracking, and cultural interactions with the Damara people.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Facilities
There are 14 twin/double rooms and two family units.
All rooms have a safe, desk, and private bathroom. Wi-Fi is available in the communal reception area only, and charging points for devices are also only found in the reception area.
Local Wildlife
Lion, 'desert-adapted' elephant, black rhino, black-faced impala, giraffe, mountain zebra, eland, kudu, gemsbok, springbok, duiker, steenbok, klipspringer, warthog, ostrich, baboon.
Optional Activities
Sundowner drive, rhino tracking, Moringa guided walk, desert elephant tracking, Damara cultural tour.
Anderssons at Ongava
Overview
Anderssons at Ongava is a luxurious eco-retreat located on the edge of Etosha National Park in Namibia. Each suite is crafted with natural stone and wood, featuring a curved roof and glass frontage that allows for breathtaking views of the surrounding bush. Guests can enjoy private decks with 180-degree panoramas, as well as en suite facilities that include both indoor and outdoor showers.
The lodge’s social areas are equally impressive, with an open-air dining space, a sunken observation terrace, and an infinity pool overlooking a well-frequented waterhole. For photography enthusiasts, the sunken wildlife hide offers a unique, water-level perspective of any visitors thirsty for a drink.
What sets Anderssons at Ongava apart is its commitment to conservation and education. The lodge is home to the Ongava Research Centre, a hub for scientific exploration and ecological studies. Visitors can explore the interactive exhibits at the adjoining Visitor Centre, gaining insights into the region’s flora, fauna, and the ongoing efforts to balance human needs with environmental preservation.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Complimentary Wi-Fi, undercover social area, open-air dining space, spacious lounge with open fireplaces, bar, infinity edge swimming pool with waterhole views, water level wildlife photography hide adjacent to waterhole, curio shop, library, gas heaters for during winter.
The Ongava Research Centre and the Discovery Centre are on-site.
Each of the nine suites have 220V power points, air-conditioning, en suite bathroom, separate WC, double indoor shower, outdoor shower, double wash basin, mosquito net, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer and electronic safe.
There is one family suite which consists of two adjacent twin/double rooms.
Local Wildlife
Mammals: black rhino, white rhino, elephant, lion, leopard, springbok, gemsbok, wildebeest, Burchell's zebra, Hartmann's mountain zebra, waterbuck, red hartebeest, giraffe, eland, black-faced impala.
Birds: (over 340 species recorded) ostrich, kori bustard, white-tailed shrike, short-toed rock thrush, Rüppell's parrot, greater kestrel, Namaqua sandgrouse, double-banded courser, yellow-bellied eremomela, spike-heeled lark, acacia pied barbet.
Optional Activities
Day and night game drives in Ongava Game Reserve, half and full day (with picnic) excursions into Etosha National Park, guided nature walks in Ongava Game Reserve, rhino tracking, stargazing, photography hide, Ongava Research Centre and Planetarium.
Okonjima Bush & Plains Camps
Overview
The delightful accommodation at Okonjima Bush Camp consists of luxury thatched chalets, spaced widely apart for privacy in the tranquil bush surroundings, plus a main “lapa” area in the form of a camelthorn pod where meals and drinks are taken and activities commence. Each exclusive en-suite chalet is completely private and the green canvas ‘walls’ can be rolled up to give you a 180-degree view so you can watch life in the bush going on around you whilst you lie in bed and relax in total comfort.
The accommodation at the larger Plains Camp consists of 14 Standard en suite terraced rooms and 10 new View Rooms that are set further apart: all rooms overlook the savannah. Two of the View Rooms and four of the Standard Rooms can combine to make a family unit. Each unit has a verandah, a wheelchair-friendly ramp, two double beds, desk, chair, mini bar, coffee/tea facilities, ceiling fans, twin basins, twin showers, safe and internal telephone. The main building, the Barn, contains the restaurant, pool, shop and lounge.
Okonjima is home to the AfriCat Foundation, a wildlife sanctuary founded in 1991 that is dedicated to creating conservation awareness, preserving habitat, promoting environmental educational research and supporting animal welfare. Their main focus is Africa’s big cats, especially injured or captured leopards and cheetahs.
AfriCat runs the largest cheetah and leopard rescue and release programme in the world. In the last 17 years over 1000 of these predators have been rescued with over 85% being released back into the wild. Close encounters with leopard and cheetah are an unforgettable highlight here. Activities include leopard tracking by vehicle, a visit to the cheetah welfare project and a visit to the night hide where nocturnal animals such as porcupine, caracal, honey badger, eagle owl and even leopard may be seen.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Bush Camp: 8 luxury thatched chalets; 1 luxury honeymoon suite (two double beds next to each other). Plains Camp: 14 Standard en suite rooms and 10 new View Rooms. Other facilities include restaurant, bar, boutique shop, swimming pool,
Local Wildlife
Rehabilitated and wild carnivores - in particular cheetah and leopard - can be tracked in the reserve. Spotted hyena, African wild dog, lions and commoner plains herbivores such as impala, springbok, zebra and wildebeest. There is a hide overlooking a floodlit area where cape porcupines and honey badgers are frequently seen and caracal and leopard are also possible.
Optional Activities
Visits to the big cat rehabilitation and welfare centre, visit nearby REST (rare and endangered species trust), night excursion, tracking of wild big cats and other wildlife and bird walks.
Route Map
Departure Dates
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
Pack a lightweight scarf or buff—it’s incredibly useful for shielding your face from desert dust during game drives, keeping warm on chilly mornings, and even offering sun protection in exposed areas like the Skeleton Coast and Hoanib Valley.
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.
