
Type: | Self-Drive tour with accommodation in lodges and guest farms |
Click here
|
Comfort level: | Standard/Comfort | |
Duration: | 17 days | |
Travel dates: | Any departure date is possible, since all bookings are on request basis only. | |
Highlights: | Kalahari, Fish River, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Twyfelfontein, Etosha, Waterberg | |
Cost: (per person sharing) |
|
Click on the tabs below to get more details about each day of this tour, with more infos on the destinations, the included activities and about the accommodation establishments that have been chosen for this tour.
Routing & Accommodation Establishments
Day |
from Where |
to Where |
Accommodation Establishment |
Included meals |
Activities |
Driving distance for the day |
1 | Airport | Windhoek | Hotel Pension Casa Piccolo | BB | Optional: Guided Windhoek City Tour | 40 km |
2 | Windhoek | Kalahari | Kalahari Anib Lodge | DBB | Optional: Kalahari Sundowner Drive | 280 km |
3 | Kalahari | Fish River | Canyon Lodge | DBB | 420 km | |
4 | Fish River | Aus | Klein-Aus-Vista Desert Horse Inn | DBB | Visit the Fish River Canyon | 300 km |
5 | Klein-Aus-Vista Desert Horse Inn | DBB | Visit Lüderitz and Kolmanskop | 240 km | ||
6 | Aus | Sesriem | Desert Camp | DBB | 390 km | |
7 | Desert Camp | DBB | Visit to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon | |||
8 | Sesriem | Swakopmund | Beach Hotel | BB | 350 km | |
9 | Beach Hotel | BB | Optional: Dolphin and Seal Cruise or Living Desert Tour | |||
10 | Swakopmund | Twyfelfontein | Twyfelfontein Lodge | DBB | 370 km | |
11 | Twyfelfontein Lodge | DBB |
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Twyfelfontein Optional: Afternoon Elephant Drive |
|||
12 | Twyfelfontein | Okaukuejo | Okaukuejo Resort | BB | Optional: Night Drive in Etosha | 300 km |
13 | Okaukuejo | Etosha East | Onguma Bush Camp | DBB | Full day game drive through the Etosha Park in your own vehicle | 200 km |
14 | Onguma Bush Camp | DBB | Optional: Guided game Drive in open game drive vehicle | |||
15 | Etosha East | Waterberg | Waterberg Resort | BB | 450km | |
16 | Waterberg | Windhoek | River Crossing Lodge | BB | 300 km | |
17 | Windhoek | Airport | 40 km |
After your arrival in Windhoek you will receive your rental car and can use the rest of the day can be spent at leasure.
What will I see on this day
Windhoek![]() Capital city, gateway, centre of the Namibian economy, multi-cultural and location of the government - all this and much more is Windhoek. With approximately 300.000 inhabitants Windhoek is by far the biggest city in Namibia, but still one can find the typical African relaxed atmosphere allover. Even though the size of the city is fairly small compared to other capital cities, Windhoek offers a remarkable variety of shops, restaurants,hotels and other accommodation establishments. Due the central location and the international airport Windhoek is the start and end point of nearly every trip through Namibia.
|
Your journey today takes you from Windhoek into the Eastern fringes of Namibia, where the red sands of the Kalahari beckon.
What will I see on this day
Rehoboth![]() The small town of Rehoboth is located about 90 km south of Windhoek. It is the centre of the Baster community of Namibia. The town itself consist mainly of a few shops and fuel stations and a mix of colourfully painted houses. At the Shell Service station next to the main road visitors will find information boards depicting the history of the Baster People as well as of the town Rehoboth. For even more insight into the Baster culture there is als a small museum in the centre of the town. |
Kalahari![]() The Kalahari expands over a vast area between Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. The landscape features endless plains, which are only separated by long sand dunes. Camelthorn acacia trees and the dry yellow grass plains are typical for this landscape, which is also home to numerous antelopes. Especially Oryx, Springbok and Wildebeest can be found here in large numbers. The deep red sunsets also add to special atmosphere that the Kalahari offers its visitors. |
The highlight of the day will be to visit the Quiver Tree frorest and Giants Playground on the way to Fish River. The route rewards everyone with a spectacular view of the surrounding desert landscapes.
What will I see on this day
Quiver Tree Forest![]() The Quiver Tree Forest (Kokerboom Woud in Afrikaans) is a forest and tourist attraction of southern Namibia. It is located about 14 km north-east of Keetmanshoop, on the road to Koës, on the Gariganus farm. It comprises about 250 specimens of Aloe dichotoma, a species of aloe that is also locally known as "quiver tree. The quiver tree or Kokerboom is one of the most interesting and characteristic plants of the very hot and dry parts of Namibia. Actually it is no tree, but an aloe plant. |
Giants Playground![]() The Giants Playground is a massive collection of amazing Dolerite balancing rock formations, piled up on top of each other, primarily by millions of years of wind erosion. The Giants Playground is well-named, as visitors can just imagine giants playing with these massive stone toys. The dolerite dykes and surrounding area while at sub surface were subjected to 'spheroidal weathering', caused by water flowing through the cracks and fissures in dykes. In later times when the rocks has been exposed they further experienced millions of years of ongoing temperature weathering that also caused the rocks to crack. Wind blow and soil erosion also helps with the polish of the rocks. |
Keetmanshoop![]() Is a town that lies on the B4, 500 km south of Windhoek. It is the traffic junction and the economic center for the whole south of Namibia. As the biggest town in the South, it is an ideal stop to fuel up, get refreshments and withdraw money before proceeding. The town was founded as a mission station in 1866 and named after the German trader Johann Keetman who supported the mission financially. There is a museum in the old church where the illustrated history of Keetmanshoop is on display. Worth a visit is the old "Kaiserliche Postamt" built in the year 1910, which now houses the Tourist Information centre. |
On this day you get an opportunity to walk along the rim of Namibia's vast Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon of its kind in the world! At one of the best view points you can practise your photograhic skills taking pictures of the Canyon as the sun rises, the views are spectacular. You will continue with your journey to Aus.
What will I see on this day
Just 110 km away from Klein-Aus Vista , take a day visit to Luderitz. The harbour town of Lüderitz on the Atlantic coast boasts a heritage of magnificent Jugendstil (architecture) buildings and has a lot to offer.
What will I see on this day
Kolmanskop![]() Kolmanskop is Namibia's most famous ghost town, and is situated in the Sperrgebiet, (forbidden territory) a few kilometers inland from the port of Luderitz. In 1908, the railway worker Zacharias Lewala found a sparkling stone amongst the sand he was shoveling away from the railway line, near Kolmanskop. His supervisor August Stauch, was convinced it was a diamond and when this was confirmed, the news spread like wildfire, sparking a huge, frantic diamond rush and causing fortune hunters to converge in droves on Kolmaskop. Unfortunately for Kolmanskop and its inhabitants, richer diamond deposits were discovered further south, and operations were moved to Oranjemund. Within a span of 40 years Kolmanskop lived, flourished and died. Today the ghost town's crumbling ruins bear little resemblance to its former glory. The stately homes have been nearly demolished by the wind, and are gradually becoming enveloped by encroaching sand dunes. In 1980, the mining company De Beers, restored a number of buildings, and established and interesting museum, which has now become a popular tourist attraction. |
Lüderitz![]() Lüderitz, is the second largest harbor in Namibia. It began life as a trading post, fishing and guano-harvesting town, but when diamonds were discovered in 1909 in nearby Kolmanskop, Lüderitz enjoyed a sudden surge of prosperity. Now the diamonds are mostly found elsewhere and offshore, so Lüderitz has reverted to its former self. This small fishing town, with which the colonial era of previous German South West Africa began, is located in the far south-west of Namibia, sandwhiched between the barren Namib Desert and the windswept South Atlantic Coast. As if its unique geographical setting wasn't impressive enough, its surreal German art nouveau architecture will seal the deal. |
Wild Horses![]() The Namib feral horses are unique in the sense that they have been isolated for a number of generations. Their hardiness in the face of extremely harsh climatic conditions is extraordinary, as is the fact that they have been able to circumvent the vital problem of food and water availability by adapting their behavior and their allocation of time. For these reasons, if for no other, they deserve our wonder and admiration. It is not known how long the Namib Desert Feral Horses have lived on an area covering approximately 350 square kilometers in the Namib Desert, but locals speculate they have been there since 'German times'. As there are no written records about their provenance their origins remain unclear, but there are, of course, quite a few theories. One of the best places to view these horses is at Klein Aus Vista Lodge; the horses can also often be spotted grazing alongside the main road between Aus and Lüderitz. |
Today's route takes you to Sesriem , home of the spectacular dunes. On the way pass through Helmeringhausen and Duwisib Castle, this highlight will make your travel day worthwhile.
What will I see on this day
Scenic Road D707![]() The D707, because of its diverse scenery between the Tiras Mountains and the beautiful red Namib dune belt, is known as the most scenic route in Namibia. The road crosses the vast Neisip plain, with the red Koichab dunes to the West, Tirasberge ahead, and the Rooirand mountains to the East. Just mountains, grass and dunes may sound monotonous, but the views are breathtaking. Besides the soft, sensuous mountains of red sand visible along this route, mysterious fairy circles dot the land. Imagine towering, bright orange sand dunes on your right and the vast prairie of the Namib-Naukluft National Park on your left. Add a herd of proud Oryx racing over the dunes and a scaly pangolin darting across the road before disappearing into the grasslands and you get the idea. |
Duwisib Castle![]() In a remote valley, on the edge of the Namib Dune Desert, set amidst huge camel-thorn trees, lies one of Namibia's most famous and extraordinary buildings - the historic Duwisib Castle. Built in 1909, by Baron Captain Heinrich Von Wolf, the castle stands on the high ground looking southwards onto a valley. It is situated in semi-arid lands, 70kms south-west of Maltahohe. After the German-Nama war, the 'Baron' and his wife commissioned an architect to build a castle that would 'reflect Von Wolf's commitment to the German Military cause.' The interior was designed for comfort and clever placing of its windows allowed for maximum sunlight to shine into the vast rooms. Metre thick stone walls and high ceilings made for coolness in the hot summers and two huge fireplaces were built to ward off the bitter cold winter nights. Beneath the hall, there was a large cellar, full of imported wines and French cognacs. Much of the raw materials used in the construction of the fort were imported from Germany. It offers a good overnight stop between southern Namibia and Sossusvlei and the Naukluft Mountains. The castle now houses a collection of 18th and 19th century antiques, armor and paintings. |
NamibRand Nature Reserve![]() NamibRand Reserve, located in southern Namibia, is a private nature reserve established to help protect and conserve the unique ecology and wildlife of the south-west Namib Desert. It is probably the largest private nature reserve in southern Africa, extending over an area of 215,000 ha. . Enjoy the spectacular views over the vast plains and ancient blue mountain ranges, set out on foot or by 4x4 into the glowing red dunes for a close encounter with the fascinating variety of Namib Desert fauna and flora. The exceptional surroundings and clarity of the air provide endless opportunities for photography by day and star-gazing by night. |
Today you will wake up early to experience the beauty of Sossusvlei as the sun rises before the sun becomes scorching. Enjoy the beauty of the dunes , it is a most impressive sight to watch the colours of the sands change through varying shades of red as the sun rises.
What will I see on this day
Sossusvlei![]() The sand dunes at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are among the highes in the world, reaching up to 375 m. The Tsauchab River, which only carries water in good rainy seasons, ends it's course in the dune belt between the Atlantic Ocean and the central highlands of Nambia. Here, amongst the impressive sand dunes, the course of the water has formed a pan of clay, which, together with the acacia trees creates one of the most scenic places in Namibia and a definite "must-see" for each visitor to Namibia. The empty, seemingly endless desert landscape, the mix of colours of grass, sand dunes, blue sky and mountain ranges in the backdrop together with the free roaming antelopes and ostriches are the reason why this area surely is one of the highlights of Namibia and the whole of Southern Africa. |
Dead Vlei![]() Not far from the Sossusvlei lies the equally impressive Dead Vlei (Vlei dead). This Vlei is finished for some time by a large sand dune by the waters of Tsauchab. As a result, a large number for hundreds years dead camel thorn trees, which are preserved in the extreme dryness of the desert and are prevented from the decay process. |
Sesriem Canyon![]() Sesriem Canyon is located approximately 4.5km from the entrance gate of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The Tsauchab River has shaped the Canyon over millions of years and it is one of the few places in the area that holds water all year round. The early Afrikaans explorers in the region named the canyon after the fact that they had to use six (“ses”) leather straps (“riem”) tied together to create a rope long enough to lower buckets into the canyon below, in order to fetch water. There are parking facilities so that visitors can park their vehicles and take a walk through the canyon. The canyon is narrow at places, however it is worth exploring due to the stunning rock formations that will captivate your attention. |
On this day you will experience the uniqueness of Namibia, from dunes in the Sesriem to totally different landscapes at the coast, the scenerary is breathtaking.
Solitaire, a historic settlement at the edge of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, has been a welcome stop for travellers for over 60 years. It is a small settlement in the Khomas Region of central Namibia near the Namib-Naukluft National Park. It currently features the only gasoline station, post office, bakery, and the only general dealer between the dunes at Sossusvlei and the coast at Walvis Bay, as well as to the capital Windhoek. In recent year's it has also become renowned for the best apple crumble cake in the Namib. The Tropic of Capricorn (or the Southern Tropic) is the circle of latitude that contains the subsolar point on the December (or southern) solstice. It is thus the southernmost latitude where the Sun can be directly overhead. Further down the C14 you will come across the "Tropic of Capricorn" sign, indicating that you are now officially leaving the tropical belt of the earth. For all cities at 23.5 degrees south latitude, the sun travels on December 22, the beginning of summer through the zenith, this is why this line of latitude is called “Tropic of Capricorn”. When driving in Namibia to the south, it is pointed out with fairly large signs on the roadside. It is Not really something special and worth the drive, but when passing along it anyway, it is nice to stop here and take pictures as proof you have been there. Located on the Gamsberg Pass route west of the Khomas Hochland, Kuiseb Canyon contains the ephemeral Kuiseb River, which is no more than a broad sandy riverbed for most of the year. Although it may flow for two or three weeks during the rainy season, it only gets as far as Gobabeb before seeping into the sand. At Rooibank, drinking water for Walvis Bay is pumped from this subterranean supply. Today, the canyon’s upper reaches remain uninhabited, though there are scattered Topnaar Khoikhoi villages where the valley broadens out near the north river bank. The surrounding landscape is dominated eastward through barren mountain ranges and to the west by endless expanse of the Namib.
What will I see on this day
Solitaire
Tropic of Capricorn
Kuiseb Canyon
This day can be used to explore the sights of Swakopmund. This small coastal town also offer a wide range of activities and excursions (see activities tab) for those who enjoy to be more active during their time in Swakopmund.
Swakopmund, a small city on Namibias central coast is bordered by the cold waves of the Atlantic Ocean on the one side and the dry sand dunes of the Namib on the other side. Next to Lüderitzbucht Swakopmund is one of the first settlements in Namibia during the colonial era and still today many buildings in the city and the still very German culture and atmoshere are reminders of that time. Due to the central location of the city, it is the ideal half-way stop for nearly every trip through Namibia.
What will I see on this day
Swakopmund
Today's route takes you from the coast back inland through the scenic arid Damaraland region.
The Zeila got stranded on 25 August 2008 in the early morning hours near "Die Walle", a popular fishing spot about 14km south of Henties Bay. The fishing trawler that was sold as scrap metal to an Indian company by Hangana Fishing of Walvis Bay, got stranded after it came loose from its towing line while on its way to Bombay, India shortly after it left Walvis Bay. It seems that they will be able to rescue no more than a few usable items from the stranded ship. Uis is a tiny town located in one of Namibia's most beautiful desert regions, Damaraland. The village is located in the shadow of the Brandberg Mountain which is home to the world famous White Lady rock painting. Being also situated on the main road between the coast and the Damaraland interior there is a reasonable amount of traffic and Uis manages to eke out an existence based almost entirely on this traffic passing through the area. There is a small supermarket, guesthouse and a petrol station, together with a few other small shops. Tin has been mined in the Uis region since the early 1900's and the town was established in 1958 as a mine workers residence when a South African mining company started operations there and increased production. Today when approaching Uis, the first thing you see is a huge white mountain which is in fact the old mine dump for processed tin ore. The Brandberg is the highest mountain in Namibia, with a height of nearly 2500 m above sea level. This impressive mountain rises from the barren gravel plains of Damaraland. There are numerous fountains hidden in the often inaccessible gorges and cliffs of the mountain, which already the San people made use of in the early days of settlement in this dry and arid region. Many rock paintings and engravings that can be visited still bear witness to the rich culture of the san people. The Brandberg is also a haven for hikers, but due to the extreme climatic conditions and the often steep cliffs any hiking activities should be well planned and done only with local guides.
What will I see on this day
Zeila Shipwreck
Uis
Brandberg Mountain
Today you will visit Twyfelfontein a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The site is one of the largest and most important concentrations of rock art in Africa, with around 2,000 rock carvings. It was proclaimed a National Monument in 1952.
Currently being the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Namibia, Twyfelfontein is a very special attraction in Namibia. "Doubtful fountain", that is wat the farmer once called his land, on which the sandstone hills are located, which were already regularly visited by the San people centuries ago and left countly rock engravings and paintings as reminder of their stay. Due to the dry climatic conditions of the area these rock paintings and engravings still today in such a condition that one could think that they were only done yesterday even though they are many centuries old. The sheer amount of paintings and engravings make Twyfelfontein one of the most interesting sites for prehistoric art in Southern Africa. Along a walking trail one can explore that rock paintings and engravings in their original location and knowledgable guide will explain the meanings thereof. The Living Museum of the Damara close to Twyfelfontein is the first traditional Damara project in Namibia and the only one of its kind. The possibility to experience the traditional Damara culture in this form exists nowhere else in Namibia or in the world. Together with the Bushmen the Damara belong to the oldest nations in Namibia. Their original culture was a mixture of an archaic hunter-gatherer culture and herders of cattle, goats and sheep. Due to their loose social structures the Damara were not able to defend themselves against aggressors during the colonization of Namibia. This is one of the reasons why their culture has to a great extent fallen into oblivion.
What will I see on this day
Twyfelfontein
Damara Living Museum
From Damaraland you'll be heading further back inland to the next highlight of this trip - the famous Etosha National Park.
The Petrified Forest exists in an old river channel and is described as 'an occurrence of fossilized trees'. It lies 42km west of the small town of Khorixas in the Kunene Region and this prehistoric relic comprises of 'clearly identifiable enormous fossilized tree trunks’. The title Petrified Forest is a bit of a misnomer. It is neither a forest in the true sense of the word and neither did any of the trees 'turn to stone'. In prehistoric times huge tree trunks were washed down a river and deposited in alluvial sands. As they were isolated from any air, a process known as diagenesis took place and as a result sand that came under pressure through sedimentation turned into sandstone. The tree trunks then underwent another process known as solidification which causes liquids that seep into the wood causes the organic materials of the wood to dissolve and be replaced by silicic acid, fossilizing the wood by transforming it into stone.The Petrified Forest is a national monument, proclaimed on 1st of March 1950. The Anderson Gate is the gateway to the southern part of the Etosha National Park. After only a few kilometers into the park one can visit the Ombika waterpoint, where mostly zebra and springbok can be seen. But also the nearby waterpoints Olifantsbad, Gemsbokvlakte and Newbrowni can be easily visited in a daytrip. Next to various antelope species there are good chances of spotting elephants and even lions on the open plains and at the waterpoints during an excursion through the park. The Andersson Gate is open from sunrise till sunset.
What will I see on this day
Petrified Forest
Etosha South
Your route takes you through Etosha National Park. During your trip you can explore the park and visit the multiple waterholes along the way. This day is basically a full day game drive, where you can decide where and when to stop. Take your time and enjoy the spectacular wildlife this park has to offer.
This famous national park is surely one of the highlights of any Namibia tour. The park is setup around the Etosha Pan, a salt pan, which is approximately 5000 km² in size. Animals profit from the salt and the water in this huge protected area. Etoshas wildlife boasts most of the animals commonly found in Africa. Except for Buffaloes, visitors can spot the remaining four members for the "Big Five", namely Elephants, Rhinos, Lions, and Leopards. Furthermore Etosha has large herds of antelope such as Springbok, Oryx, Wildebeest and Eland, which can been seen grazing on the open plain of the park. The park has a road network of approximately 700 km which connects the rest camps and the many waterpoints. Etosha is ideally suited to be explored with an own vehicle / rental car, giving ample opportunities to spot wildlife up close and in their natural habitat.
What will I see on this day
Etosha National Park
This day can be spent again in the park on your own or with an optional guided game drive (see activities tab). Alternatively you can also relax in the comfort of your lodge.
The eastern part of the Etosha National Park is reached through the Von Lindequist Gate. The mostly open plains surrounding Fishers Pan and the Andoni Plain offer ideal game viewing possibilities through-out most parts of the year. At the natural fountains Klein Namutoni and Chudop one can regularly see a large variety of different animals at the same time. Fort Namutoni, which used to be a police station, is also worth a visit. Here you can enjoy a relaxed lunch break in the small restaurant or at the pool in the Namutoni RestCamp
What will I see on this day
Etosha East
Today You will say goodbye to being in the wild and hello to the bushveld which is dry and has great granite outcrops at Waterberg, to relax before the end of your trip.
Tsumeb is located in the so-called "Otavi Triangle", which refers to the area between the towns of Tsumeb, Otavi and Grootfontein. The Otavi Triangle gets relatively high rainfall, so that you can grow crops in this region. Crops are mainly corn and wheat, as well as different kinds of vegetables and fruits. Tsumeb has about 15,000 residents who live mainly from mining. You can read about the wonderful world of minerals and crystals in the District National Museum of Tsumeb. Recently mining activities have been scaled back at the town, but Tsumeb remains a pretty and friendly town. Sometimes called Namibia's garden town, due to the beautiful jacaranda, flamboyant and bougainvillea trees which line the streets. The town acts as something of a tourist hub due to its proximity to Etosha and the fact that it is the gateway to northern Namibia & Owamboland. Otjiwarongo is a large town and the biggest business centre for the Otjozondjupa Region. It is situated in central-north Namibia, lying on the Trans-Namib Railway and its location is at a crossroads for the railway and the B1 road, with links between Windhoek, the Golden Triangle of Otavi, Tsumeb and Grootfontein, as well as Etosha National Park. This area is also known as the cheetah capital of the world. Okonjima Main Camp and its satellite lodges and camps are only 50 miles away, committed to the long-term conservation of Namibia's large carnivores, notably cheetah and leopards. An unusual attraction is Namibia's first croc farm, The Crocodile Ranch, one of the few captive breeding programs for the Nile crocodile. The ranch exports the skins, but sells the meat locally. The Waterberg Plateau is a flat-topped mountain formed from sand stone. Due to its special geological formation, the Waterberg boasts a tremendous variety of fauna and flora. In 1972 this area was proclaimed as a national park, mainly to protect endangered animal species such as the Black Rhino. Today visitors can join on guided excursions onto the plateau or enjoy the scenic beauty of the park while walking along its many trails. Due to its central location, the Waterberg is also an ideal stop-over point between Windhoek and the Etosha National Park or other destinations in the north of Namibia.
What will I see on this day
Tsumeb
Otjiwarongo
Waterberg
Today you will drive back to Windhoek. You have come to the end of your Namibia Highlights tour, hoping you have had a pleasant journey through out our beautiful country and pleasant memories have been made.
Where will I stay on this day
River Crossing Lodge

River Crossing Lodge is situated east of Namibia's capital city Windhoek. Nestled amongst the foothills of the Auas Mountains the lodge offers a relaxed country location only a few minutes drive from the Windhoek city center. This location makes it an ideal first or final destination on any visit to Namibia, especially if your onward journey departs from the main international airport.
General facilities: |
Facilities within the rooms: |
|
|
Animals that can be seen regularly*:
- Kudu
- Oryx
- Giraffe
- Wildebeest
*Please note: This is no guarantee for animal sightings. The above mentioned are merely animals that can be seen regularly in the area. Since these are wild and free-roaming animals, no guarantee can be given that a specific animal will be seen during your visit.
Other services offered:
- Airport shuttles
- City tours
Depending on you the departure time of your flight back home, you'll still have a chance for some last minute shopping before you head to the Hosea Kutako Airport. You'll return your rental car there and proceed to the departure terminal, in time for your flight back home.