Cultural Namibia: Self Drive

On arrival, pick up your car. You will have a detailed briefing about your car and other essential information to help you on your way.

Drive to your Windhoek Hotel. If you have time, explore Windhoek at your leisure.

Overnight in at Heinitzburg hotel Windhoek including breakfast

Depart Windhoek today and drive to Swakopmund, a picturesque coastal town nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert.

Swakopmund was a German colonial settlement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and this influence is still visible in the architecture. Many buildings in the town reflect the German colonial style, creating a charming and nostalgic ambiance.

Explore the town with options for shopping, walking, or engaging in numerous activities in Swakopmund or Walvis Bay. Activities range from marine cruises and kayaking to quad biking, desert tours, dune boarding, scenic flights, and township tours.

Overnight at Organic Stay - Breakfast on day 3.

Continue your journey through Uis, past Namibia's highest mountain, Brandberg (2,579m), into Damaraland.

Damaraland is a captivating and geologically diverse region in northwestern Namibia, known for its rugged landscapes and sparse population. Characterized by rocky outcrops, vast plains, and unique geological formations, this area presents a striking and otherworldly scenery. The region is home to an array of fascinating wildlife, including the elusive desert elephant, black rhino, and free-roaming antelope species adapted to the arid environment. Damaraland's ancient petroglyphs, rock paintings, and archaeological sites provide insights into the area's rich cultural and historical heritage, dating back thousands of years. The harsh yet captivating beauty of Damaraland, coupled with its unique flora and fauna, makes it a compelling destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those eager to explore the remarkable intersections of geology, wildlife, and human history in this remote corner of Namibia.

Arrive at Ondjamba Hills Lodge in the afternoon for a leisurely evening.

Overnight at Ondjamba Hills - Breakfast and dinner.

Visit Twyfelfontein, a World Heritage Site with over 2,500 rock engravings. Explore the Living Museum of the Damara and proceed to the Kaokoland. This remote area is home to the Himba, a well-known nomadic culture. Experience traditional Himba life, drive along the Khowarib or Hoanib River in search of desert elephants, and take a refreshing swim at the Ongongo fountain.

Overnight at Sesfontein Guesthouse - Breakfast (dinner on day 6).

Travel around the rugged Kaokoveld, characterized by undulating hills and open plains inhabited by the Ovahimba people. Here you will have the opportunity to engage with local communities and learn about the traditional customs and resilience of the indigenous people.

Overnight at Opuwo Country Lodge - Breakfast.

Travel west to the region of the four O’s, inhabited by the Ovambo, Namibia's largest ethnic group. Visit attractions like a giant baobab tree in Outapi and a Royal King’s Homestead in Tsandi. Stay at Ongula Traditional Homestead for an immersive experience in the traditional lifestyle of the Owambo people, participating in activities like basket weaving and pottery.

Overnight at Ongula Traditional Homestead - Breakfast and dinner.

Continue to Etosha National Park, dedicating your time to observing abundant wildlife. The park is home to 4 of the Big Five—elephant, lion, leopard, and rhino.

Etosha National Park, located in northwestern Namibia, is a renowned and expansive wildlife reserve that ranks among Africa's premier safari destinations. The park is known for the vast Etosha Pan, a large salt flat that becomes a shimmering white expanse during the dry season, attracting a myriad of wildlife.

Etosha is home to a diverse range of animals, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. Waterholes scattered throughout the park provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, creating a unique and immersive safari experience. The park's iconic Moringa waterhole is especially popular for observing wildlife interactions. Visitors can explore the park through a network of well-maintained roads, with numerous rest camps and lodges providing accommodation options. The striking contrast between the arid landscapes and abundant wildlife makes Etosha a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. With its rich biodiversity and unique geographical features, Etosha National Park stands as a testament to Namibia's commitment to wildlife conservation and offers an unforgettable safari experience in the heart of southern Africa.

Overnight at Etosha NWR Camp - Breakfast.

Enjoy a day exploring Etosha National Park. Start your day shortly after sunrise when the park gate opens, allowing you to experience the waking of the animals to the new day. You will have the whole day to explore the park with ample time to wait at selected waterholes where you can view different species coming to the water to quench their thirst. No game drive is the same and all waterholes hold new surprises and attract different species that you may not have seen on previous game drives.

Spend the night inside the park, with the opportunity to view game species at the flood-lit waterhole.

Overnight at Etosha NWR Camp - Breakfast.

Enjoy one last early morning game drive before you depart for Grootfontein via Tsumeb. Grootfontein serves as the gateway to the Zambezi Region and the untouched Khaudom Game Park (commonly known as Bushmanland).

Overnight at Seidarap Guesthouse - Breakfast.

Explore the border of Kaudom National Park and Bushmanland.

Gain authentic insights into the San/Bushmen's ancient tradition and culture through bush walks, village life experiences, and learning activities. You can expect the most informal, liberating learning experience about these people, their history, lifestyle and culture. Take part in bush walks, village life, making of tools, jewelry and traditional weapons. The San will teach how to start a fire, how and what to use as medicines and the different roles of men and women in the community.

Overnight at Fiume Bush Camp - Breakfast.

After breakfast travel through the back roads of Namibia’s main cattle and agricultural hubs, past the Waterberg National Park, and on to the Otjihavera Mountain just north of Windhoek, where you still have time to explore this diverse bush savannah on one of the optional hiking trails or guided nature/game drives.

Overnight at Okapuka Safari Lodge - Breakfast

After breakfast, travel back to Windhoek to your hotel for your final night.

Overnight at Heinitzburg Hotel including breakfast

After breakfast, drive to Windhoek airport in time to drop off your car before your departure flight.