Self-Drive Safari
Best Of Namibia in Luxury
This 17-day luxury self-drive tour of Namibia explores diverse landscapes from the dunes of Sossusvlei to the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park, covering iconic destinations such as Fish River Canyon, Swakopmund, and the Kalahari. The itinerary allows travelers to experience both the natural beauty and unique cultural history of Namibia, making stops at historical sites like Kolmanskop and Twyfelfontein.
Overview
Over the course of 17 days, this self-drive itinerary takes you through Namibia’s stunningly varied landscapes including the red dunes of Sossusvlei and the wildlife haven of Etosha National Park. The journey begins in Windhoek, offering a mix of modern and historical insights into Namibia’s capital before venturing into the vast expanses of the Kalahari. Highlights include viewing the dramatic landscapes of Fish River Canyon, exploring the colonial heritage of Luderitz, and engaging with the ancient rock engravings at Twyfelfontein. The coastal town of Swakopmund provides a blend of adventure sports and German-Namibian culture. The tour concludes with a visit to the Okonjima Nature Reserve, home to the AfriCat Foundation, where travelers can track leopards and learn about wildlife conservation. Throughout the journey, participants enjoy a blend of luxury accommodations and rich excursions that offer deep dives into the natural and cultural treasures of Namibia.
Includes
Prices include VAT (15%)
Unlimited kilometres
Collision and theft protection
All standard vehicle accessories
Prices are calculated per day
Tyre and windscreen insurance depending on the area travelled
GPS navigation system
Second spare wheel
24/7 assistance
Airport transfer
Cooler box or electronic fridge
Mobile phone
Vehicle GPS tracker
Additional driver
Passenger liability
Excludes
International flights.
Meals and beverages not specified.
Travel and Medical insurance.
Visa services.
T&C's
General terms and conditions of Desert Africa Safaris apply.
All bookings and accommodation offered are subject to availability.
Additional requests can be booked through Desert Africa Safaris.
Price includes VAT and tourism levy where applicable.
A deposit of 25% of the total amount is payable for reserving or securing the booking.
All activities and flights are dependent on weather conditions.
Aircraft
Cessna 210
Cruising Speed: 280km/hr
Cruising Altitude: 10 000 feet
Maximum Range: 1380km
Seating Configuration: 4 Passengers; 1 Crew
Luggage
- Standard checked luggage allowance – 15 to 20 kg per passenger.
- The final luggage allowance per person is subject to the total body weight of all passengers, the number of passengers, the distance flying between destinations and the type of airstrip used for landing.
- Each flight and aircraft luggage allowance is individually calculated and amended according to the above-mentioned factors. ONLY SOFT BAGS PERMITTED.

Fish River Canyon view

Sossusvlei

Desert-adapted Elephant

Fish River Canyon view

Sossusvlei

Desert-adapted Elephant
Map & Route
Route Map

Distance Table
Destination | Travel Time |
---|---|
Windhoek to Bagatelle | 3 h 30min |
Bagatelle to Fish River Lodge | 6 h 15min |
Fish River Lodge to Luderitz | 4 h 15min |
Luderitz to Kanaan Na'an ku se Desert Retreat | 3 h 00min |
Kanaan Na'an ku se Desert Retreat to Hoodia Lodge | 3 h 45min |
Hoodia Lodge to Swakopmund | 4 h 30min |
Swakopmund to Camp Kipwe | 5 h 00min |
Camp Kipwe to Etosha | 3 h 45min |
Etosha Oberland Lodge to Okonjima | 2 h 30min |
Okonjima to Windhoek | 2 h 30min |
Day 1
Windhoek
Situated in Central Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek serves as the capital of the country. It is home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation options. The city is clean, safe and well-organised, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste an old fort, the 1896 Christuskirche Christ Church, and the more contemporary Supreme Court.
Accommodation
Meals

Olive Exclusive Room

Terrace at Olive Exclusive

Room Exterior at Olive Exclusive

Olive Exclusive Room

Terrace at Olive Exclusive

Room Exterior at Olive Exclusive
Day 2
Kalahari Desert
Spreading across Botswana, South Africa and Namibia, the Kalahari meaning ‘the great thirst’ is an exceptionally beautiful living desert. The landscape is characterised by a large semi-arid sandy savannah draped over a gently rolling inland sea of sand covering most of Botswana and large parts of Namibia and South Africa. It is also the last bastion of the indigenous San people with the modern world having enveloped all the other areas they once roamed. The Namibian portion is made up of red sands covered in thin, wispy, mostly golden grass and dotted with acacia trees and wide-ranging wildlife including gemsbok, impala, jackals and cheetah.
Accommodation
Meals
Activities
Nature Drive and Sundowner: A game drive in the reserve with a variety of game such as giraffe, kudu, zebra, oryx, blue-wildebeest, eland, and much more. The reserve has some of the highest dunes in this region, with views over the pans, characteristic to the Kalahari. Between the dunes, which are called streets, are the beautiful acacia trees. The Kalahari has more than 150 species of birds. The well-known suricate (meerkat) is also to be seen, although they are very scarce. As the day draws to an end, a sundowner on the dune will await you, with refreshments and a Namibian snack, while enjoying a breathtaking sunset in the Kalahari.
Morning Bushman Walk
[optional] |
A relaxing walk with the Bushman (San), sharing with you their ancient survival skills and secrets from their forefathers.
Arriving at the traditional Bushman village, you will meet the family who will present you with how they used to store water in ostrich eggs , plants for medicinal use, setting up traps, the making of ostrich and bead jewellery, etc. This is really an experience, always to remember.
Cheetah Excursion with Sundowner
This activity allows one the opportunity to come up close to the cheetah, great for taking photos. The guides will provide interesting facts about this incredible cat and the history of the cheetahs in their care
In association with CCF(cheetah conservation fund), bagatelle are the custodians of the cheetahs, which are kept in a 12 hectare enclosure. Unable to fend for themselves, the three orphans namely, Ralf, Etosha, and Tuano are fed and cared lovingly by them here at bagatelle.
After this, a sundowner on the dune will await you, with refreshments and a Namibian snack, while enjoying a breath taking sunset in the Kalahari.

Bagatelle Farmhouse Terrace

Bagatelle Farmhouse Dining Room

Fire at Bagatelle Farmhouse

Bagatelle Farmhouse Terrace

Bagatelle Farmhouse Dining Room

Fire at Bagatelle Farmhouse
Day 3 & 4
Fish River Canyon
This activity allows one the opportunity to come up close to the cheetah, great for taking photos. The guides will provide interesting facts about this incredible cat and the history of the cheetahs in their care
In association with CCF(cheetah conservation fund), bagatelle are the custodians of the cheetahs, which are kept in a 12 hectare enclosure. Unable to fend for themselves, the three orphans namely, Ralf, Etosha, and Tuano are fed and cared lovingly by them here at bagatelle.
After this, a sundowner on the dune will await you, with refreshments and a Namibian snack, while enjoying a breath taking sunset in the Kalahari.
Accommodation
Meals
Activities
Canyon Drive (Full day): This is the only access route by vehicle into the Fish River Canyon. As you journey into the depths of the canyon, you will witness first-hand the millions of years of geological upheaval when the earth’s continents separated and tectonic movement resulted in the formation of the canyon. Petrified rippled mud and glacial deposits, dramatic fault lines, rough limestone and shiny quartzite are but a few of the features you will see along the way. Guides will point out evidence of rhino that once navigated the gorges and pairs of territorial klipspringers as they feast on succulents. The drive ends at the permanent rock pools. Lunch is served before heading back to the Lodge. The duration of the excursion is approximately 7 hours.
Canyon Fat Bikes: [optional] Six fat tyre bikes are available for hire to guests.
Guided rides are dependent on availability of guides.
Morning Excursion
The 22 km guided cycling excursion takes you along the rim of the canyon and with a loop back down washes and rocky outcrops interspersed with quiver trees.
Duration: ± 3.5 hours
Helmets, water and snack packs are provided.
Sundowner Excursion
This 10 km cycling excursion takes you along the rim of the canyon to a designated sundowner spot where you will be rewarded with refreshments and snacks as you watch the sun set. You cycle back to the Lodge in time for dinner.
Canyon Sundowner Drive: [optional] The late afternoon drive will take you along the top of the plateau with stops at two different viewpoints for you to take photographs and experience the canyon at its most dramatic. Our guide will also explain the geology, flora and fauna along the way before you catch a glimpse of the meandering Fish River below at the last stop. Drinks and snacks will be served.

Fish River Lodge

Fish River Canyon view

Room

Fish River Lodge

Fish River Canyon view

Room
Day 5
Luderitz
Sandwiched between the rugged and stark Atlantic Coast and the arid desert of Namibia, the town of Luderitz is located in an incredible unique geographical setting. This seaside town is something of an anomaly frozen in time – a piece of 19th-century Bavaria bordering the pinkish sand dunes of the Namib Desert. Lutheran churches, German bakeries, and colonial buildings boasting German art nouveau architecture are dotted about the settlement, while its windswept beaches are home to flamingos, ostriches, seals, and penguins. The nearby ghost town of Kolmanskop, which has been taken over by the desert dunes, is another fascinating must-see attraction, located approximately 10 kilometres from Luderitz central, along with the herd of wild desert-adapted horses near the small town of Aus.
Accommodation
Meals
Activities
Kolmanskop: Amongst the sands of the Namib, the crumbling buildings of a small, once-luxurious town emerge from the drifting dunes. This ghost town is Kolmanskop, a reminder of the wealth of a time when diamonds could be picked by hand from the desert, and a remarkable photographic opportunity with few equals anywhere on earth.
Luderitz Nest Halifax Island Catamaran Tour: Luderitz Nest Halifax Island Catamaran Tour features an insight into one of Africa’s largest Marine Protected Areas. Halifax Island is home to Namibia’s second largest African Penguin colony and the only spot in Namibia to see penguins in the wild.

Nest Hotel Room

Sea View from Nest Hotel

Nest Hotel Terrace

Nest Hotel Room

Sea View from Nest Hotel

Nest Hotel Terrace
Day 6 & 7
Tiras Mountains
Situated in southwestern Namibia at the edge of the world-renowned Namib Desert, the Tiras Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for visitors who venture to this red granite wonderland and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of this region. Namibian landscapes are synonymous with tranquility, serenity and endless open spaces and the magnificent Tiras Mountains encapsulate this quiet charm. Nature lovers flock here for an off-the-beaten-track experience in one of Namibia’s most beautiful areas. Visitors can enjoy thrilling 4X4 mountain and dune tours, nature walks, game and bird viewing as well as excursions through quiver tree forests and to ancient rock paintings on granite rocks. Visitors can relax at one of the luxurious farm lodges after a wonderful day of activities, or get up close with nature while camping in this beautiful desert wilderness.
Accommodation
Meals
Activities
Sunset, Sunrise or a Senic Dune Drive: We offer a variety of safaris including a sunset, sunrise or scenic dune drive where guests can enjoy drinks and snacks and encounter a number of free-roaming wildlife species.

Room Interior at Kanaan

Tented Accommodation at Kanaan

Kanaan Dining Area

Room Interior at Kanaan

Tented Accommodation at Kanaan

Kanaan Dining Area
Day 7 & 8
Sossusvlei
Located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red dunes to make this one of the most scenic natural wonders of Africa and a photographer’s heaven. This awe-inspiring destination is possibly Namibia’s premier attraction, with its unique dunes rising to almost 400 metres – making them some of the highest in the world. These iconic dunes come alive in morning and evening light and draw photography enthusiasts from around the globe. Sossusvlei is home to a variety of desert wildlife including oryx, springbok, ostrich and a variety of reptiles. Visitors can climb ‘Big Daddy’, one of Sossusvlei’s tallest dunes; explore Deadvlei, a white, salt, claypan dotted with ancient trees; or for the more extravagant, scenic flights and hot air ballooning are on offer, followed by a once-in-a-lifetime champagne breakfast amidst these majestic dunes.
Accommodation
Meals
Activities
Sun Downer: Hoodia Desert Lodge Sun Downer features an experience of the tranquillity and magic of the Namibian sunset with fine wines, traditional sundowner drinks and snacks at a private set up on one of their selected outlook points overlooking the Namib Desert.
Sossusvlei Tour Hoodia Desert Lodge Sossusvlei Tour features a professionally guided tour to Sossusvlei. Visitors will discover the world of dunes, the vleis and photographic beauty of the desert. As a highlight of the tour, visitors will enjoy an exclusive dune lunch with fine wines, delicious food and ice cold beverages. The experience ends with a hike to the Sesriem Canyon and back to the Hoodia Desert Lodge in the 4X4 safari vehicle in the late afternoon.

Hoodia Desert Lodge Room

Hoodia Desert Lodge

Pool at Hoodia Desert Lodge

Hoodia Desert Lodge Room

Hoodia Desert Lodge

Pool at Hoodia Desert Lodge
Day 9 & 10
Swakopmund
Set along Namibia’s spectacularly scenic coast, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide-open avenues, colonial architecture, and its surrounding otherworldly desert terrain. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South-West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort town, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, adventure options, laid-back atmosphere and cool sea breeze make it a very popular Namibian destination. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities including: quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing and fascinating desert tours.
Accommodation
Meals
Activities
Dolphin & Seal Catamaran Cruise: The Namibia Dolphin & Seal Catamaran Cruise is a photographers dream as well as a perfect time to relax. When there is no wind the vessel uses the engines which make virtually no noise, otherwise, the wind guides the vessel silently through the 100 sq km lagoon area which is protected by a natural sandbank called Pelican Point, home to a large colony of Cape Fur Seals. Visitors will spend the morning looking for dolphins, pelicans and seagulls flying, swimming alongside the catamarans. The calm waters of the lagoon together with the large stable sailing catamaran offers a perfect platform to view these marine wonders.
Living Desert Tours: The Living Desert Tour is a unique 4×4 adventure which specializes in bringing the desert to life while sharing the awesome beauty of the Namib Desert with travellers from all over the world. The coastal dune belt may seem barren and lifeless to many people, but in fact it is alive with a fascinating variety of little desert adapted animals, which are able to survive on the life-giving fog which consistently rolls in from the cold Atlantic Ocean.
Come see the Dancing White Lady Spider (Carparachne aureoflava) cartwheel 44 turns per second down a dune to escape the enemy. Admire the transparent Namib Dune Gecko (Pachydactylus rangei) with webbed feet that are equivalent to snow shoes. Learn about the different beetles and insects and how they survive in the dune desert. Follow in the tracks of a legless Lizard (Fitsimmon’s Burrowing Skink), observe Sand Diving Lizards (Meroles Anchieta) dancing on the hot sand, Sidewinder Snakes (Perinquey’s Adder), Desert Chameleons and many more fascinating creatures. Learn about the geology, structure and formation of the desert, and admire the vast and beautiful landscapes while enjoying a scenic dune drive combined with fun and adrenalin.

Strand Hotel

Strand Hotel

Strand Hotel Room

Strand Hotel

Strand Hotel

Strand Hotel Room
Day 11 & 12
Twyfelfontein
Set in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, Twyfelfontein is a spectacularly scenic area, featuring one of the largest and most important concentrations of rock art in Africa. The name ‘Twyfelfontein’ translates to ‘Fountain of Doubt’, which refers to the perennial spring situated in the impressive Huab Valley flanked by the slopes of a sandstone table mountain. It was this spring that attracted Stone Age hunters over six thousand years ago, and it was during this time that the extensive group of rock engravings and paintings were produced. Visitors can look forward to basing themselves at some wonderfully shady campsites along the Aba-Huab riverbed, while exploring over thirty different sacred ritual sites of the traditional hunter-gatherer communities.
Accommodation
Meals
Activities
Guided Nature Drive: Explore this ancient and arid landscape with your guide on the Nature Drive. Departing early in the morning, the guide will show you that this harsh, dry environment is alive with desert-adapted flora and fauna, and perhaps, if lucky, discover the desert-adapted elephant.
Usually departs at 06h30 and will go out for +/- 4 – 6 hours.
Drinks & snacks are included.
Twyfelfontein, Burnt Mountain and Organ Pipes Excursion: Departing mid-afternoon your guide will take you to explore this diverse landscape of ancient Damaraland, filled with geological wonders and other surprises.
Learn about the fascinating geological formations of Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes, and discover Namibia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Twyfelfontein – known for being one of the largest and oldest collections of San rock art engravings in the world!

Camp Kipwe

Camp Kipwe

Nature Drive

Camp Kipwe

Camp Kipwe

Nature Drive
Day 13 & 14
Etosha
Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. The area is comprised of a collection of world class private game reserves. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a multitude of plains game. Popular activities include: enjoying an open 4×4 safari with an expert guide, half day or full day drives with the option of a picnic lunch with wine on the full day game drive.
Accommodation
Meals
Activities
Etosha NP excursion: Etosha Oberland is conveniently situated a 10km drive from the Andersson Gate, south of Etosha National Park – a good starting point for excursions in the Park with exciting game viewing experiences.
Activity offered by Etosha Oberland
– Drive to the National Park on a safari 4×4 vehicle accompanied by a Guide with in depth knowledge of wildlife in the area. Departure varies seasonally, depending on park opening hours, and return around 14:00-16:00. The trips last for approximately 7-8 hrs.
A minimum of 2 guests or single supplement applicable; small groups only (maximum of 6 guests per vehicle)
The rate includes guide and entrance fees, an ‘early-bird’-breakfast before departure, light refreshments like cool drinks, water and lunch-packs.

Etosha Oberland Lodge

Etosha Oberland Pool

Etosha Oberland Lodge

Etosha Oberland Lodge

Etosha Oberland Pool

Etosha Oberland Lodge
Day 15 &16
Okonjima Nature Reserve
Midway between the spectacular Etosha National Park and the capital city of Windhoek, lies the well-known Okonjima Nature Reserve. The 22 000 hectare nature reserve is home to AfriCAT, a carnivore sanctuary, which gives the captive cats a second chance to be released back into the wild and become completely independent hunters in a protected area right in the middle of commercial cattle farmland. Visitors can enjoy a stay at a variety of excellent accommodation options including everything from luxury villas to secluded camping. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy thrilling cat-tracking guided safaris, leopard-spotting, off-road night drives and learn about local San culture along the Bushmen trail.
Accommodation
Meals
Activities
Leopard Tracking: The Leopard ‘experience’ will take you out into the Okonjima Nature Reserve and will allow you to spend more time with our experienced guides and participate in the research data collection for our long-standing leopard project and newly introduced brown hyaena programme. Some of our adult leopards are radio collared which enables the guides to track them with a specialised telemetry device contributing to frequent viewing, giving visitors an opportunity to observe these magnificent predators in their natural habitat and experience the fascinating behaviour and interactions between these two species while they compete for food. Although this significantly increases the chance of an excellent sighting, it cannot ever be guaranteed as they are wild free-roaming predators.
Endangered Species Drive: [optional] This game-drive allows more time to enjoy and understand the Okonjima Nature Reserve as a natural island bound ecosystem. As the private Nature Reserve was established primarily to conserve some of our more threatened mammal species, it provides an increased chance to encounter these relatively rare animals. This is once again assisted by the AfriCat Foundation’s research projects on the shy brown hyaena, bat-eared fox and rhino. There are more than 40 mammal species within the Okonjima Nature Reserve, both large and small as well as a good representation of the typical flora. At the discretion of your guide, there may be the chance to view some of these animals, large or small.
Game Drive: [optional] Experienced guides will entertain you with their knowledge, sharing interesting and enlightening information about the history of the Okonjima Nature Reserve and the research gathered over the past 30 years of conservation on Okonjima. On this trail, no telemetry device is used to track any of the carnivores researched by the AfriCat Foundation. Wildlife is the focus of the drive. Visitors are offered insight as our guides attempt to foster a general appreciation of the natural habitat of the Nature Reserve.

Okonjima Bush Camp

Okonjima

Okonjima Bush Camp Room

Okonjima Bush Camp

Okonjima

Okonjima Bush Camp Room
Day 17
Departure
Self Drive from Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp to Hosea Kutako International Airport [WDH]