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Journey Snapshot

Activity level: Level 2 Requires moderate physical activity. You need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing steps and be comfortable with some periods of standing. Not suitable if you have limited mobility.
Destination: Namibia Self Drive Safari
Duration: 11 days
Pickup location: Windhoek International Airport

Overview

Namibia’s safe, well maintained roads are easy to drive on, giving you the freedom to control your own journey on this exciting Self Drive Safari.

Consistently voted on the of the best places to visit in Africa, Namibia really does have it all. Etosha National Park is home to the traditional big game safari, then you’ve got the world’s highest sand dunes, ancient rock art and cultures, the dramatic skeleton coast and even a seaside resort! Finish the trip by getting up close to the cheetahs and leopards at the AfriCAT foundation. A true once in a lifetime experience!

Itinerary

Itinerary summary:

Day 1 - Windhoek
Day 2 - Sossusvlei
Day 3 - Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei
Day 4 - Swakopmund
Day 5 - Swakopmund
Day 6 - Twyfelfontein
Day 7 - Ongava Private Game Reserve
Day 8 - Onguma Game Reserve
Day 9 - Onguma Game Reserve
Day 10 - Okonjima Nature Reserve
Day 11 - Windhoek and home

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Full Itinerary

Day 1 - Windhoek

You will be met by a Big Safari Company representative at Windhoek Airport and transferred to your guesthouse on the outskirts of the city.

Depending on your arrival time you can relax by the plunge pool in the afternoon, visit local shops and restaurants, or take some time to explore the cosmopolitan capital and its historical German architecture.

Included meals: None
Accomodation: Galton House

Day 2 - Sossusvlei

Your vehicle will be delivered to your hotel this morning ready for you to load up some supplies and head out to the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park. Sossusvlei is one of the most scenic and iconic natural wonders of Africa. These giant dunes are best seen in the early morning or evening, when blue skies contrast with curved shadows on the orange sand to make this a photographer's heaven. Visitors can climb one of the tallest dunes nicknamed 'Big Daddy' for outstanding views. Sossusvlei is also home to a surprising range of desert wildlife including oryx, springbok, ostrich and a variety of reptiles.

Included meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accomodation: Kulala Desert Lodge
Optional activities: scenic walks, nature drives, hot air balloon rides and eco-sensitive guided quad biking excursions (additional cost)

Day 3 - Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei

This morning you will rise early to visit the Namib Naukluft National Park, entering the gates at sunrise to capture the spectacular dunes whilst the light is soft and shadows accentuate their towering curves. This area boasts some of the highest free-standing sand dunes in the world. Today you can also explore Deadvlei, a white, salt, claypan dotted with ancient trees or view it from a different angle and take an early morning hot air balloon ride, followed by champagne breakfast amidst these majestic dunes.

The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure or you have the option for guided excursion to visit nearby Sesriem Canyon. You can do these activities either on your own or as guided activities with the lodge.

Included meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accomodation: Kulala Desert Lodge
Optional activities: Sesriem Canyon excursion. Hot air balloon ride (additional cost)

Day 4 - Swakopmund

After breakfast set off for Swakopmund. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences and surrounding desert terrain make this seaside resort a hub for adventure activities.
Distance: 420km

The unique architecture at The Stiltz Hotel will take your breath away. Wooden bungalows are built on stilts with connecting walkways and overlook either the Atlantic Ocean, or the sand dunes and the bird rich lagoon at the river mouth.

Included meals: Breakfast
Accomodation: The Stiltz Hotel
Optional activities: Quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing and fascinating desert tours.

Day 5 - Swakopmund

Day free to explore the town or participate in one of the many activities on offer. You can go on a fascinating walk with a wildlife expert to see the desert up close, or go on a cruise to spot dolphins and seals or even kayak with them, or the brave can try the adrenaline-filled sport of Dune Boarding, where you hurtle down the sandy slopes attached to a snowboard!

Included meals: Breakfast
Accomodation: The Stiltz Hotel
Optional activities: Marine cruise, Living Desert tour, kayaking, dune boarding and more.

Day 6 - Twyfelfontein

After breakfast drive north towards the barren but beautiful landscape of the Skeleton Coast.
Distance: 325km

Take a short detour to visit the Cape Cross Seal reserve where a vast breeding colony of Cape Fur seals reside. A walkway enables you to see (and smell!) the seals up close and information points around the reserve explain all about these adorable creatures. (entrance fees are payable)

In the afternoon arrive at Twyfelfontein via the geological formations at Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes. Twyfelfontein features one of the largest and most important concentrations of rock art in Africa. Stone Age hunters settled here over six thousand years ago and left a vast collection of well preserved rock engravings at this UNESCO World Heritage site. (entrance fees are payable)

Included meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accomodation: Camp Kipwe

Day 7 - Ongava Private Game Reserve

After breakfast drive to Ongava Private Game Reserve, on the outskirts of Etosha National Park.
Distance: 330 km

The reserve is famed for its population of rhino and lion. The lodge has a sunken viewing hide next to a popular waterhole where you can observe the wildlife from a close distance. A short walk away is the Ongava Research Centre where resident scientists undertake vital research and the Ongava Visitor Center with its fascinating exhibition area containing information and displays on the geology, animals and plants of the region.

Activities on offer at the Lodge include day and night Game Drives, Game Walks, Bird Watching

Included meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accomodation: Anderssons at Ongava

Day 8 - Onguma Game Reserve

After breakfast enjoying a thrilling game drive in a touring vehicle through Etosha National Park to Onguma Game Reserve.

Situated east of Etosha, Onguma Game Reserve features a variety of wildlife including plains game, black rhino, kudu, giraffe, zebra, lion, cheetah, leopard and more than 300 bird species. The neighbouring Etosha National Park is home to a rich array of wildlife, including four of the Big 5. Visitors can enjoy game drives, guided walks and rhino research drives within the private reserve as well as wildlife safaris into Etosha National Park.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch dinner
Accomodation: Onguma Tented Camp

Day 9 - Onguma Game Reserve

Enjoy included morning and afternoon game drives into Park or on the Onguma Reserve and an interpretive bush walk.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accomodation: Onguma Tented Camp

Day 10 - Okonjima Nature Reserve

After breakfast drive to Okonjima Nature Reserve
Distance: 350km

This nature reserve is home to AfriCAT, a sanctuary for rescued cheetah, leopard and lion, giving them a chance to be released back into the wild. Enjoy thrilling cat tracking guided safaris, leopard-spotting, off-road night drives and learn about local San culture along the Bushmen trail.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner
Accomodation: Okonjima Plains Camp

Day 11 - Windhoek and home

Drive back to Windhoek for your onward international connection home.
Distance: 265km

Included meals: Breakfast

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More information

What's includedWhat's not includedImportant information

What's included

  • Airport transfers
  • Accommodation and meals as specified
  • 4 x 4 car hire
  • Some guided activities as specified

What's not included

  • International flights
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Fuel
  • National Park & Entrance fees
  • Drinks (unless specified)
  • Phone calls
  • Laundry
  • Personal purchases
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any COVID-related testing

Important information

  • Vaccinations are recommended for Namibia. Please consult your doctor for advice.
  • US Passport holders require a visa to visit Namibia. These are obtained at the port of entry and are free of charge.
  • Please let The Big Safari Company know prior to travelling if you have any medical needs or take any medication that we need to be made aware of to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant tour.
  • Cancellation 90 - 0 days prior to departure: cancellation fee is 100%. It is your responsibility to ensure the correct travel insurance in place to protect you against the need to cancel your holiday. Deposits are non-refundable. Balance payments due 14 weeks prior to departure.
  • Further terms and conditions apply and will be provided upon request or at the time of booking. The Big Safari Company reserves the right to withdraw any offer prior to accepting a reservation request. This does not affect your statutory rights. This offer is subject to availability and space is limited.

The big journey promise

The big journey company was set up with one goal in mind, to share our passion for inspirational cultures, destinations and experiences. Over the last 10 years we have had the privilege to escort thousands of travellers on awe inspiring and sometimes life changing journeys. Our promise to every guest who joins us is that we will do everything possible to make sure your journey not only exceeds expectations but delivers at least one moment of true amazement.

talk toll free to our well travelled team of experts

Call us on:UK 0800 689 0941
USA 1 800 949 3295

Monday to Thursday 09:00am - 8:00pm. Friday 09:00am - 05:30pm. (London time)

or Send us a message

Anytime, day or night

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Holiday tours are operated by The Big Safari Company - a subsidiary of The Big Journey Company Limited. Registered in England. Registered office: Marron Bank, Branthwaite, Cumbria, CA14 4SZ. Registered number: 6532140. The Big Journey Company Limited is a member of The Travel Trust Association member number U5675 and holds an Air Travel Organiser’s License number T7282.

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