This short 4 day self drive tour starts and ends in Windhoek. It head north to visit the Etosha National Park - undoubtedly one of the world's finest game-viewing destinations. The accommodation on this trip includes 1 night inside the park allowing you to night game watch at the well-known Okaukuejo spot-lit waterhole. Two nights at a private lodge on the edge of the park follow. Elephants are a major drawcard in Etosha and they can live for up to 70 years, eating some 250kg of vegetation a day!

Game viewing is best done in the early morning or late afternoon. At these times a wide diversity of wildlife congregates and interacts around many of the waterholes, located mainly on the southern edge of Etosha Pan. The action starts at dawn when large numbers of animals approach for refreshment. So self-driving around Etosha has always been the most practical way getting around to see black rhinoceros, elephant and lion and the many species of antelope jostling for a drink.

Although it is possible to book this itinerary 'as is', as with all our self drive trips this is entirely customisable. We can add or delete days, change the accommodation used and generally design the tour to suit your individual requirements. Visitors who might prefer a break from driving themselves can arrange a guided safari.

Self Drive Namibia

Day 1: Windhoek - Etosha Park

We recommend leaving Windhoek early this morning as you have a 435km drive to complete before reaching the park. Your route takes you due north of Windhoek via the towns of Okahandja, Otjiwarongo and finally Outjo (a popular lunch stop - before the final drive into the park). You will enter Etosha at the Anderson Gate from where it is only a short drive to Okaukuejo. The chances are that immediately on entering the national park you will start to see interesting wildlife - so covering even the shortest distance can be a rewarding and time consuming business. Do remember that you have to be inside the Okaukuejo gates before sunset. As darkness descends you can make your way to the spot-lit waterhole and watch the animals come down to drink. This waterhole is frequently visited by rhino & elephant as well as numerous smaller nocturnal game species
Meals: None
Accommodation: Okaukuejo

Day 2 & 3: Etosha Park

It is really worth waking early and heading out on your game drive as soon as the gates open at sunrise. Animals are most active in the cool of the day (early morning & late afternoon) and in order to maximise your chances of good viewings it is worth imitating their behaviour. The roads in Etosha are unsealed gravel roads but are in reasonable condition - and the general tourist behaviour is to drive between various waterholes searching for animals.
As the day gets hotter head for shade, and lunch, at one of the parks three camps, Okaukuejo, Namutoni or Halali. When things start to cool down again head out for another game drive. With two full days in the park you should have sightings of most of the parks inhabitants (although be warned the cats are notoriously hard to find - and of course what you see is determined by luck and more importantly your ability to spot wildlife)
These two nights accommodation are at a comfortable lodge on the eastern outskirts of the park. From here is is only a short drive into the park and an added benefit of staying here is the option to book one of the lodges guided game drives into the park.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Mushara Lodge

Day 4: Etosha Park - Windhoek

There is time for a last game drive this morning before you need to head back towards Windhoek. Drive via the towns of Tsumeb (just north of the town is the Otjikoto Lake which is worthy of a short visit) & Otavi before rejoining the route you used while travelling north in the town of Otjiwarongo.
Whichever route you decide to use, do stop at one of the wood carving markets in Okahandja as this is the best place to purchase Namibian wood carvings.
Meals: Breakfast

Includes

All your meals and activities as specified.
A welcome pack including maps and vouchers for the places that you'll be visiting.
See the individual lodges for precise inclusions & exclusions
The Cardboard Box Travel Shop's own Namibia Guide Book
A 24 hour emergency assistance phone number

Excludes

Vehicle & Fuel
Park entrance fees (these need to be paid on arrival).
Tips and gratuities (which are optional).
Any meals or activities not specified.
See the individual lodges for detailed inclusions & exclusions.

Vehicles

Although we have excluded the cost of renting a vehicle from the quoted rate we are happy to advise you on the best possible vehicle and arrange a rental for you. For an idea of what is available have a look at our car hire in Namibia section