This 12 day self drive tour endeavours to show you the best parts of Namibia while staying in comparative luxury. While staying at most lodges your excursions are included as are many drinks and meals.

The route takes you to the dunes at Swakopmund, then to the coastal town of Swakopmund before heading inland to the beautiful rugged Damaraland region. Then it is on towards Etosha and the private Ongava Reserve before a final two nights at Okonjima where activities include leopard tracking and learning about cheetah conservation work.

Although it is possible to book this itinerary 'as is', as with all our self drive trips this is entirely customisable, and we can add or delete days, change the accommodation used and generally design the tour to suit your individual requirements.

Day 1: Windhoek - Sossusvlei

There is no reason to leave Windhoek particularly early today, you have a drive of around 300km's which will take you around 4-5 hours (although the majority of travel will be on unsealed gravel roads). There are several routes to take -however our favourite is via the Spreetshoogte Pass - which offers stunning views from the top of the escarpment over the desert plains below. The pass is so steep that it is only possible to traverse it from top to bottom - so you will need to use one of the other routes on your return journey
If you arrive in time you can participate in a guided nature drive or walk this afternoon.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Little Kulala

Day 2: Sossusvlei

This morning you will be awoken before sunrise for tea and coffee, before heading out with one of the lodges guides and vehicles towards the dunes at Sossusvlei. Making use of the lodges own private entrance you enter the park at sunrise. On arriving at Sossusvlei their is time to explore the area, climb the dunes and generally enjoy this amazing part of Namibia. On returning to the vehicle your guide has laid out brunch for you under one of the large shady camelthorn trees.
Once you have eaten it is back to the lodge, possibly with a short visit to the Sesriem canyon if you are interested.
This afternoon you are welcome to join a nature drive (or other activity) on the Kulala property before dinner and bed.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Little Kulala

Day 3: Sossusvlei - Swakopmund

This morning you are collected from the lodge and join a balloon flight over Sossusvlei - this is followed by a champagne breakfast, held wherever the balloon lands. Today you will head north from Sossusvlei through the gravel plains of the Namib towards the harbour town of Walvis Bay. On arriving in Walvis bay it is a good idea to head down to the lagoon which is often frequented by thousands of pink flamingoes and other birdlife. After a short stop it is only a 30km drive along a picturesque road sandwiched between large dunes and the atlantic ocean to Swakopmund.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Swakopmund Hotel

Day 4: Swakopmund

Time for an early breakfast as you will be collected from the hotel at around 8.30am and head out with your guide into the Namib Desert. You will slowly drive along the foot of the dunes, taking precaution not to drive on the gravel plains and cause any unnecessary damage to the environment. The gravel plains are protected and home to nesting Damara Terns, which are endemic to this area. Driving along gravel plains leaves scars, which can take up to 100 years to recover. Conservation issues and the geological structure of the desert will be discussed in detail en route. Plenty of time is available for frequent stops to take photos of the dunes and the surrounding environment.
Your guide will stop continuously to look for tracks (known locally as reading the bushman paper), to determine which animals were active the night before and wherever possible will try to catch some of them to show you. Great care is taken in sharing knowledge with you on each desert animal, including emphasis on special adaptations and perfect design used for survival in the desert. Time and care is taken to ensure each animal is returned safely to its home.
We cross the dune belt from east to west in a 4x4 vehicle, lending opportunity for incredible views of the desert landscape and an adrenalin packed journey where experienced knowledge of sand driving is essential. Enjoy a stop on top of the dunes overlooking spectacular scenery.
You will be back in Swakopmund in time for a late lunch, and then have the afternoon to explore the town.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Swakopmund Hotel

Day 5: Swakopmund - Damaraland

Today the journey begins with a drive up the Skeleton Coast, through the town of Henties Bay to the Cape Cross Seal Colony. After spending some time seal watching you will begin your journey inland past Namibia's highest mountain, the Brandberg. Damaraland is a scenic semi-desert area and you will be staying in the suite at Mowani Mountain Camp which is nestled amongst architectural granite boulders.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Mowani Mountain Camp

Day 6: Damaraland

Today you have the choice of exploring the sites of Damaraland in your own vehicle, or if you prefer joining the guided excursions offered by the lodge (not included in package price). However you choose to travel this is sure to be an exciting day in a very interesting area
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Mowani Mountain Camp

Day 7, 8 & 9: Etosha Park

The Ongava reserve lies on the southern border of Etosha near the Anderson Gate, and it is here you will spend the next three nights in a suite at Little Ongava (complete with it's own plunge pool). This afternoon you can join a guided game drive or just relax and enjoy your surroundings
Days can be spent on guided game drives and walks around Etosha & the Ongava Reserve. Having an experienced guide really enhances game viewing and with any luck you should really rack up the sightings.
Etosha is Namibia's premier game viewing destination, large herds of plains game concentrate around the waterholes in the dry season and makes for exciting game viewing. Species that can be seen year round include Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Springbok, Oryx, Kudu and the Diminutive Damara Dik-Dik. Birdlife is also good with Ostrich and raptors in abundance. Local specials include the Short-toed Rockthrush, Haulaubs Francolin, Rockrunner, Ruppells Parrot, White-tailed Shrike and Chestnut Weaver.
Ongava Game reserve is one of the few private game reserves in Southern Africa where you have a chance of seeing both Black and White Rhino. The reserve also has a good population of Lion, Eland, Mountain Zebra, Black Faced Impala and a number of other antelope species.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Little Ongava

Day 10 & 11: Okonjima Bush Suite

Leaving Ongava the drive to Okonjima takes around 3 hours. Apart from the beautiful location, stunning accommodation and wonderful meals the main reason for visiting Okonjima is to view cats. Your activities here are included in this package and centre around viewing leopard & cheetah, visiting a night hide and generally learning about what the AfriCat foundation is doing to preserve these wonderful animals. You will be accommodated in the private Bush Suite and will participate in a range of activities including cheetah feeding, leopard tracking and visits to night hides.
If you do not feel like participating in an activity you can relax in the lounge or around your large private swimming pool at the suite.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Okonjima Bush Suite

Day 12: Windhoek

The drive back to Windhoek takes around 3 hours. You will probably want to stop at the wood carving markets at Okahandja as this is one of the best places to stock up on wooden curios.
If you are flying out tonight you can drop your vehicle at the airport or additionally we can arrange accommodation in Windhoek

 

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

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