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Namibia> Safaris in Namibia> Self-Drive Safaris Namibia |
This self drive itinerary is my, the web-designers, ideal self drive itinerary. It does not necessarily take into account places that the average tourist might like to see on a first visit to Namibia and uses all sorts of accommodation from camping to upmarket lodges. This might not be the ideal Namibia self drive for everyone but might give you a few ideas for more mainstream itineraries have a look at the self-drive page. There may be a lot of self indulgent nonsense on this page, but if you don't want to read it head to our main page and visit the rest of the site, there are nearly 1000 other pages to choose from.
Many of the places visited are either because the people who run them are really great, they offer a special service or are set in a stunning location. Sometimes all three of these come together and I've marked these places with a special A+
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1
Windhoek |
Arriving in Windhoek, Namibia and rent a 4x4 vehicle fully equipped with camping equipment and a fridge, especially important to keep the beers cold. Accommodation: Heinitzburg Hotel or Olive Grove Guest House Notes:
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2
Zebra River Lodge |
From Windhoek head down via Rehoboth over the Spreethoogte Pass, with it's stunning views over the Namib Desert to Solitaire. Stop for lunch in Solitaire, especially to say hello to 'Moose' who has gained an amazing amount of fame considering he lives in one of Namibia's smallest places. He has appeared in several TV adverts, newspaper articles and even in the novel 'Solitaire' by Ton van der Lee (only available in Dutch). After lunch and a few cold beers it's on to Zebra River Lodge for a few nights.
Accommodation: Zebra River Lodge Note:
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3 & 4
Zebra River Lodge |
Three nights at Zebra River Lodge (A+) will definitely help you unwind. Rob & Marianne are very friendly and helpful, the food and accommodation is spot on. Although not a great hiker, I would definitely walk to the natural springs which are surrounded by wild olive trees on at least a few occasions. Zebra River is great for walking and the dogs will happily join you if you need some company. This is a very tranquil place and typifies the type of hospiltality that can make a Namibia self drive safari really rewarding. Accommodation: Zebra River Lodge |
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5 & 6
Wolwedans / NamibRand Reserve |
From Zebra River Lodge head to the NamibRand nature reserve, this is one of the biggest privately owned reserves in the world and is situated on the edge of the Namib Desert. The owners of the reserve are passionate about conservation and the area is unspoilt. Although the dunes are not as big as those at Sossusvlei the reduced number of tourists and immense Beauty of NamibRand makes it my preference in the area.
Accommodation: Wolwedans Private Camp is first choice, but the other two lodges Wolwedans Dunes Camp or Wolwedans Dunes Lodge are also great. Activities: Ballooning - I always thought this was seriously over priced and something I would never enjoy, having recently ballooned at NamibRand my opinion has changed, it is expensive but definitely worth it. |
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7, 8 & 9
Swakopmund |
From Wolwedans head north to Swakopmund, the town has lots to do but the main attraction that it is generally cool while the rest of Namibia is stinking hot. This is an opportunity to get some warm clothes on and snuggle up. Although the town has plenty of adventure activities on offer I certainly won't be parachuting and will probably spend my time fishing and hanging out at the towns cafes and restaurants.
Accommodation: Sea Breeze Guest House (A+), love this place Giancarlo and Oscar are great guys who run an excellent establishment. Also well worth a mention is the Alternative Space, which has been expanded and upgraded from a backpackers hostel to a lodge without dormitories; hopefully will be able to join Frenus & Sybille for their famous Friday night fish braai (only for guests so don't just show up and try to score some free food) Notes: Dinner on at least one night will be at the Tug Restaurant which is situated on the beach front with good views of the ocean. The seafood is good and the bar is actually set in an old tug (my grandfather used to be the harbour master in Luderitz and before that worked on the tugs in Port Elizabeth, hence an affinity for all things nautical) |
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10 & 11
Erongo Wilderness Lodge |
From Swakopmund its into the Erongo region, Erongo Wilderness Lodge (A+) is a great place. It is set amongst massive granite boulders and all the chalets / tents are linked by wooden walk-ways. The pub and restaurant area are really good and they have an excellent selection of South African Wine. Helen, Mike and Roger will make the stay a very pleasant one. Accommodation: Erongo Wilderness Lodge Note: If Roger is guiding your sunset drive, make sure you have packed your own supply of gin & tonic as he has been known to leave them behind |
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12 & 13
Palmwag |
Leaving Erongo head north further into Damaraland, heading towards Palmwag through some of my favourite scenery in Namibia, the rolling hills and semi desert landscapes are absolutely stunning. There is always the chance of seeing desert adapted elephant and rhino in this region, staying for a few nights at Wilderness Safaris' mobile rhino camp increases the chance of seeing these animals. There is something special about viewing animals outside of a game park, seeing kudu, gemsbok or springbuck in Etosha is okay, but there is a real thrill when you see them next to the road on communal land or farmland.
Accommodation: Palmwag Rhino Camp Suggested Activities: Spend time tracking the desert Rhino |
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14, 15 & 16
Epupa Falls |
From Palmwag head into Kaokoland, the destination is Epupa Falls on the Angolan border, this is a totally unspoilt area and the Kunene River is one of the worlds last wilderness areas. Days will be spent swimming in the rock pools below the Epupa Falls and generally enjoying the quite stress free environment.
Accommodation: Camping |
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17
Hobatere Lodge |
From Epupa its down to Hobatere Lodge on the western boundary of Etosha, will definitely pay a visit to the lodges private spot-lit waterhole.
Accommodation: Hobatere Lodge |
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18 & 19
Okonjima Bush Camp |
From Hobatere its on to my favourite lodge in Namibia, Okonjima (A+) situated south of Otjiwarongo in the Waterberg area. The work AfriCat do here with leopard and cheetah is really excellent and this is a real conservation effort and not just a show for tourists. Okonjima has lots of activities and you will be kept well occupied during your time here.
Accommodation: Okonjima Bush Camp |
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From Okonjima it is only a few hours drive back to Windhoek, ending an exellent self drive through Namibia. |
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Additional Information
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| Vehicle | Fully equipped 4x4 with fridge. Have a look at our car rental in Namibia page for details | |
| Other | During the rainy season section of the roads (especially around Sossusvlei and Damaraland) can get washed away so caution is advised. If you do need to cross a river that is running it is a good idea to walk through it first in order to gauge the strength of the flow and the water depth, if the water is to deep or running to strongly wait a few hours and try again, as the water level generally subsides pretty quickly. | |