Kaokoveld - Etosha Safari
17 day self-drive safari to northwestern Namibia
On this safari you will get to know the scenic highlights of Namibia's northwestern savanna and mountain landscapes, with still some time to spare to visit the wonderful, wildlife infested Etosha National Park at the end of your journey. Like all of our self-drive tours, this safari makes enough time to get to know the impressive, deserted expanses of Namibia. In a sturdy 4x4 vehicle you will explore the northwestern parts of our beautiful country, often also called the "Wild Northwest". But not to worry - this "Kaokoveld Lite" Tour is suitable for Africa newcomers as well as for repeaters and you can travel safely, without a second accompanying car, through this part of the country.
Whether as a lodge tour or a mixed lodge / camping safari, you will probably not forget this holiday for a long time.
Duration: 17 days
But do take care: Once Namibia - Always Namibia!
Safari Overview - "Kaokoveld - Etosha Safari"
- Day 1: Windhoek - Arrival, City Tour through Namibia's capital
- Day 2-3: Erongo - Arrive properly, relax in the fascinating Erongo Mountains
- Day 4: Twyfelfontein - Visit the "White Lady" at the Brandberg and the World heritage rock engravings at Twyfelfontein
- Day 5-6: Palmwag - Desert oasis Palmwag, excursion into the deserted Palmwag Concession
- Day 7: Opuwo - Stopover in Opuwo, the hazy shopping town of the Ovahimba
- Day 8-9: Epupa - Ovahimba culture and the wonderful Epupa Falls
- Day 10-11: Kunene - Relaxation or action (rafting, boat cruise, etc.) at the Kunene
- Day 12: Uukwaluudhi - Ovambo culture and stopover to Etosha National Park
- Day 13-15: Etosha - Fascinating fauna in the world-famous Etosha National Park
- Day 16: Waterberg - Visit of the Cheetah Conservation Fund at the foot of the historically interesting Waterberg
- Day 17: Return - Good-bye Namibia
Costs
From N$ 31.200 (Camping/Lodge)
From N$ 50.800 (Lodge - Comfort)
From N$ 56.100 (Lodge - Luxury)
Rate example per person during the low season. Here you can find the detailed rates.
Tour overview- "Kaokoveld - Etosha Safari"
Day 1: Arrival in Namibia ~ 45 km
After your arrival at the Hosea Kutako International Airport approx. 45 km east of Windhoek, you will be welcomed by the car rental company and taken to Windhoek where you will take over your vehicle with all the necessary instructions and information. Afterwards you will drive to your accommodation where you are able to freshen up and rest. In the afternoon you will be picked up by your guide from Bwana Tucke-Tucke for an interesting Windhoek city tour, during which you will get to know historical buildings and the township of Katutura. In the evening you can go out for a relaxing dinner. We can recommend Joe's Beerhouse, Cape Town Fish Market or The Stellenbosch.
Services included:
Lodge
- Pick up at the airport and vehicle introduction.
- Windhoek city tour
- Accommodation in B&B or Hotel (Comfort: Haus Sonneneck / Luxury: Heinitzburg Hotel)
Lodge / Camping
- Pick up at the airport and vehicle introduction.
- Windhoek city tour
- Accommodation in B&B or Hotel (Comfort: Haus Sonneneck)
Day 2: On the way to the Erongo Mountains ~ 260 km (3,5h)
After breakfast you can visit the nearest supermarket to fill-up on supplies. Take the B1 in northern direction to Okahandja. Continue on the B2 towards Karibib. At Wilhelmstal you turn right onto the gravel road towards Omaruru and into the Erongo Mountains to your accommodation for tonight. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon stroll amidst this pristine landscape with its characteristic boulders of the Erongo formation – beautiful sceneries in the golden light of sunset.
Services included:
Lodge
- Breakfast, Dinner, Accommodation
- Comfort: Omandumba Guestfarm / Luxury: The Erongo Wild
Lodge/Camping
- Breakfast in the Guesthouse
- Campsite Omandumba Guestfarm
Day 3: Erongo ~ 0 km
Today is at your leisure. You can take explore the surreal formations of the Erongo or you explore the surrounds and rock paintings on a game drive with your hosts – or enjoy both! Another very interesting and exciting alternative is a visit to the San Living Museum nearby. There is definitely enough time to relax, to observe and to enjoy the solitude. With the darkness settling down, there is most certainly a breath-taking night sky to marvel at.
Services included:
Lodge
- Breakfast, Dinner, Accommodation
- Comfort: Omandumba Guestfarm / Luxury: The Erongo Wild
Lodge/Camping
- Campsite Omandumba Guestfarm
Day 4: From Erongo pass the Brandberg to Twyfelfontein ~ 240 km (4h)
After an early breakfast you continue your journey deeper into the rugged north-western Namibia. You drive through the dry and deserted landscapes of Damaraland. After approximately two hours you reach the turn-off to the Brandberg Mountain Range where Namibia’s highest mountain (Königsstein 2573 m) is found. We recommend a visit to the famous rock painting the “White Lady”. A 40-minute guided walk takes you through the Tsisab Gorge to this beautiful piece of art.
Enjoy a lunch break before proceeding to Twyfelfontein. The deeper you venture into Damaraland the more dramatic and exciting the landscape becomes. You should reach your beautifully located accommodation amidst granite boulders in the late afternoon. Another picturesque sunset is best enjoyed with a refreshing drink after an adventurous day.
Services included:
Lodge
- Breakfast, Dinner, Accommodation
- Comfort: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge / Luxury: Mowani Mountain Camp
Lodge/Camping
- Self-Catering Madisa Camp
Day 5: Twyfelfontein World Heritage Site and Palmwag Oasis ~ 130 km (2h)
As there are a couple of highlights awaiting you today, you should get going early in the morning. A definite must is a visit to the rock engravings of Twyfelfontein, as is the Damara Living Museum, where you can experience historic Damara culture in a unique way.
During the hottest part of the day you travel to Palmwag, a green oasis amidst a seemingly endless basalt landscape that was created by massive magma eruptions around 125 million years ago, at a time when Africa and South America still existed as the coherent land mass of Gondwana. Take advantage of the refreshing swimming pool at Palmwag Lodge in the afternoon. With some luck you might get to see the resident desert-dwelling elephants.
Services included:
Lodge
- Breakfast, Dinner, Accommodation
- Comfort / Luxury: Palmwag Lodge
Lodge/Camping
- Campsite: Palmwag Lodge
Day 6: Palmwag Concession ~ 60 km (4h)
We highly recommend an excursion into the impressive Palmwag Concession. The immense area is an extremely important refuge for rare animal species, some of which are threatened with extinction. It is estimated that more than 70% of the hooked-lipped rhinos that are still living in the wild can be found here. The fascinating desert-dwelling elephants, mountain zebras and giraffes also roam the area. A healthy population of antelopes attracts a substantial number of large predators such as leopards, cheetahs and spotted hyenas. In addition, a group of "desert lions" has adapted to the arid conditions of the Palmwag concession.
Services included:
Lodge
- Breakfast, Dinner, Accommodation
- Comfort / Luxury: Palmwag Lodge
Lodge/Camping
- Campsite: Palmwag Lodge
Day 7: From Palmwag to Opuwo ~ 460 km (4-5h)
Most of the day is spent driving through the impressive landscapes of the Kaokoveld. Today the route becomes the destination – opposed to the destination being the destination...
After a relaxed breakfast you travel along the C43 north. If time allows you can visit the Ongongo Waterfall, a natural fountain, which invites for a refreshing swim. Alternativly you can continue to Sesfontein for lunch. Via the Joubert’s Pass you continue further into the wilderness until you reach civilisation (Ohavimba Capital Opuwo). The town will probably not win the prize for being Africa’s most beautiful town, but it definitely presents an interesting melange of different people from modern to very traditional. It also provides for all necessary supplies and you can top up fuel, food supplies and other necessities.
The accommodation for lodgers is Opuwo Country Lodge in town, whereas campers continue north for another 40 km to pitch up camp at the beautiful Omungonda Campsite.
Services included:
Lodge
- Breakfast, Dinner, Accommodation
- Comfort / Luxury: Opuwo Country Lodge
Lodge/Camping
- Camping at Omungunda Campiste (needs to be paid in Cash)
Day 8: Opuwo, Ovahimba culture and Epupa ~ 180 km (3h)
From Opuwo you advance north on the C43. After 40 km a visit to the Living Museum of the Ovahimba should be on you bucket list. The museum presents a large traditional homestead where the Ovahimba demonstrate their everyday live to interested guests and invites them to participate in it. Important aspects of the ancient tradition are the production of food, craftsmenship (forging, pottery, wood carving, leather tanning), building of mud huts, as well as singing and dancing. Guests get an insight into the setup of the traditional homestead, the meaning of the Holy Fire, parts of their religious believes and the importance of cattle within the culture of the Ovahimba.
After you have strengthened your cultural expertise, you drive to the northern border of Namibia, to the legendary Epupa Waterfalls, a real natural spectacle after the barren stone desert of the Kaokoveld.
Services included:
Lodge
- Breakfast, Dinner, Accommodation
- Comfort / Luxury: Omarunga Lodge
Lodge/Camping
- Campsite: Omarunga Lodge
Day 9: Epupa ~ 0 km
Today you can take an extended hike along the Kunene directly from the lodge and enjoy many views of the Epupa Waterfalls.) Depending on the water level, there are also some swimming opportunities directly in the rocks above the Falls (across from the communal campsite). Otherwise you should generally refrain from bathing here - there are no hippos in the Kunene, but there are a lot of crocodiles.
Action junkies are welcome to book a rafting tour at the neighbouring camp, "Epupa Camp". Availability is always subject to saisonal waterl levels. Just check at the reception a day in advance.
Just before sunset we recommend a short climb onto the small hillock west of Epupa. Here you have amazing vistas onto the Falls.
Services included:
Lodge
- Breakfast, Dinner, Accommodation
- Comfort / Luxury: Omarunga Lodge
Lodge/Camping
- Campsite: Omarunga Lodge
Day 10: Off to Kunene River Lodge ~ 100 km (2h)
Another beautifull accommodation awaits you today. Before departing you should enquire at reception of Omarunga Lodge on the road condition of the D3700 directly along the Kunene to Swartboois Drift. After heavy rains the road can be in a very adventurous state and should only be travelled with two vehicles. Should the route be fine to take, you save yourself 70 km on top of being able to travel an amazing road. Otherwise rather take the road C43 via Epembe and further on the D3701 to Swartboois Drift and the beautiful Kunene River Lodge.
Services included:
Lodge
- Breakfast, Dinner, Accommodation
- Comfort / Luxury: Kunene River Lodge
Lodge/Camping
- Campsite: Kunene River Lodge
Day 11: Kunene River Lodge ~ 0 km
Enjoy an idyllic day at the Kunene, watching Vervet Monkeys running around or go for another walk along the river. Kunene River Lodge also offers numerous activities like canoeing or fishing and also a half-day rafting adventure (depending on the water level).
Services included:
Lodge
- Breakfast, Dinner, Accommodation
- Comfort / Luxury: Kunene River Lodge
Lodge/Camping
- Campsite: Kunene River Lodge
Day 12: From the Kunene to Uukwaluudhi Lodge ~ 210 km (3h)
After four days you have to bid farewell to the Kunene River paradise. Before turning south again you might want to visit the Ruacana Falls. At Ruacana the Kunene plummets 120 m into a 700 m wide gorge thus forming the impressive Ruacana Falls (provided the sluices are open). Two hydroelectric power stations have been built here, the bigger on already in 1970 by South Africa, and the Kunene has been dammed for this purpose.
After this detour you drive south along the C35. After 85 km you have reached your destination - Uukwaluudhi Lodge, located north of the famous Etosha National Park. A visit of the Royal Homestead, a traditional village of the Ovambo, is highly recommendable.
Services included:
Lodge
- Breakfast, Dinner, Accommodation
- Comfort / Luxury: Uukwaluudhi Lodge
Lodge/Camping
- Dinner, Accommodation
- Comfort: Uukwaluudhi Lodge
Day 13: Into the Etosha National Park ~ 220 km (3h)
Finally, you will enter the world famous Etosha National Park. Entering through the Otjovasondu Gate you will explore the eastern part of the park today. More than 110 mammal species are found in the Etosha National Park like elephant, square- and hooked-lipped rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena and many smaller predators, giraffe, zebra and numerous other antelopes. Furthermore, about 340 bird species can be discoverd.
You’ll spend the night in the beautifully located Dolomite Camp.
Services included:
Lodge
- Breakfast, Dinner, Accommodation
- Comfort / Luxury: Dolomite Camp
Lodge/Camping
- Breakfast, Dinner, Accommodation
- Comfort: Dolomite Camp
Day 14: Etosha Nationalpark ~ 220 km (6h)
You’ll spend the whole day on game drive, thereby crossing the park from east towards the main restcamp Okaukuejo, always on the lookout for wild animals. It makes sense to visit as many waterholes as possible on the way. Especially during the dry season, i.e. from May to December, large herds meet around the waterholes to quench their thirst. In the sightings books, found at the reception of all restcamps one can often find useful hints on locations of special sightings in the park. At the waterholes Okondeka and Wolfsnes lions are frequently seen. At Ozonjuitji m' Bari large herds of different game species like to gather.
At sunset you have to leave the park to spend your night at one of the nice lodges outside
Services included:
Lodge
- Breakfast, Dinner, Accommodation
- Comfort: Etosha Safari Camp / Luxury: Etosha Safari Lodge
Lodge/Camping
- Breakfast
- Campsite at Etosha Safari Camp
Day 15: Etosha Nationalpark ~ 150 km (5h)
One more day spent in the park. At Okaukuejo Restcamp you can have a lunch break and make use of the refreshing pool. If you feel like you’ve spent enough time sitting in the car, we suggest you take a walk to the waterhole at Okaukuejo. Especially during the dry season there is alway something to be seen there.
A visit of the pan’s edge is also worthwhile. You should definitely visit the waterholes Olifantsbad, Gemsbokvlakte and Nebrowni – always something happening there! On your way out of the park (or in) make sure to make a turn at Ombika waterhole – one of the preferred waterholes by lions.
Services included:
Lodge
- Breakfast, Dinner, Accommodation
- Comfort: Etosha Safari Camp / Luxury: Etosha Safari Lodge
Lodge/Camping
- Campsite at Etosha Safari Camp
Day 16: Drive to the Waterberg ~ 280 km (3h)
After breakfast the journey continues towards the Waterberg. On the way, just north of Otjiwarongo, you will find the turn off to the center of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF). The CCF fights for the survival of free roaming cheetahs and is probably the most reputable organization worldwide when it comes to these fast African big cats. Day visitors are welcome!
You'll reach the Waterberg during the early afternoon. Enough time to go for a walk in the beautiful surrounds or to go on a game drive offered by the accommodation.
Services included:
Lodge
- Breakfast, Dinner, Accommodation
- Comfort / Luxury: Waterberg Guestfarm
Lodge/Camping
- Dinner, Accommodation
- Comfort: Waterberg Guestfarm
Day 17: Back to Windhoek – Farewell from Namibia ~ 250 km (2,5h)
Today is the last day of your journey. Time to say farewell to the Waterberg and Namibia. Depending on your flight schedule you can either spend some more time at the Waterberg or you can so some more souvenir shopping in Windhoek.
The drive back to the capital takes about three hours. You drop off your vehicle at the car rental and they will take you to the airport, as arranged at the beginning of your tour.
Services included:
Lodge
- Breakfast, Airport transfer
Lodge/Camping
- Breakfast, Airport transfer
Good-bye Namibia!
Rates / Info-Namibia price guarantee
As with single bookings, our price guarantee also applies when booking a complete safari, meaning that you pay exactly the same amount as you would when booking the tour yourself (exception goes for campsite bookings).
- The price indicated is based on bookings for two people.
- For groups of four the rate will decrease as the rental car costs will be divided by the number of persons. This will be taken into account upon your booking request.
Low season 2023
01.01.2023 - 30.06.2023
From N$ 31.200 (Camping/Lodge)
From N$ 50.800 (Lodge - Comfort)
From N$ 56.100 (Lodge - Luxury)
High season 2023
01.07.2023- 31.12.2023
From N$ 36.400 (Camping/Lodge)
From N$ 55.300 (Lodge - Comfort)
From N$ 62.400 (Lodge - Luxury)
The standard rates of the tours are approximate costs to give you an idea of the budget you can work with. The price is subject to availability of the accommodation and the rental vehicle and might change slightly if we have to book alternatives. We prefer working with smaller, more personal accommodation facilities and car rental companies, guaranteeing a consistent quality of service. Thus it is advisable to book at least one year in advance, especially when planning to travel during Namibia's touristic high season. Should we need to book alternative accommodation / rental vehicle we try to stick to this policy.
Tour enquiry "Kaokoveld-Etosha Safari"
Dream holiday Namibia

After receiving your booking request, we will check availability of accommodation, before getting back to you with the exact cost of the tour. For special requests (amendments to the routing / accommodation / time frame.....) please use the field "Your message to us".
Should you prefer a complete individual routing for your self-drive or fly-in safari, please fill out our "dream travel questionnaire".
Services
Services included:
- Accommodation, activities and meals as per itinerary
- 4x4 rental vehicle with the lowest excess
- Airport transfers
- 24 hour backup support
- Detailed tour description with insider hints, telephone list for emergencies, vouchers – all sent in advance by e-mail for you to print and to familiarise yourself with.
Services excluded:
- International flight
- Personal travel insurances
- Fuel costs
- Park and entrance fees
- Activities
- Tipps
- Drinks and missing meals in the itinerary
Travel information / FAQs
Namibia is a safe country to travel in and with its good infrastructure it is ideal for self-drive safaris. Especially those, who like to get an individual impression of the country a tour in a rented vehicle is highly recommendable. You’ll have the opportunity to learn a lot about the country and people and also to experience a lot off the beaten track.
Here we answer the most important and most frequently asked questions:
To be able to really enjoy your self-drive safari you should be open-minded, serene and patient to a certain extent – in Africa and thus also in Namibia, the clocks often tick a bit differently.
On the other hand, compared to other African countries, Namibia is in many regards nearly European. Not without reason Namibia is seen as the perfect country for introducing novices to the African continent.
With the material and pre-information provided like route descriptions, distances and approximate travelling times you will be well prepared for your safari. However, one should be an experienced driver and should be in the possession of the licence for more than just a couple of weeks. 4x4 experience is not necessary. The tarred and gravel roads are overall in good condition.
The driving routes and distances have been selected in a way that you can have a rather relaxed experience.
In Namibia you don’t need to be scared (just respectful) of spiders, snakes and lions, but rather of overestimating your own driving capabilities. Every car rental company will tell you that the average travelling speed on gravel roads should not exceed 80 km/h and 120 km/h on tarred roads. However, on some gravel roads 80 km/h is already too fast. Take your time – you are on vacation! And please take note of the road signs.
On arrival, when taking over your vehicle you will receive an orientation on driving in Namibia and on road safety. It is essential that you follow the instructions given by the car rental company:
Here some safety guidelines for driving in Namibia in advance:
- Namibia has left-hand traffic – Please stick to it.
- Please avoid driving at night!
- Off the accelerator on gravel roads – maximum 80 km/h. Especially on gravel roads: reduce speed before entering a bend! Also when the road visibility is not clear. Abrupt reduction of speed can lead to losing control of the vehicle and in the worst case “rolling” the car.
- Only over-take when visibility is 100%.
- Always lock your rental vehicle and don’t leave valuables visible from outside in an unmonitored car.
Many rental vehicles are equipped with tracking devices. Should you have an accident and the evaluated data shows that you were speeding your insurance will be nil and void.
You need your national driver’s licence in connection with an international licence for driving in Namibia.
All accommodations described in the itinerary are known to us and classified as good to excellent (service, cleanliness, location, facilities). Most of them only have a limited number of beds though and when fully booked we have to book alternatives. These changes are subject to availability at the time of booking. When having to book alternative lodges, hotels or B&Bs we always strive to find accommodation of the same quality.
In most of the lodges dinner and breakfast are included in the rates. In towns you have the option to visit restaurants of your choice for dinner, thus only breakfast is included.
The campsites have also been chosen with care. All team members of Info-Namibia are dedicated campers and value good campsites.
In the itinerary of a lodge or lodge/camping safari we have chosen locations where you have access to supplies. Camping vehicles are equipped with a fridge for storing perishables up to five days.
It is always advisable to visit the website of your Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travelling abroad.
Please see the "African Risk Map". Copyright © Control Risks 2019
In general, this can be said: Namibia is a politically stable country. Compared to other African countries the crime rate is very low, however as a tourist (and as any inhabitant) there are certain ground rules to adhere to:
- Don’t do anything, you wouldn’t do at home. For example, don’t let any stranger assist you when drawing money at an ATM.
- In town and especially in outskirts you should not travel on foot carrying valuables.
- Avoid walking around in darkness. In Swakopmund one can make an exception when walking to or from a restaurant in the evenings, but please inform yourself at the reception of your accommodation.
- Should you want to use a taxi service, please use official taxis (CityCab, etc.) or make use of Leva (Namibia-Uber).
Changing money: At the airport in Windhoek you can exchange foreign cash at the teller or you can draw money at the ATM. This goes for all bigger towns in Namibia. Best ATM when using foreign cards are Nedbank (green) or Standard Bank (blue). Draw or exchange about N$ 5000 per person at the beginning of your tour and try to pay with credit card during the rest of your travel. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted.
Costs for provisions during the safari: As mentioned above, dinner and breakfast are usually included in the lodge tour. Lunch and any missing, additional meals in restaurants can usually be paid with credit card.
On the mixed lodge/camping tour the accommodations and campsites are pre-paid.
Costs for supplies in shops are comparable to Europe or the USA. Eating out in restaurants is normally less expensive than in Europe.
Fuel: A large cost factor are costs for fuel. You can calculate with an average consumption of 10 litres on 100 km. One litre of fuel costs about N$ 12 (dated 07.04.2020). For a 2000 km journey you will need about 200 litres of fuel, which will cost you about N$ 2400.
Souvenirs: You can buy beautiful souvenirs relatively cheap all over the country. Local producers of jewellery and artefacts benefit from this income.
Gratuities: A 10% gratuity for a good service in restaurants is common in Namibia. For services at fuel stations (re-fuelling, washing the windscreen…) a tip of N$ 5 is a guideline. Many accommodation facilities have a general “tip box”, the content of which gets equally distributed amongst all staff members. Tips are normally given once at the end of the stay and are usually about N$ 50 per person per night. Of course, the amount you want to give as gratuity is at your own discretion.
- You definitely need a passport which is at least 6 months valid and which has two open pages when entering the country.
- Most Europeans (as well as US citizens and many others) receive a visa free of charge when entering the country. This visa is valid for the duration of the intended stay (make sure!). The maximum given stay is 90 days.
- It is your responsibility to inform yourself about the visa regulations that adhere to your nationality before travelling to Namibia.
- Double check the entry stamp at immigrations on the duration of validity of your visa.
- Should you be travelling with minor children, please let us know as special documents are needed for that.
Namibia does not prescribe any vaccination, but check with countries where you might be in transit! Malaria is restricted to certain areas of the country. Depending where you want to travel to, we will advise about malaria. As with the visa regulations please always inform yourself at your own Ministry of Foreign Affairs about regulations