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Namibia's most beautiful Highlights

Namibia Highlights Map

15-day self-drive safari to the central highlights of Namibia

Discover Namibia's most beautiful highlights on an unwinding safari and let the spectacular, diversified country in south-western Africa put you at awe. This decelerating self-drive tour allows you much time to explore the highlights of Namibia and is suitable for both – Africa greenhorns and the „old hands”, who love to be inspired by the rough charm of Namibia time and again.

Travel along good gravel roads in a superb 4x4 rental vehicle through one of the most fascinating countries on our planet. Whether as a lodge tour or as a combination of camping / lodge safari, you will probably not forget this vacation soon.

Duration: 15 days

But do take care: Once Namibia - Always Namibia!

Safari Overview - "Namibia’s most beautiful Highlights"

  • Day 1: Windhoek - Arrival, city tour through Namibia’s capital
  • Day 2-3: Kalahari - Connect, game drive and relaxing
  • Day 4-5: Sossuvslei - The grand dune sea of the Namib, Sesriem Canyon
  • Day 6-7: Swakopmund - Atlantic flair and seal cruise or desert excursion
  • Day 8: Erongo - Volcanic ruin with breath-taking landscapes
  • Day 9-10: Damaraland - Surreal rock formations and unique solitude
  • Day 11-13: Etosha - Fascinating fauna
  • Day 14: Waterberg - Historic and geological highlight
  • Day 15: Departure - Good-bye Namibia!

Costs

From N$ 31.000
(Camping/Lodge)
From N$ 44.500
(Lodge - Comfort)
From N$ 66.500
(Lodge - Luxury)

Rate example per person during the low season. Here you can find the detailed rates.

Rates in detail

Tour overview- "Namibia's most beautiful highlights"

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

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 into the Kalahari ~ 270 km (4h)

After breakfast you stock up at a supermarket, before leaving town and driving south into typical African bush landscapes. You can choose between the faster tarred road via Rehoboth and Kalkrand or the more scenic drive past Dordabis and Uhlenhorst. On the road you will discover sociable weaver bird’s nests and the first dunes of the Kalahari Semi-Desert. You will reach your accommodation in the early afternoon. Enjoy a refreshing jump into the pool or take a walk into the wonderful Kalahari landscape during the cooler hours of the afternoon.

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge/Camping

Day 3: Kalahari ~ 0 km

Today is completely at your own leisure. Feel free to take part in the numerous activities offered by the lodge or take some time on your own to explore the surrounding. We recommend a guided nature drive to get some insight knowledge on its fascinating flora and fauna.

Services included:

Lodge

Day 4: Into the Namib Desert ~ 320 km (4h 30min)

After a hearty breakfast it’s time to leave the Kalahari and to venture towards the Namib Desert. Mariental is a good spot for some more shopping if needed, before continuing west through rugged landscapes into the Namib Desert. The top of the Tsaris Pass is a nice spot for a lunch break. Along the NamibRand Nature Reserve you travel on towards Sossusvlei. The landscape changes into its true desert character.

Your accommodation is reached in the afternoon. We recommend you to buy you entry permit for the Namib Naukluft Park this afternoon and to visit the first dune, the Elim Dune, for a sundowner. Here you can enjoy spectacular views over the dune ocean of the Namib to the west and the mighty Naukluft Mountains to the east.

Services included:

Lodge

Day 5: Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei and Sesriem Canyon ~ 130 km (2h)

Today an early rise (approx. 1 hour before sunrise) is advisable. Guests of the Sesriem Camsite, Dead Valley lodge and Sossus Dune Lodge are able to drive to the Sossus and Dead Vlei earlier than guests staying outside the park. The spectacle of colours of this natural wonder is best seen during sunrise with the additional advantage of cooler temperature than later in the day. You drive 80 km through dune landscapes on good tar road. The last 4 kilometres take you through thick sands where you will have to engage your 4x4.

The Dead Vlei with its numerous dead camelthorn trees as well as the famous Sossusvlei offer an unbelievable impressive natural setting. Take your time to just let your soul stray whilst climbing the Big Daddy, the tallest dune in the surrounding. Depending on your state of fitness and sand conditions the climb will take about 1 – 2 hours. The way down is usually much quicker and the more adventures can run down the steep slip face into Dead Vlei – this takes less than a minute.

Before the heats starts burning your soles away you should start to make your way back. At the park entrance we recommend a visit to the Sesriem Canyon before returning to your accommodation to spend the afternoon in the cool swimming pool.

Services included:

Lodge

Day 6: From the desert to the Atlantic ~ 350 km (5h)

Enjoy your last desert breakfast for now, before you depart in a northern direction. In the little one-horse-town Solitaire you can get fuel and basic stuff from the little shop. Solitaire’s apple crumble is quite popular and people liking apple crumble claim “rightly so”. Strengthened you continue through the sparse rocky desert of the northern Naukluft National Park. The gravel roads may be quite bumpy here so take your time and get out of the car every now and then and enjoy the complete solitude.

After a long drive you will reach the Atlantic harbour town Walvis Bay. The scenic road to Swakopmund takes you along the Namib Desert to your right and the Atlantic Ocean to your left. Once arrived you check in into your accommodation, where you should ask the reception to make a dinner booking for you at one of the many restaurants in town (we recommend The Tug, the Jetty-Restaurant or one of the restaurants at the Strand Hotel). The late afternoon can be spent exploring the city centre with its interesting architecture. The “Tiger Reef” directly on the beach, is ideal for a spectacular sundowner before dinner.

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge/Camping

Day 7: Swakopmund ~ 60 km (1h)

Unless you prefer to relax, to take a stroll at the beach or to enjoy the flair of this German influenced town, you have a whole lot of activities you can choose from today. Most of the activities take place early in the morning either from Swakopmund or from Walvis Bay: Here a list of our recommendations:

 Activities should be booked in advance. Let us know what you are interested in and we gladly take over the booking for you.

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge/Camping

Day 8: Short detour to the Erongo Mountains ~ 250 km (3h)

Before you leave Swakopmund, make sure to stock up on supplies and refuel if need be. Today's comfortable drive takes you past the picturesque Spitzkoppe. A short visit to this so-called Inselberg is recommended – maybe for a nice picnic stop over. During the rainy season you can find natural rock pools here inviting you for a quick dip. You carry on to the Erongo Mountain, an old volcanic ruin with dramatic landscapes. In the evening you can enjoy a nature drive or you just enjoy the wonderful surrounds from your terrace

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge/Camping

Day 9: Into the rugged Damaraland ~ 220 km (3h)

We advise an early start towards the “Wild West”. Soon you will start to see the silhouette of the Brandberg Massif with Namibia’s highest peak in Namibia – the Königsstein. If time allows and temperatures are not too high a two-hour guided walk to the “White Lady” rock painting should be on the to-do list. Enjoy a lunch break afterward, before continuing to your accommodation in Damaraland. Keep your eyes open on your way through Damaraland. You are passing communal conservancy areas and with a bit of luck you might get to see some wildlife!

Services included:

Lodge

Day 10: Damaraland activities ~ 60 km (1h)

Today's focus is with the possible activities in the area. As it can get very hot during our summer months you should start early in the morning. We of course recommend a visit to the rock engravings of Twyfelfontein. They are part of the UNESCO world heritage site and are unparalleled worldwide. Also very interesting is a visit to the Damara Living Museum, where a self-managed group of Damara started this project to safe some of their forgotten traditional culture and to generate an income for their community.

In the afternoon you can book a guided drive with the lodge – this area is often frequented by the rare desert-dwelling elephants and the guides normally know where to find these fascinating pachyderms. The late afternoon should be spent on top of one of the many granite hills. The Damaraland is known for its most spectacular sunsets and most lodges have short hikes up one of the hills.

Services included:

Lodge

Day 11: Towards Etosha National Park ~ 350 km (4h)

Via Khorixas and Outjo (shopping possibilities) the road leads away from the Damaraland towards the Etosha National Park, teaming with wildlife. Most of the road today consists of good tarmac making the drive easy with enough time left to enter the park for an afternoon game drive. During the hot season most animals remain hidden in shady spots from 10:00 - 16:00. Early and late afternoon drives are thus well worth it, whilst the hottest parts of the day can be spent at the lodge or camp pool.

Services included:

Lodge

Day 12: Etosha National Park ~ 150 km (6h)

The morning and afternoons you will spend exploring the park always on the lookout for the wild animals of Namibia. The Etosha National Park hosts more than 110 mammals, some of which are elephants, white and black rhino, lion, leopard, hyena, several smaller predators, giraffe, zebra and uncountable antelopes. Furthermore more than 340 different bird species are found here. During the hot midday you can relax in the rest camp or return to your accommodation.

A stop at the Pan’s edge is as recommendable as exploring the different waterholes in the area. Especially during the dry season, which is from Mai to November/December, large herds of game gather at the waterholes to quench their thirst. In the visitor’s books at the restcamp receptions one can sometimes find hints about interesting sightings of rather rare species like leopards and predator kills.

Depending on the season one should focus on the central parts of the Etosha National Park around Okaukuejo or the eastern area around Namutoni, as the larger herds and with them the predators move between the areas during the course of the year. We will of course take this into consideration, depending during which season you book your safari and will advise accordingly.

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge/Camping

Day 13: Etosha National Park ~ 150 km (6h)

Another whole day for exiting game viewing. You cross the park from the central area to the east. Experience new impressions on the way like a drive around the beautiful Fisher’s Pan.

Enjoy your last day in the Etosha National Park!

Services included:

Lodge

Day 14: Drive to Waterberg ~ 400 km (5h)

After one last early game drive you exit the Etosha National Park. Hint: Before leaving, make a turn at Chudop and Klein Namutoni waterholes. This is often well worth it....

On the way to the Waterberg via Tsumeb and Otavi two small highlights can be visited: the Otjikoto Lake (a collapsed kast cave, into which the German troops dumped a large amount of weapons and ammunition from the Frist World War) and the Hoba Meteorite, the largest meteorite ever found until today.

You reach the Waterberg in the early afternoon. Enough time to go for a walk on one of the marked hiking trails or to book a guided game drive offered by your accommodation.

Services included:

Lodge

Day 15: 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

  • 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 2024

01.01.2024 - 30.06.2024

From N$ 31.000 (Camping/Lodge)
From N$ 44.500 (Lodge - Comfort)
From N$ 66.500 (Lodge - Luxury)

High season 2024

01.07.20204 - 31.12.2024

From N$ 31.000 (Camping/Lodge)
From N$ 51.500 (Lodge - Comfort)
From N$ 79.000 (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 "Namibia's most beautiful highlights"

1. Personal details

First name *
Name *
Email *
Phone *
Country of origin *

2. Travellers

No. of adults *
Will you travel with children?*
Yes
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Please indicate number and age of children

3. Travel period

Do you know already when you will arrive in Namibia*
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Please indicate period of travel

4. Accommodation

Travel category*
Lodge - Comfort
Lodge - Luxury
Camping / Lodge

5. Your message to us (optional)

I hereby confirm that I have read and understood the Terms and Conditions.

Dream holiday Namibia

Kathrin von Info-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".

Dream Travel

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:

Take it easy

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.

Gravel road

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.  

Check road signs

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.

Individual accommodation

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

Riskmap - 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).

Souvenirs in a himba village

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.

Visa and entry permit

  • 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

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