Secret Namibia · Self-drive safari · 16 days
The open roads of Namibia hold many adventures to be had and you can experience them all on this luxury 16-day self-drive safari.
At a glance
The open roads of Namibia hold many adventures to be had and you can experience them all on this luxury 16-day self-drive safari. Captivating endless vistas, mesmerising canyons, imperious sand dunes and fascinating wildlife encounters await as you spend three weeks exploring Namibia’s most revered sights and attractions. This comprehensive self-drive adventure begins in the Kalahari where you will find the legendary San Bushmen. From here you’ll venture on to explore the world’s second largest canyon before arriving at Luderitz and visiting the abandoned ghost town of Kolmanskop. Trips to the iconic Sossusvlei, coastal Swakopmund and rugged Damaraland make up the middle part of your itinerary before you take time to explore the glorious Etosha region, home to the wildlife rich Etosha National Park. This self-drive trip of a lifetime concludes with a visit to Central Namibia before you return to the bustling cosmopolitan capital Windhoek. Over the course of three weeks, you’ll also have plenty of time to relax and unwind as you enjoy stays at some of Namibia’s most luxury and exclusive accommodation offerings. Think award-winning hotels, incredible desert hideouts and spectacular mountain suites: you won’t be disappointed! Get ready for the trip of a lifetime, this is a safari trip like no other!
Self-drive is the way most of our guests see Namibia. The roads are quiet and well kept, the distances are honest, and we plan each day so that you arrive in daylight with time for a sundowner. Every lodge is booked and every transfer arranged; the driving is yours.
May to October is the classic season: dry, cool at night, and the best game viewing in Etosha as the waterholes draw everything in. Desert mornings can be close to freezing in June and July, so pack a warm layer for early starts. November to April is the green season, hot inland with short afternoon storms that clear quickly, newborn antelope and, in a good year, water on the pan. Swakopmund is cool and often foggy in the mornings whatever the month; the fog burns off by late morning.
What is decided: the shape of the trip: the areas, the order, the properties and the number of nights in each. It is the version we would build first for most travellers.
What we confirm together: your dates, who is travelling, room categories and any extensions before or after. Every safari is tailored from here, and nothing is held until you ask us to.
The route
The loop runs from Windhoek through Kalahari, Fish River Canyon, NamibRand, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha South and Etosha East and back to Windhoek. Most travelling days are four to five hours of driving with stops, and we plan each leg so that you arrive in daylight. Roads are gravel between the desert and the coast and in Damaraland, tar elsewhere, and none of it needs low range: the 4x4 is for comfort and clearance. Roughly 2900 km in all.
Distances shown are approximate road distances. Fuel and park entry fees are paid as you go. We plan the daily legs so that you are never driving after dark.
Day by day
A warm welcome to Namibia, the Soul of Africa! Once you’ve touched down in Windhoek and collected all your belongings, you will be met by one of our personable reps who will guide you to your rental vehicle, talk you through any paperwork, and answer any questions you may have.
Once you’ve collected your car and set up the sat-nav it’s time to begin your road trip across stunning Namibia. Your first stop will be the magnificent Kalahari, a region renowned for its otherworldly landscapes and intriguing wildlife.
Spend your first day embarking on an unforgettable hike, encountering some of Namibia’s native wildlife, including cheetahs, as you wonder the scorched earth. You’ll also be invited to head out on a fascinating Bushmen walk; learn all about the fascinating San people and enjoy demonstrations of their ancient traditions.
To cap a memorable first day, you’ll spend the night in the gorgeous Kalahari Red Dune Lodge. Enjoy a dip in the sparkling pool to cool off from the heat or retreat to your secluded chalet for a peaceful sleep after enjoying some world-class cuisine.
Untold adventure awaits as you arrive at the striking Fish River Canyon for your next stop, Namibia’s very own version of the Grand Canyon. From the base of your not-so-humble abode, the spectacular Fish River Lodge, you can enjoy a plethora of incredible activities that will greatly enrich your trip. As soon as the sun rises it’s time to set off on a guided canyon tour. Gain a fascinating insight into this extraordinary geological wonder as you gaze out across the surreal terrain, your guide imparting local knowledge every step of the way. If a guided tour isn’t daring enough, how about a canyon rim hike? You may well contemplate your very own existence as you confront the 500-meter drop below. The perfect complement to these adrenaline-inducing activities, relax and unwind as you set off on a magical sundowner drive. Once you’re back in the comfort of the splendid Fish River Lodge, indulge excellent food and rest peacefully before you doze off beneath the shimmering, star-scattered sky
Next on this luxury safari trip of a lifetime it’s time for the 5-star treatment: enjoy three days in the famous NamibRand area, staying at Wolwedans Dunes Camp, one of Namibia’s finest and most secluded accommodation offerings. In between taking advantage of the camp’s glorious amenities, you’ll experience activities-a-plenty. Find time to embrace solitude as you explore some of the Earth’s oldest landscapes on a captivating hike. Jump in a E- bike and motor across sprawling sand, only stopping to admire the ensemble of desert-adapted wildlife. With its striking Quiver trees and enchanting terrain. Be sure to have your camera at the ready as you capture some shadowy shots on an excursion here. Complete your stay by enjoying a spectacular stargazing experience; NamibRand is home to some of the most pristine and unpolluted skies found anywhere in the world.
Sandwiched between crashing Atlantic waves and the Namib Desert you’ll find Swakopmund, Namibia’s biggest coastal town and the next stop on your luxury self-drive safari. Arriving at the splendid Strand Hotel, this will be your base for two days/nights as you discover the very best of what the town has to offer. A visit to the famous Sandwich Harbour is the stand-out activity here. Sandwich Harbour is renowned for its incredible abundance of birdlife and the attractive landscape of contrasting sea and dunes. For rest and relaxation, retreat to your luxury sea-facing room at the Strand. The hotel’s length is flanked by glorious palm trees and the stunning Palm Beach stretches in front of the property. Enjoy a cocktail on the beach, taste sublime food in one of three hotel restaurants or spend an afternoon pampering yourself in the spa.
The astonishing mountainous region of Damaraland is up next, an area home to a spectacular assortment of desert-adapted wildlife, ancient rock engravings and surreal terrain. During your two day/night stay you’ll have plenty of time to explore the region’s rugged beauty on an immersive nature drive/walk, stopping to admire desert-adapted elephant, rhino, giraffe, springbok and ostrich, whilst learning about their unique survival skills. The magnificent Onduli Ridge will serve as your accommodation here, a camp surrounded by sweeping plains scattered with Welwitschia, Namibia’s fascinating national plant. Your accommodation boasts all the luxury amenities you require and serves as the perfect place to drink in the endless view of rocky plains.
Continuing on your epic safari journey, next you’ll visit Etosha South. Etosha offers different vistas and biomes to the east and central areas, with the hilly landscapes used by wildlife as a retreat during the wet season. A favourite spot for photographers, during your Etosha stay you’ll get up close and personal with giraffes, zebras and scores of other incredible species on an action-packed game drive or nature walk. As the sun sets you will also be given the chance head out on an unforgettable sundowner drive. After a long day full of wildlife encounters it’s time to head back to Ongava, a serene and stylish lodge in an exclusive private reserve.
From Etosha South you’ll drive onwards to Etosha East, the best-known part of this iconic National Park and an area characterised by vast open plains dotted with waterholes and secluded bush camps.
This remote region is teeming with abundant wildlife including elephants and the elusive black rhino, whilst birding enthusiasts will note the stunning variety of avian species that range from flamingos to hornbills.
Spend your time here enjoying both a morning and afternoon game drive. You’ll also get to stay at the fantastic Onguma, The Fort, a luxury lodge with its unique ambience.
Last, but by certainly no means least, you’ll arrive back in Windhoek where you’ll have a day to roam the capital’s streets, no doubt admiring the city’s German colonial-style architecture as you go. Take a trip to Parliament Gardens and relax, or visit the iconic Christuskirche, a historic landmark that was built in the early 20th century. Your time in the capital will encompass a stay at Windhoek Luxury Suites, a stunning accommodation option with lush green gardens and lavish designer rooms.
Overnight · Windhoek Luxury Suites · bed and breakfastAfter enjoying one final amazing night at Windhoek Luxury Suites you’ll wake up, enjoy a delicious breakfast and then it’s time to catch your departing flight home.
Overnight · Departure dayWhere you stay
To cap a memorable first day, you’ll spend the night in the gorgeous Kalahari Red Dune Lodge.
+ Read more
Untold adventure awaits as you arrive at the striking Fish River Canyon for your next stop, Namibia’s very own version of the Grand Canyon.
+ Read moreFrom the base of your not-so-humble abode, the spectacular Fish River Lodge, you can enjoy a plethora of incredible activities that will greatly enrich your trip.
Once you’re back in the comfort of the splendid Fish River Lodge, indulge excellent food and rest peacefully before you doze off beneath the shimmering, star-scattered sky
Visit website
Next on this luxury safari trip of a lifetime it’s time for the 5-star treatment: enjoy three days in the famous NamibRand area, staying at Wolwedans Dunes Camp, one of Namibia’s finest and most secluded accommodation offerings.
+ Read more
Arriving at the splendid Strand Hotel, this will be your base for two days/nights as you discover the very best of what the town has to offer.
+ Read moreFor rest and relaxation, retreat to your luxury sea-facing room at the Strand.
Visit website
The magnificent Onduli Ridge will serve as your accommodation here, a camp surrounded by sweeping plains scattered with Welwitschia, Namibia’s fascinating national plant.
+ Read more
After a long day full of wildlife encounters it’s time to head back to Ongava, a serene and stylish lodge in an exclusive private reserve.
+ Read more
Onguma The Fort, your base in Etosha East for two nights.
+ Read more
Your time in the capital will encompass a stay at Windhoek Luxury Suites, a stunning accommodation option with lush green gardens and lavish designer rooms.
+ Read moreThe practical side
Included
Not included
Next steps
This page is a sample itinerary, not a quote, and nothing on it is booked or held. If it suits someone you know, send them the link; we are just as happy to start from scratch for them.
Sixteen days is the shape most of our guests choose for this route; a night or two more lets you linger where you like it best, and many guests swap a property for one they have heard about. Tell us roughly when you are thinking of travelling and who is coming, and we will turn this sample into a firm itinerary within a day or two.
