Overview
The open roads of Namibia hold many adventures to be had and you can experience them all on this luxury 21-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.
Destinations
Kalahari
Kalahari is a captivating destination offering unique experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable adventures for every type of traveler.
Fish River Canyon
Fish River Canyon is a captivating destination offering unique experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable adventures for every type of traveler.
Luderitz
Luderitz is a captivating destination offering unique experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable adventures for every type of traveler.
Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei is a captivating destination offering unique experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable adventures for every type of traveler.
Swakopmund
Swakopmund is a captivating destination offering unique experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable adventures for every type of traveler.
Damaraland
Damaraland captivates with its rugged mountains, ancient rock art, and desert-adapted wildlife. A destination that offers raw beauty and a deep sense of history.
Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park is a captivating destination offering unique experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable adventures for every type of traveler.
Etosha East
Etosha East is a captivating destination offering unique experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable adventures for every type of traveler.
Etosha South
Etosha South is a captivating destination offering unique experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable adventures for every type of traveler.
Highlights
Fish River Canyon
Witness awe-inspiring views of the world's second largest canyon.
Kalahari
Explore semi-desert landscapes and experience hiking, cheetah encounters, and stargazing.
Sossusvlei
Admire towering red dunes and explore some of the oldest and most spectacular landscapes on the planet.
Etosha National Park
A premier destination for safari, known for its salt pans and abundant wildlife.
What's Included?
Meet & Greet On Arrival
4x4 Vehicle Rental
Accommodation
24/7 In-Country Support
Meals & Beverages As Indicated
Airport Transfers
Tour File With Detailed Itinerary
International Flights
Holiday & Personal Travel Insurance
Visas & Visa Applications
Gratuities
Any Items Of Personal Nature
Park Entry Fees (Self-Drive)
Fuel (Self-Drive)
Day-by-Day Guide
Explore the details of this itinerary, including carefully selected accommodations, curated activities, and unforgettable highlights. Keep in mind that every itinerary we create is fully customisable to match your unique preferences, interests, and budget.
Day 1 & 2: Kalahari
After touching down in the capital Windhoek you will be welcomed by one of our helpful reps and it’s time for your magical self-drive safari adventure to begin! Your rep will guide you through the vehicle rental paperwork and they’ll also be happy to answer any questions about your itinerary.
Once you’ve familiarised yourself with your car and relevant documents, it’s time to set off on a scenic 2-3 hour drive to the Kalahari, arriving at the splendid Lapa Lange Game Lodge. Over the next two days here you’ll enjoy a range of exhilarating experiences as you explore the world-famous Kalahari.
Encounter the planet’s fastest land animal (the cheetah) and enjoy a wonderfully immersive bushmen walk. Head out on an amazing hike and witness fascinating wildlife on an unimaginable sundowner game drive. After enjoying all of these epic excursions, relax, unwind, and take advantage of the beautiful at Lapa Lange Game Lodge.
Optional Activities
Spa Treatments
Scenic Sundowner Drives
Bushmen Walk
Cheetah Encounter
Day 3 & 4: Fish River Canyon
Spectacular and deserted, for the next stop on this incredible trip you will reach the Fish River Canyon, second only to the Grand Canyon in terms of size.
On an AM canyon drive you’ll get to witness this geological wonder at its most pristine and finest. Stop to embrace awe-inspiring views as you look out across the rugged, boulder-strewn ravine which reaches depths of 500 meters.
During your Fish River Canyon visit you’ll stay at the marvellous Fish River Lodge, a property packed with plenty of fantastic in-house facilities including an outdoor pool and private terrace.
Fish River Lodge serves as great base from which you can enjoy other activities including a thrilling fat bike cycling tour and a magical sundowner drive.
Optional Activities
Scenic Sundowner Drives
Canyon Drives
Fat Bike Excursion
Day 5 & 6: Luderitz
After admiring the beauty of the Fish River Canyon it’s time to journey onwards to Luderitz, a unique and colourful town situated where the rocky Atlantic Ocean coastline meets the Namib Desert.
Over the course of the next two days, you’ll visit the abandoned ghost town of Kolmanskop, a place smothered in Namib Desert sand that offers a fascinating insight into Namibia’s storied past. Aside from visiting Kolmanskop, you’ll also enjoy a spectacular harbour cruise, a captivating coastal tour, and you’ll even get to encounter wild desert horses as they roam the striking landscapes.
Your time in Luderitz is complemented by a stay at the award-winning four-star Nest Hotel. Established in 1998, Nest is one of Namibia s most popular hotels and is located directly on the rocks and sea with its own private tidal beach and walk-on jetty unique in Namibia!
Optional Activities
Kolmanskop Tour
Harbour Cruise
Desert Horses
Coastal Tour
Day 7, 8 & 9: Sossusvlei
Home to towering sand dunes and mystical petrified trees, Sossusvlei is one of Namibia’s most iconic attractions and you’ll spend the next three days of your amazing self-drive safari trip right here. From the plush surroundings of the exclusive Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge, An exclusive-use gate from Wilderness Kulula Desert Lodge gives you early access to Sossusvlei, one of the most remarkable landscapes on Earth
From here you can embark on an immersive nature drive whilst adventure lovers can partake in a daring hike. If that isn’t enough to set your pulse racing, experience a thrilling quad bike ride before slowing things down and enjoying a romantic sundowner drive.
Sossusvlei is home to pristine skies making it the ideal location for stargazing. Enjoy an exceptional meal ay Hoodia Desert Lodge before lying back and admiring the star-studded canvas above you.
Included Activities
Stargazing
Hiking Trails
Sundowner Drive
Nature/Game Drives
Sossusvlei / Deadvlei Excursion
Optional Activities
Hot Air Ballooning
Day 10, 11 & 12: Swakopmund
Namibia’s biggest coastal town Swakopmund awaits on the next leg of your luxury self-drive safari adventure. Known as the activity centre of Namibia, nowhere else in the country will safari-goers encounter such a large variety of activities to enjoy.
During your stay here you’ll visit the charming Sandwich Harbour, a place best known for its abundant bird species and spectacular dune scenery. Your time in Swakopmund will also encompass plenty of epic water-based activities. Enjoy an unforgettable seal kayaking experience and get up close and personal with dolphins on a dolphin cruise.
Quad biking, a fascinating living desert tour and a township tour can also be enjoyed and when nighttime rolls around it’s time to relax at the stunning Strand Hotel.
sSurrounded by the ocean on three sides, the Strand is a social epicentre and destination in itself. Make the most of the fantastic restaurants, bar, deli and beach kiosk.
Optional Activities
Sandwich Harbour Tour
Living Desert Experience
Dolphin & Seal Catamaran Cruise
Kayaking with Seals
Scenic Flight
Township Tour
Skybed Experience
Quad Biking
Fishing
Day 13 & 14: Damaraland
After visiting vibrant Swakopmund you’ll embark on a 280km drive, arriving at your next destination: rugged, rocky, and enchanting Damaraland.
Here you will discover pure freedom and isolation in this astonishing region. Roam the unspoilt wilderness and feel at one with Mother Earth on an immersive guided walk. Experience the thrill of witnessing desert-adapted wildlife as you head out on an incredible nocturnal game drive. Discover ancient rock art on a fascinating cultural experience.
Your stay in Damaraland includes three nights at the luxury Doro Nawas, a stylish camp that even invites its guests to sleep in a dreamy star bed. Drift off under the umbrella of thousands of dazzling stars.
Included Activities
Game Drives
Nocturnal Game Drive
Guided Scenic Walks
Cultural Experience
Day 15 & 16: Etosha West
Continuing on this incredible luxury safari getaway, next you’ll enjoy a 340km drive to Etosha South, arriving at the magnificent SafariHoek Lodge.
Perched atop a hill in the Namibian wild, with jaw-dropping views across the flat savannah, the luxury Safarihoek Lodge offers upscale accommodation in the midst of arid wilderness.
Your one-night, fully inclusive stay includes activities such as a game drive and this is your first opportunity to encounter Etosha’s renowned wildlife.
Included Activities
Game Drives
Photographic Hide
Scenic Sundowner Drives
Day 17, 18 & 19: Etosha East
After what we’re sure will be a great night’s sleep it’s time to journey onwards to Etosha East where you will arrive at Onguma The Fort, one of Namibia’s most prestigious lodges.
This one-of-a-kind lodge is built in exactly the right spot to give guests probably one of the best sunset views in the whole of Namibia overlooking the beautiful scarceness of the Etosha Pans, decorated only with its wild animals and hundreds of Camel Thorn trees.
Aside from taking advantage of The Fort’s unrivalled hospitality, and world-class cuisine, plenty of glorious activities await during your three-night stay.
Enjoy an interpretative bush walk, an Onguma sunset drive and get up close and personal with scores of fascinating animal species on an enthralling game drive.
Day 20: Central Namibia
This holiday of a lifetime may soon be coming to an end but that’s not before you spend one final day/night exploring the many gems of Central Namibia.
Amongst the plethora of activities that can be enjoyed here are rhino tracking, immersive nature/game drives, cycling and an exciting game walk.
If that wasn’t enough, you can even enjoy an incredible night drive or take part in one last magical sundowner game drive.
Otjiwa, a luxury lodge set amidst the unspoiled beauty of Namibia’s oldest game farm will be you final accommodation spot. Enjoy superb mountain views from your intimate chalet, what a way to end your trip.
Optional Activities
Rhino Tracking
Nature/Game Drives
Sundowner Drive
Nocturnal Game Drive
Cycling
Walking Safaris
Day 21: End Of Tour
After your last night at Otjiwa, enjoy a delicious breakfast before driving back to Windhoek, in time for your departing flight home.
Gallery
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Our team of expert safari architects specializes in creating personalized, high-end safaris in Namibia that exceed your expectations. From luxury accommodations to unforgettable wildlife encounters, every detail of your safari is tailored to your desires.
"Secret Namibia was Awesome at Planning our 4x4 Self-Driving Adventure"
Chrizell at Secret Namibia was fantastic to work with. We laid out basically where we were interested in going and what we liked/disliked and she created a complete plan and made all bookings for everything from a 4x4 to hotels, activities, and transfers. If we had any questions or issues she was right there for us (including getting us a Wi-Fi hot spot when it turned out our international data plans didn't include Namibia for some reason).
The places we stayed were all top-notch and we received excellent service everywhere we went including Windhoek, the deserts of Kalahari and Namib, Swakopmund, and Damaraland. We highly recommend Secret Namibia.
US
"The Secret Namibia Team was amazing to work with, giving us a memorable journey throughout Namibia!"
We gave Chrizell a tall task in planning our self drive Namibia trip. She was quick to connect with us and was thorough in understanding our travel requests, as well as lodging requirements. We were late in our request, but somehow, she was able to put together an amazing trip that had all the key places we wanted. The cost she gave us was very reasonable, and the payment process was very easy to complete (not always so easy with African vendors). We received an initial itinerary that we adjusted a couple of times (due to our requests), and Chrizell and Johan sent us updated agendas as the day approached. We were all set!
When we arrived in Windhoek, we were met in the airport by Secret Namibia, and given a packet with maps, hotel vouchers, some animal and bird identification books. We met with our vehicle provider (Samuel), and he explained the how-to's of driving the (brand new!) vehicle. That was great, as we went through even how to change the tire(s) (we had 2 spares). However, thank goodness, we had zero issues with the vehicle, which also had a cooler in the back for items that needed to be kept cool.
The route we were given optimized our time and travel. Accommodations were great to good, though the latter is all that is available in some remote areas we went to (and likely impacted by our late planning). We had an amazing time in all the places we visited, and would not suggesting skipping any of them. We visited Windhoek, Kalahari, Fish Canyon, Klein Aus (wild horses), Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Palmwag Etosha NP, and Waterberg. The 3 weeks went very fast, and we truly enjoyed the self driving aspect of the trip. We specifically enjoyed doing the self drive safari in Etosha, where we went where we wanted, as well as stayed as long as we wanted, in the park. Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei (you gotta climb Big Daddy Dune, and then the rush of going down it!), and Kalahari also stood out for us.
Watchouts on the trip are the number and locations of gas stations, lots of unpaved roads (we enjoyed this actually), and poor cell/wifi coverage in remote areas (which is to be expected). We actually had some wifi coverage in our vehicle, which was really helpful!
We have already recommended Secret Namibia to friends who have inquired. The excellent service, the freedom of self driving, and excellent pricing, make them an easy referral for us!
US
"Secret Namibia organised a wonderful tour that met all our requirements."
The video call to set up what we wanted to do was really useful. All the arrangements, hotels and travel plans, were of a high standard. In country support was great. They even organised a new hotel when we didn’t drive far enough.
UK
"Dream Honeymoon Thanks To Secret Namibia"
Our honeymoon in Namibia was a dream come true, thanks to Secret Namibia.
Everything was flawlessly planned, from the smooth transfers between our lodges to the personalized suggestions for the best activities.
Johan ensured we had a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, whether it was exploring the dunes or unwinding in the peaceful, romantic settings.
The communication throughout was exceptional, making us feel completely at ease. After all the wedding events we really needed to just switch off and the whole trip was awesome- better than we could have imagined.
We’re already discussing returning for our anniversary as we've heard about a combined safari they offer that includes a visit to Vic falls.
We’ll definitely be booking with Secret Namibia again! Huge Thanks.
US
"Tour well planned and trouble free"
16 days Namibia safari planned in every details. Really good choice of lodges. Cars in perfect conditions. Strongly suggested
Italy
"Seamless planning and perfect execution"
A boutique travel agent in Namibia that understand its customer needs and finds way to satisfy the customer wishes. We spent a wonderful and amazing two weeks roaming across central and Western Namibia (not Skeleton Coast) and spent nights in extraordinary lodges. A dream come true.
Chile
Plan with peace of mind
Secret Namibia was born from a simple idea: travellers deserve authentic, expertly crafted safari experiences designed by locals who know Namibia best. After seeing too many clients book through overseas tour operators with limited on-the-ground knowledge and inflated prices, we set out to create something different—a locally based safari company driven by passion, expertise, and a deep love for Africa.
Our team of dedicated safari architects, guides, and trusted suppliers share a common purpose: to craft unforgettable journeys that connect you with Namibia’s breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures, and iconic wildlife. Every experience is tailored with care, ensuring that your safari adventure is as unique and extraordinary as the country itself.