Secret Namibia · Self-drive safari · 21 days
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.
At a glance
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.
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, Luderitz, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha West, Etosha East and Otjiwa 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, and for the sand road into Sossusvlei. Roughly 3000 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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After your last night at Otjiwa, enjoy a delicious breakfast before driving back to Windhoek, in time for your departing flight home.
Overnight · Departure dayWhere you stay
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.
+ Read moreAfter enjoying all of these epic excursions, relax, unwind, and take advantage of the beautiful at Lapa Lange Game Lodge.
Visit website
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.
+ Read moreDuring 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.
Visit website
Your time in Luderitz is complemented by a stay at the award-winning four-star Nest Hotel.
+ Read moreEstablished 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!
Visit website
Kulala Desert Lodge, your base in Sossusvlei for three nights, on a fully inclusive basis.
+ Read more
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.
+ Read more
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.
+ Read more
Continuing on this incredible luxury safari getaway, next you’ll enjoy a 340km drive to Etosha South, arriving at the magnificent SafariHoek Lodge.
+ Read morePerched 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.
Visit website
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.
+ Read more
Otjiwa Game Lodge, your base in Central Namibia for one night, on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
+ Read more
The 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.
Twenty-one 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.
