A 16 Day Self Drive itinerary in Namibia, visiting the Kalahari, Fish River Canyon, the spectacular desert landscapes of the Namib-Naukluft Desert at Sossusvlei, the forbidding Skeleton Coast, the fascinating Damaraland, the abundant wildlife of Etosha National Park and the Africat Foundation at Okonjima. Guide price £1890 per person (Jan to Jun to Nov to Dec) or £1995 per person (Jul to Oct) based on 2 people sharing.
Flexible departures
Day 1 : Arrival at the Windhoek Hosea Kutako Airport in Namibia in the early morning. Pick up your rented vehicle and drive south to Bagatelle Kalahari Came Lodge on the edge of the Kalahari. Overnight here. (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast)
Bagatelle Kalahari Game Lodge lies on the edge of the southern Kalahari in the mixed tree and shrub savannah. The ranch is characterised by huge red sand dunes running parallel, and in a northern-westerly to southeasterly direction. The valleys in between the parallel dunes are commonly known as ‘streets’. The design and décor, materials and furnishings, gardens and natural settings, all combine to ensure guests live their dream of an African safari. A rambling old farmhouse was extensively altered, upgraded and renovated to not only serve as a residence, but also as the main nerve centre of the Lodge. An entrance hall leads to the reception, lounge, dining room, bar, cellar, library and office. The main dining area is an enclosed porch of enormous proportions.
There is a swimming pool and recreation area with a pool table and hammock. An open-air lapa for outdoor meals captures the atmosphere of an African Safari.
Although two styles of accommodation are provided, both have the same standard of luxury and finish quality. Four, constructed of wood and on stilts are built on top of a Kalahari Sand Dune, with unsurpassed views to the Southwest. The other six are built in the street or valley between the dunes. These are built of ‘hay balls’ with walls 600mm thick, the insulation and atmosphere are equally fantastic.
The main difference between the two styles, besides the construction method, is that the wood bungalows have a bath and shower, while the ‘hay ball’ chalets only have a shower. The level of finish is the same for all bungalows, with fans, air conditioners, shower, toilet, vanity basin, writing desk, coffee table, chairs, bed lights, bar fridges, quality linen and décor that will exceed your expectations. Activities include a ‘Nature drive’ during the early morning and late afternoon that will enable you to view the diverse animal and bird life, and the unique dune topography and vegetation. Traditional sundowners on a red Kalahari sand dune are the perfect way to watch the sun sink dramatically away into the distant dunes. A viewing platform overlooking a natural waterhole from where you can watch our cheetah at play. A small well stocked library with a broad selection of books mainly on Africa and matters related to African flora and fauna. At Bagatelle you can also visit a local sheep and cattle farming operation and get an insight into what is entailed to keep the ranch going as a viable concern in such harsh and unforgiving conditions.
Day 2: Continue south through Keetmanshoop, where you can stop off to see the Quiver Tree Forest, to Fish River Canyon. Overnight at the Canyon Lodge. Just 20 km from the main viewpoint of the Fish River Canyon. (Bed and Breakfast) 5 hour drive
Tall weather-beaten granite boulders mark the location of the lodge and form an integral part of the overall design. Spaced evenly amongst these boulders are 26 thatched, wooden bungalows. All units are equipped with comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms. The boulders, cool to the touch and smoothly rounded by an eternity of erosion, protrude into the rooms to make them blend in with the natural surroundings. The design of the bungalows were conceived with the idea of making you feel at one with nature whilst enjoying a comfortable stay. Sometimes true luxury lies in simplicity. An old farmhouse, originally built in 1908 by three Bavarian brothers, has been restored to serve as the Canon Lodge Restaurant. Its main attraction is an awe-inspiring view of the canyon landscape, which needless to say, makes a meal at the restaurant truly an experience not to be missed. Decorated with farming implements dating back to the previous century, and combined with the lively chatter of guests and staff alike, success is evident in the atmosphere that seems to linger amongst our visitors who enjoy our warm hospitality and traditional Namibian food.
Although not widely advertised, one of the interesting points of this lodge is its quest for self-sufficiency. This includes making their own cheeses and yogurt/curd, growing a wide range of vegetables and raising a variety of livestock.
Activities include a Sunrise Walk - a short-guided drive to a viewpoint, where we will enjoy the sunrise with tea and coffee, after that we will hike back to the Lodge for a hearty breakfast. Horse riding - experience the splendour of the canyon landscape on horseback, just like the pioneers over a hundred years ago. Sundowner Drives - this is the perfect opportunity to introduce you to the private nature reserve and share with you our knowledge about the surrounding landscapes, its geology and flora. Sundowner Walks - this walk is offered to all our guests. After a relaxed day, or if you're just passing through - everyone is welcome to join us on this short excursion. Watch the sun go down with a drink to round off the day. Walk under the star spangled night sky - we invite you to take a short walk with us after dinner where, together, we will view the mysterious and beautiful starry night sky of the southern hemisphere.
Day 3 : A full day exploring Fish River Canyon. Overnight at Canyon Lodge. (Bed and Breakfast)
Day 4: Leaving Fish River Canyon heading north-west, towards the Namib Naukluft Desert and Lüderitz. Overnight at the four star Nest Hotel. (Bed and Breakfast). 4 hour drive
The Lüderitz Nest Hotel is the ideal place from which to explore the many and unusual attractions in and around Lüderitzbucht, such as Diaz Point, the museum, a trip to the 55 m Bogenfels rock arch and the forsaken mining town of Pomona. Or you can go on a morning excursion to the ghost town of Kolmanskop, in earlier times the focal point of Namibia's thriving diamond industry, or with the Sedina sailing boat to the Halifax Island which hosts more than 1200 "Jack Ass" penguins.
Day 5 : A full day in and around Lüderitz. Overnight at the Nest Hotel. (Bed and Breakfast)
Day 6: Drive north to the Namib Desert and Sossusvlei. Continue to the magnificently situated Kulala Desert Lodge. Overnight here. (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast). 5 hour drive
Situated on over 46 000 acres of private property and bordering the Namib Naukluft Park, Kulala Desert Lodge lies in the heart of the Namib and offers magnificent views of the famous red dunes of Sossusvlei, as well as magnificent mountainous scenery and vast open plains. Twelve thatched and canvas chalets or "Kulalas" (Kulala in the Namibian language "oshiwambo" means "to sleep") with en-suite bathrooms and showers are set on wooden platforms to provide maximum airflow. For outdoor enthusiasts, mattresses can be moved to the rooftop to sleep under the stars from a private star gazing platform. The main lodge, with décor inspired from Northern Africa, has a lounge, bar, dining area and plunge pool, and offers a wrap-around verandah that overlooks the waterhole and provides a perfect location to view and photograph the desert sunset. Early morning guided game drives to the spectacular dunes are through a private gate on the Tsauchab River. Game drives and walks are also offered on the private reserve with incredible views, desert game and smaller desert fauna and flora. Another option, is an early morning hot air balloon flight. Beginning at first light, the 60-90 minute balloon safari offers a truly unique experience to soar silently above the magnificent sand dunes and desert - with a champagne breakfast served at your landing site.
Activities available at Kulala include: morning drive to Sossusvlei to see the dramatic sunrise (£50 per person), an afternoon nature drive (£28 per person), horse riding at sunrise with champagne breakfast (£50 per person), horse riding with sun downers (£30 per person), 3 hour eco quad bike safari (£42 per person), dawn hot air balloon flight over the dramatic desert landscape (£200 per person). All Inclusive option available - please see below.
Day 7 : Rising early to see the subtle colours of the morning sun over the world's highest dunes at Sossusvlei is definitely worthwhile. Later, visit the interesting Sesriem Canyon. Overnight at the Kulala Desert Lodge (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast)
Day 8 : After having acquired a permit at Sesriem, drive via the Gaub and Kuiseb passes through the Namib-Naukluft Park to the harbour town of Walvis Bay - here you can enjoy a kayaking trip with seals and occasionally dolphins in the Bay or for the less energetic a boat cruise. Continue to Swakopmund along the Atlantic coast. An unusual and fascinating German colonial town that is an ideal base to explore this region (including Walvis Bay wetlands, Swakopmund itself, the Skeleton Coast and the Cape Cross Seal Colony). Overnight here at the 4 star Hansa Hotel (Bed and Breakfast). You can enjoy one of the many adventurous activities available at Swakopmund, including quad biking, sand boarding, sky diving, a scenic flight along the Skeleton Coast, kayaking, surfing, sand-skiing, windsurfing, paragliding or even rallying. 6 hour drive
Day 9: Continue north along the forbidding Skeleton Coast and the Cape Cross Seal Colony. Overnight at Cape Cross Lodge (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast). 1 to 2 hour drive
Cape Cross Lodge sits right on the edge of the cold fertile Atlantic Ocean; a serene haven for visitors to this vast untamed, seldom-explored wilderness. The curious mix of Cape Dutch and West Coast fishing village architecture, with colossal windows that happily embrace the natural light and afford endless contemplative vistas. The large patio, overlooking the beach and ocean, flows into the lower deck with its warm, welcoming reception area and intriguing curio shop housing an array of gifts. Leading from this charming space is the comforting cocktail bar and lounge, a quirky wine cellar and two cosy dining sectors. Around this tranquil oasis lodge lays infinite ocean and desert, littered with the eerie remains of man’s past endeavours. Nearby, rocky outcrops provide a perfect playground for a large seal colony. The fascinating lichen fields of the area include all six species, while pensive reflection will reveal the “Little Five” – the reptiles, birds, insects, scavengers and carnivores. A large glass frontage, fire-burnt clay tiles, comfy chairs, the sheen of polished wood, the flickering warmth of fireplaces conspire to impart a classic simplicity to the lounge and dining areas.
Cape Cross Lodge offers 20 luxury double rooms, classically appointed with attention to detail, yet animate with a rustic charm that is bewitching. Views through the large windows are breathtaking, no matter the time of day or night. The en-suite bathrooms are a statement of elegant simplicity, while the private balconies glow with the warmth of wooden deck chairs and tables, affording unrestricted sea views and an aura of complete respite.
Day 10 : Today, drive through the Namib Desert inland via Uis to visit the famous rock art painting of the "White Lady" at the Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain. Continue through beautiful landscapes to the ancient rock engravings at Twyfelfontein and the Petrified Forest in Damaraland. Overnight at Damaraland Camp. (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast). 5 hour drive
Situated on the northern face of the Huab River Valley and looking south toward the imposing Brandberg Mountains, Damaraland Camp offers its guests endless vistas. Early morning mists generated by the clash between the icy Atlantic Ocean and the warm desert air of the Skeleton Coast, drift inland along the river sand canyon, providing sustenance to the flora and fauna of the region. This comfortable and friendly camp offers walks and drives in one of the best wilderness areas in Namibia. Although wildlife is not concentrated, Damaraland Camp is situated where the rare Desert Elephant roams, alongside Gemsbok (Oryx), Springbok, Ostrich and other hardy desert animals. Rare succulent plants somehow manage to eke out an existence in this harsh countryside. Damaraland Camp has 10 tented rooms each with an en-suite bathroom including flush toilet and shower with hot and cold running water. A laundry service is offered. The dining room and bar are combined under canvas, and an open fire is enjoyed on calm evenings. A feature of the camp is the unique rock pool. Activities throughout the area are in 4x4 vehicles and on foot. Mountain bikes are also available for guest use. The natural laws of food and water availability dictate the movement and cycles of the elusive and majestic desert adapted Elephant, the rare Black Rhinoceros, Oryx, Kudu, Springbok and other species that have come to terms with life in a desert environment. Even Cheetah move in and out of the area occasionally.
Activities at Damaraland Camp include: morning game/nature drive (£45 per person) and afternoon game/nature drive (£29 per person). All inclusive option available - please see below.
Day 11: A full day exploring the dramatic landscapes of Damaraland. Overnight at Damaraland Camp. (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast)
Day 12 : Visit the impressive Rock Finger (Vingerklip) in the Uchab terraces and continue via Outjo to the famous Etosha National Park. Overnight at Ongava Game Lodge (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast) 3 hour drive
Ongava Game Lodge is situated along the southern boundary of Etosha National Park in the privately owned Ongava Game Reserve. Ongava is the ideal place from which to base your activities when visiting Etosha. Accommodation comprises twelve air-conditioned brick, rock and thatch chalets, each with en-suite facilities. Meals are either served in the main dining area under thatch with a view over the camp's water hole, or on the dining deck under the stars. Activities include game drives in open 4x4 vehicles into the Okaukuejo area of Etosha where Lion, Elephant, Cheetah, Gemsbok, Springbok and Hartebeest can be seen at many of the water holes in the park. In addition, night drives, hides and walks with armed guides are enjoyed on the private reserve. Ongava has resident White Rhino and Black Rhino, giving guests staying at Ongava the opportunity to see both species. Etosha is Namibia's premier game viewing destination. It is one of Africa's largest game parks being nearly the size of Switzerland. Large herds of plains game concentrate around the waterhole's in the dry season making for exciting game viewing. Species that can be seen year round include Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Springbok, Oryx, Kudu and the Diminutive Damara Dik-Dik. Birdlife is also good with Ostrich and raptors in abundance. Local specials include the Short-toed Rockthrush, Hautlaubs Francolin, Rockrunner, Ruppells Parrot, White-tailed Shrike and Chesnut Weaver. For those who enjoy close wildlife encounters, tracking White Rhino on foot with an armed guide is a highlight not to be missed. Ongava Game reserve also has a good population of Lion, Eland, Mountain Zebra, Black Faced Impala and a number of other antelope species.
Activities at Ongava include: morning game drive (£50 per person) and afternoon game drives (£28 per person). All inclusive option available - see below.
Day 13 : A full day in the Etosha National Park and Ongava Game Reserve. Overnight Ongava Game Lodge (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast).
Day 14 : After breakfast, drive via Otjiwarongo to the Africat Foundation at Okonjima. Overnight here. (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast) 2 hour drive
Okonjima is home of the Africat Foundation, which is dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of Africa's large carnivores. Experience a day in the life of a Bushman. Learn how they adapt and survive in an unforgiving wilderness environment or go Cheetah tracking and viewing, or enjoy a sun-downer walk - leisurely walks through the African landscape. These walks have been made with varying degrees of difficulty, ranging from very easy to more strenuous, giving everyone the opportunity to experience the beauty of Namibia at dusk. You can sit in a hide and watch as the creatures of the night go about their business. As the day comes to an end, whether you've been learning to track kudu, watching leopards, or just sitting by the pool, we know the fresh country air can give you quite an appetite. Sit back and enjoy an excellent meal around an enchanting fire where every effort is made to ensure you feel at home in a peaceful, caring and friendly atmosphere.
Activities at Okonjima cost £30 per person per activity. Usually you will enjoy two activities a day, one in the morning and one in the evening.
Day 15 : A full day at Okonjima learning about the valuable work of the Africat Foundation and enjoying there unique activities. (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast)
Day 16 : After breakfast leave Okonjima and drive south through Okahandja to the capital Windhoek and the Hosea Kutako International Airport. Return your rented vehicle here before you take your scheduled flight out of Namibia. 2 hour drive
Itinerary includes: Group B vehicle with Super Cover and unlimited kilometers. No excess deposit will be required, but fuel deposit of N$ 1000 is payable directly, all accommodation on a Dinner, Bed and Breakfast basis, except in Fish River Canyon, Lüderitz and Swakopmund (Bed and Breakfast only), detailed maps and route instructions.
Itinerary excludes: International flights, accommodation in Windhoek, drinks, meals not stated in the itinerary, personal travel insurance, items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities.
Note: During Namibia's rainy season (Apr / May and Nov) we strongly recommend you upgrade to a 4x4 vehicle for this self drive - additional cost £810 per vehicle split between the number in your group.
All Inclusive Option: We can also arrange the above itinerary to include all of your activities (game drives, nature drives, walking trails, tracking elephant and rhino, bushman experiences etc.) at Kulala Desert Lodge, Damaraland Camp, Ongava Lodge and Okonjima for £2490 per person (Jan to Jun and Nov to Dec) to £2600 per person (Jul to Oct)