16 Day Best of Namibia Self Drive Tour

This 16-day self-drive adventure aims to give you an excellent cross-section of what Namibia is all about. We start & end in Windhoek at Hosea Kutako International Airport, and from there move south initially, then up the west interior to Etosha in the north, and then back south through the central interior. On this journey you will see some remarkable places of wilderness and beauty, including but not limited to Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei, Damaraland, Etosha and some of the bigger centers like Windhoek and Swakopmund.

16 Day Best of Namibia Self Drive Tour

Itinerary at a Glance:

  • Day 01

    Arrival in Windhoek

  • Day 02

    Windhoek to the Kalahari

  • Day 03

    Kalahari to Fish River Canyon

  • Day 04

    Fish River Canyon to Luderitz

  • Day 05

    Explore the Luderitz area

  • Day 06

    Luderitz to Sossusvlei

  • Day 07

    Explore Sossusvlei

  • Day 08

    Sossusvlei to Swakopmund

  • Day 09

    Explore Swakopmund Area

  • Day 10

    Swakopmund to Damaraland

  • Day 11

    Explore Damaraland

  • Day 12

    Damaraland to Etosha National Park - South

  • Day 13

    Etosha National Park - East

  • Day 14

    Explore Etosha National Park - East

  • Day 15

    Etosha to Waterberg

  • Day 16

    Waterberg to Windhoek, Departure

Day 01

Arrival in Windhoek

Welcome to Windhoek, the capital and largest city in Namibia which is situated in the centre of Namibia. At the car rental company, you will be assisted with your paperwork by one of our representatives who will also hand you your travel documents and welcome pack. After checking into your accommodation explore the town with its German colonial vibe, visit the lush national botanical garden and museums before enjoying dinner. Overnight at the The Weinberg Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.

The Weinberg Boutique Hotel, Namibia

Day 02

Windhoek to the Kalahari

Today you will depart to the red sands of the Kalahari which are roughly a 3-4 hour drive. After breakfast stock up on supplies and on-the-road snacks before heading south where your adventure begins.
Overnight at the Camelthorn Lodge on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge
Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge Room view
Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge Game Drive

With a 900,00sq km mass of sand stretching across 7 countries, The Kalahari desert is the largest sand sea in the world. With plenty of rain, it’s not a real desert, but an eerie and silent fossil desert. The Kalahari is a mecca for birds, reptiles and animals, so get out your bird and mammal checklist (which is in your welcome pack). Enjoy learning about the first settlers while on the Bushman experience or take a game or nature drive.

Day 03

Kalahari to Fish River Canyon

Today you will be driving for 7-8 hours to get from the Kalahari to the largest canyon in the world (Make sure to pack snacks for the road). The Fish River Canyon are a huge 100-mile-long ravine. On route visit the lush Quiver Tree forest 13km northwest of Keetmanskoop. Between the rocks grows 100’s of the three quiver tree species. Visit the Giant’s playground just 5km away.
Fish River Canyon’s remote locations mean you do not have to share the Canyon with millions of other tourists. With its several viewpoints, it’s not a vast tourist honey pot and the sunsets are amazing. Enjoy the fresh air and spectacular light then head for dinner. Overnight at the Canyon Roadhouse on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

The Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Canyon Roadhouse Rooms
Canyon Roadhouse Swimming pool

Day 04

Fish River Canyon to Luderitz

Before heading west take one final sneak peek of the massive canyon and drive a 5-6 hour drive to Luderitz. See the wild desert horses on your way through Aus. Overnight at the Alte Villa Boutique Hotel for (2) nights on a bed and breakfast basis.

Alte Villa Boutique Hotel Rooms
Alte Villa Boutique Hotel Rooms

Day 05

Explore the Luderitz area

On this full day for Luderitz and Kolmanskop. Visit the Art Deco Building, the beach and the Irmgard Shipwreck at Grosse Bucht. Kolmanskop the ghost town are just 10km from Luderitz. The buildings are being digested by the desert. Take a guided walk and visit the museum. Overnight at the Alte Villa Boutique Hotel.

Ocean views from Alte Villa Boutique Hotel
Beautiful gardens at Alte Villa

Day 06

Luderitz to Sossusvlei

After breakfast backtrack through Aus, heading north via Helmeringhausen to the sea of sand, the only coastal desert. After approx 7-8 hour drive enjoy dinner and have a great night’s sleep. Overnight at Namib Outpost for (2) nights on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

View from Namib Outpost

Day 07

Explore Sossusvlei

After rising early and breakfast you will go straight to the Sossusvlei entrance and the Sesriem Gate. Spend the day exploring the beauty of Sossusvlei, the Dead Vlei, Dune 45, Big Daddy and Elim Dune.
Make sure to also visit Sesriem Canyon. Arrange with your lodge for a packed lunch to enjoy on the dunes or return to your lodge for lunch. Optional extras include a guided Sossusvlei trip, a nature drive or a hot air balloon safari. Overnight at Namib Outpost

Relaxing rooms at Namib Outpost
View of the desert from the pool at Namib Outpost

Day 08

Sossusvlei to Swakopmund

Time to say goodbye to the desert and head into town, Swakopmund. The drive is about 5-6 hours taking you north to Solitaire before heading west along the Namib gravel plains to the coast. You will cross the Tropic of Capricorn and drive through the Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons. You can go to Swakopmund via Walvis Bay but ideally do a detour and go via Ganab to the Welwitschia Plains and Moon Landscape. Overnight at the Swakopmund Luxury Suites for (2) nights on a bed and breakfast basis.

Swakopmund Luxury Suites
Room interior at Swakopmund Luxury Suites

Day 09

Explore Swakopmund Area

The Namibian Coastline are full of broken shells, rusting hulls and lots to do between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Enjoy sand boarding, Dolphins cruises, dune quad biking or sea kayaking. Or enjoy a Sandwich Harbour excursion if that interests you. You will be staying in a B&B so enjoy lunches and dinners on your own arrangements overlooking the sea.  Overnight at the Swakopmund Luxury Suites

Swakopmund, Namibia

Day 10

Swakopmund to Damaraland

Swakopmund to Damaraland is about a 7-8 hour drive taking you back to the bush. On route head north via Henties Bay along the Skeleton Coast to visit the Cape Cross seal colony. Detour within a detour - stop at the Lichen Fields and the shipwreck between the holiday town Wlotskasbaken and Henties Bay. Backtrack to Henties Bay before heading inland through Uis, and continue north to the Twyfelfontein area. Overnight at the Mowani Mountain Camp for (2) nights on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Dinner with a spectacular view
View of the rooms at Mowani Mountain Camp

Day 11

Explore Damaraland

Go with a lodge guide to look for the desert-adapted elephants around the Huab River. Other game you will find are springbok, ostrich and oryx. Visit the Damaraland Living Museum for a bit of culture before enjoying dinner. Overnight at the Mowani Mountain Camp

Mowani Mountain Camp View

Day 12

Damaraland to Etosha National Park - South

Enjoy the shorter drive today. Within 4-5 hours you will be watching animals while enjoying a drink. On route, you can head east towards Khorixas and detour via the Petrified Forest before heading back to Khorixas and on to Outjo and north to Etosha.
It’s close to the southern entrance of Etosha, the Anderson Gate where you will overnight at the Etosha Village for (1) night on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Depending on how many times you’ve stopped on route you should arrive at your lodge in time for lunch (option extra). Head into Etosha for an afternoon drive, paying for your entry fee at Okaukeujo and stock up on supplies as well as get a map showing all the waterholes.

Swimming Pool at Etosha Village
Room Interior, Etosha Village
Rooms from the outside at Etosha Village

Day 13

Etosha National Park - East

Spend the day at your own pace, driving from one side of the park to the other stopping at many waterholes. There are animals everywhere so be on the lookout. Overnight at the Mushara Bushcamp for (2) nights on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Mushara Bushcamp, Etosha's eastern side

Day 14

Explore Etosha National Park - East

Today enjoy a full-day drive or a morning and and afternoon drive. Pack a lunch and explore or book a guided drive as an optional extra with your lodge. Head into the park early morning when the gates open at sunrise and in the late afternoon before the gates close at sunset. This is when the animals are most active. Overnight at the Mushara Bushcamp

Room interior, Mushara Bushcamp
External tent view, Mushara Bushcamp

Day 15

Etosha to Waterberg

Today head south via Otavi, Otjiwarongo to Okonjima where it’s cheetah time, home of The African Fountation. Here you check in at the Okonjima Plains Camp for (1) night on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis, with twice daily activities included.
Arrive latest 14:00 to enjoy afternoon tea and treats before heading on your afternoon excursion *You’ll have 2 activities included. Discuss this with the lodge on arrival to plan which activities you can do and the timings of such.

Okonjima Plains Camp
Room Interior, Okonjima Plains Camp
Main area, Okonjima Plains Camp

Day 16

Waterberg to Windhoek, Departure

Enjoy your last early breakfast and activity before heading to Windhoek, a 3-4 hour drive. After dropping your car off you will be transferred to the airport where you will check in 2 hours before your flight home.

Tour Costs

Jan - Jun 2025 – Low Season
R134,900 per person sharing (Based on 2 pax)
R122,995per person sharing (Based on 4 pax)
R43,425 Single supplement

Jul - Dec 2025 – High Season
R146,770 per person sharing (Based on 2 pax)
R133,545 per person sharing (Based on 4 pax)
R47,115 Single supplement

Includes

Accommodation as indicated - can change depending on availability and request at the time of booking
Meals as indicated
Meet and greet upon arrival
Car hire as below
Airport transfers on arrival and for departure
Activities as indicated
Tour file with a detailed itinerary, map with route descriptions, vouchers etc.
24-hour personal and friendly support
Fast and efficient response to service providers
Care hire: 4X4 Toyota Fortuner – Automatic Transmission including a GPS, ZERO excess - maximum insurance, tyre & windscreen cover, unlimited mileage, 2nd spare tyre, additional driver, cell phone with local sim

Excludes

Items of a personal nature
Optional extra activities
International flights
Holiday or personal insurance
Staff gratuities
Park entry fees
Fuel for vehicle rental
Visas and visa applications
Travel Insurance

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Jim Campbell
Jim Campbell
01 May 2025
We asked for a holiday of a lifetime for my wife's birthday ... and Lize Enderstein and ATG certainly delivered!!! We could not have experienced such a magnificent trip without all Lize's organisation and planning. It was an absolute dream! So much so, we're looking to visit again and will certainly be using Lize for our next adventure. Nothing was too much trouble and all the planning made everything work so very smoothly. We felt like royalty throughout our trip with all sorts of birthday surprises already booked at every location. Incredible!!! We are so very grateful for everything Lize arranged and can't thank her enough and would heartily recommend Lize and ATG. Jim and Melanie xxx
Teresa Harrison
Teresa Harrison
29 January 2025
I have been using African Travel Gateway for about 30 years and not once have they let me down. My travels have been varied, visiting different countries and cultures in Africa, but with their help, it is always a magic carpet ride. Lize has been my contact for many years, and the intineries devised have been spectacular. She really understands our requirements and goes the extra mile to ensure all is OK. This time, we visited South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Everything was amazing. Our highlights, however, were La Fontaine in Franshoek and Camp Xakanaxa in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. We HIGHLY recommend African Travel Gateway
Debbie Isaacs
Debbie Isaacs
21 January 2025
We used African Travel again for the second time over Xmas and New Year. Once again, every little bit of our trip ran smoothly and without a hitch. Their communication was great throughout and we will, no doubt, be returning to them in the future too. Thanks Petru.
Daniel Stewart
Daniel Stewart
08 January 2025
We had the most amazing time on our self drive tour of Namibia organised through African Travel Gateway. Everything from the planning and booking process, to the arrival and welcome in Windhoek, to the app with the itinerary and directions made for a really relaxed and well organised holiday. But the most important part was getting to experience Namibia - what a spectacular country! The only negative was that we should have booked for longer!
Hilda Stanfliet
Hilda Stanfliet
27 December 2024
Amazing hotel booked by Lize of African Travel Gateway, the most attentive service leading up to holiday
Zoe Heelas
Zoe Heelas
27 November 2024
ATG were fantastic from start to finish organising our trip 3 week trip in South Africa.Communication with Debbie was excellent before and during our trip. All accommodation and trips chosen by ATG was fantastic. This is our third trip with ATG and we are already thinking about our next.
Harrison Shore
Harrison Shore
09 November 2024
We used African Travel Gateway to plan our honeymoon, and it was incredible! Putting together the itinerary was really smooth and fun - Lize sent us a few options, and was really quick to make the changes we wanted and let us know what made the most sense. The planning portal had a lot of really useful information so we knew what to expect and made the whole thing very comfortable (this was our first trip to Africa!) The itinerary we ended up with was spectacular, and very well structured. We spent most of our trip in the greater Kruger area (Kapama River Lodge then Walkers Plains Camp) and then finished in Victoria Falls (Vic Falls River Lodge) - each stop was both nicer and more wild than the last, which made for a very cool trip. Some real gems - Walkers and the camp at Victoria Falls had both been open less than a year, and were super luxurious, no way we would have found places like that on our own! And starting at Kapama, which is a bigger operation and a little more controlled (fully fenced, very close to the Hoedspruit airport) was a great way to ease into the trip. The animal viewing at all three locations was amazing - we saw the Big 5 at both camps in South Africa, plus wild dogs and a cheetah at Walkers, and not just from a distance - we were able to get up pretty close at several of the viewings. The guides were excellent at all three, same with the staff, and the other guests! Logistics were seamless - all of our transfers were easy, the lodges knew our schedule and drivers were where they needed to be exactly on time. I would absolutely recommend African Travel Gateway, and hope to work with Lize on our next safari!
Hamdan nazarudin
Hamdan nazarudin
28 September 2024
Contacted Lize to get assistance with our trip. Her help has been really great! Enquiries are replied within a short period. Even asking for last minute arrangement of extra baggage and early hotel check-in. Itinerary are also seamless at every transition of camps and location.
Archie B
Archie B
16 August 2024
Travelled across South Africa with ATG. They picked the most amazing places to stay where we felt like royalty. The planning was efficient and there was regular communication during the booking process. The knowledge of Lize was excellent and so we knew what to expect at each stage. Would we use them again? YES, of course, and we are!!! - Already planning our next trip across Namibia for next year!
yvonne omer
yvonne omer
07 August 2024
We chose African Travel Gateway because of their awesome reviews and they did not disappoint! Bianca created a fabulous itinerary combining a luxury private reserve experience, a trip to Victoria Falls, a riverboat stay viewing the animals from a different perspective, ( and BTW the best scrambled eggs we have ever tasted) and a stay at a lodge where we saw different animals and a ride on a bush plane landing in what seemed the middle of nowhere! Every connection was seamless, no stress traveling at its best.Our hosts and guides were excellent, and lovely people. The food was wonderful and of course loved the sundowner drinks and our first” Bush Bar! Would definitely go back for more adventure, thank you ATG for a lovely experience!
Jennifer Morawiecki
Jennifer Morawiecki
06 August 2024
We've just returned from an incredible two-week holiday across Botswana and Zimbabwe with African Travel Gateway. The arrangements made by Bianca were perfect, the documentation provided was extremely thorough, and every detail of our journey was meticulously planned. Communication was excellent throughout. Coming from North America, we felt it best to work with a travel agent located in Southern Africa and it was absolutely the right choice. Highly recommended!
Maria Lohan
Maria Lohan
01 August 2024
Lize helped us find accommodation in Kruger when there was practically none to be got - and t was the best place. The tours she booked were tremendous and the people she booked were great and we are very grateful and glad we had the opportunity to book with Lize. Maria & family form Belfast
Arishana Riek
Arishana Riek
03 July 2024
Tailormade itinerary with knowledgeable guides (Apartheid Museum and Cradle of Humankind).
Sivan Debeljakovic
Sivan Debeljakovic
03 July 2024
Petru, of African Travel Gateway, planned our 12-day South Africa-Zimbabwe itinerary for three of us (arriving from two continents). Her expertise, keen insights, and care in arranging the most perfect accommodation for us, prompt and efficient transfers/drivers, and booking all internal flights, meant this was the smoothest, most enjoyable holiday experience, ever! We covered a lot of ground in a short time, but the precision-timing with transfers, and Petru's choice of such knowledgeable and personable tour guides really made all the difference. Huge thanks to Natasha (Afrifriends) and Chris (Paradise)! Highlights were: The Peech Hotel in J'burg (delightful boutique hotel with a fabulous breakfast - thank you, Oliver!); Ilala Lodge in Zimbabwe; Nkorho Bush Lodge in Sabi Sand (if you want up close & personal experiences with the wildlife, this is where you need to go!); Rickety Bridge Manor House in Franschhoek (perfectly appointed and beautiful accommodation); Boschendal Winery (try the pinotage; farm shop is a must!); Woodstock Markets in Cape Town (so much to see and buy here!). We had the most exceptional holiday – we will definitely return to SA in the future, and will be utilising the expert services of Petru at ATG. Thank you again, Petru.
Sergio Santini
Sergio Santini
03 June 2024
Petru has been our reference person at African Travel Gateway: she organised our self-drive travel through South Africa during April 2024. The itinerary has been tailored according to our wishes and her suggestions. She did a great job , fully meeting our requirements and tacking care about us in real time even during the trip. We really enjoyed the safaris she proposed and we saw what has to be seen in this beautiful country for a 3 weeks visit. The TravelKey App was new for us; it is an efficient tool and has been a very positive experience, having everything filed in the HP.
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