7 Day Southern Namibia Self Drive Tour

On this 7-day Self-Drive Tour of Namibia, we supply you with a rental vehicle (4x4) and lay out a desert-oriented itinerary that takes in the Mariental area to the south of Windhoek, then continues to the red dunes of Sossusvlei. From here you head to the Atlantic Ocean town of Swakopmund steeped in history and offering a host of exciting activities. The itinerary starts and ends in Windhoek. We also offer a guided version of the same route.

7 Day Southern Namibia Self Drive Tour

Itinerary at a Glance:

  • Day 01 & 02

    Windhoek to Kalahari Camelthorn Lodge

  • Day 03 & 04

    Namib Desert Desert Homestead Lodge

  • Day 05 & 06

    Swakopmund Swakopmund Luxury Suites

  • Day 07

    Swakopmund to Windhoek

Day 01 & 02

Windhoek to Kalahari Camelthorn Lodge

Travel Time: Windhoek - Kalahari 245km - approximately 3 to 4 hours

Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge
Breakfast at the pool
Camelthorn Lodge room view, Namibia

• You will be met by the car rental company representative on arrival and transferred to their offices in Windhoek to complete all rental procedures
• You will then meet with our representative to hand over your travel documents
• You can still pop into town for anything you might need and then depart heading south from Windhoek to the red sand dunes of the Kalahari
• Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in this beautiful setting
• Enjoy the Bushman walk as included on a 2-night stay
• Optional activities here include game and nature drives

Day 03 & 04

Namib Desert Desert Homestead Lodge

Travel Time: Kalahari - Sossusvlei 390km - approximately 6 to 7 hours

Desert Homestead Lodge, Namibia
Room Interior, Desert Homestead Lodge
Desert Homestead Lodge

• Today you will make your way from the Kalahari to Sossusvlei. The route will take you via Maltahöhe and the Tsaris Pass, showcasing the natural beauty of Namibia
• Wake up early for breakfast (Day 4) and then head to the entrance to Sossusvlei, the Sesriem Gate
• Spend the whole day in the beautiful Sossusvlei area, exploring the highlights: Sossusvlei,  Dead Vlei, Dune 45, Big Daddy, Elim Dune and the Sesriem Canyon
• Return to the lodge for lunch or arrange a lunch pack to enjoy in the dunes and return late afternoon for a well-earned rest
• Optional extra activities: Guided Sossusvlei excursion, Hot air balloon safari, Nature drives

Day 05 & 06

Swakopmund Swakopmund Luxury Suites

Travel Time: Sossusvlei - Swakopmund 350km - approximately 5 to 6 hours

Swakopmund Luxury Suites Interior
Swakopmund Luxury Suites

• Depart after breakfast and head north to Solitaire, then west crossing the Tropic of Capricorn, through the Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons via the Namib Gravel Plains to the coast
• Either via Walvis Bay to Swakopmund, or (recommended) detour via Ganab to the Welwitschia Plains and Moon Landscape
• The Namibian coastline is generally known as The Skeleton Coast due to the barren areas, ship wrecks and, in days gone by, whale skeletons left on the beach
• 1 full day is set aside for this lovely area where Swakopmund and Walvis Bay offer a wide range of activities such as Dolphin cruise, Sandwich Harbour excursion (a real Skeleton Coast experience), Dune quad biking, Sand boarding, Sea kayaking, Lots more…
• Lunches and dinners can be enjoyed at a café or restaurant overlooking the sea

Day 07

Swakopmund to Windhoek

Travel Time: Swakopmund - Windhoek 350km - approximately 4 to 5 hours

• Head back to Windhoek today, where the vehicle is dropped off and your holiday comes to an end
• Transfer to the airport to catch your departure flight. (Keep in mind that you need to be at the airport 2 hours prior and the airport is still a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from town)

Tour Cost

** Prices are quoted in ZAR (South African Rands)

Jan - Jun 2025
R27,002 per person sharing (Based on 2 adults)
R21,379 per person sharing (Based on 4 adults)
R6,205 Single supplement

Jul - Dec 2025
R29,193 per person sharing (Based on 2 adults)
R22,925 per person sharing (Based on 4 adults)
R6,630 Single supplement

Price 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 detailed itinerary, map with route descriptions, vouchers etc.
24-hour personal and friendly support
Fast and efficient response to service providers
Vehicle Hire:
4X4 Toyota Fortuner – Automatic Transmission, which includes GPS, ZERO excess - maximum insurance, tyre & windscreen cover, unlimited mileage, 2nd spare tyre, additional driver, cell phone with local sim

Price Excludes

Additional meals
Additional Excursions / Activities
Beverages
All Park Entrance & Admission Fees
Any items of a personal nature i.e. telephone, laundry, curios, gratuities/tips/porterage, etc
Personal and Baggage Travel Insurance
All Flights
Visa applications
Change of Itinerary anytime after confirmation
Anything else not specified as included

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Read Why Our Clients Love Us

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
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