14 nights
Selfdrive
Namibia Premier
Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Brandberg, Etosha, Omarur
This is a travel example, which can be customized.

Namibia is a land of spectacular landscapes, endless skies, barren deserts, rugged mountain ranges and breathtaking wildlife - participants of this self-drive safari experience something of all this.

On this trip you first drive south to the great sand dunes of Sossusvlei and the beautiful Namib desert. The road north then takes you along the fringe of the desert and eventually to the coastal town of Swakopmund. Your next stop is a beautiful lodge in proximity of the Brandberg massif where desert adapted elephants roam and where you can admire rock paintings. The road then turns east to Etosha National Park. You have plenty of time to visit the many waterholes and experience a variety of animals up close. On your way back to Windhoek, Epako Private Reserve is the perfect retreat to fully enjoy your last two days in the wild before returning to Windhoek.

This self-drive journey starts in Windhoek, where you pick up your vehicle. We definitely recommend a first night in Windhoek, which gives you enough time to buy some snacks and water for the trip. Apart from the few paved main roads, most of the roads you drive are gravel roads. Participants in this journey are stirring up a lot of dust! You visit the most beautiful areas of Namibia and experience the entire fascination of this huge country.

By Car You travel by rental vehicle
Travel by road to Olive Exclusive
You pick up your rental vehicle and set off.
1 night Olive Exclusive, Windhoek

With its contemporary style, the Olive Exclusive is a magnificently designed boutique hotel. Its terrace restaurant sits on the highest point of the estate and offers the perfect venue for breakfast. Guests may also choose to take lunch and dinner here, or opt to dine in their own private suite.

The Olive Exclusive is situated on the slope of an olive grove, which means access to accommodation is via several steps. Its seven spacious suites are individually decorated so each reflects a different region of Namibia (e.g. Etosha, Caprivi, Namib etc.). All suites have a bedroom, en-suite bathroom with bathtub, lounge, fireplace, table for in-house dining, minibar with snacks, tea/coffee station, air conditioning/heating, WiFi, safe, TV and HiFi with iPod dock. Each of the four premium suites is further equipped with a private plunge pool.  

A large swimming pool provides the perfect place for a cooling dip on those hot days.

The Olive Grove sits on the neighbouring plot. Read more about the Olive Grove here.

Location
The Olive Exclusive is located close to the city centre in the Klein Windhoek district. The international airport is approximately one hour away; the local airport, Windhoek Eros, can be reached in several minutes.

Read more here

By Car You travel by rental vehicle
Travel by road to Little Kulala
3 nights Little Kulala, Sossusvlei

Little Kulala offers eleven climate-controlled rooms (it's very hot in the Namib region from November onwards!) with en-suite facilities, extra outdoor shower, private plunge pool, veranda with outdoor lounge, and a skybed where guests can spend a romantic night under the clear, starry sky.

The camp places great emphasis on natural materials, and the colours of the linen, cotton and mohair fabrics blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. The Kulala Camps stand out for their fantastic location close to the Sossuvlei dunes and with exclusive access to the park.

Location
Little Kulala is situated in the dry Namib Desert within the Kulala Wilderness Reserve. With its own gate to the reserve, the camp offers quick, direct vehicle access to the dunes and the Vleis. The normal distance to the dunes from the main gate is 65 km on asphalt; the last 5 km are deep sand and therefore only suitable for 4x4 vehicles.

Sossusvlei is the area most associated with Namibia: Red dunes as far as the eye can see (up to 380 m high, coloured red by the clay-rich sand) and dead trees in the Vleis or pans, decaying slowly at the will of the arid climate. The Vleis were created by the Tsauchab River, which probably once flowed to the Atlantic some 50 km away. The whole Sossusvlei region is quenched with water during those very rare years when a good amount of rain falls, prompting bushes and flowers to spring up everywhere.

Read more here

Transport Mode Excursion to the dunes of Sossusvlei
Today you visit the high sand dunes of Sossusvlei. Dune 45, Hidden Vlei, Dead Vlei are amongst the highlights. Some guests climb Big Daddy, the highest dune in the area. A real challenge, even for the sportive ones amongst you. Please bring enough water!

Transport Mode Balloon Safari over Sossusvlei
The balloon safari at Sossusvlei starts very early, inflation of the balloon needs to be done before sunrise and before the winds pick up. Once the balloon is airborne you drift silently and effortlessly over the desert for about an hour. Every now and then the pilot starts the burners, but between these occasional blasts of fire, there is no sound. The views of the Namib Desert are exceptional.

On landing (wherever the wind has taken you) there is a champagne breakfast waiting for you.

By Car You travel by rental vehicle
Travel by road to Strand Hotel
2 nights Strand Hotel, Swakopmund

The new Strand Hotel has set a new standard in Swakopmund. Uniquely located on the iconic and historic Swakopmund Mole and surrounded on three sides by the Southern Atlantic Ocean its 125 rooms and suites make this hotel one of the larger ones in town, but of those certainly the one with the best seaside location. All rooms have tea & coffee stations, mini-bars, hair-dryers, TV’s, free Wi-Fi Internet access, telephones and air-conditioning.

The Strand Hotel offers its residential guests and all casual visitors three exciting restaurants. The Farmhouse Deli is good for coffee, cake, sandwiches and fresh salads. The Brewer & Butcher welcomes beer and meat lovers. The Ocean Cellar caters for guests who prefer seafood, sushi, oyster and a glass of fine white wine.

The Strand Hotel is destined to become the social epicenter of Swakopmund for locals and tourists alike.

Location
The Strand Hotel is centrally located directly at the beach and close to the light house. If you want to swim in the ocean be warned, the water is very refreshing due to the cold Benguela current. However you may see some brave local on his surfboard and of course the kids who play in the shallow water during the warmer summer months.

Read more here

By Car You travel by rental vehicle
Travel by road to Onduli Ridge
2 nights Onduli Ridge, Twyfelfontein

Onduli Ridge, named after the resident giraffe Onduli, is built at the foot of two granite outcrops connected by a ridge. The six suites are cleverly tucked away among the granite boulders that surround the camp and allow mesmerizing views of Namibia's highest mountain, the Brandberg, to the south and the scattered granite "inselbergs" to the north.

The camp is designed to maximize the views of the extraordinary Damaraland landscape - whether from the bed, the desk or the bathroom. The shutters can be opened completely, blurring the lines between indoors and nature. If requested, the bed can be rolled out onto your private terrace for a night under the starry African sky.

Onduli Ridge exudes character and attention to detail meeting all requirements, from spacious rooms with plenty of privacy, beautiful semi-open bathrooms with rain showers, to an extensive library, a wonderful swimming pool in the rocks, good cuisine and above all - unbeatable views.

Families and private groups should also consider the private Onduli Enclave, a privte villa with three suites.

Location
Onduli Ridge is located on a private concession in the Doro !Nawas Conservancy in the heart of Damaraland, only 20 minutes from Twyfelfontein village. Arrival is by plane or vehicle to Onduli Airstrip, from where guests are driven to the accommodation by the Onduli Ridge guide (20 minutes drive). Alternatively, a transfer from Twyfelfontin or Doro Nawas Airstrip can be provided for air passengers.

The landscape here consists of rugged hills, dry river valleys in a largely semi-desert and sparse savannah. Besides the famous rock paintings of Twyfelfontein, Onduli Ridge is in close proximity to other geological attractions such as Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes and Doros Crater. Named after the Crater, Doro !Nawas means "the place where rhinos roam" in the Khoekhoegowab language. The area is home to black rhino, elephant and general plains game, as well as predators like cheetah, leopard, lion, spotted and brown hyena.

Read more here

By Car You travel by rental vehicle
Travel by road to Anderssons Camp
2 nights Anderssons Camp, Etosha South

Anderssons Camp is situated in the private Ongava Reserve close to Etosha National Park. The camp offers a very private safari experience with only seven double rooms and one family room. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, indoor and outdoor shower, air-conditioning and a private viewing deck with 180 degree panorama. The family room consits of two suites (each with it's own bathroom and entrance) that are linked by a short walkway.

The main building features great views of the waterhole in front of camp. Guests can watch the animals from the spacious and comfortable lounge. Should you wish to get even closer, a photographic hide not far from camp offers a water level view of the prolific wild and birdlife. There is also a library, a curio shop, a beautiful infinity pool and a photo lounge, where you can check your own photos and send them to friends (Wi-Fi available).

A highlight of Anderssons Camp is the Ongava Research Centre. Researchers and scientists have their working space here and you are invited to visit the exhibition area and attend the interactive presentations in the auditorium.

There are three other choices. Ongava Tented Camp, Little Ongava and Ongava Lodge are also situated in the Ongava Game Reserve.

Location
Anderssons Camp is situated in the Ongava Game Reserve, which borders Etosha National Park to the south. The reserve is mainly covered by mopane forest, but also offers several beautiful, open plains. Anderssons Camp is located approximately 10 minutes from Anderson's Gate.

The Etosha National Park is one of the most important nature reserves in southern Africa. It exists since 1907 and covers an area of 22,270 km². The central and eastern sections consist mainly of various silvery-white shining salt pans, which have made Etosha famous. In the dry season the park, the animals and the vehicles are covered in a whitish haze of salt dust.

On the southern shore of the huge Etosha Pan (130 x 50 km) there are several waterholes, which magically attract the animals from the surrounding area during the dry season. The three large state camps Okaukuejo, Halali and Namutoni connect Anderson's Gate in the south with the von Lindequist Gate in the east. The western part towards Galton Gate is much more wooded and less frequented by visitors, but it also offers less trails to drive around and find wildlife.

Etosha National Park is Namibia's premier safari destination. Covering almost the same area as Switzerland, Etosha is one of the largest national parks in Africa. To the west of the park lay the silvery white salt pans and adjoining waterholes, which magically attract all kinds of wildlife during the dry season.

Read more here

Transport Mode Game drives in Etosha National Park
Today you venture off yourself to do game drives in Etosha National Park. It will probably take you the whole day as you slowly drive through the park and visit the signalled waterholes where the animals usually congregate.

By Car You travel by rental vehicle
Travel by road to Onguma - The Fort
2 nights Onguma - The Fort, Etosha East

Onguma - The Fort offers twelve air-conditioned bush suites with maximum privacy, spacious bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers and large terraces. The rugged beauty of the Etosha area and Fisher’s Pan can be enjoyed from anywhere in the camp.
                                                                                        
With its tower and integrated antique elements, the huge main building is inspired by a combination of African, Moroccan and Indian architecture. It houses a spacious lounge, restaurant, wine cellar, swimming pool and a plunge pool. The game activities at the waterhole to the front of the lodge can be enjoyed from the pool or whilst having dinner.

Situated in the main building’s largest tower, the Sultan Suite offers a little more of everything and, of course, better views. The Honeymoon Suite is located furthest from the main building and is slightly larger than the standard suites.  

The camp is unfenced, which means there is a minimum age requirement for our younger guests. Oddly, one is not allowed to walk to the rooms and transport must be called to get to the main building, even at daylight.

Onguma Game Reserve offers three further accommodation possibilities:

Read more about Onguma Tented Camp
Read more about Onguma Camp Kala
Read more about Onguma Bush Camp

Location
Onguma Game Reserve is situated 10 km north of Von Lindequist Gate in the east of Etosha National Park. Onguma Game Reserve is made up of 34,000 hectares of former farmland, which has been restored in a few short years to its natural state. Because this huge area is used exclusively by guests of Ongumas' camps, it guarantees an almost undisturbed wilderness experience.

The Etosha National Park is one of the most important nature reserves in southern Africa. It exists since 1907 and covers an area of 22,270 km². The central and eastern sections consist mainly of various silvery-white shining salt pans, which have made Etosha famous. In the dry season the park, the animals and the vehicles are covered in a whitish haze of salt dust.

On the southern shore of the huge Etosha Pan (130 x 50 km) there are several waterholes, which magically attract the animals from the surrounding area during the dry season. The three large state camps Okaukuejo, Halali and Namutoni connect Anderson's Gate in the south with the von Lindequist Gate in the east. The western part towards Galton Gate is much more wooded and less frequented by visitors, but it also offers less trails to drive around and find wildlife.

Etosha National Park is Namibia's premier safari destination. Covering almost the same area as Switzerland, Etosha is one of the largest national parks in Africa. To the west of the park lay the silvery white salt pans and adjoining waterholes, which magically attract all kinds of wildlife during the dry season.

Read more here

By Car You travel by rental vehicle
Travel by road to Epako Safari Lodge
2 nights Epako Safari Lodge, Omaruru

Epako offers ten rooms and accommodates a maximum of 20 guests. Set within a breathtaking 11,000 hectare private reserve which is only accessible to Epako guests, your stay at Epako will be a very private experience. The lodge was built directly on the bank of the dry riverbed of the Epako and has a slightly elevated position with a view of the riverbed and the waterhole opposite.

Epako is an elegant lodge with attentive and friendly service and we enjoyed excellent food on several visits. The ten very stylish rooms are spread over two buildings and include six deluxe rooms, two junior suites and two suites. The two buildings are based on the design of traditional farmhouses and have a large balcony leading around the house.

All rooms have en-suite bathrooms and a terrace with deck chairs. The Junior Suites also have a bathtub, outdoor shower and lounge. The Waterhole Suite and the River Suite (150m2 each) are about twice the size and have a private dining table for those guests who like to stay among themselves. The Waterhole Suite offers views and direct access to the pool and is ideal for families in combination with a Deluxe Room. The River Suite offers the greatest privacy and views of the river bend. Most of the rooms can be connected to larger units via double soundproof doors.

Wifi is available in all rooms and in the main building.

The restaurant offers local and international dishes and a good selection of wines. In the evening guests often prefer to sit outside on the large terrace and watch the illuminated waterhole while eating. If you wish, you may start the evening by the open fire with a drink. Epako also has a very impressive large pool with deckchairs and a separate spa.

Location
Epako is located north west of Windhoek, close to Omaruru. The international airport of Windhoek is just about a 3.5 hour drive away. Epako can also be reached by private charter. Omaruru is a small, friendly village about 30 km from Epako. There is - you won't believe it - a chocolate factory and even an art gallery.

The private reserve has a size of 11,000 hectares, an area larger than Paris. The dry riverbed and the large ana trees remind us of Mana Pools or the Lower Zambezi National Park. The forests are still intact and beautiful thanks to the absence of elephants.

Read more here

By Car You travel by rental vehicle
Travel by road to Windhoek
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Details & Prices

Basic Information
Individual journey. The journey will be planned on your preferred dates. Self-Drive a rented vehicle.

Duration 14 nights. Min 2 guests. Minimum age 6 years. Trip vice versa possible.
Inclusive / Exclusive
Includes all transfers from Windhoek to the hotels/camps to Windhoek
  • Olive Exclusive: Junior Suite. Breakfast.
  • Little Kulala: Double Room. All meals, drinks (except premier brands), laundry service, twice daily activities with one of the camp guides. Includes guided excursion to the Sossusvlei dunes and balloon
  • Strand Hotel: Luxury Room. Breakfast.
  • Onduli Ridge: Double Room. All meals, drinks (except premier brands), laundry service, twice daily activities with one of the camp guides.
  • Anderssons Camp: Double Room. All meals. Game Drives on your own or bookable at the lodge.
  • Onguma - The Fort: Bush Suite. Dinner, breakfast. Game Drives on your own or bookable at the lodge.
  • Epako Safari Lodge: Deluxe Room. All meals, drinks (except premier brands), twice daily activities with one of the camp guides.
Includes fully insured vehicle with maximum excess reduction. Toyota Fortuner 4 x 4 SUV automatic or similar.
Not included are international flights, gratuities, compulsary comprehensive travel insurance, visa fees, local airport fees, personal purchases.

Learn more about these areas
Erongo Mountains
Erongo Mountains
Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei
Windhoek
Windhoek
Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein
Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park
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