Self Drive Namibia On A Shoestring Safari
African Bushwalker Tours Self Drive Namibia On A Shoestring Safari
$1,385.00
per person
What we'll do
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Windhoek, Capital City of Namibia!
You will be met by the car rental company representative when you touch down at Hosea Kutako International Airport and transferred to our offices in Windhoek to complete all rental procedures. You will then meet with our representative to hand over your travel package. Ask questions. Talk through your route. Make notes.
When you are there: Depending on the time of you arrival, will determine whether there is time to head into town, go shopping or see some of the sights. You can explore if time allows. If not, check in at your hotel and simply relax, it may well have been a long day, especially if you came off a long haul flight. Rest up, tomorrow the real adventure begins. Dine at the hotel for dinner or grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant nearby. Either way, it’s best to make a reservation. Speak to reception for assistance.
Main Destination: Windhoek, Namibia
Accommodation Budget Level: Affordable/ Mid-Range
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Into Red Dunes of Sesriem
Today will be your first day of adventure and you will soon be on our dusty and bumpy gravel roads. As the road takes you further south west you will get your first sights of the Namib desert. Upon arrival, set up camp under a shady Camelthorn tree at Sesriem.
Campsite: Tonight you sleep in the Namib Naukluft National Park at Sesriem Campsite
Main Destination: Sesriem
Accommodation Budget Level: Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast x1
Day 3: Explore Sossusvlei & Solitaire
This morning you will wake up extra early to head into Sossusvlei before the sun even rises. Climb to the top of Dune 45 to see the first rays light up the highest dunes in the world. Then head over to the famous trees at deadvlei, maybe climb Big Daddy then finish the morning at Sesriem Canyon. After a spot of Lunch at Sossusvlei Lodge head over to Solitaire to see the old cars and grab a coffee and piece of apple pie.
Campsite: Set up your tent in the desert at Camp Gecko.
Main Destination: Solitaire
Activities Included: Dune 45, Deadvlei, Sesriem Canyon
Accommodation Budget Level: Camping
Meal Plan: Self-catering
Day 4 to 5: Into Germany Capital City
Continue north today via the Kuiseb Canyon and Gaub pass with a quick stop at the Tropic of Capricorn. Arrive on the cool misty coast and get a few photos of the Walvis Bay flamingos before going to the quirky town of Swakopmund. This is where you will spend the night. We recommend having a plate of fresh fish for dinner by the ocean.
Day 5: On this day you have a large choice of things to do. Swakopmund and Walvis Bay both offer a wide range of activities from boat rides to see dolphins and otters, to quad biking in the dunes or even skydiving. One of our favourite activities is a full day at Sandwich Harbour with a guide to see where the dunes meet the ocean.
Lodge: Make the most of being in Namvic’s private apartment, Haus Rosemund, with 3 bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen in the center of Swakopmund.
Main Destination: Swakopmund
Optional Activities: Living Desert Tour, Township Tour, Sandboarding (lie down or stand up), Sky Diving, Quad biking (2 hours), Kayaking, Tandem Shore fishing Boat fishing, Dolphin, Seal, and Whale Cruise
Accommodation Budget Level: Affordable/ Mid-Range
Meal Plan: Breakfast x 2
Day 6: CAPE CROSS SEAL COLONY & SPITZKOPPE MOUNTAINS
After stocking up at the supermarket and filling up your fridge this morning you will just have a short drive to the epic Spitzkoppe. Stop on the way to have a look at the wide range of crystals, gems and semi-precious stones at the crystal market just as you turn off the main road. With a souvenir in your pocket carry on the dirt road with the mountain looming in front of you. Upon arrival set up your tent in one of the campsites of your choice and pull on your hiking boots to start exploring! Walk around and admire the bush paintings amongst spectacular landscapes.
Main Destination: Spitzkoppe Mountains
Accommodation Budget Level: Camping
Meal Plan: Self-catering
Day 7: Sunset Destination & Adapted Elephants
Make the most of a last walk around Spitzkoppe this morning if you wish, maybe head on over to the arch or see if there is any water in the rock pools. Then head directly north to the highest mountain in Namibia, Brandberg. Known as the burnt mountain you will see why as the sun sets and reflects black and red off the rock face. If you are lucky the desert adapted elephants may be in the area and you can join an excursion from the lodge to see them up close in the dry river beds.
Campsite: This evening you set up camp close to the dry Ugab riverbed at Brandberg White Lady Campsite.
Main Destination: Brandberg Mountains
Accommodation Budget Level: Camping
Meal Plan: Self-catering
Day 8 to 9: Petrified Forest, Rock Art & Rhino Tracking
Drive north a bit further and you will enter one of our favourite regions of Namibia, Damaraland. If you leave early enough then you will have time to go to Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can visit an incredible collection of rock engravings with a local guide. We also suggest visiting the friendly locals at the Damara Living Museum. A little further on you will arrive at Palmwag where you are likely to see giraffes by the road.
Day 9: No destination in view today! A second night at Palmwag allows you to go into the day visitor area of the concession slowly to search for desert adapted elephants, giraffe, zebra, springbok, and if you are very luck even a black rhinoceros. Either take a picnic with you and spend the full day, or head back to the lodge to relax around the pool
Campsite: Camp amongst the palm trees at Palmwag Campsite. Basis: SC
Main Destination: Damaraland
Optional Activities: Rhino Tracking, Damara Living Museum, Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings
Accommodation Budget Level: Camping
Meal Plan: Self-catering
Day 10: Western Etosha Wildlife Photography
This morning pack up camp and get back on the roads to start heading west. Be prepared for more incredible landscapes as you drive over the Grootberg pass. Take it slow as this road can be tricky but the views from the top are worth it. Stop at Kamanjab for lunch and to stock up on some fresh items if needed then follow the tar road north to the Hobatere reserve. Enjoy a sundowner at the restaurant overlooking the waterhole.
Lodge: Hobatere Lodge will provide you with a bit of luxury just west of Etosha National Park.
Main Destination: Western Part of Etosha
Accommodation Budget Level: Affordable/ Mid-Range
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 11: Explore Wildife At Floodlit waterhole at Okaukuejo
A full day of safari awaits you in the infamous Etosha National Park. Wake up early and leave as soon as the sun rises to get the best chances of seeing lions on the move. Head east to Okaukuejo but not before stopping at all the waterholes along the way. As it is your first day in the park your camera’s memory card is sure to fill up quickly. Each waterhole is different and you never know what you might see. Use the map we provided you with at the beginning of your tour to make sure you don’t miss any.
Campsite: Okaukuejo campsite in the center of Etosha National Park.
Accommodation Budget Level: Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast x 1
Day 12: Enjoy More Game and Big Cats at Nebrowni Waterhole
Last night you probably won’t have slept much as you made the most of the floodlit waterhole at Okaukuejo. But do your best to head out early as the animals do not wait! The road from Okaukuejo to Halali is full of great places to visit. You will probably spend a lot of time at Nebrowni waterhole as there is very often lions and elephants there. Make sure you take the detour along the edge of the pan via salvadora too for the best views of the pan. You will see that this itinerary allows you to see all corners of the park at a slow pace, allowing you to make the most of your time in nature.
Campsite: Halali campsite is where you will spend tonight, once again with a floodlit waterhole.
Accommodation Budget Level: Camping
Meal Plan: Self-catering
Day 13: Explore East Etosha & Track Rhino
Continue east to Von Lindequest gate today. In the eastern side of the park you have great chances of seeing black rhino and cheetahs. We recommend heading to Chudop waterhole, a favourite for elephants. Grab some lunch at Namutoni and explore the fort, then spend the afternoon exploring the north eastern edge of the parc. The vegetation is very different here and attracts hundreds of giraffe.
Campsite: Tonight you will sleep at one of the Onguma campsites on the eastern edge of Etosha National Park. With your own private kitchen and bathroom we know you will be very comfortable.
Accommodation Budget Level: Camping
Meal Plan: Self-catering
Day 14: Driving Back to Namibia, Capital City
Today you get back onto the main roads to start returning to Windhoek. The smooth tar under your tyres will be a welcome change to the bumpy roads of Etosha. We recommend stopping at the town of Otjiwarongo, a central hub in the area for locals and many farmers. The town offers some lovely restaurants and the unusual edition of a crocodile farm. Carry on a bit further south in the afternoon to your comfy accommodation on a guestfarm for your last night in the Namibian bush. Lodge: Your last night in the bush will be at one of Namibia’s oldest guesthouses, Dusternbrook.
Main Destination: Windhoek
Accommodation Budget Level: Affordable/ Mid-Range
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 15: On Last Sunrise & Homeward bound
After a good night’s sleep you will awake to a vibrant, fresh breakfast with a freshly brewed pot of hot coffee and enjoy your last breakfast in Windhoek and enjoy the scenery surrounding the lodge one last time. You will squeeze in a morning sunrise photo over the window before you return your 4x4 vehicle to our office and your transfer to the airport for your onwards travel arrangements will be done for free by our company driver. What an adventure. Let's do it! Ok maybe not right now, but we know will be back again. It gets everyone.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Where we'll go
Meeting point
When you touch down at Hosea Kutako International Airport
Good to know
Good to know
BEST TIME TO GO: June to November
WEATHER:
- Weather will be mostly dry and pleasantly sunny. High temperatures will reach 25 - 30 Degrees Celsius during the day, while lows will be in 10 - 20 Degrees Celsius range during evening.
ROUTING:
- Departing from Windhoek into Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha National Park, Windhoek
DURATION: 14 Nights / 15 Days
ADVISE FOR RENTERS
BEFORE BOOKING Check and compare:
PRICES: Many car rental companies show a low price on the internet, but is everything included? The prices from African Bushwalker Safaris are the total cost with no hidden extras.
CONDITIONS: Are taxes, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and other insurances included? How much is the excess/deductible amount? Check the 'Terms & Price Details' of your selected offer for more details.
Which car do you need: How many people are travelling with you? How much luggage will you all have? Please consider this when selecting your car.
DO YOU NEED ANY EXTRAS: You are able to check our extra services/equipment list and request them all together when making your order.
CHILD SEATS: Are mandatory in most countries and can be order at the time of booking. The standard of the baby/child seats may differ from what you are used to, however you are able to bring your own.
BEFORE LEAVING HOME Always check the traffic laws of the country that you are travelling in. This information can be requested from the embassy or consulate of the country you will visit.
Be sure to check that your Driver's licence is valid. You may also require an International Driver's licence, please check your rental terms and conditions available in your My Booking account. Don't forget your credit card and your car rental voucher.
AT THE TIME OF DELIVERY: PLEASE CHECK:
- damage’s on the car. Have it written down on your contract.
- where the spare tire and necessary tools for changing wheels are.
- DO NOT forget to take your copy of the contract!
- if you have local currency, for tolls etc. Not all petrol stations accept credit cards.
- you must find out exactly where to return the car when the rental is over.
- ask the representative for instructions for your first destination.
- check what kind of fuel the car needs. Diesel or petrol?
- ask what you have to do in case of accident/damage.
At most destinations it is necessary to make a police report even for the smallest damage.
TIPS FOR DRIVING ROUTE PLANNING: Check the local map at home to decide how far you want to drive and in how much time. You can leave the detailed planning till later but make sure that you have your first day's route roughly in your mind.
WHO'S DRIVING? If you are sharing the driving, make sure that all the co-drivers are named on the rental agreement and authorized to drive. Make sure everyone has a valid driving licence and passport.
PLANNED STOPS: No one is designed to sit still for hours, so plan your stops along the way to your destination. Set a time limit to stop for a meal or a stroll. Break up the journey into maximum 2-hour segments if you are traveling with children. Ideally, choose your first overnight stop as near to the airport as possible, particularly if you have arrived after a long flight or arrive during the night. Remember the idea is to enjoy your holiday and relax not get exhausted.
What is included?
- - Accommodation & camping fee as per itinerary, activities & meals as per itinerary. - 4x4 rental vehicle with the lowest excess - Airport transfers - 24-hour emergency assistance phone number & support - A Welcome pack including maps & vouchers for the places you will be visiting.
What is not included?
- - Items of a personal nature - Toiletries such as toothpaste, lotion & shampoo ( soap only provided at some camps) - Meals & Beverages not specified - Optional activities - Flights not specified - Personal travel insurance - Tips and gratuities - Visas
What to bring
- Safari Packing Guide: - When travelling on a mobile safari, luggage must be compact, light and easy to pack into the trailer. Each guest is strictly limited to 20kg of luggage in a soft carrier bag and an additional small day bag plus limited camera equipment. We suggest you bring the following: - Good quality flashlight and spare batteries/bulbs - Camera with spare batteries, film or memory cards - Good quality pair of binoculars (8×30 or better) - Fleece or sweater and a warm jacket for colder winter nights (July – Aug) - Beanies, scarf and gloves for the cold early morning game drives in winter – it can reach 0˚C - Sun block, lip balm, sunglasses, hat, swimsuit, insect repellent and mala ria prophylaxis - Toiletries and any medications
Cancellation and refund
The booking fee ($45.00 p.p. included in the displayed price) is non-refundable if you cancel your booking. If a local cancels a booking or does not show up at the agreed time and place, you receive a full refund of the booking fee.
You are buying a unique experience that also empowers local communities and people to improve their lives by sharing their knowledge and lifestyle.
We give space for creativity. The locals themselves decide and develop the activity idea and design it in a way they find interesting.
Locals get 100% of the price they want. The booking fee is added separately.
Meet the Local
Our Duty in the Wilderness! Ours is not just guiding you from one place of interest to another. It is passionate love of what we do and sharing our culture as well as passing on the history passed to us by forefathers through story telling. The next coming months we will be leading a number of Safari trips through Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe,Zambia, Rwanda ,Uganda and Tanzania . Lucky are those who will seat at the campfire with us . But we will try taking you along with us in our Story telling. Follow us or contact us for your next African Adventure!
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