Namibia Self-Drive Explorer: 15 Days Across Namibia’s Open Roads

Day 1:

On arrival in Windhoek, you’ll be welcomed by our local representative and assisted with collecting your rental vehicle. Once you have your wheels, the road trip begins! Your comprehensive travel pack includes a detailed map book, driving directions and everything you need to navigate your journey independently. Leave Windhoek behind and settle into the freedom of the open road as you make your way towards your first stop in the remote and beautiful Kalahari. Enjoy the changing scenery as the city gives way to wide-open spaces and endless desert horizons.

Day 2:

Today, get behind the wheel and continue south towards the Keetmanshoop area. Along the way, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and otherworldly, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore at your own pace from the fascinating Quiver Tree Forest to Giant’s Playground.

Day 3–4:

Today you’ll continue your self-drive adventure towards the small desert settlement of Aus. The journey itself is part of the experience, with vast open landscapes and little traffic allowing you to truly appreciate Namibia’s sense of space and solitude. The area is particularly well known for its wild Namib horses and take your time exploring the surrounding landscapes.

Day 5–6:

An early start today gets you back on the road towards one of Namibia’s most iconic landscapes: Sossusvlei. The drive takes you deeper into the Namib Desert, with the scenery changing dramatically as towering dunes begin to dominate the horizon. Explore Sossusvlei and the surrounding dunes at your own pace, stopping whenever the landscape demands it.

Day 7:

Today you’re back behind the wheel, heading west towards the Atlantic coast and the port town of Walvis Bay. This is a spectacular stretch of road, as the desert gradually meets the ocean and the landscape changes once again. In Walvis Bay, take time to explore the waterfront and visit the lagoon, where flamingos and other seabirds gather in large numbers. Stretch your legs with a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the contrast between the stark desert and the cool Atlantic coastline.

Day 8:

Your road journey continues north-east towards the dramatic granite peaks of Spitzkoppe. The drive offers another chance to experience Namibia from behind the wheel, with huge open landscapes and changing desert scenery along the way. With no need to follow a set route, you can explore the area independently, discovering unusual rock formations, scenic viewpoints and quiet corners of this remarkable landscape.

Day 9–10:

Today you drive towards the Ongava Private Game Reserve, located just south-west of Etosha National Park. After several days of spectacular desert landscapes and long road journeys, the focus now shifts to wildlife. Enjoy fascinating game viewing and the opportunity to experience Namibia’s wildlife in a private reserve setting.

Day 11–12:

Today is a highlight for any self-drive enthusiast: you’ll enter Etosha National Park in your own vehicle and set off in search of wildlife at your own pace. There is no fixed safari route to follow. Take the roads that appeal to you, spend time at the waterholes and linger when you spot something interesting. The changing landscapes and endless opportunities for wildlife sightings make every drive through Etosha different.

Day 13-14:

Leave Etosha behind and continue south towards Otjiwarongo. Enjoy this stretch of Namibia’s open road as you travel through changing landscapes towards this small town, whose name means “beautiful place” in the local Herero language. Take the opportunity to explore at your own pace before continuing your journey.

Day 15:

Your final day on the Namibian roads has arrived. Climb into your rental vehicle for the last time and make your way back towards Windhoek, enjoying those familiar wide-open landscapes along the way. Return your rental car before checking in for your flight home, bringing your Namibian self-drive adventure to an end.

Included services:

Rental vehicle, Toyota Hilux Double Cab, Automatic or similar model
1 night Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch including dinner, bed & breakfast
1 night Quivertree Forest Rest Camp including dinner, bed & breakast
2 nights Klein Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn including breakfast
2 nights Kulala Desert Lodge including all meals, daily scheduled camp activities (day and night nature drives, birding, excursions to Sossusvlei and Sesriem, scenic sundowner excursion, guided nature trail from camp (weather permitting and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide), stargazing with a laser pointer (weather permitting and according to the lunar phases (not offered around full moon), electronic powered fat bike excursions (7 e-bikes in total, six guests plus one guide), park fees, laundry, and local drinks (excludes premium imported brands and champagne).
1 night Oyster Box Guesthouse including breakfast
1 night Spitzkoppen Lodge including dinner, bed & breakfast
2 nights Anderssons at Ongava including all meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, park fees, laundry, tourism levy and local drinks.
2 nights Onguma Tented Camp including 2 scheduled activities per day (all activities are available subject to time restrictions and availability), breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, beverages - bar and personal bar (selected beverages) & Onkolo Hide activity.
2 nights Okonjima Plains Camp including dinner, bed & breakfast; Rare & Endangered Species Drive and Leopard Tracking activities.

Recommended travel period:

All year

Excluded services:

Excursions and activities not mentioned
Additional meals not specified in itinerary
Additional entrance fees and conservation levies
Personal extras such as tips, laundry services, roaming etc.
Private expenses
International and domestic flights
Visa and Visa fees (if applicable)
Travel Insurance
Any new government taxes, levies or industry increases

Image Source: LCC Terra Nova Tours
Image Source: LCC Terra Nova Tours
Image Source: LCC Terra Nova Tours
Image Source: LCC Terra Nova Tours
Image Source: LCC Terra Nova Tours
Image Source: LCC Terra Nova Tours
Image Source: LCC Terra Nova Tours
Image Source: LCC Terra Nova Tours
Image Source: LCC Terra Nova Tours
Image Source: LCC Terra Nova Tours
Image Source: LCC Terra Nova Tours