Namibia Self-Drive Safari

Itinerary Highlights

Namibia is truly unlike any other place on earth; in fact, perhaps the destination it most resembles at first glance is the planet of Mars. As one of the world’s least densely populated countries and with landscapes straight out of a science fiction movie, Namibia lends itself to road trips. Our self-drive safari itinerary allows travelers the independence to safely and comfortably experience the journey within this truly spectacular southern African nation combined with its best luxury adventure lodges and their top naturalist guides.

Begin in the capital city of Windhoek, where you’ll spend a night resting at a charming and upscale boutique hotel before your epic road trip begins. The next morning head south on your first leg toward Sossusvlei National Park, home to the famous Big Mamma and Big Daddy Dunes. Here at the impeccably renovated andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge embark on activities such as hot air balloons, quad rides and dune hiking with your naturalist guide. From there you’ll head north passing the Tropic of Capricorn before reaching Namibia’s coastline. Swakopmund is the country’s second biggest city and the perfect stop to rest as you near the Skeleton Coast. Here you’ll have some time to either relax or enjoy one of the many adventure activities offered around the town, such as kayaking in Sandwich Harbour or e-biking through the dunes. Next you’ll drive into the heart of Namibia in Damaraland. Upon arrival to Damaraland Camp head out on safari with endangered desert-adapted elephants and rhinos, mountain hikes or visits to local communities. To reach your last stop, you’ll ditch your trusted vehicle and board a charter flight to the iconic Skeleton Coast. At Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, prepare for one of the most unique experiences in all of Africa.

Hotels and lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

Itinerary Details

Upon arrival to Windhoek International Airport you will be met by our representative who will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in a charming neighborhood of the capital city. Enjoy some well deserved leisure time after your long flight. Later in the day a representative will return with your rental vehicle (a fully loaded 4x4 pick-up truck or SUV) and provide you with an in-depth orientation on driving within Namibia and safety protocol. As long as you can stay on the left side of the road, it’s much easier than you think!

Overnight at AM Weinberg Boutique Hotel (no meals included)

This morning after breakfast, you’ll embark on the first part of your road trip, heading southwest toward Sossusvlei National Park, deep inside the Namib, the world’s oldest living desert. After approximately a five-hour drive, you’ll reach your final destination of the immaculately renovated andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. Situated in a private reserve, the property is home to just ten suites, each boasting its own sprawling private pool and unparalleled privacy.

Enjoy a brief orientation with your host before being introduced to your guide and planning your afternoon excursions (or take some time to unwind from the drive at your private pool).

Overnight at andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Enjoy the various activities offered at the lodge with your naturalist guide.

Sossusvlei Excursion
This half-day morning adventure takes you into the Namib Naukluft National Park. Learn about the ecosystem, Aeolian geological processes, walk to Deadvlei, perhaps climb a sand dune, and for the fit and adventurous, conquer the towering ‘Big Daddy’.

E-biking
Traverse the stark beauty and vast expanse on an e-bike. Easy to ride and super fun, these nifty bicycles are fitted with a battery-powered ‘assist’ that gives a boost via a throttle when pedalling. There are two different options, an 11km (6.8mi) or a 19km (11.8mi) route.

Hiking
Explore the lodge surrounds on foot, take the time to sit in the stillness and be enchanted by the views. There are two defined hiking trails, a 2.2km (1.4mi) or a 3.4km (2.1mi) route waiting to be explored.

Big Dune Walk
Enjoy this exclusive experience at &Beyond Sossusvlei Private Desert Reserve, the only private reserve featuring the iconic star dunes of Namibia. Take the time to appreciate your surroundings and tuck into a delicious picnic breakfast.

Living Dunes
Set out to the dunes on our reserve, where the story of the deserts ecology is written in the sand. Explore the dunes on foot or by quad bike with a specialist guide who’ll uncover the secrets of the dunes.

Desert People
Step back in time and bring to life the history of the area and its people. Follow your expert guide into the untamed Namib Desert scattered with San rock art. Explore heritage sites and gain insight into the San people.

Desert Rock
Explore the unique landscape on this fascinating geological excursion, in a vehicle and on foot. View the varied topography, exposed due to the upliftment events after the continent of Gondwana split into Africa and South America. Observe young geology ‘in action’ as the dunes shape this awe-inspiring landscape.

Stargazing
Sossusvlei neighbours Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, which has also been awarded Gold Tier status, declaring it an environment with little to no impact from artificial light. Get a closer look at the night sky from our sophisticated observatory with resident astronomer and state-of-the-art telescope.

Hot Air Ballooning
Gain a bird’s eye perspective over the spectacular scenery surrounding the lodge, in the company of other guests. The balloons are unable to fly over the Namib sand dunes; however, you will still be treated to awe-inspiring views. (Available at an additional cost)

Scenic Helicopter Flight | Scenic Coastal Flight
Experience the desert from above on a 2.5 hour helicopter flight. Fly over the Devil’s Fork dune formation and soar past the gnarled, twisted trees of Deadvlei. Continue until you hit the coast where the dunes fringe the sea, turn north from Meob Bay and follow the shoreline towards the Eduard Bohlen shipwreck. Enjoy a champagne stop and head home with views of Witberg Mountain. (Available at an additional cost)

Healing Earth Wellness Treatments
Indulge in one of our many relaxing treatments for a truly authentic African spa experience that rejuvenates the mind, body and soul. Our treatments promise to leave you feeling in harmony with the tranquillity of the surrounds. (Available at an additional cost)

Overnight at andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Following breakfast and (schedule-permitting) a final morning excursion, you’ll depart Sossusvlei and head north, passing the Tropic of Capricorn and a variety of stunning landscapes. Eventually you’ll reach Walvis Bay, getting your first taste of the Namib Coast before shortly thereafter arriving at your final destination of Swakopmund. This quaint coastal town boasts a wide variety of both water and desert excursions and serves as the perfect location to either catch up on rest from your road trip or enjoy a day’s worth of excursions.

The Strand is the town’s premier hotel, with oceanfront views, a variety of excellent restaurants from which to choose and onsite spa and fitness facilities.

Overnight at Strand Hotel (Breakfast)

Today you can either enjoy sleeping in or keep up your adventurous streak with excursions such as kayaking in Sandwich Harbour, e-biking through the dunes or driving quads in the desert. In the afternoon, consider a food tour through the town of “Swakop” and learn more about Namibian cuisine and culture. Speak with your travel planner as to how to best spend your day in Swakopmund.

Overnight at Strand Hotel (Breakfast)

Today you’ll return to the road, heading east toward the Brandberg Mountains, getting a glimpse into the once-thriving mining towns that have since largely disappeared. Along the way you’re likely to spot members of the Himba community and Twyfelfontein, the iconic rock known for its ancient engravings. Arrive at Damaraland and enjoy a refreshing beverage before meeting your guide and planning your first afternoon of excursions.

Damaraland Camp is situated in the Huab River Valley in one of the best wilderness areas in Namibia, offering endless vistas across stark plains, ancient valleys and a stunning ochre-purple mountain backdrop. Thanks to the crystal-clear night skies, stargazing is superb. Damaraland Camp is the result of an award-winning partnership between Wilderness Safaris and the local Torra Conservancy; visits to the nearby farmstead allow guests to see this relationship in action.

Overnight at Wilderness Damaraland Camp (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Your full day at Damaraland will be action-packed as you customize your day of excursions with your naturalist guide.

Nature drives
Morning and afternoon game drives reveal the dramatic scenery and fascinating wildlife of the region. Desert-adapted elephant are the highlight of the area, although the natural cycle of rainfall dictates the seasonal movements of wildlife along the Huab River.

Guided nature walks & hikes
Learn more about the ancient geological past and present of Damaraland as well as about the unique plants, birds and reptiles that have superbly adapted to this arid area.

Cultural activities
Learn about the unique heritage of the local peoples, which include Nama-Damara, Herero, Owambo, and the displaced Riemvasmaakers of South Africa. This activity allows you to respectfully engage with these communities and it also includes a visit to the local Bergsig School.

Overnight at Wilderness Damaraland Camp (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Following breakfast, you’ll leave your trusted 4x4 vehicle behind and board your chartered flight to your final destination: the Skeleton Coast. The flight is an excursion onto itself as you cross the Damaraland toward the coast and witness the dramatic juxtaposition of desert and sea. Upon arrival to the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp’s landing strip you’ll be greeted by the staff and taken to the camp grounds you’ll call home for the final three nights of your adventure.

The name “Skeleton Coast” conjures up romantic images of desolate beauty, and proudly remote Hoanib in the Kaokoveld does not disappoint. The dry bed of the Hoanib River supports a thin green ribbon of vegetation and the wild beaches of the Atlantic coast are within reach, with their noisy seal colonies and eerily quiet shipwreck remnants. Eight large en-suite tents (including one family unit) and the main area provide shady viewpoints, while nature drives into the surrounding area reveal a wealth of desert-adapted wildlife. Desert-adapted lion, giraffe, elephant and brown hyena may also be glimpsed in this vast but far from lifeless landscape.

Overnight at Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

The next few days are yours to explore the splendor of the Skeleton Coast, along with your naturalist guide. Choose from any of the following excursions:

Journey to the Skeleton Coast
On a stay of three nights (or more) full-day excursions to the Skeleton Coast are offered. The fascinating 4x4 trip to the coast takes you via the wilderness and wildlife of the Hoanib River and floodplain, which include Klein Oases Spring and driving through a dune field - while the Skeleton Coast itself reveals a rocky coastline with its huge Cape fur seal colonies and shipwreck remains. Following a picnic lunch, the return flight back to camp offers a magnificent perspective of your journey from the air.

Nature drives
Nature drives showcase the magnitude of the landscape and offer the best possibilities of seeing desert-adapted wildlife, including lion, elephant, giraffe, oryx and hyena. Morning or afternoon drives are available, as well as full-day excursions.

Guided nature walks and hikes
Guided nature walks from camp are an exciting way to get up close and personal with desert-wildlife. As well as the possibility of spotting big game, it is also a good opportunity to study the smaller creatures and the fascinating plant life of the concession.

Day excursions
Operating within our concession area and on offer to all guests, these trips leave camp early in the morning, include a picnic lunch, and return to camp in the mid to late afternoon. It includes Mudorib Springs, exploring remote areas in the south of our allocated exclusive concession area, with the red basalt landscapes of the Damaraland. Amongst other general game species, guests have the chance of seeing Hartmann's mountain zebra and the desert-adapted rhino. In the northern and eastern area of the Hoanib, the valleys offer spectacular scenery. (Subject to private vehicle availability, to guarantee this excursion a private vehicle needs to be booked and paid for.)

Interaction with wildlife researchers
Presentations and interaction with wildlife researchers are planned when researchers are in camp, or nearby. These include all current research, in particular the good work being done by Dr Flip Stander and his team on the unique desert-adapted lion.

Overnight at Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Enjoy a final morning at leisure. At the scheduled time, you’ll take your charter flight to Walvis Bay, enjoying scenic views of the Skeleton Coast from start to finish. From there you’ll board your departing flight to your next destination.

(Breakfast)

• 11 nights accommodation (based on double/twin occupancy)

• All meals and local spirits at andBeyond Sossusvlei Lodge, Damaraland Camp and Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

• Daily breakfast at AM Weinberg Boutique Hotel and Strand Hotel

• 4x4 SUV or pick-up truck rental vehicle for Days 1 - 9

• Chartered flights on Days 9 and 12

• Excursions at andBeyond Sossusvlei Lodge, Damaraland Camp and Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

• Airport transportation upon arrival and departure

• All entrance fees to national parks included in your stay

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international or internal flights, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature