Best of Namibia Camping, 17 nights

Our Best of Namibia Camping Self-Drive itinerary is designed to encompass Namibia’s iconic highlights on a budget. Utilising a fully camping equipped 4×4 double cab vehicle, perfect for our rugged terrain, this adventure starts & ends in Windhoek and includes the Kalahari Desert, Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Twyfelfontein & Damaraland, Etosha National Park, and Okonjima/ AfriCat.

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Day 1

You will be met in the arrivals hall of Windhoek Hosea Kutako Airport by one of our chauffeur drivers who will transfer you into town in an ATI luxury vehicle. After taking some time to shower, relax (and maybe have a quick nap), your hire car will be delivered to your guest house or hotel around 4pm. If you’re landing late in the day, it will be delivered around 8am the following morning. One of our representatives will meet you at the same time to offer a thorough briefing of your whole holiday and go through your marked road map, vouchers, and itinerary with you. We’re also on hand to book a restaurant for tonight, should we not have already done so.

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Day 2

After breakfast you will set off on your self-drive journey to the next destination, following our detailed road directions and map. During your briefing we will have shown you the best places to stop off for lunch or a break, as well as any highlights which are worth visiting along the way.

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Day 3 – 4

Today you will drive south via Keetmanshoop, making your way towards the second largest canyon in the world. The drive should take you around 5.5 hours excluding stops or detours. On Day 4 you have time to explore Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world. The main viewpoint at Hobas has a small information display and offers spectacular views. 

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Day 5 – 6

Your drive continues today, north of the Fish River Canyon and into the expansive plains of the Pro-Namib. The drive should take you around 3 hours excluding stops or detours. You may like to stop for lunch or a slice of cake at Alte Kalkoefen Lodge just off the D462. On Day 6 you may like to explore the coastal town of Luderitz. The abandoned diamond mining town of Kolmanskop is famous for encroaching sands and weather-beaten houses, offering superb photographic opportunities.  Guided tours are offered and guests can buy tickets at the entrance, early morning is usually the best time to visit. You may like to pre-book a catamaran cruise from Luderitz, Halifax Island is home to Africa’s largest African Penguin colony and the only place in Namibia to see penguins in the wild. A full day guided tour to the Sperrgebiet National Park diamond area and Bogenfels rock arch is also a fantastic option, this must be booked at least 5 days in advance.

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Day 7 – 8

Today you will drive further north, skirting the Namib Naukluft National Park on your way towards Sesriem. If time allows, you may like to take the scenic route and travel along the D707 loop road which offers some of the most spectacular views in the country. The drive should take you around 5.5 hours excluding stops or detours, and around 6 hours taking the D707. On Day 8 you have the opportunity to drive yourself into the Namib Naukluft National Park to visit Sesriem & Sossusvlei. The gates open at sunrise and close at sunset, and your lodge should be able to advise you of the exact times.

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Day 9 – 10

Today you will drive northwards from the Sesriem area to your overnight destination at the coast. Solitaire is the perfect rest stop with a fuel station, café, shop, and the best apple pie in the Southern Hemisphere. You may like to stop briefly in Walvis bay to see the lagoon and look out for flamingos, pelicans, and other birdlife. The drive to Swakopmund should take you around 5.5 hours excluding stops. On Day 10 you have time to explore the town of Swakopmund, maybe enjoying an ice cream or coffee at one of the many cafes. We also love the aquarium which has a walk-through viewing tunnel and daily feeding  in the large tank at 15h00. And at the end of a busy day, we recommend champagne and oysters on the deck of The Jetty restaurant to watch the sunset.

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Day 11 – 12

Today you will drive north along the coastal road, turning inland at Henties Bay and continuing past the mighty Brandberg Mountain into Damaraland. Perhaps make a detour to visit the seal colony at Cape Cross if time allows. The drive should take you around 4.5 hours excluding stops or detours. On Day 12, enjoy a full day of relaxing around the lodge, enjoying the scenery and maybe taking part in one or two of the optional activities to make the most of the surrounding environment and your unique destination.

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Day 13 – 14

Today you will drive northeastwards from Damaraland to southern Etosha, Namibia’s wildlife highlight. The drive should take you around 4.5 hours excluding stops. On Day 14 may like to wake early today and enjoy a self-guided game drive through Etosha, stopping at the many waterholes along the way and keeping your eyes peeled for the Park’s inhabitants. The Park opening and closing times vary depending on sunrise and sunset, and your lodge will be able to advise on the current time. You will need to complete a form at the Park entrance, and pay Park fees at the closest Rest Camp.  Park Fees cost N$150 per adult per 24-hour period, N$100 per child aged 9-16, no cost per child aged 0-8, plus N$50 per vehicle.

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Day 15 – 16

Today you will drive southwards from the southern side of Etosha to Okonjima. You will travel through the towns of Outjo and Otjiwarongo which both offer opportunities for lunch or a quick break. The drive should take you around 3 hours excluding stops.

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Day 17

Today you will enjoy a final short drive through the Okonjima reserve, looking out for wildlife, before you hit the main road south. You will head back to Windhoek via Okahandja, the drive to the city should take you around 3 hours excluding stops.

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Day 18

You will continue your drive, ending at Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport to drop your hire car off in time to connect with your onward flight.  The drive to the airport from Windhoek city centre takes around 45 minutes, and you should arrive no later than 2.5 hours before your flight departs in order to drop your car off and check in.

Included

Transfers as specified

4×4 vehicle hire & camping equipment as specified

Campsites/ accommodation on the meal & activity basis specified

4 breakfasts

Tourism levies, VAT, & community conservation contributions

24/7 on the ground support

Excluded

International flights

Vehicle fuel

National Park entry fees

Personal insurance

Any drinks, meals, or activities not specified in the itinerary

Any visa costs

Gratuities and personal items

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