06 Kulala Desert Lodge Nature drives through the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve

Classic Namibian Self Drive Journey

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Discover Namibia's contrasting landscapes on a 13-day tour that explores tall red sand dunes, a pristine coastline, and a game reserve that teems with wildlife.

Your journey begins in the bustling city of Windhoek where you will overnight before heading out on your safari adventure. During your stay at Olive Grove Guesthouse in Windhoek, you could visit one of the local craft centers, museums, or art galleries; or simply relax beside the pool with a gin and tonic.

Leaving the city behind, you head to the vast red sand dunes of the Sossusvlei where you will stay at the gorgeous Kulala Desert Lodge. The lodge is one of the best in the area, offering exclusive access to the sand dunes and an incredible array of activities for you to enjoy, including nature drives, hot air balloon rides, fat bikes, nature walks, star beds, and horseriding safaris.

Next, you venture to the coastline of Swakopmund where you will stay at the Strand Hotel which boasts spectacular ocean views and is conveniently located to the city center and experiences such as skydiving, sandboarding, quad biking, scenic flights, and fishing excursions.

The vast plains of Damaraland are the next stop on this adventure, exploring the 400 000 hectare wilderness for wildlife sightings, cultural interactions, and ancient rock engravings. Doro Nawas Camp is home for the next few days, offering an eco-friendly tented accommodation experience.

Your safari adventure peaks as you head to Mushara Outpost, just outside of the renowned Etosha National Park where you have the opportunity to experience exhilarating game drives that bring you up-close encounters with several of the 114 mammal species and 340 bird species residing in the park.

Your final stop is the Okonjima Bush Camp in the 20 000 hectare private Okonjima Nature Reserve which is home to the AfriCat Foundation and an abundance of wildlife including cheetah, leopard, elephant, wild dog, and African wildcat.

This tour offers gorgeous scenery and a thrilling adventure suited to solo travelers, couples, and families alike.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Windhoek

Accommodation: Olive Grove Guesthouse

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Today you arrive at Windhoek Airport where you will collect your rental car and make your way to your guesthouse for check-in. You will then have some free time to explore Namibia's largest city and possibly get some souvenirs from one of the local craft markets before settling back in at the guesthouse for a good night's rest ahead of the adventure that awaits you.

Be sure to enjoy the sundeck at the guesthouse - a great place to be during sunset.

Day 2 - 3: Sossusvlei

Accommodation: Kulala Desert Lodge

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After a sumptuous breakfast, you gather your belongings and drive the scenic route to the Sossusvlei. On arrival, you will check-in at Kulala Desert Lodge.

Kulala Desert Lodge is the only lodge in the area to have a private entrance to the Sossusvlei, allowing guests to enter early and even climb Dune 45 as the sunrises. The Sossusvlei is also home to Dead Vlei which is a clay pan filled with dead trees, and Sesriem Canyon which boasts breathtaking views.

We highly recommend that you take advantage of the opportunity to glide over this vast desert on a hot air balloon - it is definitely one for the books.

Day 4 - 5: Swakopmund

Accommodation: Strand Hotel Swakopmund

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Today you bid farewell to the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei and travel to the coastal town of Swakopmund.

Swakopmund is home to several German colonial landmarks and is the perfect base from which to visit the National Marine Aquarium, the Swakopmund Museum, or go surfing and kiteboarding. Sossusvlei is a great place for relaxation as you enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean that is only steps away from your hotel.

During your stay, you will be treated to a morning dolphin cruise as well as a sandboarding experience.

Day 6 - 8: Damaraland

Accommodation: Doro Nawas Camp

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After a great breakfast and possibly one final walk along the beach, it is time to gather your belongings and drive to the edge of the Aba-Huab River where you will find your camp.

Over the next few days, you will have the opportunity to explore this pristine wilderness and even catch a glimpse of some desert-adapted animals such as the elephant, black rhino, and cheetah. If you love to do some bird watching then Damaraland will deliver some incredible sightings, including endemic species such as the Damara hornbill, Carp's tit, and Rüpell's korhaan.

During your stay at Doro Nawas Camp, be sure to roll out your bed at night and experience a sleep-out under the stars.

Day 9 - 11: Etosha National Park

Accommodation: Mushara Outpost

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After some time spent observing desert-adapted animals and significant bird species, your journey continues as you drive towards the world renowned Etosha National Park where you will check in at Mushara Outpost Lodge.

When you not enjoying the luxurious comforts of your tented suite, you will be out exploring the Etosha and its white salt pan on game drives. Be sure to look out for elephants, lions, and black-backed jackals.

For incredible bird watching, be sure to visit the lodge's bird hide for some up-close views.

Day 12: Okonjima Game Reserve

Accommodation: Okonjima Bush Camp

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Today you bid farewell to the Etosha as you travel to the private Okonjima Game Reserve where you will check-in at Okonjima Bush Lodge.

Okonjima offers an array of activities which include game drives, viewing of radio-tracked leopards, night drives, tracking of rehabilitated carnivores on foot, self-guided hiking trails, a wellness programme, guided hikes on the bushman trail, and visits to the AfriCat day center.

Day 13: Departure

After your morning breakfast, you will journey back to Windhoek Airport where you will return your rental car and connect with your onward travel arrangements.

Rates

Classic Namibian self-drive journey

Unit sleeps: 2

Includes: 13 days car rental, accommodation as specified in itinerary, breakfast at Olive Grove Guest House and Strand Hotel Swakopmund, all meals and local brand beverages at Kulala Desert Lodge, Doro Nawas Camp and Mushara Outpost; breakfast, dinner, and local brand beverages at Okonjima Bush Camp, scheduled activities, park fees, Namibian VAT & Tourism Levy, a morning dolphin cruise and a sandboarding experience during your stay in Swakopmund with transfers and a light lunch.