A self-drive tour through Namibia that offers insight into the wonders of this beautiful location, starting and ending in Windhoek, Namibia – 12 Days
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NAMIBIA SELF-DRIVE TOUR
WINDHOEK
There are a variety of highlights that can be seen in Windhoek during a Namibian safari. One such highlight is the Alte Festung, or the ‘old fortress’. Once the military headquarters of Windhoek, it stands today as a state museum and retains the title as the oldest building in Windhoek, with foundations that were laid in 1890.
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Etosha means ‘huge white area’ or ‘place of dry water’, and the National Park certainly lives up to this description! It’s a vast shallow pan, which shines brightly in the African sun due to crystallized salt on the surface of the ground. The Etosha National Park features several waterholes that provide some of the best game viewing opportunities during the dry season, when the surrounding lands are dry and arid.
DAMARALAND
Bordered by Windhoek, the Kalahari Desert, the Namib Desert and Ovamboland, Damaraland is a unique Namibian attraction to witness whilst on safari with Jenman. It contains some of the most scenic areas in the country, and a Namibian safari to Damaraland will brings tourists into the company of desert elephants, black rhinos, ostriches and springbok.
SWAKOPMUND
When it comes to having fun, you’ll be able to choose from an exciting range of activities to enjoy whilst on your Namibian safari in Swakomund! From sandboarding to quad biking, fishing to beach angling and diving to hot air ballooning, there is something for everyone no matter your age!
SOSSUSVLEI
The Sossusviei area is fed by a river called the Tsuachab River – the dunes actually prevent the entire pathway of this river. The Tsuachab River only flows right through Sossusvlei every 5 to 10 years, making it a rare sight to see.The Sossusvlei dunes are about 6 0km from the Sesriem gate which is about an hours drive.
SAFARI PLANNING WITH OUR TRAVEL EXPERTS
ITINERARY
On arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, please proceed to the Avis Car Hire depot to collect your hire car and drive to your accommodation. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.
ITINERARY
After breakfast leave Windhoek and drive north to your first destination, Okonjima Game Reserve in the Otjozondjupa Region. Okonjima is nestled among the “Omboroko Mountains” and roughly translated means “Place of the baboons”. In the afternoon you have the option to visit the Cheetah Project and learn more about these endangered animals.
Okonjima Game Reserve
Cheetah Project
ITINERARY
Today you will travel to Namibia’s well-known Highlight of the North – Etosha National Park. Your accommodation is just outside Etosha Park. You will be able to embark on optional game drives through the park hopefully spotting a variety of wildlife during your stay. The resorts also offer fabulous floodlit waterholes, which provide excellent game viewing at night.
Etosha National Park Game drive
ITINERARY
This morning bid farewell to the wild animals of Etosha and head to Kamanjab where you have the opportunity to visit a local Himba village to find out more about their traditions and lifestyle. Experience the milking ceremony and the smoke bath, and learn about their beliefs surrounding the holy fire, their ancestors and herbal medicine. Continue on to the town of Omaruru where you stay overnight. Once a mission station, the settlement has great historic significance and has evolved into an artistic hub for local crafts and small industries.
A visit to a local Himba village
ITINERARY
After breakfast, continue to Spitzkoppe – an iconic group of curved, granite mountains with vivid colours. We suggest taking a walk amongst the boulders to view the ancient Bushmen paintings and engravings. After this, continue south west from the dry interior of Namibia to the charming coastal town of Swakopmund. Here you will have the opportunity to partake in the many optional activities on offer. Alternatively, just soak up the atmosphere of this quaint German town and enjoy its beauty and beaches. In the evening, perhaps enjoy a typical Namibian meal in one of the many restaurants (own expense).
Bushmen paintings and engravings
Swakopmund Town
Coastal town of Swakopmund optional activities
land yachting
Paragliding
Windsurfing or angling
Quad Bike (ATV) over the Dunes
Surf the Sand
Discover the Dunes
Explore the Living Desert
Walk the Desert at Night
ITINERARY
An early morning start takes you from Swakopmund south through Walvis Bay on your way to the Namib Naukluft National Park. On the way there why not make a stop at the small settlement of Solitaire where you will have a chance to sample their world renowned Apple Crumble. That evening you have the opportunity to embark on a wild cat walk at the lodge. The next morning it is advisable to wake up early in order to visit the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. We also recommend a stop to view the Sesriem Canyon, which was carved millions of years ago by the Tsauchab River.
A stop over at a small settlement of Solitaire for fresh up.
Sample Apple Crumble at a small settlement of Solitaire
Sesriem Canyon
Sesriem Canyon is located approximately 4.5km from the entrance gate of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The Tsauchab River has shaped the Canyon over millions of years and it is one of the few places in the area that holds water all year round.
The early Afrikaans explorers in the region named the canyon after the fact that they had to use six (“ses”) leather straps (“riem”) tied together to create a rope long enough to lower buckets into the canyon below, in order to fetch water.
There are parking facilities so that visitors can park their vehicles and take a walk through the canyon. The canyon is narrow at places, however it is worth exploring due to the stunning rock formations that will captivate your attention. Credit Wikipedia
ITINERARY
Today you leave the desert behind you and travel back to Windhoek, through the beautiful countryside. Once you arrive the rest of the afternoon can be spent at leisure, and dinner can be enjoyed in one of the many fabulous restaurants in the city.
One of the Windhoek's fabulous restaurants in the city
TRANSPORT
This Namibia self-drive safari includes car rental from Avis Car Hire, group B (VW Polo Vivo or similar), with premium insurance cover. Premium insurance includes Theft and collision damage waiver, personal accident insurance, unlimited mileage, location surcharge, third party liability insurance, general public liability insurance, tourism levy, VAT and claims admin fee, tyre, rim and hubcap damage, windscreen damage/repair, sandblasting damage, water and undercarriage damage.
Excludes: Fuel, refundable rental deposit, rental contract fee, one-way drop-off charges, delivery and collection fees, traffic fine administration fee, additional driver, child safety seats, GPS navigation, additional spare tyre rental and deposit.
VW Polo Vivo
MEALS DURING YOUR NAMIBIA HOLIDAY
Breakfasts will be in restaurants at various accommodation establishments. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance.
VISAS
The onus is on the client to organize all visas required to visit Namibia prior to departure.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Please note that travel and cancellation insurance is mandatory for every guest travelling with Jenman African Safaris. All insurance is solely the responsibility of our guests. Please ensure you arrange your own insurance with protection for the full duration of your journey to cover personal injury, damage and loss of personal items including but not limited to camera equipment and other electronic items, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and loss of luggage, etc. Please speak to your travel agent if you require assistance.
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Accommodation
This Namibia safari package gives you the freedom to explore the best of this beautiful country at your own pace. Experience exceptional wildlife viewing at Etosha National Park, the ancient Spitzkoppe rock-art, the charming old German town of Swakopmund and finally the red sand dunes of the Namib Desert.
Day 1: Olive Grove Guesthouse, Namibia or similar
Day 2: Okonjima Plains Camp, Okanjima or similar
Day 3 – 5: Okaukeujo Resort, Etosha or similar
Day 6: Omaruru Guesthouse, Omaruru or similar
Day 7 & 8: The Stiltz, Swakopmund or similar
Day 9 & 10: Sossus Dune Lodge, Sossusvlei or similar
Day 11: Olive Grove Guest House, Windhoek or similar
Olive Grove Guesthouse, Namibia or similar
Overview
Olive Grove is a splendid guesthouse where guests can unwind in lush, tranquil surrounds. Conveniently situated near Windhoek’s city centre, this delightful retreat has an emphasis on simplicity and elegance. Olive Grove’s spacious ensued rooms with shared veranda — perfect for lavish breakfasts and al fresco dining.
An open-air terrace, plunge pool and flourishing gardens invite guests to unwind beneath Namibia’s starlit skies. The sitting room is tastefully decorated with comfortable chairs and a cosy fireplace. A computer is available for guests to check their e-mail and stay in touch with family and friends, while warm and efficient staff is always on hand to ensure guests have a memorable experience.
Olive Grove Guesthouse offers a quiet oasis in Windhoek’s bustling city centre to unwind in comfort. Within walking distance from town, you can opt to visit the surrounding area, or enjoy the warm and personal service Olive Grove guesthouse is known for, including our delicious Namibian cuisine.
Accommodation
Rooms
5 Standard rooms
5 Luxury rooms
1 Executive suite
Room Amenities
Aircon with heating and cooling
Safe
Stocked minibar fridge
Ensuite bathroom with shower
Tea/Coffee facilities
Hairdryer
Bathroom amenities & towels
TV with Netflix
Outside Seating Area
Turndown
Filtered wate
Facilities
Free WIFI
Reception desk (7am – 8pm)
Restaurant serving breakfast, lunch & dinner
Cash & Credit Card accepted (Visa & MasterCard)
Laundry services
Mobile connectivity
Plunge pool
Okonjima Plains Camp, Okanjima or similar
Plains Camp honours the Hanssen’s family cattle-farming heritage with its three-tier accommodation facility of 10 spacious View Rooms, 14 spacious Standard Rooms and six affordable Garden Rooms.
It is family-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
View Rooms
The 10 spacious View Rooms have earned their name for their views across the Okonjima grass plains.
All rooms are set 20-70 metres apart, some distance from the entertainment area at the Plains Camp Barn. Unit number one and the spacious family unit (a combination of rooms three and four) are closest to the barn.
Each View Room consists of:
A large veranda with two day beds and two loungers
A wheelchair ramp
Two double beds
Cellphone reception, a working desk and comfortable reading chair
A tea/coffee station
A mini fridge for own use
Two roof fans
Twin basins and a large twin shower
A security safe,
A telephone
Private, undercover parking
Standard Rooms:
The 14 Standard Rooms also look out onto the Okonjima grass plains but are smaller in size than the View Rooms.Four of the rooms form two large family units. The family unit (rooms one and two) are closest to the barn, while the second family unit (rooms 13 and 14) are about 600m away.
The rooms are set 10-15 metres apart, some distance from the entertaining area at the barn.
Each Standard Room consists of:
A small veranda with two directors chairs
A wheelchair ramp
Two double beds
Cellphone reception, a table and two directors chairs
A tea/coffee station
A mini fridge for own use
Two roof fans
Twin basins and a large twin shower
A security safe
A telephone
Private, undercover parking
The Plains Camp is 700m from the airstrip within the secluded wilderness area of Okonjima Nature Reserve and has majestic sunset views. Its design honours the Hanssen’s family cattle-farming history with its three-tier accommodation facility of 10 large View Rooms, 14 spacious Standard Rooms and six affordable Garden Rooms. It is family-friendly and wheelchair accessible. The Plains Camp Barn is an entertainment area and gathering place that includes:
Dining and lounge area
Wi-Fi facilities
Cellphone reception
Bar
Swimming pool
Curio shop
Views over a waterhole and the Okonjima Plains
Undercover Parking
Activities
The Okonjima Nature Reserve sprawls over 200 square kilometres of undulating plains, mountainous outcrops, and riverine thickets, and it is here that leopard (Panthera pardus), the most adaptable of all the wild cats, thrive. Read more about our Leopard Research.
These intelligent, solitary predators occur in high density in the expanse of Okonjima Nature Reserve’s multi-faceted topography. The Reserve’s predator research programme has spanned three decades, and its findings have provided great insight to leopard behavioral patterns as well as offered an upbeat prognosis for a sustainable future for the species in today’s Africa.
A two-day Okonjima stay offers the best chance to view wild leopard in Namibia, as well as those collared for research purposes, in their natural habitats. Research programme leopard are actively tracked, and their collars are an invaluable resource for locating, and then returning to the Reserve, cats which have migrated to surrounding farmland where they are perceived as threats to livestock.
The Okonjima Nature Reserve, a huge protected area set amongst the rugged commercial farmlands of central Namibia, comprises a diversified ecosystem representative of both the larger and small mammals of Namibia, as well as most of the country’s endemic birds.
Game drives and guided bush walks offer visitors an intimate, up-close perspective of Namibia’s wildlife and, especially, its most protected species.
The Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to and runs extensive research projects on rare and endangered species, big and small.
Lodges Images
Okaukeujo Resort, Etosha or similar
ACCOMMODATION:
Okaukuejo Camp is situated near the southern entrance of and inside the world renowned Etosha National Park, and is the park’s oldest and most popular resort. Officially opened in 1957, the Camp was completely upgraded and refurbished in late 2007. Okaukuejo’s main attraction is its large, permanent, flood-lit waterhole where visitors can closely observe the wide variety of wildlife that congregate at the waters edge. Relax after dinner with a bottle of wine and view the waterholes frequent evening visitors including black rhino, zebra, lion, and herds of elephant.
5 Premier Waterhole Chalets
The double story Premier Waterhole Chalets are each equipped with 2 bedrooms (2 single beds downstairs and 1 queen bed upstairs), lounge area, fridge, tea & coffee facilities, en-suite bathroom, balcony and stunning views of the waterhole.
30 Waterhole Chalets
The comfortable Waterhole Chalets are situated close to the waterhole and are equipped with one en suite double bedroom, fridge, tea & coffee facilities, and furnished private patio.
2 Family Chalets
The spacious self-catering Family Chalets are each equipped with 2 bedrooms (sleep 4 people), a kitchenette, en suite bathroom and BBQ (braai) area.
25 Bush Chalets
The Bush Chalets are each equipped with a double bedroom, en suite bathroom, fridge, tea & coffee facilities, lounge area and BBQ (braai) area.
40 Double Rooms
The Double Rooms are each equipped with en-suite bathroom, fridge and tea & coffee facilities.
In addition, Okaukuejo offers two Disabled Access Chalets, which are set close to the waterhole. They have double bedrooms and spacious, wheelchair-friendly bathrooms with low appliances, as well as BBQ (braai) facilities.
FACILITIES
En-Suite Bathrooms with Shower and Hand Basin
Tea & Coffee making Facilities
No Mosquito Netting
Air-Conditioning
Disabled Access Chalets
Camping
Restaurant
Bar
Kiosk
Shop
Museum
Post Office
Swimming Pool
Floodlit Waterhole
Filling Station
Tourist Centre
Conference Facilities
Laundry Service
ACTIVITIES
Morning and Afternoon Game Drives in Open Safari Vehicles
Guided Night Drives
Game Viewing at the Waterhole Deck
Bird Watching
Museum Excursions
Omaruru Guesthouse, Omaruru or similar
Omaruru Guesthouse is right in the centre of the country near Namibia’s capital city Windhoek on the way to Swakopmund. A healthy breakfast awaits guests on the veranda where friendly staff attend to every need and make travellers feel right at home. Experience the magical sunset around the fireplace and admire the African sky whilst sipping your favourite ‘Namibian Sundowner’.
ACCOMMODATION
Omaruru Guesthouse provides stylish, yet comfortable accommodation. The energy and vibe of this magical place will unwind your body and soul. Accommodation is offered in 20 comfortable rooms, and each has its own en-suite bathroom.
FACILITIES
- Welcome drink of tea, coffee, juice or water as well as cake
- Salt water swimming pool surrounded by big trees
- Outside fireplace
- 20 en-suite rooms (bathroom with shower and toilet)
- Ceiling fan
- TV installed in all of our rooms with access to DSTV
- Access to free Wi-Fi
- Secure safe included
- Swimming pool
- Dining room with veranda
- Fire place
- Safe parking
ACTIVITIES
- Bambu Wellness Boutique
- Sitting around the fire experiencing the sunset
- Star gazing
- Visit Kashana for art inspiration
- Visit the Franke Tower and many other historical building
- Relax and cool off in the salt water swimming pool
- Visit the Chocolate Factory or Tikoloshe Woodcarvings
- Taste the fine wine of Kristall Kellerei
- Erongo Mountains are 15km from Omaruru
The Stiltz, Swakopmund or similar
Accommodations
The Stiltz offers 8 bungalows of which 7 are twin and 1 is double, each created with great attention to detail and colour. We also have an exciting family bungalow sleeping 4. 2 Villas sleep 6 and offer style, creativity & space. Use of natural materials wood, old photos & african art create a very special atmosphere in the villas.
Room 1 & 2 have a lesser view at a cheaper rate. All bungalows offer a romantic adventure and getaway. Each bungalow has a balcony, coffee & tea station, mini bar & Wi-Fi with a wonderful warm & cosy atmosphere.
Activities
Sandwich Harbour 4x4 Tour
Visit one of Namibias most scenic spots along the coast. A place where the ocean meets the desert.
Spitzkoppe Mountain
Spitzkoppe Outing
Visit the bald granite peaks located between Usakos and Swakopmund in the Namib desert of Namibia. The highest peak is about 700 m above the floor. Get a closer look at the hidden Bushmen artwork, diverse flora and fauna. This is truly a Photographers paradise.
Swakopmund Museum Interior
The Swakopmund Museum
The Museum was founded in 1951 by dentist Dr. Alfons Weber. It is the largest privately run museum in Namibia. On display are various types of indigenous plants, animals, minerals, an archaeological exhibition, the transport system of old days and a variety of cultural historical objects. The exhibition “People of Namibia” focuses on the traditional heritage of the different ethnic groups of Namibia
Gecko eating a beetle
Little Five Tour
Visit the Namib Desert and learn more about the fauna & flora surviving in this hostile environment. A fascinating variety of little desert adapted animals live here, like the Sidewinder Snake, desert chameleons, dancing white lady spiders, geckos, lizards and numerous beetles. A trained guide will help you spot them and tell you everything you need to know.
Welwitschia Mirabillis Plant
Moonlandscape and Welwitschia
Visit the Moonlandscape and the indigenous Welwitschia Mirabilis plant. It only grows in the Namib Desert and survives under the harshest conditions. The Welwitschia's oldest living specimens are estimated at 1500 to 2000 years. They have only two leaves.
Hohenzollern Buidling Swakopmund
Swakopmund City Tour
Explore Swakopmund and its historical buildings from the colonial era. Experience modern day Swakomund with its luxury homes and townships. Learn more about this bustling little city.
Paraglider in the air
Paragliding
Experience the joy of flying while savouring the magnificent view of the the dunes from above.
Skydiver flying with Parachute opened
Skydiving
Get a birds eye view of Swakopmund
Scenic Flight over the Dunes
Scenic Flights
Experience Namibia’s beauty from a bird’s eye view and fly over the highest dunes in the world.
Woman sandboarding down a Dune
Duneboarding
Surf and slide your way down some the world's biggest dunes standing or lying on a board.
Fisherman fishing from the Atlantic coast
Fishing
Test your fishing skills and catch some fresh Kabeljou or Steenbras off the coast or from one of the many fishing boats.
Riding on the beach
Horseback riding
Experience the grandeur of the desert on horseback.
Bicycles in Desert at sunset
Fat Bike Tours
Explore Namibia’s beauty in one of the most ecological ways. Ride a bike up and down the dune slopes. All fitness levels welcome. A unforgettable and unique cycling experience!
Aquarium Interior view
National Marine Aquarium in Swakopmund
Learn more about Namibia’s Marine Life. Species that can be viewed include Steenbras, Cape cormorant, Octopus, Green Turtles, Pipefish, White Pelicans, African Penguins, Houndsharks, Rays and Seals.
Snake at the Snakepark
Snake Park Swakopmund
Learn more about Namibian reptiles at the Snake Park.
Kayaking on the ocean
Kayaking in Walvisbay
Kayaking is a great way to get close to Namibia's marine life.
Kitesurfer jumping in the air
Kitesurfing in Walvisbay
Walvisbay’s Lagoon is a great place to learn how to kitesurf, brush up on skills or enjoy the wind. Kite & Wind Surfing equipment is available for hire.
Sundowner Drink on a Dune
Sundowners on the dunes
Explore the dunes by foot and enjoy the most awe-inspiring colourful sundowners with a glass of champagne.
Dolphins emerging out of water
Dolphin Cruise
Experience the abundant marine life from a Catamaran, fresh Namibian oysters & Champagne included.
Lodge images
Sossus Dune Lodge, Sossusvlei or similar
ACCOMMODATION AT SOSSUS DUNE LODGE
Sossus Dune Lodge in Sesriem accommodation guide. Sossus Dune Lodge in Sesriem Namibia can accommodate all your accommodation needs. Sossus Dune Lodge in Sesriem offers quality accommodation at Sossusvlei Namibia for holiday or business travel.
Accommodation is offered in 25 spacious chalets - thirteen on the left of the main area, with views of the dunes; and the remaining 12 chalets, on the right of the main area, having a view of the mountains and the Sesriem Canyon.
The chalets at Sossus Dune Lodge are linked by raised wooden walkways and built in an eco-friendly Afro-style manner primarily from wood, canvas and thatch.
SOSSUS DUNE LODGE ROOM FEATURES
Panoramic desert and mountain views
Two beds (¾ size)
Mosquito Nets
En suite bathrooms with a hot shower, double basin and a flush toilet
Toiletries
Bath robes and slippers
Wardrobe
Private room safes
Lighted make-up mirror and desk
Hairdryer
Exotic African ornaments mixed with leather and dark wood finishing
Lounge area with artistically-designed suede loungers
Large verandah, overlooking the vast expanse of the Namib deserts landscape
ACTIVITIES
Sossus Dune Lodge offers activities inside the park at Sossusvlei in Namibia for holiday or business travel.
THINGS TO SEE AT THE LODGE
Because Sossus Dune Lodge is situated inside the park at Sossusvlei guests of Sossus Dune Lodge have the added advantage of reaching Sossusvlei before sunrise to witness a kaleidoscope of colours reflecting off the dunes in the early morning light as well as stay well after sunset to be enchanted by a blanket of stars of the southern sky.
Sossusvlei is a region of the southern Namib with homogeneous features extending between Koichab and Kuiseb Rivers. This area is characterized by high sand dunes of vivid pink-to-orange color, a consequence of a high percentage of iron in the sand and consequent oxidation processes. These dunes are among the highest in the world; with the highest being the Big Daddy, about 380 meters high.
Sesriem Canyon is a natural canyon carved by the Tsauchab River in the local sedimentary rock, about 1 km long and up to 30 meters deep.
GUIDED DRIVES AND WALKS
Sossus Dune Lodge offers professional guided excursions to Sossusvlei, Sesriem and the surrounding areas, as well as sunset drives and guided walks, to fully unleash the beauty and biological diversity of the desert environment.
Walking & Hiking Travellers can walk directly from Sossus Dune Lodge into the nearby Sesriem Canyon, and there's a mountain behind the lodge that's worth exploring.
Elim Dune It's a short drive to Elim Dune which is very popular one to climb.
SELF EXPLORATION
Because of it's location inside the park Sossus Dune Lodge is one of the best lodges for self-drive visitors to catch the early morning sunrays on the dunes.
Photography The stunning scenery of the Namib's high red & orange sand dunes in the Naukluft Park is one of the best sights of Southern Africa – it's a 'must see' for all professional and keen photographers.
Dune 45 and the Petrified dunes - Dune 45 is so called because it lies 45 km past Sesriem on the road to Sossusvlei. It is also known as "the most photographed dune in the world"; because of its unusually simple and fascinating shape. Petrified dunes are found in several places in the Sossusvlei area. They are very ancient (billions of years old) red sand dunes that have solidified to rock.
Deadvlei is another popular clay pan, about 2 km from Sossusvlei. A notable feature of Deadvlei is that it used to be an oasis with several acacia trees; afterwards, the river that watered the oasis changed its course.
Deadvlei pan is thus punctuated by blackened, dead acacia trees, in vivid contrast to the shiny white of the salty floor of the pan and the intense orange of the dunes. This creates a particularly fascinating and surrealistic landscape, that appears in uncountable pictures and that has been used as a setting for films and videos (e.g, The Cell, a Hollywood motion picture starring Jennifer Lopez).
LODGE IMAGES
