From The Deep South To Far North

ITINERARY ‘ALL ROUND’

The perfect safari trip for those who have time and want to see the whole country, and want to experience places by spending more time at each destination. This adventure will show you all the beautiful places in Namibia.

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Self-Drive Tour

28 Days (customizable)

4.430 km

Your journey takes off in a southern direction, crossing the beautiful red and gold landscapes of the Kalahari towards the majestic Fish River Canyon. The high, rusty red dunes of Sossusvlei are not to be missed in any trip to Namibia. The Atlantic Coast also has much to offer, from a stroll through the towns of Lüderitz and Swakopmund with signs of its history to nice activities like dune safaris, kayaking and sand boarding.

 

Damaraland and Kaokoland in the north accommodate intriguing cultural heritages, including Twyfelfontein’s rock formations and authentic Himba villages. Epupa Falls is the most northern stop, a lovely place to be. A spectacular safari will be waiting for you in Etosha National Park, with its large numbers of wildlife. You can visit a traditional San-village and make a final stop at the Waterberg Plateau, where you can enjoy a nice hike and beautiful views, before ending your adventure in Windhoek.

Brief Itinerary

  • Day 1-3: Windhoek – Kalahari
  • Day 4-5: Fish River Canyon
  • Day 6-7: Lüderitz – Kolmanskop
  • Day 8-10: Tiras Mountains – Sossusvlei
  • Day 11-12: Atlantic Coast
  • Day 13: Cape Cross – Damaraland - Twyfelfontein
  • Day 14-18: Kaokoland – Epupa Falls
  • Day 19-23: Etosha National Park
  • Day 24: San Culture
  • Day 25: Waterberg Plateau
  • Day 26-27: Windhoek - Departure
  • Day 28: Arrival Home

Highlights

That unique feeling of being only a small individual, driving through far stretched landscapes on endless roads in one of the least dense countries in the world

Spend a few days in the undisturbed nature of Namibia's far northwest

Encounter an amazing natural phenomenon: the Fish River Canyon

A visit to `ghost town` Kolmanskop

You will be the driver of your own safari at Etosha National Park

Joining a kayaking tour or catamaran cruise to meet seals, pelicans and maybe even dolphins

Visit to the Sossusvlei, the world’s oldest desert is an absolute ‘must’.

Rock engravings of Twyfelfontein

Visit a traditional San-village

Detailed Itinerary

Route All Round

Day 1-3

Windhoek – Kalahari

After arrival in Namibia you will spend a night in Windhoek.

This will give you the opportunity to acclimatize, walk through the city center and prepare for the next day. Your adventure begins in the Kalahari Desert, home to the San-people for a long period of time.

 

Although its name means “great thirst”, the Kalahari does attract plenty of wildlife. During a sunset safari you will be able to look for the animals on top of a dune, enjoying a cool drink, while this semi-desert uncovers itself in its most beautiful colors. Keep your eyes open for springboks, zebras and wildebeests. And relax on top of a dune with a cool drink in your hand, while this semi-desert reveals its most beautiful colors. End the day while gazing upon the starry sky.

Day 4-5

Fish River Canyon

In Namibia’s far south, you will encounter an amazing natural phenomenon: the Fish River Canyon.

About 650 million years ago, plate movement formed a lowered area, along which the ancient Fish River could flow and eventually erode a flat plain, which is today’s start of the canyon. Where the surface suddenly comes to an abrupt end, the ground drops for a vertiginous 500 meters.

 

There, meandering between the high rocky walls, runs the 650 kilometers long Fish River that is on its way to the Orange River, the natural border with South Africa. From several viewpoints, you will have spectacular views over the Canyon. At Ai-Ais you will find natural hot springs. When you are in favor of a good hike, we can plan a stay in a lodge offering guided hikes.

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Explore Namibia offers organised self-drive holidays and private guided tours. You can go on an adventure in a fully equipped vehicle of your own choice. We will arrange your accommodations in advance, whether you wish to stay in lodges and guesthouses, on campsites or both.

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Prices

Camping:

Low Season from: € 1.597,-

High Season from: € 2.032,-

Accommodation:

Low Season from: € 3.785,-

High Season from: € 4.348,-

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What is included?

Car rental

Accommodation (hotels, guesthouses, lodges or campsites)

Unlimited kilometres

Complete camping equipment (camping trip)

Car insurance with standard excess

Third party insurance

Most accommodations are booked with breakfast and camping is self-catering

Personal travel App for cell phone

24-hours emergency service

Tips and route information

Airport/hotel transfers

What is excluded?

International Flights

Fuel

Park fees, entrance fees to museums

Personal expenses

Additional activities and excursions, e.g. game drives, boat trips, etc.

Meals (unless indicated as included)

Travel and cancellation insurance

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Day 6-7

Lüderitz – Kolmanskop

‘Ghost town` Kolmanskop & coastal harbor town Lüderitz

Driving towards the coast, the landscape turns into a “deserted desert”. Take a stroll through the coastal harbor town Lüderitz: a quiet village with old German houses dating from 1900, and which experienced its most wealthy years during the diamond-rush between the world wars. A visit to the desolated “ghost town“ Kolmanskop will certainly leave an impression: what once was a wealthy mine worker village with a casino, theatre, shops and villas, was taken over by nature soon after the town was abandoned. What is left is a bizarre sight, and a heaven for photographers.

Day 8-10

Tiras Mountains – Sossusvlei

Red dunes, distinguished from each other by sharp lines, an eye blinding white salt pan and scorched black trees…

Your journey continues north via one of Namibia’s most scenic routes, along the Tiras mountains. A visit to Sossusvlei, of the oldest desert on Earth, is not to be missed in your self-drive adventure. Keep your camera close and take as many photos as possible. The landscape almost looks surreal!

 

Sharp lines separating the intense red dunes, that surround an eye blinding white salt pan scattered with scorched black trees at Deadvlei. Climbing one of world’s highest dunes will be very rewarding, especially during an early sunrise or late sunset. Nature will show its most spectacular colors. A nature drive or a visit to Sesriem Canyon are definitely worthwhile if you want to explore a bit more of the surroundings.

Day 11-12

Atlantic Coast

Enjoy a nice sea breeze at the Atlantic Coast, while strolling around the coastal town of Swakopmund.

This historical town has still a bit of the characteristics of a German seaside resort: apart from an ocean, beach and swaying palm trees, you will find this influence here and there and can enjoy a coffee with an “Apfelstrudel” or a “Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte”. The surroundings of Swakopmund come with many possibilities for animal-lovers and for thrill seekers: meet seals and dolphins during a kayaking excursion or catamaran cruise, or join a guide into the dunes while driving quad bike or speeding down on a sandboard.

 

Also, a `Living desert tour` is a great way to get more understanding of this special eco system and the miraculous ways in which life adapts to the harsh conditions of the desert climate.

Day 13

Cape Cross – Damaraland - Twyfelfontein

Before leaving the coast, you can make a stopover at Cape Cross: seals are lying along the coastline for as far as you can see!

When heading north, the landscape changes when entering beautiful Damaraland, where an enormous mountain emerges: the Brandberg. It is the highest mountain of Namibia and best known for its ancient “White Lady“ rock painting.

 

The ancient landscape is scattered with giant boulders that hide the area’s main secret: the more than 2,500 rock engravings of Twyfelfontein. Once made by the San people, these engravings informed San tribesmen about nearby waterholes and predators. If you are lucky, you might bump into the largest inhabitants of the area, the mysterious desert elephants. These beautiful animals have remarkably adapted to the harsh conditions of the desert.

Day 14-18

Kaokoland – Himba Culture – Epupa Falls

Kaokoland is also known as Namibia’s last wilderness, and is home to the Himba people.

Kaokoland is also known as Namibia’s last wilderness and is home to the Himba people. Time and modern ways seem to pass by their traditions: many Himba people have an authentic, nomadic lifestyle where life is organized around cattle. A guided visit to a Himba settlement will give more insight in their way of life and traditions.

 

After leaving Opuwo and heading north you reach the most northern destination, the Kunene river. The Kunene River, the natural border to Angola, comes with a pleasant surprise: the Epupa Falls. Enjoy and relax at the waterfront while enjoying the cheerful sounds of many birds. You will then drive back in a southern direction, staying the night at a Cheetah Farm, where you can have an unforgettable experience when seeing these beautiful cats from close by.

Day 19-23

Etosha National Park

Finally, it is time to enter Etosha National Park and go on ‘safari’.

You have seen already quite some animals; however Etosha National Park is home to many different species and a large number of them. It is an amazing experience to drive through these 22,270 square kilometers of protected nature, choosing from endless numbers of routes.

 

To see as much of Etosha National Park as possible you will be staying at different lodges or campsites in and around the park. Have your binoculars ready and see if you can spot lions, cheetahs and maybe even leopards. In the late afternoon, settle down at one of the park’s waterholes and let the animals come to you: elephants, giraffes, zebras and antelopes will gather to relief themselves from thirst. This is a truly unforgettable experience! And what do you think about an exciting safari on foot in the Onguma Private Game Reserve located next to Etosha?

Day 24

San Culture

Visit a traditional San-village

Leaving the animal world of Etosha National Park behind, you will continue to Grootfontein, where you can visit a traditional San-village. This is an unforgettable experience as you enter their intriguing and ancient hunter-gatherer culture and lifestyle.

Day 25

Waterberg Plateau

The Waterberg Plateau, rising up from the surface.

Your last stop before returning to Windhoek is the Waterberg Plateau, a rock formation rising up from the surface to about 200 meters high. This national park lends itself for some nice hikes. Those who did not yet see enough animals can go on a game drive to find buffalos and white rhinos.

Day 26-28

Windhoek - Departure - Arrival Home

Relax and rewind from an amazing adventure.

Your journey comes to an end in Windhoek. On your way to Windhoek it could be worthwhile to make a stop over at the craft market in Okahandja. Here you find nice wood work. Once back in Windhoek will have enough time to relax and rewind. It is almost time to fly home after this amazing adventure!

Travel Advice Namibia

Every traveller has their own preferences. Do you need assistance in planning your self-drive trip to Namibia? Our experienced tour consultants are ready to assist you! Together we fully customize the tour to your personal preferences, wishes and budget. We can assist you in many different ways. Our team of friendly and service-oriented Tour Consultants is available in Europe and Africa to assist you in creating a personalized proposal for your tailor-made trip to Namibia and to answer all your questions you might have.

Experience the journey of a lifetime with a trip to Namibia

What is included?

Below is an overview of what is included in your booking with Explore Namibia.

Transport:

Airport/hotel transfers

Car rental

Detailed explanation of the car (4×4 only)

Complete camping equipment (camping trip)

Car insurance with standard excess

Third party insurance

Unlimited kilometres

24-hours emergency service

Information:

Information Meet and Greet upon arrival (Windhoek only)

Extensive information folder

Detailed route and road description

Personal travel App for cell phone

Roadmaps

Description of places of interest

Tips and information

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Accommodation:

Standard accommodation tours include all rooms at middle-class hotels, guesthouses or lodges (mostly B&B), unless otherwise requested.

Standard camping tours include most nights at campsites, combined with several nights at middle-class hotels, guesthouse or lodges (mostly B&B).

Almost all campsites and accommodations have a restaurant and offer facilities like a pool, bar, info desk, etc.

If the trips includes visits to National Parks, then the nights will be spent inside the parks as much as possible.

Meals & Drinks:

Most accommodations are booked with breakfast and camping is self-catering. It will be clearly indicated what meals are included in your tour proposal.

With most accommodations it is also possible to book dinner in advance. If you would like to include this in your proposal, please let us know.

What is excluded?

Below is an overview of what is excluded from your booking with Explore Namibia.

What is not included?

International Flights (book separately with Explore Namibia)

Fuel

Park fees, entrance fees to museums and personal expenses

Additional activities and excursions, e.g. game drives, boat trips, etc.

Meals (unless indicated as included)

Travel and cancellation insurance

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Optional Extras?

Below is an overview of the optional extras you can add to your booking with Explore Namibia.

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Optional Extras?

Flights

Reduced excess on vehicle insurance

Satellite phone, which can be used everywhere in Africa

GPS-navigation system

Compressor

Two-way radios

Also refer to our Extra Options Car Rental

Explore one of the most fascinating and diverse countries in the world

Self-Drive Safari Routes to Namibia

The Route ‘All Round’ is just one of our sample itineraries to Namibia. The itineraries we offer are fully customizable to your needs. You can book these, or you can use them for inspiration to build your own, tailor-made adventure to Namibia. See below some of our other sample itineraries to Namibia that we have put together. Explore Namibia will always make sure that you will experience the journey of your dreams!

Self-Drive Itineraries
Storm Visit
Short but sweet. Experience the dunes, coast and Etosha National Park.

Length: 9 Days (customizable)

Price from: €633,- EUR

Self-Drive Itineraries
Central
Adventurous camping and you can hardly get closer in touch with nature.

Length: 21 Days (customizable)

Price from: €1.239,-EUR

Self-Drive Itineraries
Highlights
Discover all of Namibia’s best bits. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes and wildlife.

Length: 14 Days (customizable)

Price from: €879,- EUR

Self-Drive Itineraries
All In One
The ultimate adventure! Visit Namibia and see it all, from the deep South to the far North.

Length: 22 Days (customizable)

Price from: €1.281,- EUR

Self-Drive Itineraries
Combi Botswana
Seek diversity; from far stretching savannas, to lush green oases and abundant wildlife.

Length: 25 Days (customizable)

Price from: €1.539,-EUR

Self-Drive Itineraries
Cross Border
Now that you are in Namibia, include some of the spectacular highlights of the neighboring Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Length: 28 Days (customizable)

Price from: €1.597,- EUR

Explore Namibia at your own pace – hire a car now!

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