Best of Namibia Safari with Southern Extension - Self-drive

Kalahari, Fish River Canyon, Luderitz, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha, Central Namibia
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16 days from ZAR 69,415 pps

This journey runs from the Kalahari into the Namib Desert, following the Skeleton Coast north through Damaraland to Etosha, before concluding at a central game farm for wildlife tracking. The itinerary also covers Fish River Canyon, the abandoned diamond town of Kolmanskop near Lüderitz, as well as the high dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. 16 days, 15 nights.

Tour Details

  • 16 Days
  • From ZAR 69,415 pps
  • Luxury / Standard
  • Self-drive

Trip Summary

  • Day 1 Windhoek
  • Day 2 Kalahari
  • Day 3 Fish River Canyon
  • Day 4 & 5 Lüderitz
  • Day 6 & 7 Sossusvlei
  • Day 8 & 9 Swakopmund
  • Day 10 & 11 Damaraland
  • Day 12 Etosha South
  • Day 13 & 14 Etosha East
  • Day 15 Central Namibia
  • Day 16 Windhoek (Departure)

* Meals and activities included depend on selected lodges. Contact us for details.

Tour Highlights

  • View and explore Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa
  • Visit the historic Kolmanskop Ghost Town near Lüderitz
  • Explore Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, Dune 45, and Sesriem Canyon
  • Track desert-adapted elephants and wildlife in Damaraland
  • Embark on game drives in Etosha National Park
  • Visit a private game reserve or conservation foundation in Central Namibia

Day-to-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Windhoek

( 1 night )

Upon arrival in Windhoek, a representative will meet you and transfer you to the car rental office to complete your vehicle handover. You will also receive your travel pack containing route maps, vouchers, and documentation.

When you're there: Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to explore the city, visit local sites, or relax at your accommodation. Options in Windhoek include local museums, historical architecture, and the National Botanical Garden. Dining can be arranged at your hotel or a local restaurant; reservations are recommended.

Luxury Accommodation: The Weinberg Windhoek

Standard Accommodation: The Elegant Guesthouse

Day 2: Kalahari

( 1 night )

Depart Windhoek and drive south into the Kalahari region (approximately 245 km; 3 to 4 hours).

On the way: Supplies and snacks can be purchased in Windhoek prior to departure. The route proceeds south, transitioning into the red sand linear dunes characteristic of the Kalahari basin.

When you're there: Check into your lodge and spend the afternoon at leisure. Optional activities include afternoon nature drives, bird watching, guided walks, or cultural experiences learning about the indigenous San people.

Luxury Accommodation: Kalahari Red Dunes

Standard Accommodation: Kalahari Anib Lodge

Day 3: Fish River Canyon

( 1 night )

Travel south through Mariental and Keetmanshoop toward the Karas region and the Fish River Canyon (approximately 440 km; 7 to 8 hours).

On the way: Consider a brief detour 13 km northwest of Keetmanshoop to visit the Quiver Tree Forest and the neighboring Giant’s Playground, an expanse of stacked dolerite rock formations.

When you're there: Arrive at the canyon rim in the late afternoon. The main viewpoints offer broad vistas over the 160 km ravine, particularly during sunset when light conditions highlight the rock strata.

Luxury Accommodation: Fish River Lodge

Standard Accommodation: Canyon Roadhouse

Day 4 & 5: Lüderitz

( 2 nights )

Drive west from Fish River Canyon toward the Atlantic coast and the historical port town of Lüderitz (approximately 385 km; 5 to 6 hours).

On the way: The route passes through Aus, where wild desert horses can often be spotted roaming the sparse plains along the roadside.

When you're there: One full day is dedicated to exploring Lüderitz and the coastal surroundings. Visit the deserted mining town of Kolmanskop (10 km outside Lüderitz) for a guided historical tour of the sand-filled buildings. Additional sights include German colonial architecture, the coastal lagoon at Grosse Bucht, and the local harbor area.

Luxury & Standard Accommodation: Alte Villa Boutique Guest House

Day 6 & 7: Sossusvlei

( 2 nights )

Depart Lüderitz and head north via Helmeringhausen toward the central Namib Desert (approximately 505 km; 7 to 8 hours).

On the way: The long drive traverses changing desert landscapes before arriving at your lodge near the park boundary.

When you're there: Plan an early entry through the Sesriem Gate at sunrise to visit Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Key locations include Dune 45, Big Daddy, and the ancient clay pan at Deadvlei. On the return route, explore the narrow rock formations of Sesriem Canyon. Self-guided excursions can be supplemented with optional lodge-guided drives or a morning hot air balloon flight.

Luxury Accommodation: Namib Outpost

Standard Accommodation: Desert Homestead Lodge

Day 8 & 9: Swakopmund

( 2 nights )

Travel north from Sossusvlei through the Namib-Naukluft Park toward the coastal town of Swakopmund (approximately 350 km; 5 to 6 hours).

On the way: Stop at Solitaire for fuel before crossing the Tropic of Capricorn and passing through the Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons. An optional permit-required detour via Ganab leads to the Welwitschia Plains and the Moon Landscape viewpoint.

When you're there: Swakopmund provides access to numerous coastal and desert activities. Options include catamaran cruises in Walvis Bay, quad biking, sandboarding, living desert tours, and 4x4 excursions to Sandwich Harbour. The town features a wide selection of restaurants and cafes.

Luxury Accommodation: Strand Hotel

Standard Accommodation: Swakopmund Luxury Suites

Day 10 & 11: Damaraland

( 2 nights )

Drive north along the Skeleton Coast before turning inland into the Damaraland region (approximately 445 km; 7 to 8 hours).

On the way: Drive north via Henties Bay to visit the Cape Cross seal colony, or proceed inland via Uis past the Brandberg Massif toward Twyfelfontein.

When you're there: Spend a full day exploring the highlights of the area. Take a 4x4 drive along dry riverbeds (such as the Huab River) in search of desert-adapted elephants and other wildlife. Additional visits include the UNESCO World Heritage site at Twyfelfontein, Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes, and the Damara Living Museum.

Luxury Accommodation: Mowani Mountain Camp

Standard Accommodation: Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp

Day 12: Etosha National Park - South

( 1 night )

Travel east from Damaraland toward the southern boundary of Etosha National Park (approximately 325 km; 4 to 5 hours).

On the way: Optional stops along the route include the Petrified Forest near Khorixas and a rest stop in Outjo before reaching Anderssons Gate.

When you're there: Check in at your lodge and enter the park for an afternoon game drive. Stop at Okaukuejo to settle park entry fees, purchase trail maps, and view the waterhole. Etosha is home to high concentrations of game, including elephant, lion, rhino, and various plains species.

Luxury Accommodation: Ongava Lodge

Standard Accommodation: Etosha Village

Day 13 & 14: Etosha National Park - East

( 2 nights )

Traverse Etosha National Park from west to east, game driving between various waterholes along the route toward the Von Lindequist Gate.

When you're there: Conduct self-drive game viewings or book open-vehicle safaris through your lodge. Early morning and late afternoon remain the best periods for wildlife activity around the waterholes, leaving the middle of the day to relax at your accommodation.

Luxury Accommodation: Onguma The Fort

Standard Accommodation: Mushara Bush Camp

Day 15: Central Namibia

( 1 night )

Exit Etosha and travel south toward Otavi and Otjiwarongo into Central Namibia (approximately 315 km; 4 to 5 hours).

On the way: Proceed to either Okonjima Nature Reserve (home of the AfriCat Foundation) or Otjiwa Safari Lodge, one of the region's historical game farms.

When you're there: Arrive in time for lunch or afternoon tea before joining scheduled lodge activities. Options include carnivore tracking at Okonjima or guided game drives and tracking walks at Otjiwa.

Luxury Accommodation: Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp

Standard Accommodation: Otjiwa Safari Lodge

Day 16: Windhoek

( Departure / End of Tour )

Drive south from Central Namibia back to Windhoek (approximately 225 km; 3 to 4 hours).

On the way: Depending on your flight schedule, participate in a final morning activity before starting the drive to Windhoek.

When you're there: Proceed directly to Hosea Kutako International Airport or the car rental depot to return your vehicle. Ensure arrival at the airport at least 2 hours prior to international flights.

Includes

  • Accommodation

  • Meals (details on request)

  • Vehicle hire

  • Meet and Greet service

  • Airport transfers

  • 24/7 in-country support

  • Comprehensive travel diary with detailed itinerary, map, route descriptions, booking vouchers, contact numbers, and general information

Excludes

  • International flights

  • Personal travel insurance

  • Visas and application fees

  • Optional extra activities

  • Fuel

  • National park entry fees

  • Gratuities

Pricing 2026

LUXURY

1st January – 30th June 2026 – Low Season

  • 2 guests: ZAR 149,610 pps

  • 4 guests: ZAR 136,535 pps

  • Single supplement: ZAR 48,220

1st July – 31st December 2026 – High Season

  • 2 guests: ZAR 159,595 pps

  • 4 guests: ZAR 145,060 pps

  • Single supplement: ZAR 51,050

STANDARD

1st January – 30th June 2026 – Low Season

  • 2 guests: ZAR 69,415 pps

  • 4 guests: ZAR 56,340 pps

  • Single supplement: ZAR 16,145

1st July – 31st December 2026 – High Season

  • 2 guests: ZAR 73,800 pps

  • 4 guests: ZAR 59,265 pps

  • Single supplement: ZAR 16,730

All prices are approximate and based on per-person sharing rates (ZAR for Namibia/South Africa). Solo traveler rates are calculated separately upon request.