Namibian Self-drive Safari, Safaris Itineries -TRAVEL WILD IS BASED IN MAUN, BOTSWANA

Namibian Self-drive Safari
(Staying at 3 star properties)

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Day 1: Windhoek –

Land in Windhoek, collect your hire vehicle and transfer to your accommodation at Rivendell Guest House, located in a quiet suburb close to the city centre. Stay in a twin room with en-suite bathroom facilities, breakfast included. Shortly after your arrival a representative of the tour operator will drop round to give you a full briefing and supply a written itinerary, flyers and outlined map. Explore the shops and restaurants of the city.

Day 2: Waterberg Plateau Park - Drive north to Waterberg Plateau Park this morning, a journey of around 3.5 hours. This lush, sandstone plateau rises out of the surrounding plains, the freshwater springs filter through the sandstone giving rise to lush vegetation which sustains a healthy wildlife population. The rest camp has chalets where you will stay, a beautiful spring fed swimming pool, restaurant and small shop. Self-guided hiking trails wind up to the top of the plateau, and optional game drives are available on the plateau.

Day 3: Namutoni rest camp, Etosha National Park - Depart this morning for your drive to Etosha National Park, Namibia’s premier wildlife reserve. Your drive through Etosha’s eastern gate should take approximately 4 hours. Namutoni is located inside Etosha National Park and offers excellent night time game viewing opportunities at the floodlit waterhole. You will stay in individual chalets with basic self-catering facilities. The rest camp also has a restaurant, shop and swimming pool. Breakfast included.

Day 4: Okaukuejo rest camp, Etosha National Park - You will stay in Etosha for this night, undertaking self guided game drives and staying at Okaukuejo in the southern area of the Park. This rest camp offers the same facilities as Namutoni. Breakfast included.

Day 5: Twyfelfontein, Damaraland - You will drive south today, out of the Park and towards Damaraland. You may like to take a look at the Petrified Forest on your way, a bizarre collection of largely intact gymnosperm trees that were preserved and transformed into stone by anaerobic conditions. Continue on to the beautiful Twyfelfontein Country Lodge. The drive should take approximately 4 hours, maybe take an excursion to the Twyfelfontein rock etchings and paintings this afternoon. This area is covered in numerous fascinating examples of San rock art and is well worth a visit where a local guide will explain the area to visitors. Breakfast & dinner included.

Days 6 & 7: Sea Breeze guest house, Swakopmund – You have a 4.5 hour drive today via the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain, to the coast. You may like to make a diversion to Cape Cross to visit the largest fur seal colony in Southern Africa en-route. Swakopmund is a picturesque resort with many good seafood restaurants and shops as well as an interesting museum and aquarium. You will stay for two nights at Sea Breeze, a very comfortable and friendly guest house overlooking the beach and located just outside the town centre. Breakfast included. A highly recommended optional day trip to the marine sanctuary of Sandwich Harbour can also be included, just ask for details.

Days 8 & 9: Desert Homestead Lodge, near Sesriem - Set off this morning for the dunes of the Namib Desert, near to Sesriem and Sossusvlei. The drive should take approximately 5 hours and you will arrive at Desert Homestead this afternoon. This lodge is a beautifully decorated and friendly establishment with a bar, restaurant and pool, optional horse riding or nature drives within this spectacular area can be arranged. The lodge is designed in a rustic, farm style and is located just 27km from the entrance to Sesriem & Sossusvlei. Enjoy home cooked meals and friendly service. Wake early on the morning of day 7 to drive the 70km through the dune fields to Sossusvlei. Most of this road is on tar, the last 5km are sandy 4x4 roads. Explore the dunes around the salt pan of Sossusvlei, and maybe walk across the sand to Deadvlei, a bizarre collection of ancient camelthorn trees and a photographers dream. Dinner & breakfast included.

Days 10 & 11: Klein Aus, Namib Desert - You have a drive of approximately 5 hours today to reach Klein Aus Vista, a beautiful private farm located on the edge of the Namib Desert with spectacular views from the boulder strewn hillsides across wide open plains. You will stay in either the unique stone chalets built into the farm hillsides, or in the converted farmhouse where the restaurant and bar are located. There are self-guided walks that can be taken on the farm, or you can just relax in the beautiful surroundings. You may also like to take a drive to the coastal town of Luderitz on day 11. Here you can visit the ghost town of Kolmanskop or take an optional boat trip from the harbour to Halifax Island where you may see some of the many bird and marine mammal species of this area. Dinner & breakfast included.

Day 12: Canon Roadhouse Lodge, Fish River Canyon - Continue on your drive south today towards the Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world and a spectacular sight surrounded by featureless gravel plains. The drive will take approximately 4 hours. Visit the viewpoints at Hobas and perhaps take a walk along the Canyon edge to watch the spectacular sunset. Stay at Canon Roadhouse, and enjoy their excellent restaurant and bar. Dinner & breakfast included.

Day 13: Anib Lodge - Drive northwards this morning to Anib Lodge, located approximately 5 hours drive from Canon Roadhouse, at the edge of the Kalahari Desert. Spend the night at this small and exclusive lodge and perhaps take a self-guided hiking trail through this unique environment or visit the nearby Nama women’s embroidery co-operative. Dinner, breakfast and an afternoon nature drive included.

Day 14: Windhoek - Return to Windhoek today, a drive of approximately 3.5 hours, in time to connect with your onward flight.