Experience the vast and otherworldly splendour of Namibia in your own time on this affordable Namibia Self Drive Safari.
Following our recommended self-drive Namibia tour itinerary will reveal a slice of the natural wonders of this incredible country over almost two weeks. Enjoy the unique ambience of the capital city Windhoek and other highlights, including game viewing in the immense Etosha National Park and Okonjima Nature Reserve. Travel to the striking Damaraland mountain region, the charming German-influenced coastal town of Swakopmund, and the highest sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert - a spectacular sight best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset.
Take the hassle out of planning your private Namibia Safari with this self drive safari in Namibia. Includes accommodation, breakfasts, car hire, and a recommended itinerary mapped out with optional activities to make your Namibia budget safari a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Africa.
Your Namibia Self Drive Safari adventure begins and ends in the capital of Namibia, Windhoek.
Upon arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport, collect your rental vehicle at the Avis Car Hire Depot. Then drive to your guesthouse in Windhoek and begin your exploration of this small but fascinating African city. You can start your Namibia trip with a visit to some of the historical and cultural highlights of Windhoek followed by dinner at one of the excellent local restaurants.
After breakfast, drive north from Windhoek to the first stop on your Namibia tour itinerary, Okonjima Game Reserve in the Otjozondjupa region. Situated in the Omboroko Mountains (loosely translated as ‘place of the baboons’), Okonjima is home to the AfriCat Foundation. The foundation is renowned for its predator conservation efforts in Namibia, with a focus on big cats. Okonjima offers superb close-up sightings of cheetahs, leopards, and other resident wildlife species being rehabilitated here.
The reserve features a Cheetah Project, which you may choose to visit to learn more about these endangered predators of the African plains. Wildlife often sighted in the game reserve includes zebra, giraffe, and various antelope species such as kudu, eland, gemsbok, and springbok.
The next destination on your Namibia Self Drive Safari is one of the crown treasures of Namibia, the Etosha National Park. Declared a national park more than 110 years ago, Etosha is home to hundreds of wild animal, reptile, and bird species (and, surprisingly, one fish species).
With your accommodation based just outside the park, you can join several optional game drives. Spend your days exploring Etosha in your rental vehicle or on professional game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles with expert game rangers.
The Etosha resorts also feature waterholes with floodlights for excellent nighttime game viewing.
On day six of your Namibia budget safari, you'll leave Etosha Park behind and drive to Kamanjab.
Here you can experience a village populated by the local Himba tribe. You’ll be fascinated by their lifestyle, traditions, and beliefs, including a milking ceremony, smoke bath, and herbal medicine around the holy fire. Overnight in the nearby town of Omaruru, which was once a mission station but has now evolved into a hub for local artists, crafts, and other artisanal industries.
Day seven takes you to Sptzkoppe, one of the most famous landmarks of Namibia.
Spitzkoppe is a highly distinctive, curved granite mountain range jutting skyward from the Namib Desert, where you can hike among its massive boulders to view engravings and paintings by ancient Bushmen. Then continue your Namibia self-drive tour to the coastline and the quaint seaside town of Swakopmund, known for its distinctive Germanic architecture and ambiance. Here you can participate in several optional activities* or enjoy the promenade and Atlantic Ocean beaches and enjoy a typical Namibian evening meal at one of the town’s many great restaurants (not included).
The following are some of the most popular activities on offer in Swakopmund (optional). Please note that booking ahead to avoid disappointment is highly recommended. All activities may require a minimum amount of individuals, are subject to availability, and may not operate at certain times of the year. Please contact us for more information. Should you wish to take part in an activity not listed below, we will happily assist you with reservations and rates.
A bright and early breakfast followed by a trip from Swakopmund through the fishing town of Walvis Bay sees you arrive in Namib Naukluft National Park, considered to be the oldest desert in the world.
On the way, you may not be able to resist a stop at the small village of Solitaire for a slice of their legendary apple crumble (only ever served without cream). Later that day embark on the African wild cat walk at your lodge and then wake up early the next morning (highly advised to catch the best light) to view the incredible dunes at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, the highest of their kind in the world. At 300 meters or more, these provide spectacular photo opportunities, making for amazing images, especially if there is water in the vlei itself. A stop to view the Sesriem Canyon, carved several million years ago by the Tsauchab River, is also highly recommended.
On day 11 of your budget Namibia Tour, you'll say goodbye to the mesmerizing deserts of Namibia.
Leaving the giant dunes of Sossusvlei, you'll drive back through the Namibia desert landscapes to Windhoek. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the capital city, and round off your Namibia Self Drive Safari with dinner in one of its popular restaurants.
After breakfast this morning it's time to depart for Windhoek International Airport. Here you can return your rental vehicle and catch your onward flight, bringing your affordable Namibia Safari trip to a close.
Please take note of the following Namibia self drive tour stipulations and requirements:
This Namibia Self Drive Safari car rental from Avis Car Hire, of a group K vehicle (Toyota RAV 4X2 or similar).
This includes Premium Insurance, which covers theft and collision damage waiver, theft loss waiver, unlimited kilometers, claim admin fee, tourism levy, VAT, sandblasting damage, personal accident insurance, one additional driver, third party liability insurance, windscreen damage waiver, tire damage waiver, general liability insurance, location surcharge, undercarriage damage*, rim and hubcap damage.
This insurance does not include fuel, refundable rental deposit, environment contract fee, one-way drop-off charges and equipment charges, delivery and collection fees, traffic fine administration fee, child safety seats, GPS navigation, additional spare tire rental, or deposit.
Please note: We do not recommend that you drive Group B vehicles on the dirt and gravel roads of Namibia as their poor condition may damage the rental car.
We utilize mid-market or standard African lodge accommodation on this self drive Namibia trip. There will be a variety of safari lodge types, chalets, or tented camps in national parks, either on the riverside or in other interesting locations. Most of these accommodation establishments feature a private bathroom with a shower and toilet and some properties have swimming pools and/or bar areas.
Breakfast will be available in the restaurants or dining areas of these accommodation establishments. If you have any special dietary requirements, please notify us ahead of time.
It is your responsibility to ensure you have applied for and received in good order any visas you may require to legally enter Namibia before your tour departure date.
Kindly note that travel and cancellation insurance is a mandatory requirement for all of our guests and obtaining this insurance is your sole responsibility. You must ensure that you arrange insurance with protection for the entirety of your trip covering personal injury, damage, and loss of personal items, such as but not limited to cameras and other electronic items and accessories, loss or theft of luggage, medical costs, repatriation costs, etcetera. For more information see our Travel Insurance guide or talk to one of our travel experts for assistance with obtaining suitable travel insurance.
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