GUIDED TOURS :: SELF-DRIVE TOURS :: FLY-IN SAFARIS :: CAMPING SAFARIS :: DESERT EXPRESS
Proposed Self-drive tour: 20 days / 19 nights
Day 1:
After arriving at the Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, a representative of the car-rental company will meet you and take you into town. At the office of the car-rental company, your reserved vehicle, as well as all the vouchers necessary for your tour through Namibia will be handed over to you.
After check into your hotel, you can explore the city either on foot or by car. See the many colonial buildings dating back to the German occupation, e.g. the Ink Palace, the "Alte Feste" (an old fort), and many more. Coffee and cake can be enjoyed at the Heinitzburg Castle/Hotel, one of Windhoek's three castles. The Heinitzburg Castle, which has been converted into a hotel, combines old world charm with modern comfort.
Safari Court (or similar)
Bed/breakfast
Day 2:
Drive southwards via the Auas Mountain to Rehoboth, the Baster settlement. From there continue via Kalkrand till the turnoff to C20 in the direction of Stampriet. After approx. 20 km on the left hand side you reach the entrance to the Lodge.
In the afternoon you can go on a game-drive, where various antelope, smaller mammals and birds can be seen (approx 280 km).
Kalahari Anib Lodge (or similar)
Dinner/bed/breakfast
Day 3:
Today travel further in a southerly direction to Keetmanshoop. Visit the Kokerboom or Quivertree forest, a rare cluster of the unique aloe dichotoma, which are found on the farm Gariganus, a private property, but open to public. Another attraction near Keetmanshoop is the remarkable rock formations of the Giant's Playground. Continue your journey to the Cañon Lodge, which is situated near the Fish River Canyon.
The Fish River Canyon is one of the natural wonders of Africa. A road running along the eastern edge of the canyon leads to a series of viewing sites with splendid views of this grand natural phenomenon. (approx. 420 km)
Cañon Lodge / Cañon Roadhouse (or similar)
Dinner/bed/breakfast
Day 4 + 5:
Continue your journey via Aus to Lüderitz This harbour town, set between the Namib Desert dunes and the wild Atlantic seaboard, was founded by the Bremen merchant, Adolf Lüderitz in 1883. This was the first German settlement in the then "Südwestafrika". Explore this town with its historic buildings dating to the German era. The surrounding landscape, with its bizarre coastlines, off-shore islands and the Bogenfels (rock arch) is exceptionally fascinating (approx. 410 km).
There are boat trips to Halifax Island, where penguins can be observed. Another sightseeing option is Kolmanskop, the old ghost-town, which was founded in the time of the Diamond rush and is only a few kilometers away from Lüderitz. This deserted town is slowly being immersed in the encroaching desert sand. Permits to visit Kolmanskop must be obtained at the office of Lüderitz Safaris & Tours in Bismarckstreet beforehand.
A visit to the "Felsenkirche" and "Diaz Point" should not be missed.
Zur Waterkant Guesthouse (or similar)
Bed/breakfast
Day 6:
Continue your journey via Aus and the scenic Neisip Plain to Helmeringhausen and drive along the awesome loneliness of the "Schwarzrand" to the Farm La Vallée Tranquille. 60 km south of Maltahöhe. This is an ideal stop on your journey to Sesriem. The fascinating scenery of the landscape provides one with ample photographic opportunities. You can go for a walk or drive to enjoy the quite atmosphere and vast scenery of the farm. (approx. 310 km)
La Vallée Tranquille (or similar)
Dinner/bed/breakfast
Day 7:
At La Vallée Tranquille you can join the daily ostrich feeding session and get a close up observation opportunity of these particular animals or you could join a guided nature walk and discover various interestings plants, animals and landscapes. La Vallée Tranquille also offers some exceptional bird watching opportunities, visitors can also enjoy an attractive range of geological features such as crystals, metals and stones, volcanic elements and "stromatolites" one off oldest types of geological formation on earth. You can also drive to Maltahöhe and enjoy a day full of activities at OAHERA Centre ( art shop, Red Stone restaurant, Daweb cultural group - Nama and Tswana traditional dances and songs - , donkey cart ride and botanical walk.
La Vallée Tranquille (or similar)
Dinner/bed/breakfast
Day 8:
Leave very early and explore Sossusvlei, a huge clay pan, which is surrounded by the highest dunes in the world. The last 5 km into the vlei, will necessitate the use of a 4 x 4 vehicle. Should you not drive a 4 x 4 vehicle, you may make use of the Sossusvlei Shuttle, which departs from the 4x2 parking area. Thereafter visit the Sesriem Canyon, where the Tsauchab River has incised a deep gorge into the plains. Pools of water on its gravelly bed in an otherwise arid region, attracts many birds and animals. Continue north for another 83 km to the Guestfarm (approx. 380 km)
Solitaire Guest Farm (or similar)
Dinner/bed/breakfast
Day 9:
Spent this day at leisure. You can enjoy the day at the swimming pool or you can do a nature walk. In the afternoon you can take part on a Sundowner drive. (You can also do the Sossusvlei excursion on this day)
Solitaire Guest Farm (or similar)
Dinner/bed/breakfast
Day 10:
Today your destination is the coastal town Swakopmund. Drive through the Namib Naukluft Park via Gaub Pass and the stunning Kuiseb, pass the waterholes Ganab and Hotsas, visit the Welwitschia plains and the so called "Moon valley" before you reach Swakopmund, Namibia's seaside resort on the west coast, which resembles a small Bavarian village nestling between the desert and the sea. The source of Swakopmund's atmosphere is the graceful old buildings dating back to the turn of the century. The local jail, for example, resembles a country mansion. The railway station, a magnificently ornate building, was converted into a hotel. Eleven of these charming old buildings are national monuments. (approx. 350 km)
Other sightseeing options: Visit the museum, the Aquarium, the crystal
gallery or visit the Karakul weaving "Karakulia".
Orange House (or similar)
Bed/breakfast
Day 11:
Day at leisure. Listed below are possible activities to be undertaken:
Optional:
Dolphin Cruise: which starts from the Walvis Bay Yacht Club, takes you through the harbour and lagoon area. If in luck, dolphins may be observed swimming alongside the boat. Seals and a myriad of sea birds can also be observed. On board the boat you will be treated to South African champagne or soft drinks, fresh oysters and snacks. This activity should be prebooked.
Optional:
Sailing excursion aboard a catamaran. Departure at 08h30 from the Walvis Bay Yacht Club. We set sail for Pelican Point, where a large seal colony and playful dolphins will entertain you. The trip is rounded off with fresh oysters, snacks and sparkling wine. The cruise last between 2 ½ - 3 hours. This activity should be booked in advance.
Optional:
Different scenic flights are available.
Orange House (or similar)
Bed/breakfast
Day 12:
Today you drive on B 2 ( tarred road into the interior) via Usakos to Karibib, here you turnoff to Omaruru. From here drive on the road C33 in a northerly direction for 40 km and then turn to your left. After approx. 20 km on this road you reach the farm (approx. 290 km).
In the late afternoon you can take part in a "sundowner drive".
Immenhof Guest Farm (or similar)
Dinner/bed/breakfast
Day 13:
Day spent at leisure. You can enjoy a game drive on the farm, horse riding or also quad biking. See the rock paintings, rock engravings and famous singing rocks. There are walking trails or relax at the swimming pool.
Immenhof Guest Farm (or similar)
Dinner/bed/breakfast
Day 14:
Today you drive via Omaruru, Kalkfeld and Outjo to the Etosha Safari Camp, situated at the border of the Etosha National Park. Should you arrive early, you can enjoy your first game drive in the park.
The Etosha National Park was proclaimed as a game reserve by German Governor von Lindequist in 1907. The heart of the park is the Etosha Pan, meaning "place of dry water", an extensive, flat depression of about 6 000 km². There are 144 mammal species in the park, which covers an area of 22 270 km². This includes elephant, giraffe, blue wildebeest and black rhino. Among the predators are lions, cheetah, leopard and several species of wild cats. (approx. 300 km)
Etosha Safari Camp (or similar)
Dinner/bed/breakfast.
Day 15:
Full day game viewing in the park.. Shortly before sundown you leave the park through the Von Lindequist Gate and drive to Onguma Bush Camp, bordering the eastern side of Etosha.
Onguma Bush Camp (or similar)
Dinner/bed/breakfast
Day 16:
Enjoy another day for game viewing in the park or for relaxing or visit the fort in Namutoni
Onguma Bush Camp (or similar)
Dinner/bed/breakfast
Day 17 & 18:
On your way to Tsumeb, visit Lake Otjikoto, which is situated 24 km northwest of Tsumeb this Lake used to be an underground, partially water filled cave, which collapsed. It contains several species of fish including two rare, mouth-breeding species. In Tsumeb a visit to the "Mine museum" is recommended.
Continue your journey in a southerly direction to Otjiwarongo region .Approx. 95 km south of Otavi you turn left into the D 2433 and after another 17 km you reach your today's destination. (approx. 285 km)
Optional:
Next morning from 07h00 to 09h00 game drive on the 17.000 ha farm which is the home of a large number of rare animal spaces, as there are Black Wildebeest, White Blesbok, Black Springbok, Nyala, Red Lechwe, Roan and Sable Antelopes, White and Black Rhino.
Frans Indongo Lodge (or similar)
Overnight / full board
Day 19:
Today you return to Windhoek. In Otjiwarongo you have got the choice to visit a Croc Farm. Stop at Okahandja, the former tribal center of the Herero people. On the outskirts of the town there is a large open-air arts and crafts market. You may also visit the Hereo graves, the old cemetery with graves of members of the German "Schutztruppe" or the ostrich and crocodile farm "Ombo" (approx. 300 km)
Safari Court (or similar)
Bed/breakfast
Day 20:
Drop-off your vehicle at Windhoek town office. Transfer to Hosea Kutako Airport.
End of the tour
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Tour Contact |
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Tour Sort |
Contact Name |
Contact E-Mail |
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Selfdrive Tour (FIT) |
Tina Seiler |
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