8 Day Family Namibian Self Drive

Day 1 - Arrive in Windhoek

Arriving at Hosea Kutako International Airport, you will be welcomed by your own private transfer, who will take you to Windhoek, approx. 45km from the airport. In Windhoek you will collect your rental vehicle and received necessary instructions and information. With getting familiarize with your vehicle and know exactly what side of the road you need to drive (We drive on the left side – just so you know - *wink-wink) you will head to your accommodation where you are able to freshen up & rest if needed. Afternoon you can explore on your own time the capitol city of Windhoek and enjoy relaxing dinner. We can recommend dinner either at your accommodation, Arebbusch Travel Lodge, Joe’s Beerhouse, The Stellenbosch or Cape Town Fish Market.

ACCOMMODATION: *SH – Arebbusch Travel Lodge or similar
MEALS INCLUDED: own
TRAVEL DISTANCE: 45km - Airport to Windhoek

Day 2 - Windhoek to Namib Naukluft

After enjoying relaxing breakfast, we recommend leaving Windhoek between 07h30 – 08h00. Although the drive today are around 300 kilometers, which will take you around 5 hours, with majority of travelling on unsealed gravel roads. Travelling over the Khomas Hochland and down the steep gradients of the Spreetshoogte Pass – which offers stunning views from the top of the escarpment over the desert plains below. Stopping at the small town of Solitaire is a must, where the world’s famous apple pie is a definite try after lunch. Your 2 nights’ accommodation are on the outskirts of the park on a Guest Farm with spectacular view to watch the sunset with a sun downer.

ACCOMMODATION: *SH – Weltevrede Guest Farm or similar
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast & Dinner
TRAVEL DISTANCE: +- 300km

Day 3 - Dune 45 & Sossusvlei

Wake up early, enjoy a quick coffee & grab your packed breakfast prepared for you by your accommodation staff and depart for the Sesriem entrance gate to the Namib Naukluft Park. It is a about 48km drive to the gate, which only opens at sunrise, from here its 45km to the first major dune you will encounter, Dune 45 – where you can choose to stop & climb to the top. Then it is another 60km drive from here to Sossusvlei – as you drive a 4x4 – you can continue to the vlei’s parking itself, where you can explore the area on foot. Midday before you head back to your accommodation, you can make a quick stop at Sesriem Canyon.

ACCOMMODATION: *SH – Weltevrede Guest Farm or similar
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast & Dinner
TRAVEL DISTANCE: +- 300km

Day 4 - Namib Naukluft to Swakopmund

After a relaxed breakfast, its time to pack the vehicle and head towards the coastal town of Swakopmund. Some scientists regard the Namib Desert as the oldest in the world. We will travel via the Kuiseb Canyon, home to two Germans and their dog for two years during World War 2. On the way you will have time to stop at Walvis Bay lagoon, famous for its large numbers of flamingos. It’s a 5-hour scenic drive to the coast, arriving in Swakopmund for your next 2 nights.

ACCOMMODATION: *SH – Prost Hotel or similar
MEALS INCLUDED:  Breakfast
TRAVEL DISTANCE:  +/- 310km

Day 5 - Swakopmund

Today is a free day from driving, to enjoy all that this coastal town has to offer – from many optional adventure activities from Quad bike the dunes, take a camel ride, Sand boarding, Sky Diving or relax on a Dolphin Cruise, discovering the rich marine live near Walvis Bay – fur seals, pelicans, dolphin & flamingos. If you do not feel adventurous you can visit the historical museum at the base of the lighthouse, visit the Kristall Galerie, home of the world’s largest Quartz crystals cluster in display, or do shopping at numerous shops and enjoy German patisseries at local cafes, all withing walking distance to the center of Swakopmund from your hotel.

ACCOMMODATION: *SH – Prost Hotel or similar
MEALS INCLUDED:  Breakfast
TRAVEL DISTANCE:  0

Day 6 - Swakopmund to Etosha National Park

After breakfast, try to leave Swakopmund not later thank 8h30 to head towards Etosha National Park, leaving the coastal town’s cool breeze behind. We suggest driving via the town of Omaruru, an artist’s retreat feeling of a town to Otjiwarongwe and then to Outjo. At Outjo lunch at Outjo Backerei, with lots of German pastries & cookies to choose from – remember to take for the road. Etosha National Park is world-famous for its abundance of wildlife & great game viewing opportunities. Home to 114 species of mammals, including black rhinos, elephants, giraffes, various antelopes, zebras, lions and other big cats and hundreds of species reptiles & birds. We prefer to stay inside the park if there is availability as all 3 camps have 24 hour floodlit waterholes.

ACCOMMODATION: *CH – Okaukuejo or Halali
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast 
TRAVEL DISTANCE: +/- 550km

It is an early morning wake up, to head back to Windhoek, driving distance would take you 6hrs driving, where your 8 Day Family Self-drive will come to and end!

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast
TRAVEL DISTANCE: +- 540 km

ACCOMMODATION:

The indication in the itinerary of what type of accommodation is provided each day are guidelines only and are used to give an idea of the accommodation offered, rather that and exact description. Please keep in mind however that standards can vary from one trip to the next, and occasionally we may need to change a night-stop without advance warning. We cannot guarantee the use of particular properties. Facilities and characteristics may vary from those described.

* SH - Standard Hotels, Lodges or Guest Houses, usually with twin or single rooms and en-suite facilities. These are generally standard, no-frills hotels perfectly accepted to most, do not expect too much. These are often small, family run establishments.

* CH - Comfortable Hotels, Lodges or Guest Houses with twin or single rooms and en suite facilities. Generally good levels of service and often added amenities such as restaurant, bar, swimming pool and garden.

Namibia have good tourism infrastructure and generally good service standards. Throughout this trip we stay in comfortable lodges which are simple, comfortable, and clean.

What's Included in your Self-Drive Tour:

• Accommodation, activities & meals as per itinerary.
• 4x4 rental vehicle with the lowest excess
• Airport transfers
• 24-hour emergency assistance phone number & support
• A Welcome pack including maps & vouchers for the places you will be visiting.

What's NOT Included in your Self-Drive Tour:

• International Flights
• Personal Travel Insurances, necessary vaccinations & PCR tests
• Fuel Costs
• *Park & Entrance Fees (these need to be paid on arrival)
• Any activities not specified.
• All drinks & meals not specified in Itinerary.
• Tips & gratuities (which are optional).

*A daily entrance fees are payable at all National parks throughout Namibia. These fees can be paid at the office inside the park.

Current Rates in Namibian Dollars for Parks:

Vehicle: N$50        Adult: N$150         9 – 16 Years: N$100.00     8 & under: FOC

Includes: Namib Naukluft, Cape Cross Seal Colony, Skeleton Coast Park, Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau