Self-Drive Namibia Exploration - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Windhoek

Welcome to Namibia! This country lies on Africa's southwest coast and features some of the continent's most incredible natural attractions. These include otherworldly red deserts, biodiverse national parks, and a windswept coast as desolate as it is beautiful. Interestingly, your first impression of Namibia will be more German in nature when you arrive in the capital of Windhoek. This city's German colonial roots can be seen along its streets in the form of Germanic architecture and historic churches.

After checking in to your hotel, you can explore Windhoek's tranquil streets, strolling past Gothic churches, leafy parks, and imposing fortresses. Must-see historical sites include the gingerbread-like structure of Christuskirche (Christ Church) and the Tintenpalast (Ink Palace), now the Namibian parliament building. When you're hungry, you can stop for a braai (barbecue) at a local restaurant. Sidewalk cafés offer German-style brunches, or fruhschoppen, which can be enjoyed with a glass of sparkling wine or locally brewed draught beer. 

Day 2: Explore the Namib Desert

A representative will meet you this morning to deliver your rental car. Then, get behind the wheel and let the road trip begin! The first leg of the journey involves a six-hour drive deep into the infinitely vast Namib Desert. It's indeed a long drive, but there will be a stop along the way to grab refreshments and fill up on gas in the dusty outpost of Solitaire.

Eventually, you'll arrive in the salt/clay-pan region of Sossusvlei, located in Namib-Naukluft National Park. At 19,215 square miles (49,768 sq km), this is the largest conservation area in the country. Among other wonders, it's home to the iconic red dunes of Namibia, which are a photographer's dream. These dunes rise up to 1,300 feet (400 m), making them some of the highest in the world. They're particularly attractive at sunrise and sunset. You'll overnight nearby in the desert settlement of Sesriem.

Day 3: Explore Sossusvlei

Rise early for an excursion into the Namib "Sand Sea," including the famous Sossusvlei dune belt. A fun activity is climbing Big Daddy, one of the tallest dunes. You can also hike around Deadvlei, a salt claypan dotted with ancient trees. There's fascinating wildlife here, too; get lucky, and you might spot an oryx, springbok, ostrich, or one of the many reptiles like chameleons and the leopard tortoise. 

Another fun option is to explore Sesriem Canyon. This deep gorge has been carved by the Tsauchab River over millions of years, resulting in soaring canyon walls. A hike through the gorge is an incredible experience, as is taking a refreshing dip in the river. At the end of the day, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 4: Transfer to Swakopmund

After breakfast, leave for the coastal town of Swakopmund. This route follows the gravel plains of the Namib Desert through the spectacular Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons before crossing the Namib Desert. Make a stop at the Walvis Bay Lagoon, an important wetland renowned for its seasonal abundance of flamingoes.  From here, join the main route, which leads between the coast and the dune belt to the coastal resort town of Swakopmund.

Founded in 1892 during the period of German colonial rule, Swakopmund served as Namibia's main harbor for years. Now, this quaint town nestled between desert and ocean is enhanced by lush green lawns, palm trees, and carefully tended gardens. There is a good selection of restaurants and coffee shops selling traditional German cakes and pastries, while the coastline and the desert, respectively, offer many options for adventure or relaxation.

Day 5: Swakopmund Free Day

Day 6: Drive to Damaraland, Stop at Seal Reserve

Leave Swakopmund early on a six-hour drive north to the mountainous region of Damaraland, also known as Kunene. On the way, stop at the Cape Cross Seal Reserve to see one of the largest colonies of fur seals in the world. Walk along the boardwalk to watch the seals bask in the sun, play, and navigate the rocky shores, then sit down for lunch at a nearby restaurant. After lunch, complete the drive to the town of Khorixas, where you'll overnight. 

Day 7: Damaraland Free Day & Rock Carvings

It's another free day to explore the wonders of Namibia, and Damaraland is packed with such highlights. In the region's south, between the Ugab and the Huab Rivers, lies a vast and unspoiled wilderness. Its magnificent desert scenery includes fascinating geological formations, archaeological sites, and a great variety of exotic flora and fauna. For example, it's the southernmost roaming ground for the rare black rhino and the desert-adapted elephant.

Also here is Twyfelfontein, home to UNESCO-listed rock carvings. These were etched into red sandstone mountains thousands of years ago by early hunter-gatherer communities. You can wander this open-air art gallery and admire the ancient etchings depicting wildlife, human figures, and intricate geometric patterns. If you like, continue to the Petrified Forest, a surreal landscape of fossilized tree trunks that have existed since the Triassic period. Cap the day with a stroll through the ancient forest and admire the trunks lined with agate, jasper, and other minerals formed by the petrification process. 

Day 8: Drive to Etosha National Park, Optional Game Drive

Day 9: Etosha Safari Activities

Today you'll have your pick of adventures in Etosha National Park. One option is a half-day guided game drive in a safari vehicle (refreshments and park entrance fees included). Even better is the full-day guided safari, which lasts about nine hours and affords a better chance to spot the wildlife.

You can also choose a guided safari walk. An expert guide will lead you on a 1-2 mile (2-3 km) trail, which lasts about two hours. Beyond searching for the animals, your guide will impart wisdom about native plants, point out exotic birds, and reveal the fundamentals of animal tracking. 

Day 10: Namibia Towns & Lakes Drive

It's time to make your way back toward Windhoek. Leave Etosha this morning on a drive south to the mining town of Tsumeb. The wealth generated by these mines has resulted in a charming town featuring old colonial buildings and a palm-lined central park. From there, continue through Otavi, a copper-mining town with a legacy of feuds between local Indigenous tribes. You can also take a detour to Lake Otjikoto, an almost perfectly circular lake formed by the collapse of a limestone cave. Your final destination is Otjiwarongo, another historic town built on the railway line linking Tsumeb and Swakopmund.

Day 11: Drive to Windhoek, Depart

It's time to bid a fond farewell to Namibia. After breakfast, hop in the car and make the return drive to Windhoek. It's a long ride, but you can break it up with a stop in the town of Okahandja, which features a famous open-air craft market. A visit here is a great opportunity to purchase hand-made curios and African souvenirs to take home. Upon arrival in Windhoek, you'll drive to the airport, drop off your rental car, and catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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