Epic Self-Drive Tour of Namibia

An exhilarating road trip around Namibia, from desert wilderness to charming coastal cities and wildlife safaris – includes flights and car hire

From the soul-stirring red ripples of the vast Namib Desert and breezy charms of coastal city Swakopmund to the dramatic landscapes of rugged Damaraland and the wildlife-peppered plains of Etosha National Park – Namibia is rich in diversity and ripe for exploration. This epic adventure will open your eyes to the natural wonders and rich history of this beautiful pocket of Southern Africa.

First stop: Windhoek, for an overnight stay in Namibia’s capital, before dipping a sandy desert toe into Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve, staying at Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge with desert views and a twinkling pool that draws the odd oryx. You can choose to go on a game safari here, by 4x4 or a quad bike, to marvel at zebras, wildebeest and giraffes, or soak up local knowledge of the San people on a unique Bushman's Walk. It's then time to head out into the vast Namib Desert to marvel at the sand-shifting vistas in startling red hues. You’ll call Elegant Desert Lodge home for two nights, refuelling on traditional Namibian cuisine and perhaps taking trips to the spectacular Sesriem Canyon, Sossusvlei’s towering sand dunes and Deadvlei – an eerie white clay pan studded with dead trees.

Your next destination is on the refreshing coast – Swakopmund is an old German colonial city infused with Namibian charm, flaunting a laid-back vibe, half timbered architecture and half caramel beaches. After settling into Hotel Zum Kaiser, you might fancy horse riding, paragliding or peaceful fishing here. For unfettered nature, maybe hop onto a marine cruise from Walvis Bay, decorated with the odd seal, pelican, dolphin and turtle.

Heading north, you’ll pass Namibia’s highest mountain, Brandberg, before reaching the rugged sweeps of Damaraland, an under-the-radar wildlife destination home to the rare desert elephant, endangered black rhino, and desert-adapted lions and elephants. Aside from being spellbound by the view from Ugab Terrace Lodge, you can take in the soaring cliffs of Twyfelfontein, etched with ancient Bushman rock art and engravings, and marvel at the extraordinary Petrified Forest.

Last but not least, it’s onto Etosha National Park, a wildlife-rich pocket of northwestern Namibia dotted with watering holes where Africa’s iconic creatures gather to drink by the hundreds. Staying first for a night at Taleni Etosha Village in Etosha South followed by two nights at Mokuti Etosha Lodge in Etosha East, you can dedicate your time to plenty of game drives in this animal haven, to increase your chances of seeing everything from elephants, lions and leopards to rhinos, zebras and giraffes, while 340 species of birds fly overhead in the vast African skies.

Lastly you'll arrive at Okahandja for a final night's stay, with the chance to pick up some classic woodcarved souvenirs at the craft markets, before flying home from Windhoek the next day.