Value Namibian Road Trip
Seasonal Information
Explore diverse landscapes and create unforgettable memories in the beautiful African country of Namibia as you take a road trip through the heart of ancient deserts, across grassy plains and delight in seaside fun, with each location carefully chosen to provide you with the greatest flexibility to determine what suits your travel taste and budget. Your journey will take you around famous sites and paths less travelled as you decide what adventure awaits you.
- Freedom to explore Namibia your way
- Driving through the romantic sand dunes of Sossusvlei
- Experience the spectacular sunrise across the desert
- Visiting the world famous AfriCat Foundation
- The unexpected charm of Swakopmund
- Endless wildlife photography opportunities
Explore the nooks and crannies of Namibia with this twelve-day self-led adventure where you will be out on the road in a hired car to experience all the country has to offer. Begin your journey in the capital Windhoek where you will have your first taste of Namibian culture. You will be staying at Galton House, a quiet and welcoming place, to relax and prepare for your journey ahead. Spend your evening in the on-site restaurant talking with your hosts about the English explorer Sir Francis Galton (whom the guesthouse was named after) or travel into Windhoek and dine at one of the numerous restaurants within the city centre.
The next stage of your adventure will take you south of Windhoek through desert scenery to Sossusvlei, located in the heart of one of the oldest deserts in the world. A huge salt and clay pan, Sossusvlei is famous for some of the tallest sand dunes in the world (over 300 metres) where photographers have stunning views across the desert landscape surrounding them. You will be staying at the Sossusvlei Lodge, an elegant desert retreat that is situated at the entrance of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. You can use the lodge as your base for two days as you travel around Sossussvlei taking in all the unique sights, smells and sounds or you can simply luxuriate by the pool and soak in the tranquil atmosphere rarely found in a harsh desert environment.
As you bid farewell to Sossusvlei you travel to the coast for a unique experience. Swakopmund has a proud German heritage that can be seen in the colonial buildings, restaurants and the local beer. Relax and take in your coastal surroundings as you settle into the quiet Cornerstone Guesthouse. Enjoy a luxurious atmosphere in an intimate B&B setting nestled amongst the beautiful architecture in the old town, spend your time exploring Swakopmund and its neighbour Walvis bay, or enjoy a coffee on your private patio.
Driving back into the desert you will make your way to Damaraland and Camp Kipwe. Here is the beginning of your opportunity to camp in style amongst the wild animals and under the beautiful blue African sky. Each accommodation unit at Camp Kipwe is rounded to blend with the boulder surroundings giving you a refreshingly unique twist on the traditional safari experience.
Travelling further north you will reach the Etosha National Park. As you drive through the southern region on the lookout for game animals you will arrive at your accommodation: Etosha Safari Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia. A hilltop lodge with extensive panoramic views across the vast grassy plains, this lodge provides guests with modern rooms and delightful food. Travel to the eastern region of the Etosha National Park on the trail of wild animals as you arrive at Mushara Bush Camp where you will stay in a modern wood, stone and canvas tent furnished with everything you need. Spend the evenings with other guests around a roaring campfire as you swap adventure stories and watch the wildlife in their native habitat.
The final stretch of your Namibian adventure takes you south once again and into the Okonjima Nature Reserve. Amongst the incredible populations of wild cats and exotic birds is the Okonjima Plains Camp that uses its creative design to celebrate the local heritage of cattle farming in the 1920’s. The camp offers guests that luxurious experience whilst still providing the personal touch to ensure each visitor has the perfect stay. The camp offers activities out on the nature reserve or guests can spend their time soaking in the glistening pool. The magnificence of Okonjima Nature Reserve landscape makes this location the perfect end to the perfect trip.
- Arrival and welcome at Hosea Kutako International Airport
- Overnight: Galton House
The first day of your Namibian adventure begins in the capital Windhoek. Upon arriving in Namibia, you will be met in the arrivals hall by an andBeyond representative who will assist you in collecting your rental car. From the airport you will drive into Windhoek and to your accommodation where you will have the opportunity to settle in and prepare for your journey ahead. Spend your first evening in Namibia exploring the vibrant streets of Windhoek dining out in one of the numerous restaurants in the city centre, or simply relax in your accommodation dining at the on-site restaurant.
Windhoek is located in a pretty valley in central Namibia and retains strong German colonial influenced architecture. The city contains many cultural experiences for visitors wishing to begin their exploration at once including the local craft markets, at least six different museums offering diverse exhibitions from natural history to art, and outstanding Namibian beer (all at additional cost).
- Drive from Windhoek to Sossusvlei Lodge (approx. 6 hours)
- Self-directed activities and Excursions
- Overnight: Sossusvlei Lodge
You take off from Windhoek early in the morning after a restful night’s sleep and drive south towards the breath-taking Sossusvlei region. Located at the heart of Namib-Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei is a must stop for any tour across Namibia because it is home to the most beautiful desert scenery in the country. Sossusvlei is defined by huge red sand dunes, ancient mountains and a peaceful atmosphere rarely felt in a harsh desert environment.
During your stay in Sossusvlei let the magical setting envelop you as you explore the area on your terms or stay by the pool and relax after a long drive. You have no set activities for your time in Sossusvlei but recommendations have been provided below (at additional cost) to suit all tastes.
Recommended Activities:
- Sesriem Canyon: Shaped millions of years ago by the Tsauchab River, the canyon is one of the only places in the area that holds water all year round and features stunning rock formations that will leave you speechless.
- Deadvlei: A white clay pan next to Sossusvlei, Deadvlei is contrasted with Sossusvlei because of the dark trees that grew in the region when the Tsauchab River flooded.
- Solitaire: The smallest town in Namibia, Solitaire has been a haven for many travellers. Solitaire is a unique experience for any traveller seeking the unusual corners of Namibia due to the car wrecks that litter the town.
- Drive from Sossusvlei to Swakopmund (approx. 5 hours)
- Seaside activities
- Overnight: Cornerstone Guesthouse
Enjoy the scenic drive from Sossusvlei to Swakopmund as you leave behind the hot desert landscape for the cooler coastal climate. Delight in the charming town of Swakopmund, a popular holiday spot for locals and international visitors alike with strong colonial German heritage. Your stay in Swakopmund is the perfect opportunity to cool off after your desert adventure and have some seaside fun. No set activities have been provided for Swakopmund, rather suggestions only given so you can decide on your coastal experience. Each of the activities listed are at additional cost and you are advised to book any of these ahead of your trip to guarantee your participation.
Recommended Activities:
- Kayaking: For lovers of water sports, visitors can book kayaking experiences in Walvis Bay Lagoon (bay south of Swakopmund) where you will be spending your time in the company of dolphins, cape fur seals and pelicans.
- Quad-biking: This two-hour tour takes thrill seekers out into the desert with a professional guide on easy-to-handle quad bikes, suitable for complete beginners or more experienced visitors. This activity makes a fun addition to any tour around the Namibian desert.
- Swakopmund Museum: An unusual museum founded by local German dentist Dr Alfons Weber in 1951 after he discovered a love of African culture. This museum focuses on artefacts, local flora and fauna, and geological finds.
- Food and Drink: Enjoy the locally brewed beer in restaurants and sample some of the freshest fish dishes anywhere in Namibia; including the famous Swakopmund oysters.
- Drive from Swakopmund to Damaraland (approx. 6 hours)
- Exploration of Damaraland
- Overnight: Camp Kipwe
Leave the coastal haven of Swakopmund behind as you journey inland and north to the mountainous region of Damaraland. This region boasts some of the most impressive geological formations (including the tallest mountain in Namibia), specially adapted desert wildlife and prehistoric rock art. You will spend two days camping amongst the rugged wilderness as you explore the area, keeping your camera ready at all times to capture a shot of the elusive desert elephant.
During your time in Damaraland, you will have the opportunity to experience the best-preserved ancient rock engravings in Africa at Twyfelfontein, view more beautiful rock art (including the famous white lady) as you climb parts of the spectacular Brandberg mountain and participate in nature drives across the Huab River Valley to explore the hidden spaces of the desert floor. For those seeking extra adventure a trip to the hauntingly beautiful, fossilised trees in the Petrified Forest is a must.
- Drive from Damaraland to Etosha National Park South (approx. 6 hours)
- Game drive
- Overnight: Etosha Safari Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia
Travel further north into the southern regions of the Etosha National Park on day eight of your self-led Namibian adventure. Spend today exploring the Okaukuejo area of the national park keeping an eye out for game animals such as lions, elephants, and black and white rhinos. Spend your evening relaxing under the magical African night sky perched on a hilltop overlooking the grassy plains.
- Drive from Etosha Safari Lodge to Mushara Bush Camp (approx. 4 hours)
- Exploration of eastern Etosha
- Overnight: Mushara Bush Camp
Set off bright and early from the southern region of the Etosha National Park into the eastern area. The eastern portion of Etosha is packed with activities for wildlife enthusiasts or travellers wishing to have a relaxing safari. During your time in this region of the park you will explore the immense salt pans covering the landscape that attract perfect candy-floss pink flamingos, or follow the game trails to meet elephants, lions, leopards, black rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, Hartmann’s mountain zebra and many, many more. The eastern areas of the Etosha National Park are your perfect opportunity to decide the experiences you will have and the memories you create because there is so much to do.
- Drive from Mushara Bush Camp to Okonjima (approx. 4 hours)
- Planned activities: one morning and one afternoon park activity
- Overnight: Okonjima Plains Camp
Your final full day and night in Namibia will be spent at Okonjima Nature Reserve south of the Etosha National Park. The Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to the renowned AfriCat Foundation, an organisation that houses and focuses on the conservation of Namibia’s largest cheetah and wildcat populations. During your time on the Nature Reserve, you will participate in two park activities that will take you out into the reserve and learn about the important work being conducted on the site. Park activities on the reserve include nature drives, bush walks, bird watching and the Bushmen Trail which walks you through a day in the life of a San Bushman (natives of the region).
Spend your final evening in Namibia surrounded by simple beauty as you dine looking out across the nature reserve and viewing the wildlife in their nocturnal activities.
- Drive from Okonjima to Windhoek (approx. 4 hours)
- Departure
Today you depart Okonjima and drive back to Windhoek where you will return your car rental and depart to your onward arrangements.
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
Overall Trip:
- Warm welcome at Hosea Kutako International Airport by an andBeyond representative and a self-driving briefing
- Car rental for 12 days
- Car rental group U Classic Max rates, include Theft and Collision Damage Waiver, Personal Accident Insurance,
Unlimited Mileage, Airport Surcharge, Tourism Levy, Value Added Tax at 15%, 1st additional driver and GPS, Document Administration Fee, Damage Due to Sandblasting, Tyre and Rim Damage, Hubcaps, Windscreen. Please contact us should you require more information - Emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Administration fee
Individual Locations:
- Galton House: Luxury room with en-suite and breakfast
- Sossusvlei Lodge: Standard room with en-suite, breakfast and dinner
- Cornerstone Guesthouse: Moringa Garden Apartment with en-suite and breakfast
- Camp Kipwe: Bungalow room with en-suite, all meals, two activities and return Twyfeltontein transfer
- Etosha Safari Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia: Standard room with en-suite and breakfast
- Mushara Bush Camp: Tent with en-suite, breakfast and dinner
- Okonjima Plains Camp: View room with en-suite (shower only), breakfast/brunch, dinner, levy, park and environmental education fee, coffee and tea, and fresh fruit available throughout the day.
- Inbound and Outbound international flights
- Travel Insurance
- Health Insurance
- Vaccinations
- Visa Costs
- Fuel Costs
- Meals where indicated
- Activities in Windhoek, Sossusvlei and Swakopmund
- Carbon offset through Climate Care
This self-led adventure across Namibia is perfect for travellers comfortable driving for longer periods of time and travellers confident in leading their own experiences. Travellers wishing to carry out this trip will need a full valid driver’s license and adhere to the Namibian laws surrounding hiring a vehicle. This trip will suit a wide variety of traveling tastes and requirements because it is a very flexible itinerary and the activities are tailored by you. The trip assures travellers seeking to keep within budget that the main components (accommodation, some meals and car hire) of a holiday are taken care of to ensure a much more stress-free experience.
Suitable for ages 4 to 65