Namibia Discovery, Self-Drive

On arrival at Windhoek International Airport, you are met by a representative from the car hire company who welcomes you and assists with your luggage, after which you proceed to the depot to collect your vehicle. You then drive to Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, and check in at River Crossing Lodge.

The remainder of the day is at leisure. If you wish, you can drive into town, approximately 5 km, for sightseeing. You can visit the Tintenpalast, the Christuskirche with its graceful spire that provides a striking landmark, and the white-walled Alte Feste, once a fort and now a museum reflecting the country’s history.

The largest part of Windhoek’s population resides in Katutura, the Bantu-speaking suburb, and along Independence Avenue old colonial houses stand beside modern, post-independence buildings. Later, enjoy dinner at the lodge.

Driving distance: 50 km
Driving time: approximately 1 hour

Please note: Driving distances and journey times are approximate and may vary depending on the route taken, accommodation location, traffic, weather and road conditions.

Windhoek - Kalahari Desert (Lobatse). After breakfast, you drive southeast through Rehoboth and Mariental. Rehoboth lies among camel thorn, sweet thorn and candle pod acacia and is home to the Rehoboth Baster community, descendants of people of mixed parentage who crossed the Orange River under Hermanus van Wyk and settled here in 1870.

On arrival, you check in at the lodge. You can book a Nature Drive at the lodge, not included. You will then enjoy dinner at the lodge.

Driving distance: 295 km
Driving time: approximately 3 hours

Kalahari Desert (Lobatse) - Sossusvlei Region. After a leisurely breakfast, you travel through Maltahohe to the Sesriem and Sossusvlei region of the Namib Desert, arriving in the early afternoon to check in at Desert Hills Lodge. You will enjoy dinner at the lodge.

Driving distance: 220 km
Driving time: approximately 3 hours

Before sunrise you depart Desert Hills with breakfast packs and drive to Sesriem, the entry gate to Sossusvlei in the Namib-Naukluft Park. The final 5 km are covered in 4x4 vehicles. Once at the vlei you can choose to climb one of the highest sand dunes in the world.

In good rainy seasons the Tsauchab River reaches the pan and attracts water birds, while in dry periods oryx, springbok and ostrich are often seen along the watercourse. You may also visit Sesriem Canyon at the park entrance, a narrow 1 km gorge dropping 30-40 m to pools that refill after good rains, whose name recalls early pioneers tying six lengths of rawhide together to draw water.

You return to Desert Hills for a relaxed afternoon. You can unwind by the swimming pool or on your private verandah, then enjoy dinner at the lodge.

Driving distance: 180 km
Driving time: approximately 5 hours

Sossusvlei Region - Swakopmund. After breakfast, you drive across the Namib Desert to the coast through Sesriem, Solitaire and Walvis Bay.

Solitaire, named for both a solitaire diamond and the area’s solitude, is a tiny desert settlement with a fuel station, post office, general dealer and a restaurant/bar famed for its apple pie, making it an ideal stop to break the journey.

Walvis Bay is Namibia’s major harbour town. Its lagoon hosts prolific birdlife, with around 80,000 waders including flamingos and rare white pelicans, and its fishing harbour anchors the country’s growing fishing industry.

You arrive in Swakopmund in the early afternoon. You can join an optional city tour or simply explore this quaint town on foot at your leisure.

Driving distance: 350 km
Driving time: approximately 5 hours

Spend the day at leisure in Swakopmund. You can choose from a range of optional activities, including a boat cruise on the Walvis Bay Lagoon with oysters and sparkling wine served on board, the famous Living Desert tour, or a quad bike excursion into the dunes.

Dinner is at your own arrangement. Try one of the town’s restaurants.

Swakopmund - Kalkfeld Region. After a leisurely start and breakfast, you depart for Erindi Old Traders Lodge, travelling through Usakos, Karibib and Omaruru.

You arrive in the afternoon, check in and settle in before enjoying dinner at the lodge, a relaxed close to the day.

Driving distance: 330 km
Driving time: approximately 3.5 hours

You ease into the day with a relaxed breakfast on the deck above the waterhole, or you can set off early on an optional half day game drive.

Alternatively, you may spend the morning at leisure and join the afternoon game drive, which ends with a sundowner at a viewpoint high on a rocky ridge overlooking the reserve. Game drives are not included.

Later, you will enjoy dinner at the lodge.

Kalkfeld Region - Windhoek. You enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge before departing for Windhoek through Okahandja.

Okahandja is significant to the Herero as the former seat of Chief Samuel Maharero, and each year people gather at the graves of their great chiefs. It is also an important centre for woodcarvers from the north.

You arrive in Windhoek and check in to the hotel.

Driving distance: 180 km
Driving time: approximately 2.5 hours

After breakfast, you depart for Hosea Kutako International Airport through Okahandja and Windhoek, where you return the rental vehicle and check in for your onward flight.

Please allow sufficient time for vehicle return and airport formalities.

Wishing you a safe journey home.

Driving distance: 45 km
Driving time: approximately 1 hour