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Self-drive “Discovery Tour of Namibia”
2 persons: starting from €2,300 per person
4 persons: starting from €1,700 per person
Moderate pace
Discover Namibia at your own pace by blending the freedom of a self-drive tour with the comfort of charming lodges. Immerse yourself in the wonders of wildlife at Etosha National Park and explore the diverse fauna of Damaraland under optimal conditions. Your stop along the Atlantic coast promises an unforgettable maritime adventure or a morning filled with activities amidst the dunes and the ocean, set against the iconic backdrop of Sandwich Harbor. Finally, ascend the tallest and most magnificent dunes in the world within the Sossusvlei region. Namibia is the country you have always dreamed of; join us now to benefit from our expert advice and uncover uniquely curated destinations.
Itinerary of the Self-drive Discovery Tour of Namibia
- Day 1 – Windhoek
- Day 2 – Etosha / Namutoni
- Day 3 – Etosha / Namutoni
- Day 4 – Etosha / Okaukuejo
- Day 5 – Twyfelfontein
- Day 6 – Twyfelfontein
- Day 7 – Swakopmund
- Day 8 – Swakopmund
- Day 9 – Sesriem
- Day 10 – Sesriem
- Day 11 – Windhoek
- Day 12 – Windhoek
Day 1 : Windhoek
Arrival in Windhoek. Welcome to Namibia! Transfer to the rental car office for a demonstration, guidance, and familiarization with your 4×4 vehicle. Acclimate yourself to driving on the left side of the road. Explore the city and immerse yourself in the local culture. Enjoy a leisurely dinner in town.
Overnight : Windhoek
Day 2 : Etosha / Namutoni
After your first Namibian breakfast, set off northward towards Etosha National Park. En route, you may pause at Okahandja, home to a large outdoor market featuring local crafts. Your lodge is situated on the northeastern border of Etosha National Park.
Overnight : Etosha / Namutoni (breakfast and dinner included)
Day 3 : Etosha / Namutoni
Depart for a day of safari in your 4×4 in the northeastern section of Etosha, searching for African wildlife. Traverse the trails, breathe in the distinctive scents and aromas, and feel the vibrant wildlife surrounding you. Etosha National Park, covering an area of 20,000 km², consists of a vast salt pan desert. It is one of Africa’s most exquisite wildlife reserves, housing 114 species of mammals and 340 varieties of birds.
Optional : Guided safaris organized by the lodge are available.
Overnight : Etosha / Namutoni (breakfast and dinner included)
Day 4 : Etosha (Okaukuejo)
An epic day awaits you. From waterhole to waterhole, you will make your way to the Okaukuejo camp. Keep your eyes peeled; you are in the territory of rhinoceroses, lions, giraffes, elephants, springboks, and many others. Take a break at the Halali camp to enjoy a nap by the pool during the hottest hours before continuing on to Okaukuejo.
Overnight : Etosha / Okaukuejo (breakfast and dinner included)
Please note: During sunset and throughout the night, you will have the opportunity to observe elephants, lions, and rhinoceroses as they gather to drink at the renowned Okaukuejo waterhole. Accommodations and services at the Okaukuejo camp may not meet high standards; if these aspects are of significance to you, we can arrange a reservation at a superior lodge situated outside the park.
Day 5 : Damaraland / Twyfelfontein
You will exit Etosha National Park to enter the ancient lands of Damaraland. A new region unfolds before you, characterized by vast expanses and places marked by history for millennia. This is the region of desert elephants along the Huab River. Twyfelfontein boasts one of the most significant concentrations of rock engravings in Africa.
Optional : Along the way, visit the petrified forest.
Overnight : Damaraland / Twyfelfontein (breakfast and dinner included)
Day 6 : Damarland / Twyfelfontein
Optional : Morning safari to observe desert-adapted elephants in the challenging conditions of Damaraland. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site of Twyfelfontein (paintings rock engravings), open from 8 am to 4:30 pm. You will pass near the Burnt Mountain, named for its black color, and Organ Pipes, a small canyon formed of basaltic rocks shaped like organ pipes.
Overnight : Damaraland / Twyfelfontein (breakfast and dinner included)
Day 7 : Swakopmund
As you journey in your 4×4 towards Swakopmund and the Skeleton Coast, prepare for a dramatic change in atmosphere. There is an opportunity to visit Cape Cross, home to one of the largest colonies of fur seals in Africa. Thousands of these remarkable creatures gather, and platforms and walkways allow you to approach them within mere meters. The detour will take approximately two hours, and the site is open from 10 AM to 5 PM. Enjoy dinner in town at your leisure.
Overnight: Swakopmund (breakfast included)
Day 8 : Swakopmund
Savor the charm of this beautiful seaside resort and its cooler climate. A myriad of activities awaits you: kayaking, catamaran sailing, quad biking, cycling, 4×4 excursions in the Sandwich Harbor dunes, scenic flights, sandboarding, and more. A comprehensive list of activities along with their prices will be provided upon your reservation. You may also indulge in shopping while exploring Swakopmund on foot. Enjoy dinner in town at your leisure.
Overnight: Swakopmund (breakfast included)
Day 9 : Sesriem
Depart towards the Namib Desert, which stretches over 2,000 km along the Atlantic Ocean. You will traverse the Kuiseb Pass before entering the Namib-Naukluft Reserve. You will cross the Tropic of Capricorn, where you can take a photo in front of the famous sign. We recommend stopping at the Namibian “Bagdad Café” to savor the country’s finest apple pies.
Overnight: Sesriem (breakfast and dinner included)
Day 10 : Sesriem
Depart at dawn to escape the midday heat. Embark on a 60-kilometer journey toward Deadvlei, surrounded by some of the most magnificent dunes in the world. The red dunes of the Namib are often referred to as the “Perfect Dunes.” Explore the sites of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, where you can ascend Dune 45 and stroll through the expansive pan among its ancient petrified trees. For the adventurous, conquer one of the world’s tallest dunes, rising to a height of 320 meters. Discover the enchanting Sesriem Canyon. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the pool, sheltered from the desert heat.
Optional : Hot air ballooning, scenic flights.
Overnight: Sesriem (breakfast and dinner included)
Day 11 : Windhoek
Departure towards the capital, Windhoek.
Dinner in town at your leisure.
Overnight: Windhoek (breakfast included)
Day 12 : Windhoek / Airport
(Breakfast included)
Regrettably, your holiday has come to an end. Depending on your departure time, take advantage of the last moments to indulge in some shopping; the craft center boasts a fine selection of local artisanal products. If shopping does not appeal to you, you may simply savor a freshly made smoothie. Return to the vehicle rental agency before transferring to Windhoek’s international airport.
Our other self-drive tours
Self-Drive Tour: "Landscapes, Wildlife & Flora, Tribes"
Discover Namibia behind the wheel of your 4x4. Experience memorable evenings in unique lodges, admire African wildlife in Etosha National Park, meet the Himba tribe, and explore Damaraland.
Self-Drive Tour: "Lions, Deserts, Canyons"
Embark on an unforgettable self-drive safari through Namibia: encounter iconic felines at Okonjima, witness the wildlife of Etosha at Okaukuejo, experience a breathtaking sunrise at Dune 45, and marvel at the majesty of the Fish River Canyon.
Self-Drive Tour: "Desert, Tribes, Wildlife, Victoria Falls"
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with a self-drive tour in Namibia, commencing in the Kalahari Desert. Meet the San people, known as the Bushmen. Discover the vastness of the Namib Desert, the enigmatic Skeleton Coast, traverse the rugged Kaokoland, and conclude your journey at the magnificent Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
Autotour “Aventure sauvage”
Le road trip de votre vie en Namibie : 16 jours et 15 nuits de safari : Etosha, le Damaraland, les dunes rouges du Namib, la Skeleton Coast, tant de lieux mythiques à découvrir. Profitez du confort des lodges et des maisons d’hôte après une journée d’aventure.
Self-Drive Tour: "Namibia and Victoria Falls"
Discover the wild splendor of Namibia as you navigate in your 4x4, from the glowing red dunes of the Namib Desert to the expansive Etosha National Park. Traverse the Caprivi Strip, then embark on a river safari along the Chobe River in Botswana. Finally, arrive at the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. This epic safari combines the vast desert expanses, spectacular wildlife, and unforgettable natural wonders of Southern Africa.
Self-Drive Tour: " Lodges Nature Tribes Great South"
Set off in your 4x4 to explore Namibia, beginning at the renowned Etosha National Park. Next, journey into the lands of the Himba people, uncover the wonders of Damaraland, and traverse the haunting Skeleton Coast. Continue through the Namib Desert and head south to witness the breathtaking Fish River Canyon. Finally, visit the Kalahari Desert, the ancestral territory of the San people.
Self-drive "safari in freedom"
Embark on an extraordinary adventure in Namibia with Matakwa Safaris, for a remarkable journey of 14 days and 13 nights aboard your 4x4 bush vehicle. This safari will lead you to Etosha and its majestic elephants, through the lunar landscapes of Damaraland, and all the way to the Skeleton Coast, traversing the enchanting Namib Desert.