Adventures with Purpose: Self-Drive Namibia
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Covering some 200 million acres of abundant floodplains, woodland savannah, dramatic desert landscapes and haunting coastal scenery, Namibia is a conservation treasure-house and an environmental success story. The first African country to incorporate the protection of the environment into its constitution, its far-reaching initiatives are seeing incredible results. The creation of communal conservancies, ground-breaking research projects and anti-poaching directives have resulted in increases ...
Covering some 200 million acres of abundant floodplains, woodland savannah, dramatic desert landscapes and haunting coastal scenery, Namibia is a conservation treasure-house and an environmental success story. The first African country to incorporate the protection of the environment into its constitution, its far-reaching initiatives are seeing incredible results. The creation of communal conservancies, ground-breaking research projects and anti-poaching directives have resulted in increases to lion, rhino, cheetah and zebra populations across the world's richest dry land.
This extraordinary self-drive adventure takes you deep into the heart of one of Africa's most visually striking and abundant landscapes, affording an opportunity to not only witness first-hand these remarkable conservation projects, but to actually play your part in ensuring their ongoing success. Staying at some of the country's most successful and remote private concessions, you'll have opportunities to enjoy some truly unforgettable wildlife encounters, as you go in search of black and white rhino, rare desert elephants and bottlenose dolphins.
A wonderful mix of scenic game drives, kayak adventures, walking safaris and cultural discoveries that span over two millennia, this really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave a lasting impression not only on yourselves, but on the communities and concessions that you leave behind.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE WINDHOEK
Arriving in Windhoek today you will be met at the airport and transferred on to your boutique guesthouse for a chance to relax from the flight and prepare yourself for the adventure ahead.
Day 2 WINDHOEK – NAMIBRAND NATURE RESERVE
From Windhoek you begin your journey by heading south to the desert landscapes of the Namibrand Nature Reserve. Dating back 55 million years, the Namib is believed to be the oldest desert in the world. Home to towering dunes, rocky desert, and dramatic canyons, this landscape is also inhabited by antelopes, gazelles, hyenas, various wild cats, and desert elephants. The largest privately owned game park in Southern Africa, Namibrand Nature Reserve was founded to conserve the unique environment and wildlife species of the Namib Desert. Here you will be staying in a very special camp dedicated to the ongoing conservation work in the area. The owner is not only the son of one of the founders of the reserve, but he also established a Desert Training Academy which focuses on hospitality training, sustainable gardening, eco-friendly building practices, recycling, and much, much more, all of which you can learn about during your stay.
Day 3 NAMIBRAND NATURE RESERVE
Spend the next two days exploring this very special part of the country. The camp offers a variety of wonderful activities that will show you many aspects of the area, its wildlife and its community. Set off with the highly experienced team on scenic drives around the reserve and visit the village, to learn about the amazing work that goes on here; from the vital water supply system, permaculture and welding, to hospitality training and the use of solar power. Why not ditch the vehicles and set off on horseback, or for something a little different there are also e-bikes available to use. There are also of course multiple ways to just relax at the camp and soak up your surroundings, and the amazing team here will be available to give you all the options on arrival.
Day 5 NAMIBRAND NATURE RESERVE – SWAKOPMUND
Today's stunning drive takes you across the gravel plains of the Namib Desert and through the Kuiseb and Gaub passes, across landscapes that morph from the soaring red dunes of the Namib Desert to the flat, yellow sands that ripple with the heat as the morning progresses, before finally depositing you amongst the impressive coastal dunes of Swakopmund. Here you can check into your lovely guesthouse, centrally located to make the most of exploring this charming German-influenced town on foot, where a plethora of restaurants await your choice for tonight’s dinner.
Day 6 SWAKOPMUND
This morning you will get the chance to discover the wonderful Pelican Point, getting up close and personal with your surroundings as you explore by kayak. Pelican Point provides a home to up to 50,000 Cape Fur seals, large numbers of Heavisides and Bottlenose dolphins, black-backed jackals, flamingos, pelicans and even the brown hyena. The Pelican Point lighthouse, erected nearly 100 years ago, still casts a guiding light for sailors during the night. The seals are very playful and curious, and love to interact with the kayaks. The kayak affords the chance to become part of the scenery, without disturbing the wildlife. The animals do not see you as a threat in any way, offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy them 100% in their natural state. Returning to town for lunch, you then have the afternoon free to relax or explore at leisure.
Day 7 SWAKOPMUND - TWYFELFONTEIN
Departing early from Swakopmund, you'll journey through the Brandberg Mountains and along the dramatic Atlantic Coast this morning towards the startling landscapes of Twyfelfontein. The drive should get you to the camp in time for a late lunch and a chance to spend the afternoon enjoying the delights of the camp and the stark panoramas for which this region is famed. If the location alone isn’t enough to impress, be sure to learn about the camp’s ongoing support of the conservancy’s community, wildlife and environment. Projects include a community-based vegetable garden and the expansion of the current waterhole, to the support of desert lion projects and tireless work to effortlessly ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’. You can enjoy your stay in the full knowledge that it is all in support of preserving this very special area.
Day 8 TWYFELFONTEIN
Following the meandering course of the Aba Huab River, with its rich variety of wildlife, this morning you will set out on a guided nature drive in search of some of Namibia's remaining desert dwelling elephants. Dating back over 2,000 years, Twyfelfontein (Doubtful Fountain), is also home to one of the richest collections of rock art in Africa. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this remarkable region contains a treasure trove of stone-age engravings and ancient bushman artwork, providing an incredible insight into the lives of the ancient San bushmen who once lived here. You will get the chance to explore some of these unique sites today, as well as seeing Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes.
Day 9 TWYFELFONTEIN – PALMWAG
Continuing on to Damaraland's Palmwag Concession this morning, the next leg of the journey takes you into some of the most pristine wilderness in Namibia. Passing through some utterly breathtaking scenery, you will arrive at Etendeka Mountain Camp. Etendeka is a fantastic community project that has been running in conjunction with the local conservancy for over 20 years. The focus here is very much on low-impact tourism, with some fabulous walking safaris available, not to mention some of the best star-gazing in the country. The first activity guests enjoy here is the transfer into the camp, which is a 90-minute drive through the beautiful deserts of Damaraland. The route takes you through riverbeds, where desert elephant are often seen digging for water in the sandy riverbeds or feasting from the trees that surround them. No private vehicles are allowed in the concession and animals are free to roam wherever they like, meaning that every day brings a new experience here.
Day 10 PALMWAG
Activities at Etendeka are a truly magical experience, allowing guests to revel in the glorious isolation of the camp and explore the stunning landscapes in which it is nestled. Mornings are spent out walking across the ancient lava flows and learning more about how this incredible landscape was created millions of years ago. Whilst spotting animals isn’t the focus of these walks, game is often seen en route, especially the more common animals such as oryx. In the afternoons further game drives are offered, although you may prefer to simply sit back and enjoy the spectacular views from the front of your tents or from the main bar area.
Day 11 PALMWAG – ONGAVA NATURE RESERVE
Head east today, to the impressive 30,000-hectare Ongava Game Reserve, found on the southern fringes of the game-lands of Etosha National Park. Whilst it may lack the dramatic scenery of the National Park itself, the game viewing and landscapes of Ongava are still a wonderful sight to behold. One of the benefits of staying in a private reserve is that guests can enjoy a greater variety of activities, including day and night game drives and guided walks. They also offer longer day drives through the Etosha National Park, allowing the chance to make the most of the vast salt pans. Ongava Tented Camp has a long history of conservation and research work in the area, most notably with both white and black rhinos. Indeed, Ongava holds one of the largest rhino custodianships for the Namibian government in the country and is one of the few private game reserves in southern Africa where guests can see both these species. The Ongava Research Centre (ORC) is a vital hub of research and also boasts an excellent visitor’s centre, which guests can visit to learn more about the science behind these very important conservation efforts.
Day 12 ONGAVA NATURE RESERVE
Guests staying at Ongava Tented Camp are able to enjoy a range of safari activities within the private land of the Ongava Game Reserve. The vast expanses of the reserve make game drives the main activity here, with morning and afternoon drives to spot the abundant and varied game conducted daily. The reserve is especially good for spotting lion, whilst rhino also thrive here and for those fortunate enough to spot them on the open plains, the chance to approach to within a few metres of them on foot will be offered – a truly incredible experience and one not to be passed up. For those on slightly longer stays, the guides can also conduct morning trips into the main part of the Etosha National Park which is adjacent to Ongava, whilst guests are of course free to drive themselves to Etosha and enjoy a self-drive safari there as well.
Day 13 ONGAVA NATURE RESERVE – OKONJIMA NATURE RESERVE
A final morning affords an opportunity to enjoy the sunrise and a last game drive, before beginning the journey south towards Okonjima Nature Reserve. Okonjima is home to the AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organisation that works alongside local communities and researchers to help conserve and protect threatened cheetah, leopard, and other wild carnivores of Namibia. Visitors can observe some of this programme in action and learn more about these amazing and beautiful animals during their time here. The foundation also has a great education centre where local students often come to learn about the importance of big cats as a keystone species.
Day 14 OKONJIMA NATURE RESERVE
During your stay at Okonjima you will be able to enjoy a wonderful variety of activities. Go in search of the elusive leopard on a game drive or learn about the Cheetah Project, which offers an invaluable insight into the welfare work of the AfriCat Foundation. Guests can even set out on foot with the specialist guides and radio-track the rehabilitated cheetahs. Experience life as a bushman as you enjoy a highly-informative guided walking trail, learning about the art of making traditional artefacts and discovering how the San adapt and survive in such an unforgiving wilderness environment. After a delicious dinner be sure to spend some time in the nocturnal hide, where you can witness the nighttime reserve coming to life, with porcupines, honey-badgers and caracal amongst the regularly spotted visitors.
Day 15 OKONJIMA NATURE RESERVE – WINDHOEK
Leaving the Omboroko Mountains and the AfriCat Foundation behind you'll make your final journey south to Windhoek today, a drive time of about 2.5 hours. This is where the tour comes to an end.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Etendeka Mountain Camp, Damaraland
A gem of a property in Northern Damaraland, Etendeka Mountain Camp is nestled at the foot of the Grootberg Massif and overlooks the Etendeka lava flow, meaning guests here enjoy stunning, almost moon-like views wherever they look. The accommodation is ten simple yet comfortable meru-style tents with en suite bathrooms, each boasting flush toilets, running water and bucket showers, and offering beautiful views out to the surrounding area. Pathways lead guests to the main dining tent where simple, rustic food is lovingly prepared and enjoyed around a large communal dining table. The focus at Etendeka really is one of simplicity and being at one with nature – enjoying the vast open skies, being in good company and learning more about this extraordinary area from the experienced team of guides. Activities here vary between guided nature drives and walks with your guides. Whilst there is plenty of game in the area, including desert adapted elephant and rhino, as well as cheetah and antelope such as oryx, sightings are never guaranteed to these are regarded as nature drives as opposed to game drives. Walks will allow guests to see smaller animals, learn about the varied plant life of the area and how it has adapted to living in such a harsh, waterless environment.
Okonjima Plains Camp, Okonjima Private Game Reserve
Standing proud on the plains of the renowned Okonjima Farm, the home of the AfriCat Foundation, Okonjima Plains Camp is a charming camp to spend a couple of days enjoying the beautiful scenery and varied activities that a stay at the farm offers. The camp is made up of 24 rooms, split between Standard and View Rooms and, whilst all offer views of the surrounding plains, the View Rooms offer more spacious accommodation and more spectacular vistas. Whichever room type you choose, you will be accommodated in the utmost comfort, with en suite bathrooms, private decking areas, roof fans, mini-fridges and a large safe. The View Rooms also boast their own writing desks and chairs in which to relax. The main part of the lodge, known as The Barn, houses the lounge, dining room and curio shop, as well as a large, secluded swimming pool. A second, smaller pool is found at the far end of the camp. The food here is excellent, enjoyed in the spacious dining room with a wonderful view out across the plains. All activities at Plains Camp are bookable in advance and popular trips include a visit to the AfriCat Foundation, Leopard Viewing and visits to their Cheetah Project. Game drives, birdwatching, bushman interaction experiences and self-guided nature walks are all on offer as well.
Camp Kipwe, Twyfelfontein
Nestled between vast granite boulders and looking down the Aba Huab Valley, Camp Kipwe is one of the most dramatically situated camps in all of Namibia, which, given the competition it has, is some statement. The ten rooms at this small, exclusive camp are built amongst the boulders as well, set in large dome shaped chalets with thatched roofs to help keep them lovely and cool in summer. The front of the bedroom area can be opened up to lead out onto the large terrace which is an ideal place to enjoy morning coffee, an afternoon with a good book and even a private dinner to celebrate a special occasion. The bathrooms are partially open to the elements which is a very popular feature and gives guests a real back to nature feel, and the view from the bath is really something to behold. At the main part of the lodge there is a beautifully situated restaurant and bar area, along with a lovely swimming pool and sun deck. Activities at Camp Kipwe are varied and are focused very much on sustainable eco-tourism., including interactions with local villages and game drives to see the desert adapted animals of the area. There are also daily trips up to see the fascinating ancient bushmen rock art for which the area is so well known.
Elegant Guesthouse, Windhoek
An intimate modern bed & breakfast found in an upmarket part of Windhoek, the Elegant Guesthouse represents one of the best accommodation options in the capital. The six simple bedrooms are smartly furnished with modern fixtures and fittings and en-suite bathrooms. In addition to a lovely lounge area there is a small library where books can be borrowed and left for future visitors. The breakfasts here are truly magnificent, with a wonderful variety of fresh, seasonal produce served each morning. There is a small swimming pool set in the neat gardens where guests can sit and relax in the afternoons. We recommend this guesthouse if looking for an unassuming, quality B&B., which also focuses its attention on sustainability and conservation efforts.
Ongava Tented Camp, Ongava Game Reserve
South of Etosha National Park lies Ongava Tented Camp in the 30,000 hectare Ongava Game Reserve. The camp is nested unobtrusively into the Mopani Bush, making for a wonderfully wild setting and one very fitting for such a classic tented safari camp. The camp is eight tents in total, with seven standard and a single two bedroom family unit. All of the tents have en suite bathrooms with double vanities, indoor and outdoor showers and a wide selection of toiletries. The tents themselves have a classic safari feel to them, with hardwood floors, mosquito net draped beds and covered verandas which are ideal for relaxing on during the afternoon and enjoying the views out into the bush. The main area of the lodge is a large stone and thatched dining area, complete with a well-stocked bar, viewing deck and swimming pool as well as a small curio shop. The floodlit waterhole is overlooked by the camp fire area making it an ideal spot to sit before and after dinner to watch a variety of game come to drink. Activities on offer include game drives, guided walks, rhino tracking on foot and dedicated birding trips with the expert guides who keep guests coming back to Ongava year after year.
Wolwedans Dune Camp, Namibrand Nature Reserve
Styled on the traditional idea of an African safari camp, but wonderfully located in the edge of a 250-metre-high dune, Wolwedans Dune Camp is a great choice for visitors looking for a genuine under-canvas experience in the area. With just six tents, this is a very small camp and allows for a very private and intimate experience, but is still large enough to allow for a friendly, warm atmosphere to prevail at meal times. Elevated on wooden platforms, the tents are all timber framed with thick canvas sides and gauze covered windows to allow a cooling breeze to flow through them. The furnishings are very traditional, with camp chairs on the immediate decking, and a larger deck to one side is also available for those who would like to sleep out under the stars. The main lodge continues the traditional theme, with lots of 1920s-style furnishings and decorations. At meal times the chefs will create a wonderful array of dishes and the open plan nature of the kitchen and dining room means guests can see them hard at work. After dinner the camp fire is lit and guests congregate to share tales of the day exploring the desert. Guests at Wolwedans can enjoy a wonderful variety of activities, including scenic drives, guided walks and ballooning trips over the red hued mountains and sands of the desert. Tours to local villages and horse-riding trips can also be arranged, as can scenic flights in fixed wing aircrafts. A range of spa treatments are also on offer whilst the guides are always happy to help keen photographers best capture the alluring beauty of this part of Namibia.
Swakopmund Guesthouse, Swakopmund
Found just a five minute stroll from the beachfront and main streets of the town, the Swakopmund Guesthouse is an ideal base for visitors looking for quaint, traditional accommodation to match the laid back feel that the town provides. With 15 rooms, this modestly-sized property is spread over two floors, with rooms and communal areas decorated with plenty of light colours and offering comfortable, modern furnishings. The bedrooms all have spacious en-suite bathrooms and the bedrooms themselves are very well-appointed with all of the facilities one could wish for. The breakfast room is open every morning with a wonderful away of dishes served to start your day of exploring the area. For those relaxing in the property during the day there is a spacious courtyard with parasols to protect you from the sun. Ample off-street parking is provided so cars are secure and for those who don’t want to walk into town there is a shuttle service provided. With easy access to Swakopmund town and the surrounding area this is an excellent choice for visitors looking to make the most of their time in the adventure capital of Namibia.
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Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Clem
Clem is our Namibia expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Clementine by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
OTHER ITINERARIES IN NAMIBIA
Check out our group tours in Namibia
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Namibia. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Namibia