14 Days / 13 Nights - Affordable Namibia Self Drive Tour

TOUR INFORMATION: TOUR CODE:                       SD016 Type of Tour:                      Accommodated Self Drive Tour (Fly & Drive) Departure Date:                 Any date of your choice & Last minute bookings Departure Location:         Windhoek – Airport or City Tour Ends:                          Windhoek – Airport or City ROUTING HIGHLIGHTS: Windhoek  - Kalahari Desert  - Fish River Canyon - Aus - Namib Desert – Namib Naukluft Park – Sossusvlei  - Sesriem - Walvis Bay - Cape Cross - Damaraland - Etosha National Park  - Windhoek Car Rental: The type of vehicle rented will depend on your group size and amount of luggage and personal preference. NOTES: Our suggested itineraries are ideally suited to the first time or seasoned visitors alike; we assist and guide you all the way.  This tour can also be done as a Private Guided Safari or Fly-In Safari. As Custom Design Travel Specialists we can tailor-make any itinerary to suit your individual needs, interests, style and travel budget.

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Tour Summary:

Itinerary:

Day 1
Windhoek
Windhoek Airport you will be met by a company representative who will present you with your accommodation vouchers and assist you with the collection of your rental vehicle. Continue towards the capital city, Windhoek. Windhoek is often described as a city with a “continental” atmosphere due to its architecture (historical buildings dating back to the German colonial rule), cuisine, culture, dress and educational institutions. Windhoek portrays the colour, sounds and tempo of a modern African city with its displays of African drums and woodcarvings on the pavements, which contrast with the elegant shops offering sophisticated Swakara garments and Namibian gemstones. Sidewalk cafes, which offer Namibian style breakfasts (Frühschoppen) can be enjoyed with a glass of sparkling wine or locally brewed draught beer. In addition to steak houses and coffee bars serving snacks, the city has a wide range of a la carte restaurants offering German, French, Taiwanese, Portuguese, Italian, African and Chinese cuisine.

Accommodation: Protea Fürstenhof Hotel
Hotel Fürstenhof, centrally located in the capital Windhoek, is just a few minutes walk from Independence Avenue. If you are looking for a traditional hotel, in the middle price bracket, then you won't go far wrong with this hotel. All of the rooms have been recently upgraded, and the hotel now boasts some of the nicer hotel rooms in the city.

Day 2
Kalahari Desert
After an early breakfast depart heading in a southerly direction towards the western Kalahari Basin. On route pass through the small settlement of Rehoboth before arriving at the western boundary of the Kalahari Desert. Rehoboth is home to the “Baster Community” a fiercely independent people who are the descendants of a group of farmers of mixed European and Khoisan blood. These people first migrated to the area from the Cape in 1870 where they established a settlement at the site of an abandoned Rhenish Mission Station.

This region consists of ancient parallel red dunes covered by vegetation and ranging in height from 5 to 30 meters. Grassy plains scattered with mature Camelthorn trees, known as dune 'streets', separate the dunes that run northwest to Southeast. These plains support a diversity of vegetation and animal species that will leave you breathless with wonder, as you marvel at the paradise of the Kalahari Desert. This is where the red dunes meet the deep blue sky, and the sun sets in an explosion of colour, where some of the last few Bushmen roam in freedom and harmony with the land.

Accommodation: Kalahari Anib Lodge
Kalahari Anib Lodge lies like a lush green oasis in the midst of red Kalahari dunes. The restaurant and chalets are arranged around a shaded courtyard with a large swimming pool. 36 rooms with a private veranda are available for tour groups. For individual travellers there are 19 rooms, set slightly apart, with views of the open savannah and with a separate swimming pool. Located about 30 km northeast of Mariental the lodge makes for a perfect stopover on the way south.

Day 3 & 4
Fish River Canyon
After breakfast depart continuing in a southerly direction on route through the southern Karas Region via the small towns of Mariental and Keetmanshoop. This is one of the oldest established towns in Namibia and the capital of the south. Optional excursions on route should be included to the “Quiver Tree Forest”; an outcrop colonized by an Aloe tree species (Aloe dichotoma) and the basalt formations of the “Giants Play Ground”.

Accommodation: Cañon Lodge
Cañon Lodge in Gondwana Cañon Park is just 20 km away from the Fish River Canyon. 25 natural stone chalets with air conditioning, en suite bathroom and thatched roofs, nestle between massive granite boulders and convey a sense of living in the lap of nature. Enjoy delicious meals at the restaurant and be transported to the pioneering days of farming by the carefully arranged décor. Read a book at leisure on the terrace shaded by trees or relax at the swimming pool with vistas beyond the Fish River Canyon.

Day 5 & 6
Aus
This morning can be spent conducting an excursion to the Fish River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world and the second largest in Africa. This impressive geological formation had its origins some 1’800 million years ago and has had evidence of human “habitation” for over 50 000 years. Visits should be conducted to the various viewpoints, including Hells Bend. For the more energetic a walk along the canyon can be included.

Leaving the Fish River Canyon follow the main route in a westerly direction over the central highland plateau towards the small mountain town of Aus. Aus was established as a prisoner of war camp in 1915 following the surrender of the German colonial troops to the South African forces. The site was chosen for its strategic significance, situated on the railway line between Keetmanshoop and the harbour town of Lüderitz.

Accommodation: Klein Aus Vista Eagles nest
Solitude, silence, space and magnificent sunsets - these are the characteristics of the atmosphere at Eagle's Nest Chalets. A 15 minutes' drive from the reception at the Desert Horse Inn, 8 chalets are nestled against a mountain slope and afford unique views of the boundlessness of the desert. Each of the natural rock chalets sits between massive granite boulders and contains a bathroom, kitchenette, fireplace and private veranda. Meals are served at the Desert Horse Inn restaurant. Take-away breakfast or barbecue packs are available on request.

Day 7 & 8
Namib Naukluft Park
Heading towards the Namib Desert this morning. The Namib Desert is often referred to as the world's oldest desert. Namibia gets its name from the Namib so it should come as no surprise to discover that the entire western section of the country is comprised of the Namib. Of course the Namib spreads beyond the borders of Namibia and flows into southern Angola and the Northern Cape Province of South Africa.

A section of the central Namib Desert incorporates The Namib Naukluft Park, one of the largest national parks in Africa, as well as the Naukluft Mountains. The park is a combination of the Namib Desert Park and the Naukluft Mountain Zebra Park as well as sections of the Diamond Area.

Accommodation: Namib Desert Lodge
The main building and the chalets of Namib Desert Lodge are spread out along the foot of the fossilised dunes of the ancient Namib. A comfortable sojourn is guaranteed by 65 en suite rooms with air conditioning. A restaurant and bar, an inviting terrace with views of the fossilised dunes and two swimming pools beckon you to linger and relax. Oryx antelope and springbok make frequent appearances at our illuminated watering place.

Day 9
Walvis Bay
Walvis Bay is the main harbour town in Namibia; the harbour is visited by many fishing boats, cargo vessels and an increasing number of passenger cruise liners. Attractions of Walvis Bay are the lagoon with its prolific bird life and variety of recreational possibilities, a desert golf course, a choice of restaurants & accommodation establishments and adventure activities such as sea kayaking, sandwich harbour tours and dolphin cruises.

Although discovered by Diaz in 1487 - Walvis Bay was only founded in 1793 by the Cape Dutch. Two years later it was annexed by the British. In 1910 Walvis Bay became - like the entire Cape Colony - part of the South African Union. After Namibia's independence, the only deep sea harbour on the Namibian coast remained under South African rule until 1994.

Accommodation: Protea Pelican Bay Hotel
Protea Hotel Pelican Bay overlooks one of the most important wetland areas on the African Coastline, the Walvis Bay Lagoon, declared a Ramsar site to ensure that its protection is guaranteed by the Namibian government.

With its temperate climate, Walvis Bay and the Protea Hotel Pelican Bay offer a safe refuge from the Atlantic Ocean to the abundance of majestic flamingos and gigantic whales that flock to these waters. With uninterrupted view of the Walvis Bay Lagoon, where dolphins are often spotted playing in the water, Protea Hotel Pelican Bay offers 50 comfortable en-suite rooms, a restaurant, bar and coffee shop, as well as secure parking and conferencing facilities for up to 150 guests.

Day 10
Cape Cross / Skeleton Coast
The seal colony at Cape Cross is undoubtedly the main attraction on the coast between the Skeleton Coast Park and Henties Bay.

The seal reserve with its surrounding area was proclaimed a reserve in 1968 to protect the biggest and best known of the 23 colonies of Cape fur Seals which breed along the coast of South Africa and Namibia. During the November / December breeding season as many as 150 000 of these animals gather at Cape Cross. It is also the area where the Portuguese navigator Diego Cao erected a stone cross in 1486.

Accommodation: Cape Cross Lodge
Literally meters from the fertile Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cross Lodge presents a unique and serene stop for travellers along this vast untamed, seldom explored wilderness on the Skeleton Coast. Situated alongside the biggest breeding Cape Fur Seal colony in the world, but well out of the "smell" zone, 60km north of Henties Bay and 120km north of Swakopmund. The curious mix of Cape Dutch and West Coast fishing village architecture with colossal windows happily embrace the natural light and affords endless contemplated vistas.

The large patio, overlooking the beach and ocean, flows into the lower deck with its warm, welcoming reception area and intriguing curios shop housing an array of gifts. Leading from this charming space is the comforting cocktail bar and lounge, a quirky wine cellar and two cosy dining sectors. The private balconies glow with warmth wooden deckchairs and tables, affording unrestricted sea views and aura of complete respite.

Day 11
Damaraland
This mountainous area of Namibia is situated between the extreme desert aridity of the skeleton coast and the central plateau. Damaraland offers spectacular scenery and a variety of attractions ranging from fascinating geological formations to unique vegetation and the largest collection of ancient rock art in Southern Africa.

Damaraland was an area occupied primarily by the Damara people, but it soon became the home of other tribes such as the Herero people and the displaced Riemvasmakers of South Africa. Today, many residents of Damaraland are thus of mixed heritage, but most consider themselves Damara. The Damara name is derived from the Nama word "Dama", meaning "who walked here". This is because the Damara were known to the Nama people by the footprints they left around waterholes. From their vantage point in the mountains, the Damara were quick to spot resources such as water or animals, on the plains below, and they were therefore able to be the first groups to reach these essential resources.

Accommodation: Damara Mopane Lodge
Built in the wattle and daub style under Mopane trees and connected by a labyrinth of paths, the main building and chalets of the lodge look like an African village. The walls are adorned by copies of the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein. Each of the 60 double room chalets (with air conditioning) sits in a vegetable and herb garden surrounded by a low wall. The gardens supply fresh ingredients for supper, which consists of a starter followed by a delicious buffet. There is a swimming pool for chilling out and a viewing point for relishing sunsets. The lodge at the gates of Damaraland is ideally suited for excursions to Twyfelfontein (130 km), the Petrified Forest (70 km) and the Vingerklip rock pillar (50 km).

Day 12 & 13
Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park is one of the world's pre-eminent wildlife areas.
Etosha was proclaimed as Namibia’s first conservation area in 1907. With subsequent additions it became the largest game reserve in the world, covering a vast area of 93,240 km². For political considerations its size was progressively diminished, until by 1975 it had been reduced to its present surface area of 22,270 km². It is still one of the largest game reserves in Africa!

A vast area on Namibia's central plateau, the park's focal point is the Etosha Pan - a flat saline desert, 130 km long by 50km at its widest in the eastern sector of the park.

Accommodation: Etosha Safari Lodge
Guests rave about the view: the restaurant and chalets, situated on a hillock, offer magnificent views of the African bush savannah. All of the 65 double room chalets have air conditioners and mosquito nets, and a choice of three swimming pools between them. Apart from the restaurant and bar there is a wooden platform for sundowners high above the Mopani bush. The Andersson Gate into Etosha National Park is a mere 9 km away. Those who do not want to drive themselves can join one of the lodge's daily safari trips into the park.

Day 14
Windhoek
After breakfast departure on route to Windhoek via the small town of Okahandja. This is one of Namibia’s oldest established settlements and is the administrative centre of the Herero-speaking people. Numerous of the former Herero leaders are buried here and an annual procession through the town to the Herero graves commemorate those who died during the wars against the Nama’s and Germans. Optional excursions on route include a visit to the open - air wood carving centre and the Herero Graves.

Arrive back in the capital city, Windhoek where tonight again you will stay in Fürstenhof as the first night in Windhoek.
Accommodation: Protea Fürstenhof Hotel

Day 15
Today it is unfortunately time to depart to the international airport for your flight out
END OF TOUR

Please note – the itinerary above is a guideline only and whilst we try to adhere to it there may be circumstances when it may change – for example weather and/or road conditions, seasonal daylight hours etc. Overnight stops on occasion may be altered from those indicated above.

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Our tours are merely suggested itineraries and therefore can be tailor-made to suit your specific needs. Our Self Drive Tour routings are also suitable as a Guided Safari or Fly-In Safari. Routes can be amended according to your preference Accommodation can be changed to suit your style and budget Accommodation meal basis can be booked according to your requirements Extra nights can be added depending on your arrival and departure flight times and the pace that you want to travel