The Vlei & the Veld: Self-Driving Namibia
This 12 day Namibia self drive itinerary travels from Windhoek to Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Etosha National Park, combining desert landscapes, coastline and safari in one varied journey. It’s ideal for travellers looking to explore Namibia independently.
Driving is part of the experience itself, with long, open roads, changing light and a sense of complete isolation shaping each day, making the journey as important as the destinations along the way.
The itinerary below is shown as an example route. Every journey we create is planned from scratch and can be shaped entirely around you — unless you like it exactly as it is.
- Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Your adventure begins with an overnight flight to Windhoek.
- Day 2 - Windhoek
After arriving in Namibia's capital you'll meet one of our representatives before transferring to your guest house. Here you will be provided with everything you need for your self-drive safari, including your 4x4 vehicle.
- Day 2 - Sossusvlei
Leave Windhoek in your rental car and head to the Sossusvlei lodge. Relax for the rest of the afternoon in the scenic desert surroundings.
The drive alone is awesome, the scenery is otherworldly.
- Day 3 - Sossusvlei
Rise early to witness the sights of the dunes at sunrise. Explore the beauty Sossusvlei & trek to the eerily beautiful Deadvlei, before heading back to the lodge to unwind.
Enjoy dinner under the stars.
- Day 4 - Swakopmund
Head North-West to Swakopmund and drive through the ever-changing desert landscapes of the Namib Naukluft National Park, including the impressive Gaub and Kuiseb canyons.
Spend the afternoon exploring the shops, waterfront and craft market before heading out for dinner at one of the popular restaurants in town.
- Day 5 - Swakopmund
Explore Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and the surrounding areas at your own leisure. Climb the coastal dunes, and if you feel up to it - partake in cool activities such as, sand-boarding, boat cruises & kayaking.
- Day 6 - Damaraland
Continue your self-drive safari, passing Namibia’s highest mountain, the Brandberg. Take in the amazing scenery on your way to Grootberg Lodge.
- Day 7 - Damaraland
Enjoy a memorable elephant tracking excursion through the Klip River valley and surrounding areas - accompanied by expert safari guides.
- Day 8 - Etosha National Park
Head off to southern Etosha, or more specifically Ongava Private Reserve. The landscape changes yet again from stunning canyons to something a bit more verdant.
Enjoy your first game drive this evening. Ongava is home to lions, elephants, giraffes, Rhinos and much more besides.
- Day 9 - Etosha National Park
Enjoy a full day of game viewing within the Etosha National Park. You can head into the park on leisurely game drives in your rental vehicle, or alternatively join the scheduled guided game drives as offered by your camp.
- Day 10 - Windhoek
Head back to Windhoek, stopping off at the Okahandja woodcarvers craft market. Enjoy a special meal on your last night.
- Day 11 - Overnight Flight
Relax in the morning and enjoy some last minute shopping before heading back to the airport for your onward flight.
From £3250pp
Itinerary highlights
- Drive vast open roads through Namibia’s ever-changing desert landscapes
- Climb Sossusvlei dunes at sunrise and explore haunting Deadvlei
- Discover Swakopmund’s coast with marine life, sandboarding and adventure
- Safari through Etosha National Park spotting wildlife at iconic waterholes