Gems of Namibia 11 day trip (self-drive)

In the morning, experience an unforgettable adventure by following the tracks of leopards in the Okonjima Reserve. In collaboration with our guides, you will study and admire these fascinating felines in their natural environment. After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Etosha National Park and check in to the renowned Okaukuejo Rest Camp. This camp is renowned for its floodlit waterhole, which attracts a variety of wildlife, including the elusive black rhinoceros. Immerse yourself in the park's diverse ecosystems and witness the beauty of the African bush. Enjoy a self-guided game drive in the afternoon, exploring the park's vast landscapes and spotting fascinating wildlife. As the sun sets, relax at the floodlit waterhole and witness the gathering of animals.

Start your day with an exhilarating 4x4 game drive in Etosha National Park, one of Africa's most renowned wildlife sanctuaries. Guided by your ranger, you will encounter iconic wildlife like lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, and a variety of other fascinating species. After a rewarding morning, return to camp for a relaxing break. Spend the afternoon exploring the park's diverse landscapes, including the vast salt pans and lush woodlands. Keep your eyes peeled for fascinating animals, from zebras and giraffes to predators like leopards and cheetahs. As the sun sets, witness the gathering of wildlife at the park's waterholes, providing an unforgettable end to your day.

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at your lodge before embarking on a final self-guided game drive in Etosha National Park. After checking out, embark on a scenic journey to Damaraland, a region renowned for its rugged beauty. En route, we suggest an encounter with the unique Himba tribe, known for their traditional way of life and distinctive appearance. Visit their clay huts, learn about their customs, and witness their resilience in the harsh Namibian landscape.

Continue your journey to Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient rock engravings. Explore this fascinating archaeological site, dating back thousands of years, and gain insights into the region's prehistoric past. Immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural heritage of Namibia as you discover these hidden gems.

After breakfast, join a ranger in a 4x4 vehicle and track the renowned desert elephants, You will have the opportunity to discover these animals perfectly adapted to their environment, capable of withstanding the rigorous and dry conditions of the region. This walk takes you in search of these rare pachyderms which require much less water than other African elephants, and cover themselves in mud and dust to protect their skin from the sun.

Return to the lodge for a break before leaving for the Damara Living Museum. Along with the Bushmen, the Damaras belong to the oldest nations of Namibia. Due to their loose social structures, the Damara were unable to defend themselves against aggressors during the colonization of Namibia. This is one of the reasons why their culture has largely been forgotten. As part of the Damara Living Museum, an attempt was made to reconstruct the “lost culture” of Damara. Discover their daily routine (tool making, leather tanning, dancing, singing and traditional games). Go for a walk in the bush where women gather plants from the bush for food, perfume and medicine.

After breakfast, venture into the surrounding landscapes of Damaraland, exploring the iconic Burnt Mountain and the unique Organ Pipes rock formation. These geological wonders offer breathtaking views and insights into the region's geological history.

Then, embark on a scenic drive to Swakopmund, a charming coastal town with a distinct German colonial atmosphere. Surrounded by vast sand dunes, Swakopmund is a renowned adventure capital, offering a variety of thrilling activities like sandboarding or paragliding adventure.

Start your day with an exciting dolphin and seal watching cruise, savouring a delicious selection of oysters, snacks, and local champagne as you navigate the coastal waters. In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling 4x4 adventure to Sandwich Harbour, a breathtaking site where the desert meets the sea. Experience the thrill of driving through towering sand dunes and marvel at the panoramic views of the ocean and the Namib Desert. Enjoy a delicious lunch and drinks before returning to your accommodation at 4:30 PM

After breakfast you will leave for Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei, which offers stunning views of the sand dunes and Naukluft Mountains from almost anywhere in town. Make sure to visit the  Sesriem Canyon, a natural canyon 300 meters long and 30 meters deep.

Other suggested stops along the way include:

• The Tropic of Capricorn: While it might not be as famous as the equator, the Tropic of Capricorn is still a pretty cool place to stop and take a selfie. There's a sign on the C14 road marking the Tropic of Capricorn, which is about 23 degrees south of the equator and marks the southernmost point where the sun is directly overhead. If you're heading south from Swakopmund, you'll encounter the Tropic of Capricorn road marker about 2.5 hours outside of town.
• Solitaire: Further south, the small town of Solitaire (about an hour south of the Tropic of Capricorn and about 3.5 hours south of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay) is a popular stop for Namibian road trippers. It's essentially a glorified rest stop, with a gas station, a cafe, and abandoned cars that have been turned into works of art by the elements.

Start your day with an early morning adventure in the Namib-Naukluft Park, a vast and diverse desert landscape. As the sun rises, witness the breathtaking beauty of the towering sand dunes, the stark contrast of the red sand against the blue sky, and the unique plant life that thrives in this harsh environment.

Explore the park's iconic landmarks, including Dune 45, one of the most photographed dunes in the world, and Dead Vlei, a haunting desert pan filled with ancient, skeletal trees. Hike through the dunes, marvel at the geological formations, and capture stunning photographs of the desert scenery.

After your adventure, return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest, relax by the pool, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, or indulge in a spa treatment.

After a satisfying breakfast, check out of your accommodation and embark on a scenic drive to Windhoek. We suggest to go through the Spreetshoogte Pass which connects the Khomas Highland with the Namib Desert. With a maximum gradient of 14 percent, the road leading to the pass is one of the steepest in the region. The quartzite rocks at the summit have become a landmark in their own right; the bright white stone can be seen from afar as vehicles ascend towards the Spreetshoogte Pass. It is a great place to take a break and enjoy the view by taking the D1275 regional road southeast of Windhoek. It's a popular spot for picnicking, as the pass provides a convenient stop on a steep and rugged route at the edge of the Great Escarpment. Although the pass is beautiful at any time of day, photographers praise this spot for the magnificent afternoon light that gives way to spectacular sunsets.

Upon arriving in Windhoek, return your rental car and prepare for your return flight home.