14 Day Affordable Namibian Self Drive
From N$36200
per person
With breathtaking scenery abound, Namibia is the ultimate road trip destination. Ideal for those looking for a balance of comfort and adventure, this affordable accommodated Namibian self drive safari allows you to experience some of Namibia’s highlights whilst not blowing the budget, or compromising on comfort.
Take the journey through Namibia slowly, with short drives and more time to enjoy each destination from the Kalahari & Namib deserts, to time on the Skeleton Coast and Damaraland as well as a couple of nights in Etosha National Park.
Enjoy some of Namibia’s best value lodges, camps and guesthouse chosen specially for their prime location, service and experience. Comfortable en-suite rooms, set in some remote but stunning locations, offering many of the mod cons as the big cities including inviting swimming pools to cool off during the hot desert days, wifi to connect with family and share holiday pictures with the world, and a well stocked bar perfect for preparing a gin & tonic around sunset time.
Why choose a self drive safari?
For those that prefer a little more of an adventure than a all expenses resort holiday, a self drive safari is the perfect option. Travelling independently between destinations, splash out on guided activities at each destination. This could be anything from a nature drive through the desert, to explore the dry river beds of Damaraland looking for desert adapted elephants, to game driving in Etosha National Park.
What to expect when booking a self drive with Lark Journeys?
As a Windhoek based operator, our local knowledge and up to date insight of the tourism industry puts us in the best possible position to be able to tailor your holiday to your needs. Once booked, we are here to meet you when you arrive in Windhoek our team is always on hand to assist with any challenges you might have while on the road in Namibia.
For those that just don’t love the thought of this affordable Namibian self drive adventure, option for either a private guided safari, or splash out on a luxury self drive adventure!
| Minimum people | 1st Jul 2022 – 31st Oct 2022 | 1st Nov 2022 – 30th Jun 2023 | 1st Jul 2023 – 31st Oct 2023 |
| 2 people | from N$47,490 per person | from N$44,200 per person | from N$48,350 per person |
| 4 people | from N$46,800 per person | from N$43,500 per person | from N$47,600 per person |
2
Reviews
Departure/Return Location
Windhoek / WindhoekDeparture Time
8:00amReturn Time
5:30pmIncluded
AccommodationActivities as per itineraryMeals as per itineraryTransportNot Included
DrinksGuideInternational FlightsItems of personal natureNational park entry feesOptional ActivitiesPersonal travel insuranceWater
From our gallery
Tour Plan
1
Day 1: Windhoek Luxury Suites, Windhoek, Namibia
On arrival at Windhoek International Airport we are transferred into Windhoek where we will spend our first night in Namibia. Check into our hotel before exploring the city on foot or with an optional activity. Dinner tonight is at our own expense in one of Windhoek’s many restaurants.Accommodation: Twin share standard rooms with en-suite bathroom at Windhoek Luxury Suites
Optional Activities: Windhoek City & Township Tour
Distance travelled: ±45kms
2
Day 2: Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch, Kalahari Desert
Today we leave the big city and head south east into the Kalahari Desert. Whilst not officially a desert due to its higher than average annual rainfall, the Kalahari offers impressive views over the deep red dunes speckled with desert species like oryx, springbok and ostrich. This afternoon we can enjoy a sundowner nature drive, exploring the Bagatelle Ranch, searching for wildlife such as giraffes, kudus, zebras, oryx, gnus and eland antelopes. The reserve has some of the highest dunes in the region and offers a fascinating view over a salt pan characteristic of the Kalahari. The Kalahari is home to more than 150 bird species, many of which can also be found in our reserve and the popular meerkats families can also be watched with us, even though they are actually very shy.
Accommodation: Twin share savannah chalets with en-suite bathroom at Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Included Activities: Sundowner nature drive
Optional Activities: Cheetah drive, Horseback riding, Night Drive, Stargazing
Distance travelled: ±270kms
Accommodation: Twin share savannah chalets with en-suite bathroom at Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Included Activities: Sundowner nature drive
Optional Activities: Cheetah drive, Horseback riding, Night Drive, Stargazing
Distance travelled: ±270kms
3
Day 3: Tok Tokkie Trail, NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namib Desert
An early start is recommended for our journey west from the Kalahari to the Namib Desert. On arrival at the NamibRand Nature Reserve we can check in at the Tok Tokkie headquarters and enjoy lunch before heading off into this incredible landscape on foot. The NamibRand Nature Reserve, located in southern Namibia, is a private nature reserve established to help protect and conserve the unique ecology and wildlife of the south-west Namib Desert.It is one of the largest private nature reserves in southern Africa, extending over an area of more than 200,000 ha. The Reserve shares a 100km border with the Namib-Naukluft National Park in the west and is bordered in the east by the imposing Nubib Mountains. Virtually all facets of the Namib Desert are represented on the Reserve – sand and gravel plains and stretches of savanna alternate with mountain ranges, inselbergs and vegetated dune belts as well as an abundance of wildlife from large antelope like the oryx, to the tiny Namaqua chameleon and tok tokkie beetle. Our hiking starts with a short 1-2hour hike to our overnight stop where our camp is already prepared and we can enjoy a sundowner drink and our first sunset over the Namib Desert. Our first night spent out in the desert will be unforgettable. If the sky is clear and moonless, we can enjoy NamibRand one of the few International Dark Sky Reserves in the world.
Accommodation: Camping under the stars in the NamibRand Nature Reserve
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Included Activities: Afternoon hike through the Namib Rand
Optional Activities: -
Distance travelled: ±300kms
Accommodation: Camping under the stars in the NamibRand Nature Reserve
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Included Activities: Afternoon hike through the Namib Rand
Optional Activities: -
Distance travelled: ±300kms
4
Day 4: Tok Tokkie Trail, NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namib Desert
Early morning tea or coffee is served before sunrise followed by a light breakfast so that we can set off in the cool of the early morning. The highlights of the walk are the breath-taking views of the dunes and plains as well as the “coming alive” of the desert as the guide allows us to feel, smell, taste and see the oldest living desert in the world. The “morning news”, as written in the sand is always fascinating and with some luck and the guide’s trained eyes, we may spot some of the desert specials (golden mole, dancing white lady, barking gecko, dune lark, flightless wasp just to name a few). We walk over a mountain saddle before descending gently to a dry riverbed. During the course of the day our guide will explain some wonders of the Namib to us - how the fascinating desert flora survives, how insect and reptile life adapts to the harsh environment and how mammals can survive here without water. Birding is surprisingly good and we may be lucky enough to see one of Namib endemics, the dune lark. Larger animals we might come across include bat-eared fox, oryx, springbok and ostrich. As we realize that our survival depends on the water that has been deposited for us, this will probably heighten our admiration for the plants and animals that dwell here.
For lunch we will stop at a shady spot where we can enjoy the treats prepared by our chefs and fill up our water bottles. There is plenty of time to relax, have a siesta and reflect on all we have seen. As the heat recedes we start walking again up and over the dunes to our second overnight spot. The scene in front of us is a sea of endless dunes and “fairy circles” against a backdrop of magnificent mountain scenery. Photography is spectacular! The shadows on the dunes create an ever-changing palette of colors shortly before sunset. A sundowner and a delicious dinner after a long and enjoyable day are indeed welcome. We might hear some barking geckos, owls or just deafening silence.
Accommodation: Camping under the stars in the NamibRand Nature Reserve
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Optional Activities: Morning & afternoon hikes through the Namib Rand
Distance travelled: 0kms
For lunch we will stop at a shady spot where we can enjoy the treats prepared by our chefs and fill up our water bottles. There is plenty of time to relax, have a siesta and reflect on all we have seen. As the heat recedes we start walking again up and over the dunes to our second overnight spot. The scene in front of us is a sea of endless dunes and “fairy circles” against a backdrop of magnificent mountain scenery. Photography is spectacular! The shadows on the dunes create an ever-changing palette of colors shortly before sunset. A sundowner and a delicious dinner after a long and enjoyable day are indeed welcome. We might hear some barking geckos, owls or just deafening silence.
Accommodation: Camping under the stars in the NamibRand Nature Reserve
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Optional Activities: Morning & afternoon hikes through the Namib Rand
Distance travelled: 0kms
5
Day 5: Le Mirage Resort & Spa, Namib Naukluft / Sossusvlei
Once again we are woken in the soft light shortly before sunrise. Coffee and breakfast is served before we set off through the dune field. The soft and rolling dunes are interspersed by camel thorn trees, which provide welcome shade for a rest. Today’s walk is easy and we arrive at Tok Tokkie farmhouse at approximately 11:30 where we can say goodbye to the NamibRand Nature Reserve and head through to the boundary of the Namib Naukluft Park. We have a short drive through to our next destination, located just 30kms from Sesriem where we can wash off the dust of our hiking adventure and settle into the oasis that is Le Mirage. This area offers equally stunning photography opportunities and for those that can’t get enough of landscape photography this afternoon we can take a self guided walk or join a guided quad biking excursion to see more of this incredible area.
Accommodation: Twin share oasis rooms with en-suite bathroom at Le Mirage
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Included Activities: Morning hike on the NamibRand Nature Reserve
Optional Activities: Afternoon Quad bike excursion at Le Mirage
Distance travelled: ±70kms
Accommodation: Twin share oasis rooms with en-suite bathroom at Le Mirage
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Included Activities: Morning hike on the NamibRand Nature Reserve
Optional Activities: Afternoon Quad bike excursion at Le Mirage
Distance travelled: ±70kms
6
Day 6: Le Mirage Resort & Spa, Namib Naukluft / Sossusvlei
It’s recommended to make a pre-dawn start this morning to Sossusvlei, aiming to arrive at the national park gates at sunrise and head directly into Deadvlei so we can explore and enjoy photography before the crowds arrive. For the energetic, be the first of the day to summit Big Daddy, the highest dune in the area, or meander around Dead Vlei and enjoy the dunes during the coolest part of the day.
Sossusvlei is easily one of Namibia’s most spectacular attractions, characterized by the large red dunes surrounding bleached clay plans. The dunes in this area are some of the highest in the world, measuring almost 400m, and offering some of the most incredible photographic opportunities particularly around sunrise. Should we wish, a guided excursion can also be booked with the lodge.
Accommodation: Twin share oasis rooms with en-suite bathroom at Le Mirage
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Included Activities: -
Optional Activities: guided excursion to Deadvlei, Sossusvlei, Dune 45
Distance travelled:±180kms
Sossusvlei is easily one of Namibia’s most spectacular attractions, characterized by the large red dunes surrounding bleached clay plans. The dunes in this area are some of the highest in the world, measuring almost 400m, and offering some of the most incredible photographic opportunities particularly around sunrise. Should we wish, a guided excursion can also be booked with the lodge.
Accommodation: Twin share oasis rooms with en-suite bathroom at Le Mirage
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Included Activities: -
Optional Activities: guided excursion to Deadvlei, Sossusvlei, Dune 45
Distance travelled:±180kms
7
Day 7: The Delight, Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast
Our drive today takes us through to Swakopmund via the Gaub and Kuiseb passes. Our first official stop is Solitaire, a small but important outpost for tourists and locals alike, and a popular place to stop and enjoy some more unusual photographic opportunities. From Solitaire, we continue through the ever changing desert landscapes before arriving in Walvis Bay, the main harbor in Namibia. Here we have the opportunity to visit the Walvis Bay Lagoon, a RAMSAR listed wetland site, famous as the feeding ground for many bird species including the Greater & Lesser Flamingos, as well as the endemic Damara Tern amongst others making it an ornithologist paradise. From Walvis Bay it’s just a short drive to Swakopmund where we will spend the next two nights.
Accommodation: Twin share standard rooms with en-suite bathroom at The Delight
Meals: Breakfast
Included Activities: -
Optional Activities: Stop at Solitaire, Tropic of Capricorn, Walvis Bay Lagoon
Distance travelled: ±370kms
Accommodation: Twin share standard rooms with en-suite bathroom at The Delight
Meals: Breakfast
Included Activities: -
Optional Activities: Stop at Solitaire, Tropic of Capricorn, Walvis Bay Lagoon
Distance travelled: ±370kms
8
Day 8: The Delight, Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast
A day of rest and relaxation, or explore the coastal region on one (or two) of the many optional activities available. Explore the desert on a Living Desert Tour, join a boat cruise to enjoy the fresh air as the seals, dolphins and pelicans cruise alongside the boat. Alternatively, enjoy the Skeleton Coast from the air and take a scenic flight (south or north) to get another perspective of this dramatic landscape. Alternatively, meander through Swakopmund, explore the local galleries and enjoy a walk along the Atlantic Ocean.
Accommodation: Twin share rooms with en-suite bathroom
Meals: Breakfast only
Included Activities: -
Optional Activities: Quadbiking, sandboarding, scenic flight, living desert tour, Sandwich Harbour excursion and more...
Distance travelled: ±0kms
Accommodation: Twin share rooms with en-suite bathroom
Meals: Breakfast only
Included Activities: -
Optional Activities: Quadbiking, sandboarding, scenic flight, living desert tour, Sandwich Harbour excursion and more...
Distance travelled: ±0kms
9
Day 9: Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp, Damaraland
From Swakopmund we head north along the coast with our first stop at the Zeila Shipwreck, the Skeleton Coasts most recent victim. Then, we have the option to take a short detour north to Cape Cross, home to one of the worlds largest colonies of Cape Fur seals. It’s a smelly but fascinating stop and as we meander along the boardwalk the seals will oblige us with a million photo opportunities.
From here, we travel inland along the C35, one of the most culturally diverse roads in the country. Here, we have the chance to stop and meet the 3 different tribal groups, the Herero, The Damara and The Himba, that have made this area their home. These entrepreneurial women have created small craft stalls along the road in the hope of enticing the passing tourists to buy some locally crafted souvenirs. This is a great opportunity to meet some of the local women, and learn a little more about life in the rural parts of Namibia.
Our next stop is the heart of Damaraland and our home for the night, just a stones throw from Twyfelfontein and the perfect place to spend the night and enjoy our first Damaraland sunset.
Accommodation: Twin share tent with en-suite bathroom at Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Included Activities: -
Optional Activities: Visit to Cape Cross & stop at the Zeila Shipwreck & stops with the Himba, Herero & Damara people
Distance travelled: ±350kms
From here, we travel inland along the C35, one of the most culturally diverse roads in the country. Here, we have the chance to stop and meet the 3 different tribal groups, the Herero, The Damara and The Himba, that have made this area their home. These entrepreneurial women have created small craft stalls along the road in the hope of enticing the passing tourists to buy some locally crafted souvenirs. This is a great opportunity to meet some of the local women, and learn a little more about life in the rural parts of Namibia.
Our next stop is the heart of Damaraland and our home for the night, just a stones throw from Twyfelfontein and the perfect place to spend the night and enjoy our first Damaraland sunset.
Accommodation: Twin share tent with en-suite bathroom at Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Included Activities: -
Optional Activities: Visit to Cape Cross & stop at the Zeila Shipwreck & stops with the Himba, Herero & Damara people
Distance travelled: ±350kms
10
Day 10: Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp, Damaraland
A rare opportunity for a lie in this morning and enjoying a leisurely breakfast before taking a short drive through to Twyfelfontein to take a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the world's largest collection of San rock engravings, dating back around 5000years. Here we can learn all about how the San people used these etchings to record wildlife sightings, map their travels and communicate and tell stories generation after generation. After our guided tour, we can return to camp where we can relax during the heat of the day, enjoying lunch, a siesta or a swim before heading out on a guided nature drive exploring the ephemeral rivers in search of desert elephant. Namibia is one of just 2 countries in the world (the other Mali) where elephants have specially adapted to harsh desert environments and now roam freely through the Damaraland and Kaokoland region and we hope to find these gentle giants as they meander the dry riverbeds in search of food and water.
Accommodation: Twin share bush chalets with en-suite bathroom at Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Included Activities: Afternoon nature drive in search of desert elephant
Optional Activities: Guided tour of Twyfelfontein
Distance travelled: ±30kms
Accommodation: Twin share bush chalets with en-suite bathroom at Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Included Activities: Afternoon nature drive in search of desert elephant
Optional Activities: Guided tour of Twyfelfontein
Distance travelled: ±30kms
11
Day 11: Okaukuejo/Halali Camp, Etosha National Park
After breakfast, we pack our things and make our way towards Etosha National Park Today we are heading into Etosha via the western gate and game driving across the park to Okaukuejo/Halali. This area offers incredible game viewing opportunities including species that are not seen in other areas of the park including the Hartmann's Mountain zebra. Our camp inside the park means that our game viewing can continue into the night should we wish to sit up around the waterhole after dinner.
Accommodation: Twin share bush chalets with en-suite bathroom
Meals: Breakfast
Included Activities: Self guided game drives in Etosha National Park
Optional Activities: Night drive in Etosha National Park
Distance travelled: game drives only
Accommodation: Twin share bush chalets with en-suite bathroom
Meals: Breakfast
Included Activities: Self guided game drives in Etosha National Park
Optional Activities: Night drive in Etosha National Park
Distance travelled: game drives only
12
Day 12: Okaukuejo/Halali Camp, Etosha National Park
A full day today to explore the eastern part of Etosha, Namibia’s premier national park. The park itself stretches some 22,000 sq kms and is named after the enormous salt pan located within. The Etosha Pan covers around 4,800 sq kms and is so big that it can be seen from space. Spend the day searching for 4 of the big 5, from elephant, rhino, leopard, lion to plains game including giraffe, gemsbok, oryx and more. Our last night in the park should be spent by the waterhole, checking to see what might come down to the waterhole
Accommodation: Twin share standard rooms with en-suite bathroom
Meals: Breakfast
Included Activities: Morning self guided game drives in Etosha National Park
Optional Activities: Morning, afternoon & night guided game drives in Etosha National Park
Distance travelled: game drives only
Accommodation: Twin share standard rooms with en-suite bathroom
Meals: Breakfast
Included Activities: Morning self guided game drives in Etosha National Park
Optional Activities: Morning, afternoon & night guided game drives in Etosha National Park
Distance travelled: game drives only
13
Day 13: Windhoek Gardens Boutique Hotel, Windhoek
Enjoy a final game drive this morning as we make our way out of the park en-route back to Windhoek with optional stops along the way at the Okahandja woodcarvers market.
Accommodation: Twin share standard rooms with en-suite bathroom
Meals: Breakfast
Included Activities: Morning self guided game drives in Etosha National Park
Optional Activities: -
Distance travelled: ±500kms
Accommodation: Twin share standard rooms with en-suite bathroom
Meals: Breakfast
Included Activities: Morning self guided game drives in Etosha National Park
Optional Activities: -
Distance travelled: ±500kms
14
Day 14: Departure
Depending on our flight time, we can enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some last minute shopping before dropping off our rental car and being transferred through to Windhoek International Airport in time for our onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Included Activities: Airport drop off
Optional Activities: -
Distance travelled: ±45kms
Meals: Breakfast
Included Activities: Airport drop off
Optional Activities: -
Distance travelled: ±45kms
Tour Review
Superb
Comments
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The Tour Plan:
Naomi Dagoni
They plan the tour with us, make the changes, order for us the accommodation, organize car with all the equipment for camping and so. They help us any time we needed on the way and in good budget highly recommended. August 2022
Chad Wiebe
Could not ask for a better group to organize our (self drive) trip. Claire was so helpful prior to the trip and had everything lined up for us during the trip. They checked in regularly with us, responded quickly to any inquiries. Her advice was spot on and made planning the trip so easy. I could not recommend them more. September 2022