Namibia self-drive - Luxury
12 days at the wheel across wild Namibie: giant dunes, endless desert, black rhinos and Etosha lions. A large-format self-drive tour for those who want to experience the country, not just see it.
Duration
12 days
From
€10,870/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
Luxury
Travelers
Couple, Honeymoon, With friends
The spirit of travel
Discover Namibia on a self-drive tour in a more comfortable version, combining driving freedom and exceptional accommodations. This itinerary allows you to explore the country's major sites at your own pace, while enjoying charming lodges located in the heart of wild landscapes.
From the red dunes of Sossusvlei to the reliefs of Damaraland, passing through the Atlantic coast and safaris in Etosha national park, discover Namibia's must-see attractions in privileged conditions. Each stage is designed to minimize travel constraints and maximize time devoted to discoveries.
Enjoy comfortable rooms, personalized services and supervised activities such as safaris, desert excursions or meetings with local communities.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Windhoek!
Upon arrival at Windhoek International Airport, you are welcomed in English at the car rental office by your local guide.
They accompany you for the collection of your rental vehicle and provide you with your travel documents.
You then head towards Windhoek, located approximately 40 km from the airport. After approximately 45 minutes of travel, you reach Namibia's capital and check into your hotel.
Night at Heinitzburg Hotel, with breakfast included.
First Discovery of the Desert
You leave Windhoek and head towards the NamibRand nature reserve, through desert landscapes dotted with red dunes and mountains with ochre hues.
You arrive at your lodge, located in the heart of a vast private reserve. Check-in to your room with a view over the desert.
Depending on your time of arrival, you may participate in a first activity organized by the lodge: a 4x4 vehicle excursion, on a shared basis, dedicated to discovering the wildlife and landscapes of the reserve.
At the end of the day, you enjoy the sunset over the dunes before returning to the lodge for the evening.
Night at Kwessi Dunes Lodge.
Discovery of the Namib Desert Dunes
Kwessi → Sossusvlei
In the morning, you depart with your guide and in a lodge vehicle for a guided excursion in shared service to Sossusvlei, in the heart of the Namib Desert.
You discover the large red dunes of the region as well as several emblematic sites of Sossusvlei, including Dead Vlei, Dune 45, Big Daddy and Sesriem Canyon. In this arid environment, desert-adapted animals also thrive, particularly oryx, springbok and ostrich.
Sossusvlei → NamibRand Reserve
You return to the NamibRand Reserve and your lodge in late afternoon. This excursion to Sossusvlei is included only for three-night stays.
You then have free time to enjoy the lodge surroundings or participate in one of the included activities available on site: quad excursion, 4x4 sunset drive or guided walk.
Night at Kwessi Dunes Lodge, with full board.
Activities in the heart of the Namibian desert
You enjoy a full day in the heart of the NamibRand nature reserve, with two activities included organized by the lodge.
Depending on your preferences, you can set off on a quad excursion to explore the desert landscapes of the reserve, or choose a 4x4 excursion, offered in the morning or afternoon.
Guided walks are also available to discover the reserve on foot, accompanied by the local team.
As an optional extra, you can also participate in a hot air balloon excursion, offered in the morning only.
Night at the Kwessi Dunes Lodge, with full board.
On the Atlantic coast
Kwessi → Swakopmund
You leave the NamibRand to reach Swakopmund. Allow approximately 6.5 hours of driving through the desert landscapes of Namibia and vast gravel plains.
Upon your arrival in Swakopmund, a coastal town with German influences bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and dunes, you settle into your hotel.
You then have free time to discover Swakopmund at your own pace: a stroll on the pier, exploration of colonial architecture and craft markets, or a walk by the sea.
Night at the Strand Hotel.
Swakopmund and Sandwich Harbour - Cruise and 4x4 Excursion
You start the day with a 3.5-hour boat excursion dedicated to observing marine fauna. During navigation, you may spot dolphins, whales and pelicans which can sometimes join passengers on board.
In the afternoon, you head out in 4x4 towards Sandwich Harbour. The route crosses the salt pans before entering the Namib-Naukluft park, between ocean and desert. You then reach the Sandwich Harbour lagoon and explore the dunes with your guide.
A light lunch in the form of brunch is provided in the dunes.
Night at the Strand Hotel, with breakfast and lunch included.
Route to Twyfelfontein
After breakfast, you leave Swakopmund and head towards Damaraland.
On the way, you have the option to visit, on an optional basis and for an additional fee, the site of Twyfelfontein and its ancient rock engravings. Entrance is to be paid on site.
You then continue your journey to the lodge, located in the heart of a landscape of red mountains and arid valleys. After settling in, and depending on your time of arrival, you may participate in an included activity offered by the lodge, usually an outing at the end of the day to observe the sunset over the private reserve.
Night at Damaraland Camp, with breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
In Search of Desert Elephants
This morning, you depart with your guide and the lodge vehicle for an excursion in search of desert elephants in the Huab River. You travel through the arid landscapes of Damaraland to try to observe these animals adapted to the particular conditions of the region.
In the afternoon, you enjoy rest time at the lodge before setting out again for a guided excursion in shared service on the lodge's private reserve, until sunset.
This day allows you to discover the landscapes of Damaraland, between mountain ranges, arid valleys, rock formations and dried-up river beds. The region is also home to black rhinoceros and Hartmann's zebras.
Night at Damaraland Camp, on full board.
Etosha National Park
Damaraland → Parc national d'Etosha
After breakfast, you leave Damaraland and head towards Etosha National Park,
Along the way, you travel through varied landscapes, between arid plains and savannas dotted with acacias, before reaching your lodge located near one of the park's entrances.
After settling in, you enjoy a free afternoon to relax at the lodge, observe animals coming to drink at the nearby watering hole or simply enjoy your surroundings.
Night at Etosha Oberland, with breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Private safari in Etosha National Park
After breakfast, you head out for a day of guided safari in Etosha National Park, in a shared service, accompanied by the lodge guide and in their vehicle.
As you explore, you discover the park's landscapes and its vast Etosha Pan, while traveling to the various watering holes frequented by wildlife. You will have the opportunity to observe elephants, lions, black rhinoceros, giraffes, zebras and herds of antelope.
After this day dedicated to observing Etosha's wildlife, you return to your lodge.
Night at Etosha Oberland, with breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Safari in search of leopards
Parc national d'Etosha → Otjiwarongo
After breakfast, you leave the Etosha National Park and head south towards Otjiwarongo. The journey crosses savanna and hill landscapes, dotted with traditional farms and Namibian villages.
Upon arrival, you settle into your lodge located within a vast private reserve.
In the afternoon, you depart with a guide for a shared excursion dedicated to leopard tracking in the reserve. You travel the trails until sunset before returning to the lodge.
Night at Okonjima Plains Camp, with breakfast and dinner included.
See you soon!
After breakfast, you leave Otjiwarongo and head towards Windhoek.
On the way, you pass through Okahandja, where you can stop to discover its craft markets and wooden sculptures.
You then continue your journey to Windhoek, before heading to Hosea Kutako International Airport for your departure flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- The international flight
- The English-speaking guide
- Tips at the Lodge and for Lodge Guides
- Everything You Buy in Souvenir Shops
Included
- Welcome and airport pick-up by an English-speaking guide
- A rental vehicle Toyota Fortuner 4x4 automatic (super cover) – Subject to availability
- Accommodations as mentioned in the program – Subject to availability
- Activities as mentioned in the program – Subject to availability
- Small gift per person and map of Namibia per room
- Local beverages in the lodges except in Windhoek, Swakopmund and Okonjima
Your accommodations
Hotel Heinitzburg Standard deluxe
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Namibia for a tourist stay. As entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Namibia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of entry into the country and contain at least two to three blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without a visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Namibia.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days per 12-month period. The authorized length of stay is specified by the immigration officer upon entry into the territory.
The authorities may request:
a departure ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay,
confirmation of an accommodation booking or a travel itinerary.
Arrival card
Upon arrival in Namibia, you will be asked to complete an entry form (arrival card) which is generally provided on the plane or available at border posts and international airports.
This form requires in particular:
passport information,
details of the flight or means of transport used,
the address of your first accommodation in Namibia,
the expected length of stay.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Namibia except from a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case an international yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
As a precaution, it is recommended that you consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure. The following vaccinations are generally advised:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
tetanus-diphtheria-poliomyelitis.
Antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended for trips to the north of the country, particularly in the Caprivi (Zambezi), Kavango and Etosha regions. Consult your doctor for treatment suited to your situation.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
Namibia applies strict rules regarding travel by minors. When a child travels with a single parent or without their parents, it is strongly recommended that you carry:
a travel authorization signed by the other parent or by both parents in the case of travel with a third party,
the child's original birth certificate,
proof of family situation where applicable (custody order, death certificate, etc.).
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should contact the embassy or consulate of Namibia in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and foreign medical expenses.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in Namibia, a valid passport with at least 6 months validity after entry and at least three blank pages is required. Visa exemption applies for certain nationalities for a limited period. Entry conditions may change: check with Namibian consular authorities the rules applicable to your nationality before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 230 and 380 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, 4x4 rental and activities. International flights (900-1300 euros return) are additional. The self-drive 4x4 with roof-top camping is Namibia's iconic experience.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each circuit to match our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Namib Desert
Connoisseur of Namibia's vast horizons, based in Windhoek
Namibia is not a country you visit in a hurry. Here, distances, silence and light are an integral part of the journey.
— Delphin
