19-Day Namibia Self Drive Tour.  Embark on a remarkable 19-day self-drive adventure through Namibia, a country of striking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and captivating culture. This journey takes you from the vibrant capital city of Windhoek through the red sands of the Kalahari Desert, the dramatic Fish River Canyon, and the haunting ghost town of Kolmanskop. Discover the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, the German charm of Swakopmund, and the rugged beauty of Damaraland. Track endangered black rhinos, explore the iconic Etosha National Park, and unwind in the tranquil Central Highlands. Experience Namibia at your own pace, with the freedom to explore its wonders behind the wheel.

Day 1: Arrival in Windhoek – Collect Your Keys & Explore

Upon your arrival in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a driver who will transfer you to your centrally located accommodation. Once settled in, your rental vehicle will be delivered to your hotel, fully equipped with a mobile phone, a cool box, and a detailed information pack including directions, lodge details, and emergency contacts.

After settling in, the rest of the day is yours to discover Windhoek at your leisure.

Day 2: Journey to the Kalahari Desert

This morning, begin your self-drive journey heading south for around two hours to a lodge nestled on the edge of the vegetated Kalahari Desert. Here, you can unwind by the pool or join an optional scenic drive through the lodge’s private reserve.

Despite its arid environment, the Kalahari supports diverse wildlife, including giraffes, oryx, springbok, kudu, and zebras. You might even spot the elusive bat-eared fox, a regional rarity.

Day 3: Onward to the Fish River Canyon

Today, continue your drive south, stopping to explore the unique Quiver Tree Forest before reaching your accommodation near the majestic Fish River Canyon—the second-largest canyon in the world.

Arriving mid-afternoon, you’ll have time to join a sunset walk or sundowner drive along the canyon’s edge before enjoying a cozy evening meal at your lodge.

Day 4: Exploring Fish River Canyon

Enjoy a full day dedicated to exploring the breathtaking Fish River Canyon. After breakfast, you can choose from a variety of adventure activities offered at Fish River Lodge. These include both guided and unguided hikes, canyon drives, or cycling adventures across the rocky terrain.

Day 5: Travel to Aus

After breakfast, begin your journey north and west toward the coast. The scenery changes dramatically as you approach the Aus area, characterized by its rocky landscapes and desert plains.

You’ll stay at the beautifully secluded Eagle’s Nest Chalets for two nights. While here, keep your eyes peeled for the legendary Namib Desert horses—feral and mysterious inhabitants of the region.

Day 6: Discover Aus, Luderitz, and Kolmanskop

Spend the day exploring the highlights of the region. Visit the coastal town of Luderitz and enjoy scenic drives around its nearby peninsula. You may also consider a boat trip to nearby islands, home to African penguins.

Another must-see is Kolmanskop, a once-thriving diamond mining village now abandoned and dramatically reclaimed by the desert sands. For outdoor enthusiasts, walking and biking trails in the Klein-Aus Vista Reserve offer even more exploration opportunities.

Day 7: Drive to the Namib-Naukluft National Park

Today’s longer drive (approximately six hours) takes you to one of Namibia’s crown jewels—Namib-Naukluft National Park. You’ll stay for two nights near the entrance to this vast expanse of iconic red dunes and surreal landscapes.

Explore the famous Sesriem Canyon or simply take in the desert’s grandeur.

Day 8: Iconic Sossusvlei and Beyond

Rise early to catch the first light over the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei. Alternatively, elevate your experience with an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride for panoramic views of the desert.

Other activities include nature drives, guided walks, or a sundowner tour with stunning desert views. At night, don’t miss the opportunity for stargazing under Namibia’s crystal-clear skies.

Day 9: Scenic Drive to Swakopmund via Walvis Bay

Departing the desert, head north through dramatic terrain to the coastal town of Swakopmund. Make a worthwhile stop at Walvis Bay, where you can spot flamingos and pelicans around the lagoon.

Swakopmund itself is a charming seaside town with German colonial architecture and a vibrant culture—ideal for relaxing between your desert and northern Namibia adventures.

Days 10–11: Damaraland Adventures

Continue your journey north along the Skeleton Coast, stopping at Henties Bay to visit the massive Cape Cross seal colony. By afternoon, arrive at your lodge in Damaraland for a well-deserved rest.

Spend your time here soaking in the rugged beauty of the region, taking nature walks, and enjoying views from various scenic lookouts.

Day 12: Into the Wilderness of Desert Rhino Camp

Today, head deeper into remote Damaraland toward the Desert Rhino Camp near Palmwag. Here, you’ll leave your car behind and be transferred via a nature drive into this exclusive conservation area.

The afternoon is yours to relax or enjoy a sundowner while preparing for an exciting day of rhino tracking.

Day 13: Track the Desert-Dwelling Black Rhino

Today is dedicated to rhino tracking in partnership with Save the Rhino Trust. This region hosts the world’s largest population of free-roaming black rhinos.

Your full-day adventure with expert guides and rangers will take you across rugged terrain to witness these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Other possible sightings include lions, elephants, oryx, and zebra.

Day 14: Etosha National Park Bound

Leave Damaraland and drive east to the world-renowned Etosha National Park. Here, wildlife congregates around waterholes, offering incredible sightings of elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, and more.

You’ll stay for two nights at the luxurious Anderssons at Ongava, featuring modern suites and a waterhole that attracts an array of animals.

Day 15: Safari in Etosha and Ongava Reserve

Spend the entire day on safari within Etosha National Park. The network of roads and waterholes makes for excellent self-drive game viewing.

Back at your lodge, enjoy the unique underground water-level hide or take part in guided activities through the private Ongava Reserve, including a visit to the Ongava Research Centre.

Day 16: Traverse to Eastern Etosha

Enjoy a final morning activity at Ongava before continuing east across Etosha. Use the opportunity to treat this as a self-guided game drive, stopping at waterholes and wildlife sightings en route.

Tonight, you’ll stay at Onguma Bush Camp, located on a private reserve just outside the park’s eastern boundary.

Day 17: Final Game Drives in Eastern Etosha

Spend your last full safari day exploring the eastern section of Etosha. You can opt for lodge-guided game drives or self-drive excursions into the park via the Von Lindequist Gate.

Also available are bush walks and safaris within Onguma Reserve—offering a more intimate, on-foot experience of Namibia’s landscapes and wildlife.

Day 18: Central Highlands and Erongo Mountains

After a final game drive, journey south to the Central Highlands where Ai Aiba Lodge awaits, perched among the dramatic Erongo Mountains.

In the afternoon, join a guided nature walk with local experts to discover ancient rock art, local flora, and desert wildlife—or simply relax in your chalet and soak in the scenic views.

Day 19: Departure from Windhoek

On your final day, drive back to Windhoek Airport (approximately 3.5 hours) where you’ll return your rental vehicle and enjoy lunch before boarding your international flight home.

Your unforgettable self-drive journey through Namibia ends here—full of memories, sightings, and stunning landscapes.