Itinerary

14-Day Self-Drive Camping

Adventure Through Namibia

Explore Your Incredible 14 Day Self-drive Safari Adventure

Day 1 : Windhoek

Urban Camp or similar

Your Namibian adventure begins in Windhoek, where you’ll collect your fully equipped 4x4 vehicle with rooftop tents and all the camping gear you need. Before heading out into the wild, take some time to explore the capital. Visit the historic Christuskirche, stroll through the Post Street Mall, or enjoy a cold Windhoek Lager at Joe’s Beerhouse. As the sun sets, head to Urban Camp, a cozy campsite in the city with a lively atmosphere, perfect for meeting fellow travelers.

Day 2 : Namib Desert (Sossusvlei)

Sossus Oasis Campsite or similar

After an early breakfast, hit the road south towards Sossusvlei. The drive takes you through some of Namibia’s most stunning landscapes, with vast open plains, rolling hills, and dramatic mountain passes. Stop at the iconic Spreetshoogte Pass for breathtaking views over the Namib Desert. By afternoon, you’ll reach Sossus Oasis Campsite, located right at the entrance of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Set up camp, relax with a sundowner, and prepare for an early start to explore the dunes at sunrise.

Day 3 : Namib Desert (Sossusvlei)

Sossus Oasis Campsite or similar

Rise early and drive into the heart of the Namib Desert. Climb Dune 45 for an unforgettable view, then continue to Deadvlei, where ancient, skeletal trees stand frozen in time against a backdrop of red dunes. Visit Big Daddy, the highest dune in the area, and stop by the hauntingly beautiful Sesriem Canyon before returning to camp for a well-earned rest.

Day 4 : Swakopmund (Atlantic Coast)

Tiger Reef Campsite or similar

Today’s drive takes you north through the Namib-Naukluft Park, passing through the surreal moon-like landscapes near Solitaire, where you can stop for the famous apple pie at Moose McGregor’s Bakery. Continue to Swakopmund, a charming coastal town known for its German architecture and adventure activities. Set up camp at Tiger Reef Campsite, right on the beach, and enjoy a seafood dinner at one of Swakopmund’s excellent restaurants.

Day 5 : Swakopmund (Atlantic Coast)

Tiger Reef Campsite or Similar

Spend the day enjoying Swakopmund’s many attractions. Go sandboarding or quad biking on the dunes, take a boat tour from Walvis Bay to see dolphins and seals, or simply relax on the beach. For history buffs, the Swakopmund Museum and the old jetty are worth a visit. In the evening, return to your beachfront campsite and enjoy a peaceful night with the sound of waves in the background.

Day 6 : Spitzkoppe

Spitzkoppe Tented Camp and Campsite or Similar

Leave the coast behind as you drive inland to Spitzkoppe, Namibia’s “Matterhorn.” These striking granite peaks rise dramatically from the surrounding plains, offering one of the most scenic camping spots in the country. Spend the afternoon exploring ancient rock paintings, hiking through natural rock arches, and soaking in the raw beauty of this isolated landscape. At night, the sky comes alive with stars, making it a perfect spot for stargazing.

Day 7 : Twyfelfontein (Damaraland)

Continue your journey north into Damaraland, a region of rugged beauty and rich cultural heritage. Visit the Twyfelfontein rock engravings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring thousands of petroglyphs created by ancient San people. Nearby, explore the Organ Pipes and the Burnt Mountain, both fascinating geological formations. Your campsite at Mowani Mountain Camp is nestled among boulders, offering breathtaking sunset views.

Day 8 : Palmwag (Damaraland)

Drive deeper into the wild, heading towards Palmwag, a private concession known for its desert-adapted wildlife. Along the way, keep an eye out for elephants, giraffes, and even rhinos. The Palmwag Campsite is beautifully situated along a riverbed, where animals often come to drink. Enjoy an evening around the campfire, listening to the sounds of the African bush.

Day 9 : Etosha National Park

Today, you’ll enter Etosha National Park, Namibia’s premier wildlife destination. Set up camp at Okaukuejo, famous for its floodlit waterhole where animals gather at night. Spend the afternoon on a game drive, spotting lions, elephants, rhinos, and herds of antelope. As night falls, grab a seat at the waterhole and watch nature’s drama unfold.

Mowani Campsite or Similar

Palmwag Campsite or similar

Okaukuejo Resort Campsite or similar

Day 10 : Etosha National Park

Halali Camp Campsite or similar

A full day of wildlife awaits as you explore the heart of Etosha. Drive through vast salt pans and mopane woodlands, stopping at various waterholes along the way. Look out for cheetahs resting under trees and large herds of zebras moving across the plains. Tonight, camp at Halali, another great spot for nighttime wildlife viewing.

Day 11 : Onguma Nature Reserve

Leadwood Campsite or similar

Exit Etosha via the eastern gate and enter the Onguma Game Reserve, a private wildlife area bordering the park. The Leadwood Campsite offers a secluded and peaceful setting where you can unwind after days of intense game viewing. Take an afternoon drive in the reserve or simply relax and soak in the sounds of nature.

Day 12 : Otjiwarongo

Begin your journey back south, stopping at Otjiwarongo, a town known for its conservation efforts. If time allows, visit the Cheetah Conservation Fund, where you can learn about cheetah rehabilitation. The Otjiwa Safari Lodge Campsite offers a tranquil setting to reflect on your journey, with the chance to spot white rhinos and other wildlife on a guided walk.

Otjiwa Safari Lodge Campsite or similar

Day 13 : Otjiwarongo

Otjiwa Safari Lodge Campsite or similar

Enjoy a slow morning in the bush, taking a scenic drive or a nature walk around the lodge’s private reserve. It’s your last full day in the wild, so make the most of the peaceful surroundings before heading back to Windhoek tomorrow.

Day 14 : Windhoek

Drive back to Windhoek, where your incredible self-drive adventure comes to an end. If time permits, pick up some souvenirs or enjoy a final meal in the city before dropping off your rental vehicle. With memories of vast landscapes, thrilling wildlife encounters, and star-filled nights, you leave Namibia with a heart full of adventure and a promise to return.

This 14-day journey offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery, making it an unforgettable experience for any self-drive traveler in Namibia.