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| 21 Day Adventurous Namibia 4x4 |
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| Windhoek , Sesriem , Sossusvlei , Swakopmund , Walvis bay , Twyfelfontein , Etosha , Rundu , Waterberg Plateau , Okahandja , Windhoek. We took the highlighs and added in a few adventurous lefts and rights for you. We know that there wil be plenty of sand for you check your 4x4 skills and enough highligghts to keep you breathless. |
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Arriving Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek one of our representatives will meet you
and show you to your car (optional) or alternatively go directly to the car hire desk at the airport where you
will complete the formalities of your car hire and begin your self-drive journey into Namibia – the land of contrasts.
A short city tour of Windhoek is well worth the time; here you will be able to see the Germanic influence for the days of the German occupation of Namibia. We suggest you exchange your money in town or at the airport so that you can secure the best exchange rate. Namibia strongly influenced by her former German colonial masters has given the capital a distinctive character. Windhoek has many restaurants to choose from that provide from
vegetarian dishes to more traditional Namibian fare such as fish and Game dishes Joes Beer House is highly recommended. Tonight you will enjoy this thriving City, going to one of the many pubs in the city centre.
Overnight Windhoek
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Travel
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distance: 500 km
We suggest you leave early this morning – as you have a fair distance to drive today. As you leave Windhoek on the B1 to the south, you pass one of Namibia’s newest landmarks, The Hero’s Acre. This impressive monument commissioned by Dr. Samuel Nujoma to commemorate all who fought and died in Namibia’s liberation struggle. It is open to the public. You will continue south through the Auas Mountains toward Rehoboth. A visit to the Rehoboth Museum will help explain the origin and heritage of the very proud Rehoboth Baster population. A few kilometres outside Rehoboth, you will cross “over” the Tropic Of Capricorn. Continuing south along Namibia’s B1 highway, you will notice that the landscape becomes more open and that the vegetation is becoming sparser. This is because you are travelling south towards the desert – where rainfall is minimal. The Hardap Dam, Namibia’s dam is close to Mariental. The dam fed by the mighty Fish River has a surface area of 25 square kilometres. Just before Keetmanshoop, you will be able to see “Brukkaros,” an extinct volcano towering 650m above the plains. Also of interest before Keetmanshoop is the “Quiver Tree Forest” as well as “The Giants Playground.” What makes this “forest” interesting is the fact that these tree-aloes normally grow alone or in small clumps, but here they congregate in a very large group. Some of the older trees (between 200 and 300 years old) are up to 5 metres high.
Overnight Keetmanshoop
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Travel
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distance: 200 km
The Gondwana National Park covers 100 000 ha of breathtakingly beautiful land to the south west of the Fish River Canyon. Situated in the lower end of the canyon on the Fish River’s banks the visitor can easily imagine that this is a different planet than earth due to the strange rock formations. The Fish River canyon, situated along the lower reaches of the Fish River, is one of the most impressive natural creations in southern Namibia. With a depth of up to 550 metres, the Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world, second only to America’s Grand Canyon. The canyon starts near Seeheim, is 161 kilometres long and ends at Ai-Ais. In winter, during the dry season, the riverbed is often completely dry - with the occasional puddle. However, after rainfalls in summer the river can become a raging torrent. The Fish River is, at 650 kilometres, the longest river in Namibia.
Overnight Fish River Canyon
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distance: 430 km
As you drive toward the west coast and Luderitz, you have the opportunity to see a truly rare and beautiful sight, the desert horses of the Namib. All are not in agreement of who exactly left them in the desert, but it is amazing to see these animals live and prosper in an environment that seem to be devoid of any living creature. Just before Luderitz, you will find the ghost town of Kolmanskop where diamonds found in great quantities abounded. The “miners” built luxury houses, and even a theatre, in this desolate place. The Namib Desert is slowly reclaiming Kolmanskop. Luderitz itself is a quaint town with interesting architecture brought from Europe, a leisurely walk through this small town is rewarding. Luderitz - The founding settlement of Namibia today consists of some 20 000 citizens. Built on the bare granite rocks at the fringe of the Namib Desert, and openly exposed to the frequent Atlantic winds, heavy sea fogs and sand storms contribute to the rough weather conditions of Luderitz. The people of Luderitz make a living from tourism, diamond mining and fishing.
Overnight Luderitz
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Travel
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distance: 370 km
Leaving Luderitz behind you initially travel east along the B4 towards Keetmanshoop before you turn north towards Maltahohe via two small settlements, Aus and Helmeringhausen. These are some of Namibia’s most scenic routes and there is plenty of time to enjoy its beauty. A picnic lunch along this route can be very rewarding for the weary traveller. Maltahöhe lies 110 Km west of Mariental at the end of the tarred part of the C19, quite easily accessible. 50 km southwest of Maltahohe, you will find Duwisib Castle built by Captain Hans-Heinrich Von Wolf in 1908-9. This gives you a fascinating glimpse into the life of early twentieth century settlers in Namibia. There are also large varieties of weapons on display. The name of the place comes from Colonel Henning von Burgsdorf, who established a post of the Schutztruppe here and named it after his wife Malta. The small town of Maltahöhe, with its 2000 inhabitants, provides mainly to the surrounding farms. The main stop for most visitors is the Maltahöhe Hotel that includes a popular pub with German atmosphere and a restaurant offering hearty meals.
Overnight Maltahöhe Hotel
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distance: 175 km
This is a short travelling day but none the less through some spectacular scenery. Continuing along the C19 towards Sesriem, you first find the Tsaris - and then the Naukluft Mountains on your right and the Nubib Mountains on your left. Driving down the Tsaris Pass you should keep in-mind that this is one of Namibia’s most densely populated snake areas. Especially the deadly Black Mamba is numerous, so much so that if you are vigilant you may even see a farm with the name “Mamba!” Sesriem is the starting point for trips to the Sossusvlei, a small clay-pan surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world (up to 325m).
Overnight Sesriem |
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Travel
Tip: Click
here for Travel Tips in this region |
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distance: 175 km
An early morning entry into the Namib Naukluft Park is essential for those who want to appreciate the clear morning air and colours of the rising sun on the dunes. Here the Tsauchab River is surrounded by the imposing dunes. The river supplies the pan with water for the wildlife that lives in the pan. The dunes in this desert are red - the older the dune the more orange the colour based on oxidization. It is highly likely that the Namib Desert might be the oldest in the world. A badly potholed tar road takes you as far as the 2x4 parking area 60km from the entrance. The last 5km is through thick sand and is only suited to 4x4 vehicles. A shuttle service to Sossusvlei is available. For the energetic, the early start is to be the first to summit Dune 45. Scaling a dune or a walk to either Hidden or Dead Vlei is necessary. There are basic ablution amenities, but no running water. It is important that each person bring at least one litre of drinking water. Optional activities you can enjoy are Hot Air Balloon or aeroplane flights over the dunes as well as guided walking- and horse trails.
Overnight Sesriem
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distance: 300km
The drive to Swakopmund is an easy one with beautiful desert vistas along the way. A visit to the nearby Sesriem Canyon is also possible. Today you again pass through Solitaire on your way first to the Gaub Pass and then on to the spectacular Kuiseb Canyon. After you have passed through the canyon, there is a look out point a few kilometres from the main road that over looks the canyon. A permit is required which you can buy at the Sesriem office. You can either travel directly towards Walvis Bay and the coast along the C14 or take the slightly longer but more scenic route via the Ganab Plains where there are large herds of ostrich, springbok and warthog. The ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis and the Moon Landscape are definitely worth a visit closer to Swakopmund. Swakopmund has a distinct German colonial atmosphere and is very tourist friendly. There are many exciting activities to enjoy in and around Swakopmund such as ballooning, pleasure flights, boat cruises, quad biking, sand boarding, skydiving and much more.
Tonight enjoy the atmosphere of this coastal tourist town.
Overnight Swakopmund
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Travel
Tip: Click
here for Travel Tips in this region |
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Swakopmund, Namibia’s second biggest town is Namibia’s most popular coastal town. After a morning packed with activities (you can do half or full day) you will enjoy a day soaking in the European influence and culture it has to offer. Home to the Atlantic Ocean, Swakopmund is misty in the mornings; the mist lifts as the day moves on. You can visit the small but interesting aquarium and The Crystal Gallery is also recommended. After a lunch in Swakopmund, you will go towards Walvis Bay. You approach the town through the endless expanses of the Namib Desert. Walvis Bay (once a whaling station) is located in the central Namib. There are some 55 000 residents at this coastal town. German architecture influences many of the buildings. In Walvis Bay, you can soak in the adventure activities including boat trips out in the bay to see the whales and dolphins. Also home to Dune 7 and welwitchia plants – Walvis Bay has much to offer.
Overnight Walvis Bay or Swakopmund
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Travel
Tip: Click
here for Travel Tips in this region |
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distance: 350km
Henties Bay, the desolation of the Skeleton Coast where there is practically no rainfall and the animals and plants have adapted to this harsh environment. Of interest is the road surface, which is not tar, but a salt mixture. This type of surfacing works well in dry conditions, but become extremely slippery in the wet. Lunch is possible at Henties Bay (if you make a late start) or at Uis. Cape Cross Seal Colonyhome to 250,000 Cape fur seal colony is well worth a visit. Exchanging the salt road for gravel once again, you head toward Uis. Here a worked out tin mine with its white mine dump is the focus. There is a lot of interesting (and poisonous) flora found in this region, especially the Euphorbia. After Uis, you pass the Brandberg and the highest point in Namibia as well as the famous "White Lady". If you want to see the “White Lady”, then you need to set off early from Swakopmund. The next interesting point is the Ugab River. As you get to the bridge, there are Herero women in traditional dress selling unique hand made Herero dolls. From here to Twyfelfontein, there is also the possibility to see desert elephant. Their huge pad marks often seen on the road indicate their presence. Further, along the route, discover 6000-year-old Khoi-San (Bushmen) paintings and engravings in the Twyfelfontein area. There are two well-marked walks; the shorter is about one hour and the longer about 90 minutes. A small entry fee is charged and a local guide accompanies you to explain the engravings. Early morning or late afternoon is best, as the midday heat can be fierce. Remember your water! Close by you also find the interesting dolerite columns that exposed by erosion have taken on an odd shape and are now referred to as the Organ Pipes. When the wind blows, the Pipes play music. The Burnt Mountain with its strange colouring is also just a couple of hundred meters away.
Overnight Twyfelfontein
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Travel
Tip: Click
here for Travel Tips in this region |
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distance: 350 km
We suggest you depart early, although not a very long days driving, the roads can be somewhat unpredictable, especially during the rainy season. Leaving Twyfelfontein behind you drive toward Khorixas, the capital of Damaraland. En- Route there is beautiful rock formations sculpted by nature over millions of years. The Petrified Forest, 30 minute before Khorixas, is where you see the petrified remains of massive trees, uprooted elsewhere in Africa 200 million years ago and transported to their current resting place by ancient rivers. Although visiting the Petrified Forest before continuing on to Palmwag and Sesfontein is a slight detour, it is worth the little extra time. The road that you will drive along now, is the road less travelled, and gives you the opportunity of seeing game animals in their natural state around you The C43 towards Opuwo takes you over the short, but very steep Joubert Pass and then into Ovahimba country. You are now well and truly in Kaokoland and in one of Namibia’s most remote and beautiful regions. Tonight you have the unbelievable display of the Namibian night skies and the silence of the desert as companions.
We suggest you depart early, although not a very long days driving, the roads can be somewhat unpredictable, especially during the rainy season. Leaving Twyfelfontein behind you drive toward Khorixas, the capital of Damaraland. En- Route there is beautiful rock formations sculpted by nature over millions of years. The Petrified Forest, 30 minute before Khorixas, is where you see the petrified remains of massive trees, uprooted elsewhere in Africa 200 million years ago and transported to their current resting place by ancient rivers. Although visiting the Petrified Forest before continuing on to Palmwag and Sesfontein is a slight detour, it is worth the little extra time. The road that you will drive along now, is the road less travelled, and gives you the opportunity of seeing game animals in their natural state around you The C43 towards Opuwo takes you over the short, but very steep Joubert Pass and then into Ovahimba country. You are now well and truly in Kaokoland and in one of Namibia’s most remote and beautiful regions. Tonight you have the unbelievable display of the Namibian night skies and the silence of the desert as companions.
Overnight Opuwo
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We suggest that travelling through the northern region should be in the company of an experienced guide and in off-road vehicles. Routes are hardly signposted, corrugated and extremely stony or sandy. There are limited facilities or accommodation in Kaokoland. You may camp in the wild. Sesfontein situated in the northwestern part of Namibia, close to the Hoanib River, on the southern side of Kaokoveld. A gap in the mountains gives access to the valley basin on Sesfontein (six fountains) where lush green gardens give the landscape its special oasis character. In 1896, the government of what was then German South-West Africa built the Fort of Sesfontein as a control point for keeping in check cattle disease arms smuggling and illegal hunting of big animals. The fort abandoned in 1914. Today, almost 100 years after the original establishment of the Sesfontein Station; the fort has acquired a second lease of life after restoration, as a comfortable Lodge. A day excursion from the Fort into the Hoanib River Valley accompanied by a guide can reveal wild elephant or even rhino if you are lucky. Taking along a picnic lunch makes this an unforgettable experience.
Overnight Fort Sesfontein
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distance: 290km
Travel today an early start is advisable as you are travelling along ever more rugged terrain. We recommend that you allow a guide to accompany you. The Ovahimba found all the way along the road to Epupa Falls still live traditionally. Kaokoland is one of the last remaining wilderness areas in Southern Africa. It is a world of incredible mountain scenery, a refuge for the rare desert elephant, black rhino and giraffe and the home of the Himba people. Kaokoland differs greatly from Damaraland. Most of Damaraland is isolated from the outside world; however, it is really Kaokoland, which is hugely desolate and isolated from the world. With 16,000 or so inhabitants, 5,000 of them Himba, Kaokoland has a population density of only one person to every 2 km square. A guided visit to one of the many Ovahimba villages will surely be a thrilling and eye opening experience. The Epupa Falls off course offer amazing photographic opportunities, and the brave can take a kayak ride on the mighty Kunene River with Namibia on the one shore and Angola on the other.
Overnight Epupa
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The Kunene River flows from Angola in the North. It cuts a deep narrow channel through Kaokoland and
Its journey ends on North of the desolate Skeleton Coast. The Kunene forms the natural border between Namibia and Angola. It is one of only 5 perennial rivers in Namibia. One of the most remarkable features of this river is the Epupa Falls the name translates from the local Herero language as Falling Waters. The Falls, created by the force of the water that cascades over the main 40m drop, is a spectacular sight. Because Epupa is a small waterfall, you can get to the edge and really take some spectacular photographs. There are also rock pools above the main waterfall that you can swim in as the water rushes into these pools with enough force to create a whirlpool effect, but is deep enough to prevent you from washing over into the river. Hungry crocodiles inhabit the Kunene River and without the protection of the fast flowing water and the rock pools, swimming is not advisable.The local human population of Epupa are the Himba Tribesmen, still living the traditional life. They are generally very friendly towards visitors and usually have a selection of traditional curios to sell to tourists. There are day trips into the Himba villages for those who are looking for culture. For the energetic, there are excellent hikes in either direction along the riverbank as well as kayaking for the adventurous. A guided visit to one of the many Ovahimba villages will surely be a thrilling and eye opening experience.
Overnight Epupa
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distance: 400km
Your adventure along the Kunene River continues, as you drive towards you next stop, Ondangwa. A visit to the massive Ruacana Waterfalls is worth a visit before you turn south and leaving Kaokoland behind. There will be many locals on the side of the road, and you can stop and by curios. After Ruacana you will come back to tarred roads - you should however be vigilant against domestic animals wandering across the road. Ondangwa is a town situated in the Northern part of Namibia, on the route to Caprivi and Rundu. It has 2 hotels and a few smaller accommodation establishments available to tourists as well as service and filling stations. It also has services such as shopping, banking and medical facilities available – it even has an airport. Ondangua also spelt Ondangwa, was Ovamboland before independence Alongside the main B1 there is a canal – a vital water supply during the heat of the dry season. Driving by, you pass women carrying water back to their houses.
Overnight Ondangwa
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distance: 220km
After breakfast, you will continue travelling towards Etosha National Park. After checking in, you can relax at the pool until the worst heat is over. Drive to one of the many waterholes and see what animals are attracted to the water. All three camps in Etosha National Park have a restaurant, shop, swimming pool, public phones, service station and lit waterhole where you can sit and wait throughout the night for that special sighting.
Overnight Namutoni
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Etosha National Park was declared a National Park in 1907 and covering an area of 22 270 square km, it is home to 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish. Etosha, meaning "Great White Place", gets its name from a huge mineral pan. The pan is part of the Kalahari Basin, the floor of which formed around 1000 million years ago. The Etosha Pan covers around 25% of the National Park. The game viewing in Etosha National Park is spectacular, the best time being from May to September - the cooler months in Namibia. Visitors to Etosha National Park can expect to see many buck species, elephant, giraffe, rhino and lions. If you are lucky, you will also see leopard and cheetah. There is a network of roads linking the three campsites and to the various waterholes. It will take a full day game drive to your next overnight camp at Fort Namutoni on the eastern border of the park. It is worth exploring the western part of the park from here before continuing on to Halali. There are some strange Moringa trees and the Okondeka waterhole with its resident lion pride, offer a good chance of seeing lions.
Overnight Okaukuejo
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distance: 415km
Departing Etosha through the South you will head towards the towns of Otjo and Otjiwarongo. Here you will stop Otjiwarongo for lunch. Otjiwarongo is one of the larger towns situated in the northern parts of Namibia, on the route to the Etosha National Park and one of the most visited tourist destinations in the north. It houses the only crocodile farm of Namibia and is close to the well-known Waterberg Plateau Park. The Waterberg Plateau east of Otjiwarongo is about 200m higher than the surrounding plains. The 20 km wide and 50 km long mountain massif consists of porous sandstone. Whilst the plateau is dry on top, there is a lot of surface water and strong permanent springs at the foot of the mountain making the vegetation lush, green and diverse. You can find wild fig trees, fire lilies and coral trees. The Waterberg Plateau has many walking trails as well as guided game drives on the plateau. This is worthwhile, since it offers the opportunity to see buffalo and sable antelope, game that you have not had the opportunity to see up till now. They have a hide at one of the waterholes that gives you a good opportunity to see the wildlife indigenous to this area.
Overnight Waterberg Plateau
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distance: 280 km
As you continue south towards Windhoek, the last town you reach is Okahandja where you have the last opportunity to shop for native African crafts. The curios sold here are not all Namibian, but are also from neighbouring countries to the north. Irrespective of this, it is worth stopping at one of the two huge wood carvers markets. Ombo Ostrich Show Ranch might also be interesting. It is also a good place for a light lunch before continuing to Namibia’s Capital – Windhoek.
Spend tonight going to the world famous Joes Beer House for a spectacular meal.
Overnight Windhoek
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After a day at leisure, you will do your last minute shopping driving towards Hosea Kutako International Airport to drop you car off and continue with you onward travels. |
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20 nights accommodation as per itinerary
Meals as per basis at Lodge / B&B / Hotel
21 days car hire
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Flights
Optional Activities
Travel insurance
Entrance / Concession fees
Additional meals and beverages
Personal insurance
Additional nights
Visas if required
Guide / driver
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| * Prices are indications only and are subject to change. |
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