Intensive Self-drive Tour

11 Days / 10 Nights
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Tour Overview

Destinations Icon
  • Windhoek
  • Spitzkoppe
  • Swakopmund
  • Twyfelfontein
  • Etosha South
  • Etosha East
  • Okonjima Nature Reserve
  • Windhoek

Designed for travellers with a strict budget and not a great deal of travel time but who still want to experience the most of what Namibia has to offer, this tour will take you to seven fascinating destinations within the country. The 10-day self-drive tour itinerary, although short, still manages to offer a decent diversity of Namibia’s major tourist attractions and destinations. The tour ranges from Spitzkoppe, Namibia’s coast, Etosha to Otjiwarongo district. The ideal itinerary for a short get-away holiday from home!!

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Destination Nights Driving Time Distance
Windhoek 1 +/- 45 Minutes 50 km
Spitzkoppe 1 +/- 3 Hours 245 km
Swakopmund 2 +/- 2 Hours 170 km
Twyfelfontein 1 +/- 4 Hours 290 km
Etosha South 1 +/- 3.5-4 Hours 310 km
Etosha East 2 +/- 3.5-6 Hours 160 km
Okonjima Nature Reserve 1 +/- 4 Hours 350 km
Windhoek 1 +/- 2.5-3 Hours 230 km
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Tourists paddling red sea kayaks near a coastal colony of seals resting on the beach.

Tour Highlights

  • Discover the dramatic granite landscapes of the Erongo Mountains

  • Explore the charming coastal town of Swakopmund, Namibia's adventure capital.

  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein and its ancient rock engravings.

  • Discover Damaraland's geological wonders, including the Petrified Forest, Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain.

  • Experience unforgettable self-drive safaris through Etosha National Park, one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations.

  • Spot incredible wildlife, including elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes and countless plains game.

  • Visit the renowned Okonjima Nature Reserve, one of Namibia's premier wildlife destinations, famous for its leopard conservation, guided safaris and spectacular bushveld scenery.

  • Enjoy spectacular scenic drives through Namibia's ever-changing landscapes, from mountains and desert to coastline and savannah.

  • Experience authentic Namibian culture with a visit to the Damara Living Museum.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Namibia, Windhoek

Rustic outdoor dining area at Joe's Beerhouse in Windhoek featuring thatched roofs, tropical palms, and a koi pond.
Historic Christuskirche Lutheran church framed by palm trees against a clear blue sky in Windhoek, Namibia.
Local craft market stall in Windhoek, Namibia, displaying handmade African jewelry, wooden carvings, and traditional souvenirs.
Male Greater Kudu with spiral horns standing in the middle of a gravel road on a Namibian safari.
Independence Memorial Museum in Windhoek featuring the Sam Nujoma statue and grand outdoor stone staircase.
HKI Airport to Windhoek:
Est. driving time: +/- 45 Minutes
Est. total km: 50 km
Situated in Central Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek functions as the capital of the country. It is home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation options. The city is clean, safe and well-organised, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste an old fort, the 1896 Christuskirche Christ Church, and the more contemporary Supreme Court.

Day Itinerary

Welcome to Namibia. Upon arrival at Windhoek International Airport, you will find your driver from Melbic there to pick you up and transfer you to the rental office or Hotel in Windhoek city. The pickup of your vehicle and travel documents will depend on your time of arrival. Time of Arrival after 14:00, vehicle pick-up will only be the following day.
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Day 2: Spitzkoppe Mountains Range

Massive golden granite peak of Spitzkoppe rising above arid savanna under a blue sky in Erongo, Namibia.
Small klipspringer antelope standing on a steep granite outcrop in Erongo, Namibia.
Ancient San Bushman red ochre cave paintings on a granite rock face in the Erongo region.
Hiker walking among massive boulder formations during sunset in the Erongo Mountains.
Rock hyrax peering out from beneath a shaded granite boulder in the Erongo region.
Windhoek to Spitzkoppe:
Est. driving time: +/- 3 Hours
Est. total km: 245 km
Conveniently located only a few hours’ drive from Namibia’s capital city of Windhoek; the Spitzkoppe Mountain Range stretches across the plains between the towns of Omaruru and Karibib, and is home to a remarkably rich natural heritage. This expanse of rugged wilderness attracting visitors with its spectacularly scenic landscapes, magnificent caves and rock painting sites, and its impressive array of wildlife species. These include, among others: rhino, elephant, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, wildebeest, impala, blesbok, waterbuck, kudu, warthog, mountain zebra, Oryx, eland, springbok and over 200 species of bird.

Day Itinerary

For your first morning in Namibia, enjoy a relaxed morning in Windhoek. Today you will travel to one of Namibia's most popular destinations, the Spitzkoppe Mountain Range. This majestic region is a result of decades old volcanic activities. Not a sight not to miss.
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Day 3-4: Swakopmund

Aerial view of the Swakopmund jetty extending into the Atlantic Ocean along the Namibian coastline
Two dolphins breaching the ocean surface on a marine wildlife tour near Swakopmund
Tourists riding ATVs on a quad biking adventure through the sand dunes near Swakopmund
Aerial view of the iconic red and white Swakopmund Lighthouse surrounded by palm trees in Namibia
Tourists on a marine boat cruise watching seals swim in the ocean waves off Swakopmund
Erongo to Swakopmund:
Est. driving time: +/- 2 Hours
Est. total km: 170 km
Set along Namibia's spectacularly scenic coast, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide-open avenues, colonial architecture, and is surrounded by otherworldly desert terrain. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South West Africa, Swakopmund has a distinctive German colonial architecture. Now a seaside resort town, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism region and has am abundance to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, adventure options, laidback atmosphere and cool sea breeze make it very popular Namibian destination for both tourists and locals. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities including: quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing, ocean cruising and fascinating desert tours.

Day Itinerary

You will make your way to the coastal city of Swakopmund. Along the way keep a lookout for the ever changing landscape as you drive from the inland to the coast.
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Day 5: Damaraland - Twyfelfontein

The iconic Lions Mouth sandstone rock arch near Twyfelfontein in Damaraland Namibia
Rare desert-adapted elephant walking across the arid gravel plains of Damaraland
Local guide pointing to ancient San rock engravings at Twyfelfontein UNESCO site in Damaraland
Hartmanns mountain zebra standing on a rocky hillside during a Damaraland wildlife safari
Rugged red rock formations and arid desert plains in the Damaraland region of Namibia
Swakopmund to Twyfelfontein:
Est. driving time: +/- 4 Hours
Est. total km: 290 km
Set in the Kunene Region of north-western Namibia, Twyfelfontein is a spectacularly scenic area, featuring one of the largest and most important concentrations of rock art in Africa. The name ‘Twyfelfontein’ translates to ‘Fountain of Doubt’, which refers to the perennial spring situated in the impressive Huab valley flanked by the slopes of a sandstone table mountain. It was this spring that attracted Stone Age hunters over six thousand years ago, and it was during this time that the extensive group of rock engravings and paintings were produced. Visitors can look forward to exploring over thirty different sites of these sacred records of ritual practices relating to traditional hunter-gatherer communities.

Day Itinerary

After check-out, depart the coast and drive inland towards Damaraland. This area is known for well-known attractions such as: Twyfelfontein Rock Paintings, the Organ Pipes, Burnt Mountain and the Petrified Forest. Also make sure to visit the Damara living museum and be in awe of the traditions and customs of this fascinating local tribe.
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Day 6: Etosha National Park – South

Scenic view of a natural waterhole with animals drinking under a clear sky in Etosha National Park
A black rhino walking through the arid bushveld during a safari in Etosha
Aerial view of a 4x4 safari vehicle driving along an open gravel road across the Etosha plains
A majestic male lion standing on a dirt road during a game drive in Etosha National Park
African elephant, springboks, and zebras gathering at a waterhole in Etosha National Park
Twyfelfontein to Etosha South
Est. driving time: +/- 3.5-4 Hours
Est. total km: 310 km
Etosha South makes up the southern region of the Etosha National Park paradise. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Visitors can visit a variety of waterholes and catch a glimpse of a wide range of wildlife such as: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a gathering of plains game. Popular activities include: guided / self-drive game drives, or watch the sunset over this magnificent landscape.

Day Itinerary

From Damaraland, head to the greatest wildlife sanctuary in Namibia, Etosha National Park. Be prepared for the abundance of wildlife roaming around as they visit the various waterholes in search of water. Best times to view animals are early mornings and later afternoons when the heat is not too intense for you and the animals. Take part in guided game drives or alternatively, you are welcome to do your own self-drive around the park at your own pace and viewing pleasure.
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Day 7-8: Etosha National Park – East

Tourists on a guided open safari vehicle watching a herd of wild African elephants cross the path
An African cheetah sitting attentively on the open ground during an Etosha safari game drive
Herd of zebras and springboks drinking water at a natural waterhole on a Namibian safari
An Angolan giraffe standing among sparse acacia bushes during a Namibian safari tour
Large herd of zebras, ostriches, and springboks gathering in the dusty plains of Etosha Salt Pan
Etosha South to Etosha East:
Est. driving time: +/- 3.5-6 Hours (depending on stops enroute)
Est. total km: 160 km
Etosha East is a protected sanctuary in the eastern part of the world-renowned Etosha National Park, known as one of the most accessible game reserves in Southern Africa. Etosha East boasts vast open plains scattered with semi-arid savannah grasslands dotted with watering holes and secluded bush camps. An impressive 5000-square-kilometre Etosha salt pan makes up a large area of the eastern side of the park and can even be seen from space. This remote area teems with abundant wildlife such as lions, elephants, black rhinos and giraffes, as well as a variety of birdlife featuring flamingos, ostriches, eagles, hornbills, and owls.

Day Itinerary

Enjoy some breakfast and drive from the southern part of the park towards the eastern side of the national park. The eastern side has a reputation of having the best views of wildlife.
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Day 9: Okonjima

Aerial view of a thatched-roof safari lodge with a manicured lawn and natural pond
Leopard sitting next to a red termite mound in the dry savanna grass
Brown hyena camouflaged among tall dry grass in the wild
Panoramic view of African savanna landscape with rolling hills and acacia trees
Ground pangolin foraging on dry red dirt in African savanna
Etosha to Okonjima:
Est. driving time: +/- 4 Hours
Est. total km: 350 km
Okonjima Nature Reserve is one of Namibia’s leading conservation areas, located near Otjiwarongo. The reserve is home to the AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the research and protection of Namibia’s large carnivores. The reserve is famous for its leopard conservation and research, while also providing a habitat for cheetah, brown hyena, black rhino, giraffe, zebra, eland, kudu, gemsbok and many other species. Okonjima is also a haven for over 200 bird species.

Day Itinerary

Guests have the opportunity to experience conservation in action through guided activities, wildlife encounters and expert-led experiences in the beautiful Namibian bush.
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Day 10: Windhoek

A long paved highway stretching through a grassy landscape toward two distinct pointed mountains in the background.
A close-up side view of a white rhinoceros standing on dry ground under a clear blue sky.
A group of hikers walking down a dirt path on a sunny mountain ridge with scenic views of rolling hills.
A large gemsbok oryx standing in dry, tall yellow grass with distant blue mountains.
An elevated view of a vast grassy savannah scattered with low trees during a warm sunset.
Okonjima to Windhoek:
Est. driving time: +/- 3 Hours
Est. total km: 250 km
The region surrounding Windhoek offers a tranquil introduction to—or farewell from—Namibia. Set amidst rolling hills, acacia-dotted plains and abundant wildlife, it provides a peaceful bush experience just a short distance from the capital city. Whether enjoying a final game drive, relaxing by the lodge or taking in one last African sunset, this region offers the perfect ending to an unforgettable self-drive journey.

Day Itinerary

After a relaxed morning, return to the Windhoek region for your final overnight stay in Namibia, where you can relax and enjoy one last evening in the African bush.
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Day 11: Departure

Day Itinerary

Enjoy a relaxed morning before returning your rental vehicle to Melbic. Following the vehicle inspection, you will be transferred to Hosea Kutako International Airport, marking the end of your unforgettable Namibian adventure.

What’s Included

  • Accommodations / campsites as per itinerary
  • Meals as per itinerary
  • Planning
  • Advising
  • Bookings
  • 24/7 backup during your trip

What’s Not Included

  • Additional Meals
  • Entrance fees into parks and sightseeing spots
  • Flights and Visas
  • Activities – can be arranged

Need Help or Have Questions?

Driven by passion, we go above and beyond to deliver an unforgettable experience and ensure you receive the very best service.

Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us

Need Help or Have Questions?

Driven by passion, we go above and beyond to deliver an unforgettable experience and ensure you receive the very best service.

Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us

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