Self-Drive Tour Through Namibia and Botswana (17 days)

What to Expect

Embark on a self-drive adventure through the diverse landscapes of Namibia and Botswana, showcasing some of Africa’s most striking and varied sceneries. Begin in Namibia with the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei and the German-inspired architecture of Swakopmund.

Next, explore the arid beauty of Damaraland before marveling at Etosha’s famous salt pans. Journey to the lush Caprivi Strip, part of the Okavango Delta, before crossing into Botswana to conclude your trip in the wildlife-rich Chobe National Park.

1 Night in Windhoek

Windhoek, Namibia’s sole proclaimed city, serves as the administrative and legislative hub and a key gateway for visitors to the country. Most trips to Namibia begin and end in this vibrant capital.

While Windhoek may not rival the famed attractions like Etosha National Park or Sossusvlei’s dunes, its charm lies in its unique blend of cultures. The city is a melting pot, with influences from Herero, Owambo, Damara, Kavango, and German communities, reflected in its German-inspired architecture and African and German street names.

The capital offers a wide range of accommodations and amenities, from luxurious options to authentic backpacker experiences. Just a short drive from the city, the African savannah awaits, with wildlife reserves and a variety of activities for every traveler. Hosea Kutako International Airport, located 45 km from the city, is the main international gateway, offering flights from major destinations like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Frankfurt.

Highlights

• Capital city with all the conveniences of a modern urban center
• A wide range of accommodations in and around the city
• Centrally located, making it an ideal starting/ending point for Namibian adventures
• Excellent road access, though a 4×4 is recommended for off-road exploration

2 Nights in Namib Desert

The Namib Desert, often regarded as the world’s oldest, began forming 50 to 80 million years ago and has remained virtually unchanged for the last 2 million years. Spanning 81,000 km², this vast desert stretches 2,000 km from the Olifants River in South Africa to the Carunjamba River in Angola, covering Namibia’s entire coastline.

The desert’s strikingly diverse ecosystem includes towering dunes, coastal landscapes, rivers, and plains, all teeming with unique flora and fauna. Humans have inhabited the Namib Desert since the early Stone Age, leaving behind well-preserved rock paintings, tools, and pottery. From north to south, the Namib Desert is home to some of Namibia’s most famous tourist attractions.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, from camping and hiking to bird-watching, fishing, 4×4 trails, and coastal escapes along the Skeleton Coast. For a bird’s-eye view of the dunes, hot air ballooning offers stunning panoramas. The desert offers endless opportunities to explore its sun-drenched beauty and rich history.

Highlights

• One of the world’s oldest deserts with a history spanning 80 million years
• Stretching 2,000 km from Angola to South Africa, encompassing Namibia’s entire coastline
• Diverse landscapes supporting rare wildlife, birdlife, and desert-adapted plants
• A wide variety of activities, including hiking, hot air ballooning, and more

2 Nights in Swakopmund

Swakopmund, Namibia’s charming seaside gem, is also known as the country’s “adventure capital.” Visitors are drawn to its temperate climate, historic German architecture, palm-lined streets, and an array of thrilling activities. Whether it’s skydiving, quad biking, sand-boarding, or fishing along the coast, there’s no shortage of adrenaline-pumping adventures.

For a more laid-back experience, you can enjoy ‘living desert’ tours or relaxing catamaran cruises, where you’ll get up close to marine life and local bird species. Swakopmund is also rich in history, with museums and colonial-era buildings scattered throughout the town.

When it comes to food, there are numerous dining spots offering fresh seafood, game dishes, traditional German fare, and delicious coffee at cozy cafes. Accommodation options range from hotels and B&Bs to self-catering units, making it an ideal spot for any traveler. Swakopmund is a 4-hour drive from Windhoek and is easily accessible via a domestic airport in nearby Walvis Bay.

Highlights

• Situated on Namibia’s West Coast, it’s a prime holiday destination
• Renowned as the “Adventure Capital” of Namibia with a wealth of activities
• Offers a wide variety of accommodation from hotels to self-catering options
• A hub for history, culture, and excellent dining experiences

2 Nights in Damaraland

Damaraland, nestled between the Skeleton Coast and Etosha National Park, is one of Namibia’s most captivating regions. A visit to the Petrified Forest near Khorixas offers an extraordinary opportunity to see tree trunks that have turned to stone over time.

The area is filled with a range of unique attractions perfect for a stopover, such as tracking wild rhinos, hiking to the Brandberg Mountain to view the famous “White Lady” Bushman painting, and exploring Twyfelfontein’s remarkable rock engravings. For those seeking adventure, there are early morning and sunset game drives, as well as expeditions to Spitzkoppe and Vingerklip’s geological wonders.

The desert-adapted wildlife, including black rhino, lion, and desert elephants, roam vast stretches in search of food and water. Accommodation varies from basic campsites to luxurious lodges, where guests can indulge in various activities and unwind with soothing spa treatments.

Highlights

• Explore the fascinating desert landscape and track rhino and elephants
• Ancient San rock paintings and engravings scattered across the region
• Unique desert-adapted wildlife in one of the driest environments
• A perfect stopover destination with a wide range of activities and accommodation options

2 Nights in Etosha National Park

Etosha, derived from the Bantu word for “great white place,” refers to the vast 5,000km² pan that dominates Namibia’s 22,750km² Etosha National Park. One of the largest national parks in the world, Etosha is home to over 114 mammal species and 340 bird species, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The pan, once an ancient inland sea, has dried over millennia but still attracts flocks of flamingos and other birdlife after summer rains.

The park’s diverse vegetation supports large herds of plains game, including zebra, wildebeest, and elephant, while also providing refuge for endangered species like the Black Rhino, Black-faced Impala, and Tsessebe. During the dry season, the park’s water sources become gathering spots for wildlife, creating excellent opportunities for game viewing.

Visitors can enjoy guided bush walks and twice-daily game drives, with six accommodation options, including a campsite and five rest camps. Etosha is just a 6-hour drive from Windhoek, depending on the gate accessed.

Highlights

• Easily accessible from Windhoek on tarred roads
• A vast park requiring at least 3 days to explore fully
• Water points attract abundant wildlife for game viewing and photography
• Opportunities to spot endangered species like Black Rhino and Black-faced Impala

1 Night in Rundu

Rundu, located in the north-eastern tip of Namibia and bordering Angola, is a rapidly growing town that serves as the main administrative and economic hub of the Kavango region. Known for its goat, millet, and cattle farming, Rundu is also famous for its intricate wood carvings created by local artisans. The town’s strategic location between Katima Mulilo and Grootfontein makes it a perfect stopover, while its proximity to Angola introduces Portuguese influences into the local culture, adding a unique charm to the area. The wood-carving art forms have become symbolic of Rundu, with visitors having the chance to purchase a variety of wooden items, such as spoons, bowls, ornaments, and masks. The woodcraft co-operative allows guests to observe carvers at work and buy pieces directly from them. The town is also home to lively markets that sell fresh fruit and locally made handicrafts. With several accommodation options ranging from luxury lodges to camping facilities, Rundu is a convenient and fascinating stop on the way to the Caprivi Strip, Okavango Delta, Bwabwata, Mudumu, and Chobe National Parks.

Highlights

• Gateway to the Caprivi Strip and national parks beyond
• Main administrative and economic center of the Kavango region
• Ideal stopover for refueling and stocking up with various supply outlets
• Wide range of accommodation options from luxury lodges to camping facilities

3 Nights in Caprivi

The Caprivi, a narrow strip of land in north-eastern Namibia, is a region brimming with natural beauty and cultural significance. It is bordered by four countries—Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Angola—and is surrounded by the perennial Chobe, Kwando, Linyanti, and Zambezi rivers.

This unique location provides a rich tapestry of landscapes, from riverine forests to abundant wetlands, which support a diverse array of wildlife. The area is home to four national parks—Bwabwata, Nkasa Rupara, Mudumu, and Mahango—each offering remote, untouched wilderness, making it a haven for seasoned adventurers seeking a true escape into nature.

The Caprivi is also culturally rich, with six tribes calling this region home, many of whom continue to live as subsistence farmers. Despite the few developed towns, small villages are scattered throughout, and the growing tourism industry is gradually benefiting the local communities.

The region’s capital, Katima Mulilo, sits on the banks of the Zambezi River and serves as the gateway to this captivating wilderness. Rich in history, the area was once the center of a tug-of-war between the British and Germans in the late 19th century, adding a layer of intrigue to its already fascinating heritage.

Highlights

• Borders four countries: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Angola
• Four perennial rivers providing vital sustenance for both wildlife and ethnic tribes
• Four National Parks offering pristine, unspoiled wilderness for wildlife and adventure lovers
• Remote and underdeveloped, with plenty of safari-style lodges offering water and land-based activities

3 Nights in Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park, one of Botswana’s crown jewels, is renowned for its incredible biodiversity and its massive population of elephants. Covering an area of 11,700 square kilometers, Chobe is the third-largest national park in Botswana and boasts four distinct ecosystems, including the lush marshlands of Savuti, the floodplains along the Chobe River, and the savanna plains.

These diverse habitats support a wide array of wildlife, making it one of the most biologically rich parks in the country.

The park’s elephant population is one of the largest in Africa, with thousands of elephants roaming its vast landscapes, particularly around the Chobe River.

Visitors flock to Chobe for exceptional game viewing, as the park is home to not only elephants but also lions, leopards, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species. The park’s unique ecosystems allow for a rich variety of flora and fauna, creating a dynamic and captivating environment for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Highlights

• Third-largest national park in Botswana, known for its biological diversity
• Famous for its massive elephant population
• Four distinct ecosystems that host an abundance of wildlife
• Easy access via the nearby town of Kasane, with daily flights from Johannesburg, Gaborone, and Maun