9 Days of Namibia, Etosha and Damaraland Self Drive

Overview

Namibia stands out as one of the top destinations in Southern Africa for a self-drive family holiday. The country boasts well-maintained tarred roads, low traffic, and a welcoming mix of child-friendly accommodations set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty.

Your adventure begins in the capital, Windhoek, where you’ll pick up your comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. After a restful night at a charming guesthouse, you’ll embark on a 10-day road trip around the country. This journey takes you through the Waterberg Plateau, Etosha National Park, the breathtaking landscapes of Damaraland, and the historic coastal town of Swakopmund, known as Namibia’s adventure sports hub.

This self-drive safari is perfect for travelers who love the freedom to set their own pace and explore Namibia’s vast and diverse terrain at their leisure. With everything arranged for a stress-free experience, you can focus on enjoying the beauty and wildlife of this fascinating country.

Highlights & Activities

What’s on offer during your itinerary?

• Family-friendly accommodations
• Visit the salt pans and witness game in Etosha
• Explore the rugged wilderness of Damaraland
• Discover the history of Swakopmund
• Marvel at the Waterberg Plateau
• Game watching at an illuminated waterhole

Day 1-2: Set off from Windhoek | 1 Night

Upon arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, you’ll collect your spacious, air-conditioned vehicle and make your way to Olive Grove, a charming guesthouse located in a peaceful neighborhood on the outskirts of the city.

If you prefer a quiet retreat, you don’t need to venture far for meals or relaxation. Enjoy home-style meals on the terrace, where Namibia’s perfect climate makes al fresco dining a delightful experience. You can unwind with a refreshing dip in the plunge pool or indulge in a soothing massage at the on-site Wellness Room.

For those wanting to explore, the city center is just a short drive away. Take the opportunity to discover some of Windhoek’s key attractions, such as Heroes’ Acre, a memorial to the country’s heroes, Tintenpalast, the seat of government, or Alte Feste, a historic colonial fort.

Day 2: Into the Water Plateau

After a restful night’s sleep and a delicious breakfast at Olive Grove, it’s time to hit the road and leave the Windhoek skyline behind. Your next stop is Frans Indongo Lodge, nestled at the foot of the Waterberg Plateau, offering stunning views of the Waterberg National Park. This ecologically diverse park is home to rare species of small antelope and over 200 bird species.

The drive is scenic and easy, leaving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the lodge’s amenities, including the refreshing swimming pool and expansive viewing decks. The thatched chalets are comfortable and well-equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and television, but the real star here is the national park. You can join guided dawn and dusk game drives with a ranger and tracker, or embark on your own self-drive safari in search of game.

For an enriching experience, visit the nearby Cheetah Conservation Fund, where valuable work is being done to protect these magnificent cats. If you enjoy hiking, there are self-guided trails on Frans Indongo’s property, ranging from 1.5 to 3 hours.

As evening falls, unwind with a nightcap on the deck, overlooking an illuminated waterhole. Keep your binoculars ready to spot nyala, red lechwe, rare white blesbok, and antelopes like roan and sable as they come to drink. For a breathtaking start to your day, head to the wooden observation tower with a freshly brewed cup of coffee and a rusk to greet the sunrise.

Day3-7: the Great White Place, Etosha | 3 Nights

The Waterberg Plateau has sharpened your game-spotting skills, preparing you for the next leg of your journey: Etosha National Park. After leaving Frans Indongo Lodge, you’ll drive north to Onguma, a relaxed bush camp nestled within the Onguma Private Game Reserve, just outside Etosha. Here, you’ll experience the best of both worlds—engage in activities like nature walks or animal tracking within Onguma, or venture into Etosha for some thrilling game viewing.

Similar to Frans Indongo Lodge, Onguma offers a swimming pool and a floodlit waterhole, so you can relax and watch plains game like zebra, giraffe, kudu, and hartebeest come to drink. If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of predators such as cheetah or lion.

After an exciting day spent in the park or reserve, unwind with an al fresco dinner around a traditional campfire in the boma, toasting another stunning Namibian sunset.