Ultimate road trip through Namibia - the journey
Hike the world's highest sand dunes, discover ancient cultures, search for desert elephant and black rhino, fly over the desert in a hot air balloon, go on safari for the Big 5 and explore one of the most hostile coastal areas on earth. You'll experience it all on this ultimate 4x4 road trip through Namibia.
Namibia, a young African nation
Namibia is a young republic on the Atlantic coast of southwest Africa. Namibia borders Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south. The country only gained independence from South Africa in 1990. With a population of just over 2 million, Namibia is the second least populated country in the world. Namibia is a diverse collection of many different tribes and peoples, each with their own language. Much of the population speaks Afrikaans or even German, but these languages are a reminder of oppression and colonization. English was therefore chosen as the official language.
Namibia has five geographical regions: the economically important Central Plateau, the rugged Namib Desert in the west, the Kalahari Desert in the east, the Great Escarpment with 2,000-meter mountains, and the northern Bushveld. Any tour of Namibia begins in the capital, Windhoek, which is located on the Central Plateau.
The journey
During our adventure trip we will drive ourselves by 4X4 from lodge to lodge. The journey takes us from the Kalahari to the Namib Desert. We then drive to the coast and Swakopmund. We continue our journey through Damaraland to Etosha National Park. On the way back to Windhoek we stop at the Okonjima Bush Camp, a protected area for large carnivores. By the time we arrive in Windhoek, we will have covered 3000 km on Namibian roads, 75% of which are gravel.
Mariental, the southern Kalahari
300 km south of Windhoek, on the edge of the southern Kalahari, lies Mariental. The town is known for the nearby Hardap Dam, Namibia's largest water reservoir. Mariental is also the gateway to the vast Kalahari Desert, which stretches across 5 African countries. Here you will discover a fascinating ecosystem, meet the Bushmen and see giraffes, antelopes and ostriches. Read more about our visit to a charming ranch and this part of the Kalahari in the blog.
Namib Desert and Sossusvlei
The Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world, is home to unique wildlife and endless landscapes. Take a breathtaking balloon ride, climb the red dunes of Sossusvlei and contemplate the skeletal trees of Deadvlei. Marvel at the stars and planets, search for the oryx, Namibia's national animal, and enjoy a spectacular African sunset. We did it all and I will tell you all about it in the blog.
Swakopmund and the Atlantic coast
Swakopmund is like stepping into another world. Palm-lined streets, beach promenades and a quaint downtown make a pleasant change from the wild landscape of the Namib Desert. Explore the cozy town and take a catamaran cruise in search of dolphins and pelicans in Walvis Bay. Be sure to visit the impressive Cape Cross Seal Colony, a breeding colony of some 200 000 seals.
Damaraland and Twyfelfontein
The journey continues to Damaraland, undoubtedly one of the country's best natural areas. Visit Twyfelfontein, the largest open-air art gallery in southern Africa, with rock paintings dating back thousands of years. Search for the unique desert elephant and black rhino and learn about the rich Damara culture and the Torra Conservancy. Want to experience that Out-of-Africa feeling? Read more about our experiences on my blog.
Etosha National Park and Ongava Game Reserve
Ongava is a vast and exclusive game reserve bordering the easily accessible Etosha National Park. Etosha itself is one of the largest and most famous game parks in Africa. Experience an authentic safari and marvel at the masses of zebra and antelope. Spot lions and elephants and go on a walking safari in search of the rare white and black rhinos. A visit to Etosha National Park is an absolute highlight of your Namibia trip.
Okonjima Game Reserve and AfriCat Foundation
On the last leg of the journey, you'll pass Okonjima, a fenced private nature reserve for captured cheetahs and other carnivores. Here the wild cats are given a chance to readapt to life in the wild. Learn about the growing conflict between humans and animals and the work of the AfriCat Foundation to conserve large carnivores.
From lodge to lodge
During our self-drive adventure we drove from one unique lodge to another. The lodges are remote but easily accessible by 4X4. The lodges offer a range of activities and experiences with local guides and transportation. Most accommodations are on an all-inclusive basis.
- Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch: charming authentic lodge on the edge of the Kalahari with 10 chalets and 2 rooms.
- andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge: ultimate luxury and an unforgettable experience in the desolate landscape of the Namib Desert. A stay that can only be described in superlatives.
- Swakopmund Luxury Suites: beautiful and well-maintained self-catering hotel in the center of Swakopmund. Ideal base for exploring the Atlantic coast.
- Damaraland Camp: unique and authentic camp run by the local Torra community in the pristine wilderness of Damaraland.
- Little Ongava Lodge: your very own home at the gateway to Etosha National Park. With no more than three luxury chalets, Little Ongava is one of the most exclusive and intimate game lodges in Namibia.
- Mushara Outpost: explore Etosha East from this charming lodge with 8 tents scattered in the bush.
- Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp: this exclusive, luxurious lodge is home to the AfriCat Foundation and is the place to see leopards and cheetahs up close.
