Namibia Highlights
with South of Namibia

On arrival you will be met by a representative of Odyssey Car & 4x4 Hire. Your tour will start by driving 42km to Windhoek the capital and largest city of the Republic of Namibia. You will receive a comprehensive 1-2 hours briefing of the vehicle, camping equipment & the route you will be driving. Following this you can buy provisions in Windhoek for the next 15 days self-drive adventure. Your first night spend will be overnighting in Windhoek in a Guesthouse.

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If your flight are schedule to arrive after 15H00 no vehicle handover will take place only on day 2 but you would be transferred to your first nights’ accommodation.

 

If flights are schedule to arrive before 10H00 am we can change first night in Windhoek to first night outside Windhoek to make day 2’s driving a bit less.

 

Notable landmarks to visit in Windhoek are:  Parliament Gardens, Christ Church (Lutheran church opened in 1910, built in the gothic revival style with Art Nouveau elements.), Tintenpalast (Ink Palace -within Parliament Gardens, the seat of both chambers of the Parliament of Namibia. Built between 1912 and 1913 and situated just north of Robert Mugabe Avenue), Alte Feste (built in 1890 and houses the National Museum), Reiterdenkmal (Equestrian Monument - a statue celebrating the victory of the German Empire over the Herero and Nama in the Herero and Namaqua War of 1904–1907), Supreme Court of Namibia Built between 1994 and 1996 it is Windhoek's only building erected post-independence in an African style of architecture.

 

Dinner at Stellenbosch Wine Bar Restaurant or at Joes Beerhouse would be a wonderful start to an African experience meal.

Today’s journey will leads you to the southern parts of Namibia via the Tropic of Capricorn, Rehoboth and Kalkrand into the center of the Kalahari Desert, well known for its red dunes.

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The Kalahari Desert (in Afrikaans "Dorsland", meaning "thirst land" or "thirsty land") is a large semi-arid sandy savannah in Southern Africa extending 1.2 million square kilometers, covering much of Botswana and parts of Namibia and South Africa. As semi-desert, with huge tracts of excellent grazing after good rains, the Kalahari supports more animals and plants than a true desert, such as the Namib Desert to the west. There are small amounts of rainfall and the summer temperature is very high. The surrounding Kalahari Basin covers over 2 500 000 square kilometres extending farther into Botswana, Namibia and South Africa and encroaching into parts of Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The only permanent river, the Okavango, flows into a delta in the northwest, forming marshes that are rich in wildlife. Ancient dry riverbeds—called omuramba— traverse the Central Northern reaches of the Kalahari and provide standing pools of water during the rainy season. Previously havens for wild animals from elephants to giraffes, and for predators such as lions and cheetahs, the riverbeds are now mostly grazing spots, though leopards and cheetahs can still be found. Among deserts of the southern hemisphere the Kalahari most closely resembles some Australian deserts in its latitude and its mode of formation.

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Overnight in the Kalahari surroundings

Today, continue south to Keetmanshoop, where you can visit the Mesosaurus Fossil Site and the Quiver Tree Forest before heading to the Fish River Canyon.

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The Quiver Tree Forest, located 14 km northeast of Keetmanshoop on Farm Gariganus, is home to around 250 Aloe dichotoma trees. These trees, named by Simon van der Stel in 1685, earned their name from the San people, who used their branches to make quivers. With their leaf-like roots, quiver trees appear to grow upside down and are considered sacred in some local traditions.

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The Mesosaurus fossils provide compelling evidence of continental drift, as identical fossils are found in the Whitehill formations of southern Africa and the Irats formations of South America. These fossils link the two continents through their shared geological history.

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Overnight near the Fish River Canyon.

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The next day, explore the Fish River Canyon and its surrounding areas. At 160 km long, it is the second-largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon. The Fish River, Namibia’s longest interior river, cuts deep into a plateau that is dry and stony, with hardy drought-resistant vegetation. The river flows intermittently, creating long pools during the dry season.

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For those in good physical condition, a challenging 85 km hike from the Hiker’s Viewpoint can be undertaken during the winter months (May–September) with a permit from NWR in Windhoek. Day hikes are not allowed.

At the canyon’s lower end lies the Ai-Ais hot springs resort, part of the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park shared by Namibia and South Africa. Ai-Ais, meaning "place of burning water," features natural thermal springs, offering an ideal spot to relax and wash off the desert dust.

Overnight near the Fish River Canyon.

Today, travel to the border of Namibia and South Africa along the Orange River.

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The Orange River (Gariep River) flows as a lifeline through Namibia’s south, contrasting its lush, fertile banks with the arid Namib Desert and South Africa’s rugged mountains. The river, the longest in South Africa, rises in Lesotho's Drakensberg Mountains and flows westward to the Atlantic Ocean. It forms international borders between South Africa and Namibia, and South Africa and Lesotho. Named by Robert Jacob Gordon after the Dutch Royal House, it’s also known as Gariep (Khoi), Groote, or Senqu River (Lesotho). It plays a vital economic role, providing irrigation and hydroelectric power.

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Explore the river through kayaking, rafting, or canoeing, with options for day tours or multi-day adventures sleeping on the riverbanks. This lush, green oasis amidst the desert offers a surreal landscape of reeds, palm trees, and vineyards. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, bird sightings, and the unique feeling of being between two countries.

Overnight on the banks of the Orange River.

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The next day, travel to Aus and continue to Lüderitz. En route, watch for the wild horses of the Namib Desert, a herd of 150–200 adapted to the harsh environment. These feral horses can go five days without water and drink at Garub Pan, where a viewing blind allows tourists to observe them undisturbed.

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Aus, located in the Aus Mountains, has a small village with amenities like a hotel and shops. Once the site of a WWI prisoner-of-war camp, the area holds historical significance with a plaque marking the camp’s site. Snow was even recorded here in 1963.

Overnight in the coastal town of Lüderitz.

Spend the day exploring Lüderitz and its surroundings. Visit the ancient diamond ghost town of Kolmanskop or travel along the coastline to Diaz Point and nearby bays. In town, explore the museum, Goerke House, or Felsenkirche. Consider booking a guided tour to the Rock Arch or Elisabeth Bay in the restricted diamond area. Alternatively, enjoy a boat cruise to Penguin Island.

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Lüderitz is a charming, quirky town in one of the best natural harbors on Africa’s least hospitable coast. Founded in 1883 by Heinrich Vogelsang on behalf of Adolf Lüderitz, the town began as a trading post and fishing hub. After diamonds were discovered in 1909 at Kolmanskop, Lüderitz thrived briefly before reverting to its quieter roots. Its charm lies in its largely unchanged early-20th-century character.

Overnight again in Lüderitz.

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The next day, return to Aus and follow the desert roads through rural Namibia. En route, visit Duwisib Castle, a pseudo-medieval fortress built in 1908 by Baron Hans Heinrich von Wolf and his wife, Jayta Humphreys. Designed by Wilhelm Sander, the castle features 22 rooms, constructed using materials imported from Germany and crafted by masons from Europe. After von Wolf’s death during WWI, his wife never returned, leaving the castle behind. The property is now managed by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Descendants of the couple’s thoroughbred horses are thought to roam the Namib Desert as the famous Namib Desert Horses.

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Continue to Namib-Naukluft Park, one of Africa’s largest protected areas at nearly 50,000 km². This vast and extraordinary park encompasses diverse ecosystems in a desert that defines Namibia’s identity.

Overnight near Sesriem.

Start your day early to witness the incredible sights of Sossusvlei, home to the world’s highest sand dunes, the Dead Vlei, and Sesriem Canyon.

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The best time to visit Sossusvlei is at sunrise or sunset, when the colors and shadows shift dramatically, creating a photographer’s dream. Located in the southern Namib Desert within Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is a salt and clay pan surrounded by towering dunes, the highest reaching 350 meters, nicknamed "Big Daddy." The name "Sossusvlei" combines Nama and Afrikaans, meaning "dead-end marsh," reflecting its nature as an endorheic basin for the ephemeral Tsauchab River.

The Dead Vlei is a striking clay pan with 600–700-year-old camel thorn tree skeletons, scorched black by the intense sun. These trees remain intact due to the arid conditions. The surrounding dunes encroached on the area after climate change caused drought, blocking the river. The remaining vegetation, like salsola and nara, survives off rare rain and morning mist.

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Sesriem Canyon, just two meters wide in some areas, is a natural gorge carved by the Tsauchab River. The name "Sesriem," Afrikaans for "six belts," comes from the early settlers who tied together six oryx-hide belts to draw water from the canyon. The canyon is about one kilometer long and up to 30 meters deep, with sections that hold water year-round, sustaining local wildlife.

Overnight again in the Sesriem surroundings.

Today, your journey takes you back to Namibia’s coast. Drive via Solitaire, where a stop for the world-famous apple strudel is a must.

Solitaire, located near Namib-Naukluft National Park, is a small settlement offering the only gas station, bakery, cafe, and general store between Sossusvlei and Walvis Bay. Featured in Dutch author Ton van der Lee’s book Solitaire, it holds a unique charm as a remote yet vital hub. Overnight in Swakopmund.

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The next day is for leisure, with plenty of activities to choose from (please book in advance). Swakopmund, meaning "Mouth of the Swakop River," is a top holiday destination located 350 km from Windhoek. Founded in 1892 as a harbor for German South-West Africa, its colonial architecture and German-speaking community reflect its heritage. The jetty, once used for offloading boats, is now a landmark restaurant.

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Swakopmund boasts attractions such as the National Marine Aquarium, Crystal Gallery, Martin Luther steam locomotive, and historic sites like the old train station, Woermann House, and the lighthouse. Activities include fishing, dolphin cruises, quad biking, skydiving, ballooning, camel riding, and excellent shopping opportunities.

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Recommended restaurants include Jetty 1905, Swakopmund Brauhaus, The Tug, Kucki’s Pub, and Tiger Reef.

Overnight in one of Swakopmund’s charming guesthouses.

Today, drive partly along Namibia’s coastline before heading inland to the rugged terrain of Damaraland. Stop at Cape Cross, home to the world’s largest breeding colony of Cape Fur Seals. During November and December, up to 210,000 seals gather here to mate, creating a cacophony of sounds and smells. Despite its intensity, this stop offers an unparalleled glimpse into nature along the Skeleton Coast.

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Cape Cross also holds historical significance. In 1484, Portuguese explorer Diogo Cão erected a stone cross (padrão) to claim the region for Portugal. While the original was removed in 1893, replicas now stand in its place, preserving the site’s legacy.

Continue past Brandberg Mountain, Namibia’s highest peak, where you can take a brief stop to explore its striking landscape. Damaraland’s rugged beauty, with its open plains, granite koppies, and sandy deserts, supports unique desert-adapted wildlife like elephants, black rhinos, and springbok. These animals have evolved to thrive in this arid, challenging environment.

Overnight near Brandberg.

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The next day, visit Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient rock engravings created by Stone Age hunter-gatherers over 6,000 years ago. The Khoikhoi people, who settled the area 2,000–2,500 years ago, added their own distinctive art to the valley, once called ǀUi-Ais ("jumping waterhole"). Explore the nearby Organ Pipes, a unique geological formation.

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On your way to Etosha National Park, stop at the Petrified Forest near Khorixas, where ancient tree trunks fossilized through silicification over millions of years. The site also features welwitschia plants and is accessible via guided tours.

Continue via Khorixas and Outjo to your accommodation near Anderson Gate.

Overnight near Etosha Park.

You have two (2) full day, which you can use to explore the abundant wildlife in the Etosha Park, Namibia has to offer. All this in the comfort of your own vehicle. 

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The park is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds and reptiles, including several threatened and endangered species such as the black rhinoceros.

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ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK is the gateway to Northern Namibia and Ovamboland. It is Namibia’s prime wildlife location and home to a large variety of mammals and birds. Etosha means the ‘great white area ‘this refers to large dried pan in the middle of the Etosha Park. What makes this park unique is the floodlit waterholes at all the main camps. Visit Etosha National Park in Namibia this season and share in Namibia’s wildlife. Etosha Park is any photographers dream. Plan your visit to Namibia and experience the great white area of Etosha. The park was proclaimed a game reserve on March 22, 1907 in Ordinance 88 by the Governor of German South West Africa, Dr. Friedrich von Lindequist.

Overnight in Etosha Park

Today, drive through Tsumeb and Grootfontein to the Waterberg Plateau Park. On the way, stop to visit the Hoba meteorite, the largest known intact meteorite on Earth.

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The Hoba meteorite, discovered by chance in 1920 when farmer Jacobus Hermanus Brits struck it while ploughing, left no crater. It was later identified as a meteorite, and in 1955, it was declared a national monument. In 1987, the meteorite and surrounding land were donated to the state for educational purposes, and a tourist center was established. Thanks to these efforts, vandalism has ceased, and thousands of visitors now view this remarkable object each year.

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Continue to the Waterberg Plateau Park, a haven of ecological and geological diversity. Home to over 200 bird species and rare small antelopes, the park's oldest rock formations date back 850 million years, with dinosaur tracks from 200 million years ago still visible.

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Spend the afternoon hiking, wildlife watching, or simply enjoying the serene scenery and rich history of the plateau.

Overnight at the Waterberg Plateau Park.

Start your day with a morning hike at the Waterberg Plateau if you missed it the previous day.

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Drive back to Windhoek for your final night in Namibia. Drop off your rental vehicle upon arrival, then transfer to your accommodation. Take this opportunity to shop for gifts and souvenirs at Windhoek’s Craft Centers.

If your flight is on the same day, you will be transferred directly to the airport.

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For a memorable farewell, enjoy a local Namibian game meat dinner at Joe’s Beerhouse, a popular spot to experience the last taste of Namibia.

Overnight at a guesthouse in Windhoek.