Namibia Highlights
with Zambezi and Vic Falls

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 leads you to the southern parts of Namibia via the Tropic of Capricon to the Namib Naukluft Park the Khomas Highlands and the breath-taking view of the Spreetshoogte Pass.

 

Spreetshoogte Pass (Afrikaans: Spreetshoogtepas, literally English: Spreeth's Peak Pass) is a mountain pass in central Namibia, connecting the Namib Desert with the Khomas Highland by traversing the Great Escarpment, a geological feature of much of the southern part of the African continent. With gradients between 1:4.5 and 1:6 it is the steepest pass in Namibia, as well as the one straddling the biggest elevation difference, descending almost 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) within 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) of road. The top of the pass features a resting place from which there is a spectacular view into the adjacent Namib. The pass was erected during World War II by farmer Nicolaas Spreeth, after whom it is named.  

 

You will then arrive at a small town called Solitaire the area was named Solitaire by Elsie Sophia van Coller (wife of Willem Christoffel van Coller). The name was chosen because of two meanings. Solitaire can mean a single set diamond and Solitaire can also mean solitude or loneliness. Combined these two meanings create the definition of being unique or one-of-a-kind and a precious but solitary place Solitaire is situated at the junction of main roads C14 (Walvis Bay - Bethanie), and C19 (Sesriem - Sossusvlei), both major tourist routes through the Namib-Naukluft National Park. At Solitaire you will find a petrol station, public restrooms, restaurant and bakery, the worlds famous apfel strudel, the settlement also contains a tire repair workshop and a motel, continue to your explicit lodge. Already in the afternoon you will have the opportunity to join in on the first activities the lodge has to offer or just relax at the lodge swimming pool or visit the Sesriem canyon.  

 

Overnight in the Naukluft Park surrounding

Today will be a leisure day to enjoy the fantastic sight of the Sossusvlei Dunes, The dead vlei and Sesriem Canyon.

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The Sesriem Canyon derives its name from the fact that early Afrikaner trekkers had to use six ('ses') leather thongs ('riem') so that their buckets could reach the water far below. Because it is so deep and sheltered, it often holds water well into the dry season.

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The sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert are thought to be the highest dunes in the world. The best time to view Sossusvlei is close to sunrise and sunset, when colours and shades change constantly, offering a photographer’s dream. The midday heat is intense and best spent in the shade. 'Vlei' is the Afrikaans word for a shallow depression or pan, surrounded by spectacular red dunes, sometimes fills with water. The pan only has water on rare occasions, during exceptional rainy seasons, when the Tsauchab River flows into this pan. The Sossusvlei is mostly a dry vlei except in good rainy season. The sand-dunes at Sossusvlei are some 60km from the Sesriem gate (the entrance to the park) and the drive takes about an hour. The area also hosts various vleis', such as the Naravlei, so called because of the countless cucumber-like melons (a vital source of nourishment for many desert creatures, including man) growing around the edge of the pan. Dead Vlei boasts dead camelthorn trees, some being over 800 years old. Out of view from the 2x4 car park, tucked behind a dune, is Hiddenvlei.

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Again, Overnight in the Namib Naukluft Park surroundings.

Today, travel through the rugged Namib Desert to the coastal town of Walvis Bay and onward to Swakopmund.

 

The Namib Desert, the world’s oldest desert at 43 million years, spans nearly 50,000 km². It includes the Namib Naukluft Park, parts of the southern diamond area, and the Skeleton Coast, now part of Dorob Park. The desert also features the Swakop and Kuiseb River Canyons, usually dry except during rare heavy rains.

Overnight in one of Swakopmund's fabulous guesthouses.

 

The next day, enjoy leisure time and optional activities (please book in advance). Swakopmund, meaning "Mouth of the Swakop River," is a prime holiday destination 350 km from Windhoek. Founded in 1892 as the main harbor for German South-West Africa, much of its population remains German-speaking. Iconic landmarks include the old train station-turned-hotel, Woermann House, the lighthouse, and the jetty, now a restaurant.

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Swakopmund offers a range of attractions, such as the National Marine Aquarium, Crystal Gallery, and Martin Luther steam locomotive. Activities include fishing, dolphin cruises, quad biking, ballooning, camel riding, and excellent shopping opportunities.

 

Recommended restaurants include Jetty 1905, Swakopmund Brauhaus, The Tug, Kucki’s Pub, Tiger Reef, Ocean Cellar, Old Steamer Restaurant, and The Wreck Restaurant.

Overnight again in Swakopmund.

After breakfast, spend your morning exploring Swakopmund, shopping for souvenirs, or enjoying one last activity before driving inland to the Erongo Mountains via Usakos. Along the way, you can visit a San Living Museum to learn about the San people and their rich history of rock paintings.

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The Erongo Mountains, located in Damaraland west of Omaruru, are a 130-million-year-old volcanic complex spanning 30 km in diameter. This stunning region is a dream for nature lovers, photographers, and artists, with dramatic landscapes, changing light, and vibrant colors during sunsets. The area is rich in wildlife, birds, and game, and is known for aquamarine mining.

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The Erongo Mountains are also home to Phillips Cave, famous for its rock and cave paintings, which are protected heritage sites. The highest peaks include Hohenstein at 2,319 meters, and the mountains offer breathtaking views and unique geological formations.

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Overnight in the Erongo Mountains.

Start your day with an optional guided walking trail in the Erongo Mountains before driving via Omaruru and Outjo to the southern Anderson Gate.

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Omaruru, a charming town in central Namibia, is rich in history and artistic culture. Known for its annual art festival in August/September, Omaruru is surrounded by the river of the same name, bordered by ancient trees. The town's name comes from "Omaere," a traditional milk product. Established in 1871, the town flourished around a brewery and trading post founded by Anders Ohlsson and Axel Eriksson. The mission, built in 1872, now serves as a museum. Omaruru also holds historical significance from the Herero and Namaqua War in 1904, commemorated by Captain Franke's Tower.

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Overnight in the Etosha surroundings.

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Spend the next two days exploring Etosha National Park, a haven for wildlife, all from the comfort of your own vehicle or through lodge activities (please book in advance). The park is home to hundreds of species, including endangered black rhinos, as well as mammals, birds, and reptiles.

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Etosha, meaning "great white area," refers to the vast salt pan at its center. Unique features include floodlit waterholes at main camps, offering incredible wildlife viewing even at night. Declared a game reserve in 1907 by Governor Dr. Friedrich von Lindequist, the park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers.

Overnight in Etosha Park.

Today you have to set farewell to the Etosha Park, its animals and beauty as you will head up to the north boarder of Namibia via Tsumeb and Grootfontein the "gateway to the north".

 

The name Tsumeb is generally pronounced "TSOO-meb". The name is not a derivative of German, Afrikaans, or English. It has been suggested that it comes from Nama and means either "Place of the moss" or "Place of the frog". Perhaps this old name had something to do with the huge natural hill of green, oxidized copper ore that existed there before it was mined out. The town was founded in 1905 by the German colonial power and celebrated its 100th year of existence in 2005. The town is the site of a deep mine (the lower workings now closed), that in its heyday was known simply as "The Tsumeb Mine" but has since been renamed the Ongopolo Mine. Close to Tsumeb you will also find the larges and smallest of only two permanent natural lakes in Namibia. Lake Guinas (larges) and Otjikoto Lake (smallest) It a sinkhole lake, created by a collapsing karst cave. Otjikoto Lake was declared a national monument in 1972 and are known for the dumping ground for German Schutztruppe during World War I; in June 1915 German troops dumped war materials in the lake before surrendering to stop the South African and British troops from using them. Most of the larger pieces have been recovered and are displayed in Tsumeb Museum.

 

The Caprivi Region has a quite unique historical story to tell. Unlike the other regions in Namibia, the Caprivi has a completely different past. Till the end of the 19th century, the Caprivi has been known as “Intenga” and has been under the rule of the Lozi kings, but later forming part of the British “Bechuanaland” Protectorate (known as Botswana today).

 

Overnight on the bank of the Kavango River.

Today’s journey takes you along the Trans-Caprivi Highway to the Bwabwata National Park. Be cautious of roaming wildlife, as there are no fences. On your way, consider visiting the Popa Falls, a scenic highlight in the western Caprivi Strip.

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Popa Falls, better described as rapids than waterfalls, lie along the Okavango River. The river cascades over a four-meter rocky barrier, creating stunning rapids before flowing into Botswana and the Okavango Delta. This area offers a great base to explore the nearby Mahango Game Park.

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The Bwabwata National Park, established in 2002 by merging the Western Caprivi and Mahango Game Parks, spans over 5,000 square kilometers between the Kwando and Okavango Rivers. It is home to over 8,000 elephants, along with lions, leopards, hyenas, buffalo, hippos, and a variety of antelope species.

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The park's topography ranges from 500 to 1,000 meters in elevation. It serves as the starting point of the Okavango Swamps, transitioning into Botswana's Okavango Delta. The climate includes a dry season (April–November) and a rainy season (mid-November–April), with annual rainfall between 550–600 mm. Vegetation consists of shrublands, grasslands, riparian forests, and floodplains, supporting 869 plant species from 88 families. Prominent trees include baobabs, Phoenix palms, and riparian woodland species like Garcinia and Acacia.

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Bwabwata is rich in biodiversity, hosting 99 mammal species, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, and hippos, as well as threatened species like the African wild dog and the African elephant. The park also boasts 71 aquatic species and five amphibians, making it a vital ecological reserve.

Overnight in the Bwabwata Park.

Depart early today, driving via Kongola to Katima Mulilo through the Caprivi Game Park, characterized by flat landscapes and vegetated dunes. Continue to Botswana via the Ngoma Bridge border post, which crosses the Chobe River. Note that the Ngoma Border Post is open from 07:00 to 18:00 (GMT+2) and may have long waiting times.

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Kasane, located in northeastern Botswana near Africa’s "Four Corners" where Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe almost meet, serves as the administrative center of the Chobe District.

Overnight near Chobe National Park.

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The next day, explore Chobe National Park or take a day trip to the spectacular Victoria Falls.

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Chobe National Park, Botswana’s first national park, is renowned for its incredible wildlife diversity and one of the largest concentrations of game in Africa. Covering 31,600 km², it is especially famous for its estimated 50,000 elephants, part of the largest continuous surviving population in Africa. Established in 1931, the park is a haven for conservation and a key tourist destination.

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Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya ("The Smoke that Thunders"), is a breathtaking waterfall on the Zambezi River, marking the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Discovered by explorer David Livingstone in 1855, it is the world’s largest waterfall based on its width (1,708 meters) and height (108 meters), creating a dramatic curtain of water. The indigenous name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, reflects the thunderous spray visible from afar.

Overnight near Chobe Park.