Itinerary
- Day 1
Windhoek
You'll land in Windhoek and head straight to pick up your rental car for this self-drive journey. The drive to your accommodation takes about 50 km from the airport, so you should be settled in by evening. This is mostly a travel day to get oriented and rest up before heading out.
- Day 2
Windhoek to Waterberg Plateau
After checking out, you'll drive north toward Waterberg Plateau, which takes about 265 to 226 km depending on your lodge. This region is fantastic for bird watching with over 200 species around, and you'll also spot white and black rhinos, buffalo, and antelope if you keep your eyes open. You'll reach your accommodation by evening and have time to settle in.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Bird watching in Waterberg Plateau region
Landmarks Waterberg Plateau - Day 3
Waterberg Plateau to Etosha National Park
Following breakfast, you'll head northwest through Otjiwarongo and Outjo before arriving at Etosha National Park, a drive of roughly 243 to 235 km. The park holds over 110 animal species and more than 340 bird species. Once you check into your accommodation, there's an optional afternoon game drive available where you can search for lions, cheetahs, and other wildlife from your rental car. You're staying two nights here.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Self-drive game viewing in Etosha National Park (afternoon, optional)
Landmarks Etosha National Park - Day 4
Etosha National Park
Start early this morning and spend the day driving through Etosha to see black rhinos, elephants, various antelope, cheetahs, and lions in their natural habitat. You'll take a midday break at Halali rest camp, then continue exploring. Depending on which route and lodge you're using, you might cover anywhere from 165 to 320 km throughout the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Game viewing in Etosha National Park
- Stop at Halali rest camp
Landmarks Etosha National Park Halali rest camp - Day 5
Etosha to Damaraland
You'll drive south to Damaraland, covering about 265 to 335 km. The landscape here is striking with volcanic formations and golden-hued rocks scattered across the terrain. Along the way or nearby, you can see Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes with their unusual vertical shapes. Twyfelfontein, known for Bushman rock engravings, is available as an optional stop either today or tomorrow depending on your itinerary choice. You'll stay one night in the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit Twyfelfontein rock engravings site (available Day 5 or 6 depending on package)
Landmarks Burnt Mountain Organ Pipes Twyfelfontein - Day 6
Damaraland to Swakopmund
The drive west to Swakopmund takes around 260 km and brings you to Namibia's most popular coastal resort. The town has a distinct German character with colonial architecture and sidewalk cafes throughout. You'll check into your accommodation for the next two nights and can spend the rest of the day wandering around and getting familiar with the town.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Swakopmund 
- Day 7
Swakopmund
Today you'll explore Swakopmund and the nearby areas. A boat tour in Walvis Bay lagoon is really worth doing if you have the chance. During the tour, you'll see playful seals jumping onto the boat, and pelicans often follow along. This is a relaxed day compared to the earlier game drives, so you can take your time and enjoy the coastal scenery.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Boat tour in Walvis Bay lagoon to see seals and pelicans
Landmarks Walvis Bay lagoon - Day 8
Swakopmund to Windhoek
After breakfast, you'll drive back to Windhoek and the international airport, covering about 396 km. Return your separately booked rental car when you get there and wrap up your trip. Make sure your return or onward flight doesn't depart before 18:30.
- Meals
- Breakfast
