In Complete Privacy: A Namibia Self-Drive Tour
Tour Introduction
For discerning travellers who enjoy the independence of self-drive* while coming into contact with as few other visitors as possible, this top-notch tour is ideal.
The extra-special programme encompasses all the major highlights you could wish for in Namibia: Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland and the amazing Etosha National Park, both the south and east sides. The difference is that we have designed it to minimise contact with other people.
In Windhoek, luxuriate in the ultra-modern Olive Exclusive suite where staff will deliver dishes to your door. The same goes for Desert Whisper, Mowani Camp and Villa Mushara. In Swakopmund, you can use the kitchen of your private apartment to cater for yourselves and we can organise grocery deliveries for you. At Etosha Heights you will have the security of your own Safari House with private guide and chef: the nearby hide will also reveal some of fascinating wildlife which inhabits the private reserve. When traversing Etosha from south to east, enjoy a full day of self-drive game viewing before arriving at your next lodge, Villa Mushara from where you have time to explore the park’s eastern side for incredible wildlife viewing which can include dik dik, elephant, giraffe, zebra, rhino, lion, kori bustard and secretary bird.
If you feel the urge to visit Namibia but are keen to keep a social distance, we thoroughly commend this tour to you. It will still appeal to those desirous of an exclusive, top quality self-drive itinerary at a really reasonable rate.
*If you don’t wish to drive yourself, we can arrange for a private guide to take care of all the driving, indicate points of interest along the way and be on hand to sort out any potential problems which might occur (additional cost).
Full Itinerary
Arrive into Windhoek and transfer to your hotel in town. Arrive and settle in. Your hire car will be delivered to the hotel today with documents to sign.
Staying at The Olive Exclusive. Includes No Meals.
Drive south from Windhoek to the Sesriem area near the Namib Naukluft National Park. Arrive at your exclusive lodge and settle in.
Staying at Desert Whisper. Includes All Meals.
Early morning departure for a guided visit to the ancient dunes and salt pans of the Namib Naukluft National Park. See in the sunrise over the massive dunes and arrive at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Park the car and walk the dunes and pans.
Staying at Desert Whisper. Includes All Meals.
Drive north to Swakopmund, perhaps stopping at Solitaire en route. Arrive at the town and find the Cornerstone Guesthouse. They will show you where to go and afterwards, settle into your three-bed exclusive apartment. If you require groceries to be delivered before arrival, let us know.
Staying at Atlantik Sicht. Includes Breakfast.
Today you can walk to the Cornerstone Guesthouse for breakfast. You have a free day with a choice of optional activities: eg Tommy's Living Desert Tour (recommended), half day catamaran cruise from Walvis Bay, full day tour over the dunes to Sandwich Harbour. In your free time you can wander around the safe, lively seaside town and admire the German colonial buildings.
Staying at Atlantik Sicht. Includes Breakfast.
Drive north to Damaraland and visit Twyfelfontein, a remarkable collection of ancient rock art (or petroglyphs) many thousands of years old. Perhaps also visit the Organ Pipes rock formation. Arrive at your lodge and settle in. Meals can be brought to your room.
Staying at Mowani Mountain Camp. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Continue onwards to the Etosha Heights private reserve, adjoining the southern border of Etosha National Park. Settle into your exclusive-use Safari House, in its own fenced compound with private chef and private guide who will take you out on exclusive game drives during the day and at night. Perhaps visit the nearby hide and after dinner have a night drive for porcupine and other nocturnal creatures.
Staying at Safari House. Includes All Meals.
A full day to enjoy exclusive game drives in the private reserve and spend time at the hide. Relax at your exclusive residence when at leisure and perhaps swim in the pool followed by a BBQ.
Staying at Safari House. Includes All Meals.
Leave Safari House after an early breakfast and drive to the southern entrance for Etosha National Park. Spend the rest of the day traversing from south to east viewing the amazing wildlife at the waterholes, in the forest and on the grasslands. Perhaps stop for lunch at Halili Camp which is roughly midway. Depart before sundown through the eastern Von Lindquist Gate and arrive shortly thereafter at your lodge.
Staying at Villa Mushara. Includes All Meals.
Re-enter the park on private morning and afternoon game drives with your own safari guide to explore the eastern side of Etosha National Park. Stop off at the many waterholes for your best chances of seeing the most wildlife. Meals can be brought to your villa, one of only two at the lodge.
Staying at Villa Mushara. Includes All Meals.
Leave Etosha and drive back to Windhoek. Check in once more to your suite at the luxury hotel and enjoy your last night.
Staying at The Olive Exclusive. Includes Breakfast.
Drive to the airport and drop off your car. Check in for your flight home.
Staying at In flight. Includes In-flight Meals.
Tour Accommodation
Atlantik Sicht
Overview
A sister property to the popular Cornerstone Guesthouse, Atlantik Sicht is a comfortable, well appointed three-bedroom apartment just metres back from the Skwakopmund seafront. It is quietly located yet close to the busy town centre and even nearer to The Tug restaurant. Having a fully equipped kitchen, self catering is easy or you can opt to dine out. The apartment is perfect for couples, groups and families wishing to have privacy and independence. At the front is a verandah and small garden looking over the minor road and out to sea.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Three bedrooms: one master double with en suite, one double, one twin. Shared bathroom. Living and dining area. Verandah with loungers and BBQ. Small garden. Double garage.
Optional Activities
There are a range of activities available in Skwakopmund, including Tommy's Living Desert Tour, catamaran cruises, day trips over the dunes to Sandwich Harbour, quad biking.
Etosha Heights Safari House
Overview
The recently refurbished Safari House is now extremely comfortable and well furnished and decorated. With its three bedrooms, all en suite, and plenty of living space, the House is the perfect secluded safari retreat.
Your private guide, vehicle and chef will take care of all your catering needs and game drives within the private 60,000-hectares Etosha Heights reserve, which adjoins the south side of Etosha National Park itself. Night drives are always on the cards for species such as porcupine and owls.
There’s also a large photography hide very close by where a variety of wildlife comes to drink and the Safarihoek Lodge is not far away should you wish for some variety.
The watchword here is flexibility: no set times for safaris and meals, you just say the word and it will be done. And safety is not a concern either, as the entire compound is securely fenced.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Three en-suite bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, dining room, sitting area, verandah with braai and seating, fire pit, swimming pool and gardens.
Local Wildlife
Black and White Rhino
Elephant
Giraffe
Porcupine
Lion
Zebra
Optional Activities
Daily private game drives, morning, afternoon and evening.
Mowani Mountain Camp
Overview
Mowani Mountain Camp is a traditional African safari style property with just 12 luxury tented rooms spread across a rocky outcrop providing stunning views across the plains of Damaraland. The camp is in the south of the great Damaraland region between the Ugab and the Huab rivers and is the luxury sister property of Camp Kipwe. It is perfectly suited to honeymooners and other couples who might be on second honeymoons.
There are two choices of tented rooms: the Superior View Rooms (as the name suggests) have outstanding panoramic views of the dramatic desert landscape and are positioned on the edge of the camp giving plenty of privacy. Standard Rooms lack the sensational views being more centrally positioned yet are skilfully built around the huge granite boulders. In addition, two suites are available: the Mini Suite with a/c living area and satellite TV, and the Mountain Suite with additional butler service, a/c living room, private dining, CD music centre and bar.
All the tents have private bathrooms and smart colonial décor with lavish furniture, tea and coffee making facilities, safety deposit box, and large comfortable twin beds with mosquito netting.
At the heart of the camp is a beautiful thatched dome building with an elegant dining room and lounge, and just below is a small but inviting swimming pool nestled between ancient rocks complete with sun loungers and extensive views.
The camp has a communal camp fire for evening drinks and discussions, and there is a beautiful rock a little further away designated as a sundowner spot for those looking for extra privacy.
Activities include game drives and nature walks and the local population of desert-adapted elephants can often be tracked down.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private bathrooms, dining room, lounge, swimming pool, cable TV, safety deposit box and laundry service.
Local Wildlife
The wildlife in the area occurs in low densities but springbok, besia oryx, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, black-backed jackal, birds and rhino are present.
Optional Activities
Longer excursions to see the rock art at Twyfelfontein, the geology at Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes are also available.
The Olive Exclusive
Overview
The Olive Exclusive (not to be confused with the Olive Grove Hotel next door) is a welcoming boutique hotel situated close to Windhoek’s city centre in the quiet, peaceful suburb of Eros. Nestled amidst an olive tree plantation, this relatively new, luxurious hotel provides exclusive detached suite accommodation with beautiful views over the olive trees towards the Windhoek Mountains. Guests have access to a sparkling communal pool, bar and restaurant.
All suites have their own lounge area and dining room, giving guests the option of dining in their own room or joining other guests in the main restaurant. The en suite rooms offer all the added luxuries of satellite TV, iPod music system, fully-stocked mini-bar, premier wine selection, direct-dial telephone, air-conditioner, hair dryer, wall-mounted safe, personal computer, complimentary wireless internet access, goose down duvets, 100% cotton linen and contemporary style in abundance.
The overall feel is one of indulgent luxury, while still retaining an ambience of simplicity and elegance.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, swimming pool, massage service, lounge and bar, free Wi-Fi, laundry service, TV, room safe and mini bar.
The Mushara Collection
Overview
Situated between 8km and 10 km from the eastern Von Lindequist entrance to the world famous Etosha National Park, the impressive and varied Mushara collection of privately owned properties includes Mushara Outpost, Mushara Lodge, Mushara Villa and Mushara Bushcamp.
The mid-range Mushara Lodge is perfect for an overnight stop once you have arrived from the south of Etosha. The main area has a library, lounge, bar and restaurant, and there are 10 spacious chalets, one family unit, and a triple and two single rooms. One particular feature is the large swimming pool surrounded by gardens often grazed by passing warthogs.
Resembling an old farmhouse, the attractive Mushara Outpost’s open main building houses the dining room, lounge and bar and has a wraparound verandah, and an outside fire site with seating for sundowners. The accommodation is built on stilts and constructed like a traditional safari-style tent – light and airy with comfortable beds mounted off the floor on wooden decking. All of the tents have private bathrooms and glass fitted hot water showers, air-conditioning, mini-bar, safe, tea and coffee facilities and telephone: electricity power points are also available.
Villa Mushara is the choice for those seeking privacy. The two exclusive 140 square metre villas have a/c, private plunge pools and outdoor covered salas with day beds affording views of the bush. Each villa has a lounge area, small library and music system, and meals can be taken in your villa for maximum privacy.
Mushara Bushcamp is the Collection’s budget offering, particularly suitable for families. It can accommodate 32 adults and 8 children in tented rooms, and the main building is thatched with a true bush camp feel to it.
Mushara makes a good base from which to explore the eastern side of Etosha National Park. or for an overnight stopover after a day spent traversing the park and before heading off to your next location.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Facilities
The Bush Camp has dining room, lounge, bar, verandah, air-conditioning, mosquito nets, mini-bar, safety deposit box, tea and coffee-making facilities, telephones and private bathrooms. The Villas have plunge pools and open air salas with daybeds. The Outpost has tented rooms built above the ground on stilts next to the bush, and a charming main building. The Lodge's swimming pool is a strong feature and will appeal to families.
Local Wildlife
Etosha National Park is one of the greatest wildlife refuges in southern Africa. There are large concentrations of springbok, kudu, impala, gemsbok, giraffe, and elephant and there is still a reasonable population of black rhino and a smaller numbers of white rhinos. Lions and spotted hyenas are seen on most game drives and even hunting is occasionally seen. A total of 114 mammal species inhabit the park and there have 110 reptile species recorded too. The park is also superb for birding and several endemic species can be tracked down.
Optional Activities
Game drives and nature walks in Etosha National Park.
Desert Whisper Lodge
Overview
This place is really special: an isolated luxurious living pod for two, of ultra-modern design, set on a hillside with fabulous views across a deserted arid landscape. There are no other rooms, just yours, yet you have a private reception with dedicated host and a personal chef who will prepare your meals to your dietary specifications subject to available ingredients.
Desert Whisper’s location is ideal for a visit to one of Namibia’s highlights: Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, both in the Namib Naukluft National Park, a UNESCO world Heritage Reserve.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Single unit resort for two guests maximum, with en-suite bedroom, plunge pool connected by walkway, open plan lounge and dining area, well stocked bar, fully equipped kitchen, deck. Own personal reception, dedicated host.
Local Wildlife
Oryx
Jackal
Ostrich
Optional Activities
Visit to Sossusvlei and the Namib Naukluft National Park
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
Fly BA or Virgin to Johannesburg and connect to Windhoek. Alternatively, fly Lufthansa to Frankfurt, connecting with Air Namibia to Windhoek
Best Visited:
March to November
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
Alan Godwin
Area Specialist
This really is a well priced luxury, self-drive trip. With good safety, few major roads and little traffic, Namibia is well suited to self-drive but should you wish to have your own private guide/driver throughout it will add more to the cost but will give peace of mind if needed.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Beautiful country with a wide range of opportunities on offer – wildlife viewing, varied scenery, culture and memorable sunsets. The colours, shapes and shadows of Deadvlei at dawn will stay with me forever. Very helpful and informative discussions with Alan Godwin before booking. Everyone in country did their bit at the right time in the right place. I felt very well looked after. The care and attention to detail was outstanding and this helped me to relax and enjoy the experience and enabled me to begin to make new but different memories.
