Highlights of Namibia with tent and lodge
DAY 1: WINDHOEK — NA'AN KU SÊ LODGE
(approx. 45 km/approx. 00:45 hours pure driving time)
The journey starts with a gentle start: After arriving at Windhoek Airport, pick up your rental car and drive in a short time through open savanna countryside to Na'an ku Sê Lodge, an oasis of peace on the edge of the Central Namibian wilderness. Surrounded by golden grass plains and hills covered with umbrella cacia, the lodge offers a stylish ambiance with a clear commitment to sustainability.
A first stroll through the complex or a refreshing swim in the pool will bring you an African lifestyle. The lodge is home to a unique conservation project for wild animals — if interested, you can attend an exciting predator feed or find out about local species protection. In the evening, enjoy a stylish dinner on the terrace with a view of the sunset, accompanied by the call of guinea fowls — the start of your individual self-drive Namibia round trip.
DAY 2: NA'AN KU SÊ — OKONJIMA NATURE RESERVE
(approx. 250 km/approx. 03:00 hours pure driving time)
After breakfast, your journey north through the central highlands begins. The landscape opens up into vast valleys with grassy pastures, which are occasionally broken by termite mounds and acacias. On the way, we recommend a stop in Okahandja — known for its lively woodcarving market with artfully crafted souvenirs.
In the early afternoon, you can reach the Okonjima Plains Camp, nestled in the vast wilderness of the eponymous nature reserve. The history of the former farm area is now combined with the commitment of the AFRICAT Foundation to protect cheetahs and leopards.
In the late afternoon, the first game drive attracts visitors: With a bit of luck, you can track down one of the elegant hunters — a thrilling experience that gives the term Namibia self-drive round trip an impressive reference to game.
DAY 3: OKONJIMA — ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK/HALALI
(approx. 270 km/approx. 03:30 hours pure driving time)
A day for animal lovers: After breakfast, continue your journey towards the legendary Etosha National Parks, whose shimmering salt pan and extensive savannas provide a habitat for spectacular wildlife. Even at Anderson Gate, the wide stage for intensive game viewing opens up for you.
You cross the park on your own on your way to the centrally located Halali Campsite, a charming place between granite rocks and mopane trees. Halali is known for its illuminated waterhole — a real secret tip: In the silence of the night, you can experience rhinos, elephants or maybe even a leopard up close, without the hustle and bustle.
An early self-catering dinner and a sunset over the African expanse round off the day in an atmospheric way.
DAY 4: HALALI — OKAUKUEJO CAMP
(Game drive in Etosha, approx. 80 km/approx. 01:30 hours pure driving time without stops)
Today you will slowly drive west from Halali, right through the heart of Etosha National Parks. This day stage is also an extended safari: Along the way, you'll pass numerous waterholes — popular meeting places for antelopes, zebras, giraffes and big cats. Every hour in the vehicle is a window into the wilderness.
In the early afternoon, you will reach the traditional Okaukuejo Camp, located right on one of the park's most impressive permanent waterholes. Especially in twilight hours, herds of elephants, rhinos and lions gather here — a spectacle that you can enjoy in peace and quiet from the elevated observation deck.
If you want, you can still take part in a guided night safari today (optional, bookable on site) — an adventure for all those who want to experience wildlife even after sunset.
DAY 5: OKAUKUEJO — TWYFELFONTEIN (MOWANI CAMPSITE)
(approx. 320 km/approx. 04:30 hours pure driving time)
In the morning, you leave Etosha National Park in a southwesterly direction and cross hilly Damaraland — one of Namibia's most scenic regions. Along the way, there are stops at small villages and viewpoints. A trip to the petrified trees of the “Petrified Forest” or a visit to the Damara Living Museum provides interesting insights into the culture of the region.
In the afternoon, you will reach the picturesque Mowani Campsite, nestled between huge granite rocks. The view over the rugged surrounding countryside is breathtaking. Here, it's recommended to take a short stroll at sunset — perhaps accompanied by a cool drink — or simply pause in the soft desert light.
Not far from your camp is one of Namibia's most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Twyfelfontein, a unique collection of prehistoric rock engravings that were once carved into red sandstone by San hunters. A guided tour allows you to dive into the symbolic world of this early rock art — mysterious and at the same time deeply connected to the landscape.
DAY 6: TWYFELFONTEIN — SWAKOPMUND
(approx. 330 km/approx. 05:00 hours pure driving time)
Today, say goodbye to the warm earthy tones of Damaraland and continue your journey west — a day marked by a change of scenery. The route takes you through endless expanses, past table mountains, dry rivers and small settlements such as Uis, where a short stopover is recommended — not least because of the view of the impressive Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain.
The closer you get to the coast, the cooler the climate gets. Reaching the Atlantic coast opens up a whole new horizon: Swakopmund, charming coastal town with colonial flair and maritime character, welcomes you with fresh sea breezes and colorful city life.
Your stylish quarter in The Sea Boutique Guesthouse is located right by the ocean — ideal for a first stroll along the promenade or a relaxed arrival with a view of the sea. Swakopmund offers a contrast to the solitude of Damaraland — urban, lively and yet contemplative.
DAY 7: SWAKOPMUND
Today is all about your personal interests — Swakopmund is perfect for individual experiences. You can choose between active adventures and cultural discoveries.
How about a Catamaran trip in Walvis Bay, where dolphins playfully accompany the boat and seals jump on board? Alternatively, a ATV tour or a Sandboarding adventure into the golden dunes of the Namib — an adrenaline filled experience with a spectacular backdrop.
If you like it quieter, visit the Lunar landscape south of the city, in which the ancient Welwitschia plants grow — botanical wonders, up to 1,000 years old. Or you can explore the old town with its German colonial buildings, visit galleries and the sights Swakopmund Museum.
In the evening, dinner in one of the city's excellent restaurants is recommended — freshly caught fish, game dishes and Namibian wines form the culinary backdrop for this varied day.
DAY 8: SWAKOPMUND
A second day on the Atlantic coast offers further opportunities to deepen your knowledge. You might want to today a guided township tour A company that gives you insights into everyday life and the diversity of Namibian cultures — moving, broadening your horizons and full of authenticity.
Also a day trip to Seal colony near Cape Cross It's a good idea: Drive northwards along the rugged Skeleton Coast, where tens of thousands of fur seals romp around the coast — an impressive natural spectacle.
Alternatively, relax consciously today. Swakopmund offers many small cafés, bookshops and boutiques to stroll around, and the long beach invites you to take a long walk. Perhaps treat yourself to a small spa treatment or simply a good glass of wine with a view of the waves.
DAY 9: SWAKOPMUND — SESRIEM (NAMIB DESERT)
(approx. 345 km/approx. 05:30 hours pure driving time)
After days on the coast, you will return inland today — and dive into one of Namibia's most extraordinary landscapes: the Namib Desert. The journey takes you along the partly adventurous gravel roads of the C14 — past endless plains, rugged rocks and the secluded expanses of the Namib.
A popular stop is Solitaire, a quirky settlement in the middle of the desert — famous for its apple pie, old car wrecks and the feeling of absolute seclusion. Further south, the landscape gradually changes — sand dunes appear on the horizon, the light softens.
In the afternoon, you can reach the Sesriem Campsite, ideally located at the entrance to Sossusvlei. If you arrive early, you can make a detour to the nearby Sesriem Canyon Do — a gorge dating back thousands of years with impressive rock formations.
The sunset over the desert and the clear starry sky are a natural experience in themselves — quiet, overwhelming and full of poetry.
DAY 10: SESRIEM — NAUKLUFT MOUNTAINS (NAMIB-NAUKLUFT NATIONAL PARK)
(approx. 120 km/approx. 02:00 hours pure driving time)
Set off before sunrise — because only those who arrive early can experience the magic of the dune landscape of Sossusvlei in its full color spectrum. The famous dunes Dune 45 and Big Daddy Shine in deep red in the morning light — an incomparable sight.
After climbing one of the dunes — or a stroll into the almost surreal Deadvlei, where there are dead camel thorn trees in white clay soil — return to the accommodation before the midday heat sets in.
It then continues east to the remote areas Naukluft Mountains — an often overlooked, scenically spectacular region with deep gorges, natural pools and rare flora. Your simple yet charming campsite is surrounded by this pristine rocky landscape.
In the afternoon, there is time for a short hike along the course of the river or a refreshing swim in the rock pool — a quiet, original end to an intensive day of travel.
DAY 11: NAUKLUFT — WINDHOEK
(approx. 240 km/approx. 03:30 hours pure driving time)
After quiet moments in the rugged mountain landscape of Naukluft Set course for the capital today. The journey takes you through the open spaces of the Central Namibian Highlands — past isolated farms, grazing kudus and maybe even a giraffe on the horizon.
Shortly before arrival, it is worth making a stop in Rehoboth, a historic place in the Baster community, or you simply stop at a shady picnic area to enjoy the last glimpse of the Namibian bushland.
In windhoek Once you have arrived, the stylish The Elegant Guesthouse in the green district of Klein Windhoek. Here you can end your trip in a relaxed way — whether by taking a stroll through the small, charming city center with the well-known Christuskirche, or during a sundowner in the garden of your accommodation.
If you want, reserve a table for the evening at the legendary Joe's Beerhouse — a lively place that combines African joie de vivre and Namibian hospitality in a rustic culinary and cultural way.
DAY 12: DEPARTURE — OR EXTENSION ON REQUEST
Today it is time to say goodbye to a country that is deeply impressive with open skies, warm colors and moving encounters. Depending on the departure time, you may still have a short stroll through the city or a last cappuccino in one of Windhoek's street cafés.
Your individual self-drive Namibia round trip comes to an end with the transfer to the airport — but the memories of glowing dunes, starry nights and wild, warm nature will accompany you far beyond the flight home.
An extension or changes to the process are of course possible upon request.
