Northern Self-drive

Day 1. Depart London

Depart London on the overnight flight to Windhoek changing planes in Johannesburg en-route.

Day 2. Windhoek

On arrival collect your hire car and drive to Hilltop House.

Days 3 & 4. Sossusvlei [B, L (Day 4 only), D]

Head off this morning to Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert for a 2-night stay at Kulala Desert Lodge. Kulala consists of twelve comfortable twin-bedded rooms, each with en-suite facilities and private verandahs with stunning views of the nearby Sossusvlei dunes. Said to be amongst the highest dunes in the world, the early morning light allows superb photographic opportunities and magnificent views. Thatch provides shade during the day, while at night you may like to sleep on a special platform on your kulala's roof, under the stars. Guided trips to Sossusvlei can be arranged from here, together with hot air balloon safaris, walking safaris and visits to prehistoric bushmen settlements, or you may prefer to simply relax and enjoy the silence of the Namib Desert!

Day 5. Swakopmund [B]

An interesting drive through the central section of the Namib Desert leads you to the characterful seaside town of Swakopmund. You might like to visit the flamingo-filled lagoons, see the ancient Welwitschia plains, perhaps enjoy a scenic flight along the coast! Spend the night at the Hansa Hotel.

Days 6 to 8. Etosha [B, L (Days 7 & 8 only), D]

Continue to Etosha National Park, Namibia's wildlife jewel, which should not be missed on any visit to the country. Stay at Ongava Lodge for two nights before moving on to Mushara Lodge on the eastern side of the park for the night. Ongava Lodge can be found in the private Ongava Game Reserve of 30,000 hectares. It provides accommodation for twenty guests in ten very comfortable rooms, each with en-suite facilities. Public facilities include lounge and dining area, both under thatch, together with pool. There is also a floodlit waterhole. Wildlife activities on offer from Ongava Lodge include game drives (both within Etosha and the Ongava Game Reserve), walking safaris and night drives. One activity the lodge is famous for is tracking rhino on foot! These locally-run game viewing activities are on offer (at extra cost) with naturalist guides should you prefer this to game-viewing in your own vehicle. These can be booked on arrival.

Day 9. Windhoek [B]

Return to Windhoek today for your final night at Hilltop House.

Days 10 & 11. Homeward [B]

Return your vehicle to the airport and board your flight back to the UK, via Johannesburg