Take this classic self-drive around Namibia’s ‘northern circuit’, and enjoy some fantastic wildlife-viewing and photographic opportunities.
This superb route provides a comprehensive overview of the country's northern highlights and allows you to experience some of the country's stunning scenery and unique wildlife in the Damaraland, as well as spending time in the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park, and two days at the AfriCat Foundation to learn about the cheetah and leopard conservation there.
Being self drive you have the complete freedom to stop off at sites en route whenever you like – it’s your trip!
Suggested Itinerary
Day1: Depart the UK
Day2: Arrive Windhoek
On arrival at Windhoek international airport pick up your rental vehicle. Once you have completed the paperwork, you can drive into central Windhoek and check in to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free to relax and explore the city.
Accommodation: Casa Piccolo Guesthouse, 1-night
Days3-4: Drive to Okonjima; vehicle safaris
This morning you depart the capital and drive north along the main highway (tarmac) to Okonjima, two to three hours' drive (the last 24 kilometres are on gravel track). This afternoon and the following day you can take advantage of the various wildlife activities on offer, and learn all about the work of AfriCat Foundation.
While at Etosha, we suggest you stay at two different locations: the first two nights to be spent at the eastern side of the park, followed by two nights further to the west. This provides a comprehensive overview of the park and allows you to explore different areas of this remarkable wildlife sanctuary at your leisure. Alternatively you can book guided game drives at your accommodation.
Days9-10: Drive to Damaraland; see ancient rock engravings
This morning it's time to leave behind the wonders of Etosha for the impressive landscape and rugged valleys of the Damaraland Highlands, as you make your way south to Twyfelfontein on gravel roads - a drive of roughly 330 kilometres (or five to six hours).
Accommodation: Grootberg Lodge, 2-nights
Days11-12: Drive to Erongo; vehicle safaris
This morning you continue southeast, via Khorixas and Brandberg to your next lodge, just outside Omaruru. There is plenty to see en route, or you can opt to push on and enjoy some down time on arrival.
Depending on the departure time of your flight, you should have most of the day to drive back to Windhoek. You can stop in downtown Windhoek to do some last minute shopping or visit museums before heading the final 45 kilometres out to the international airport and a return overnight flight via Johannesburg.
Day14: Arrive UK
Please note: At certain times of year a 4 wheel drive is recommended.
Key info
Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 14 daysfrom £4,295 pp
Duration and price excluding international flights: 12 daysfrom £3,295 pp
Single supplement:
From £500 (sgl accommodation supp, not single vehicle supp)
Situated in the huge Okonjima Nature Reserve, the AfriCat Foundation is a key conservation project, researching and rehabilitating hyenas, cheetahs, leopards and wild dogs. There is a good choice of accommodation, and unlimited opportunities to see carnivores in their natural environment on vehicle or walking safaris.
Find Out More about {acc:title}
Where: Otjozondjupa Region
Ideal for viewing: cheetah, Hartlaub’s francolin, leopard, Monteiro’s hornbill, rockrunner
Etosha is considered to be one of the finest sanctuaries in southern Africa. It is famous for its vast, dazzling saltpan with permanent waterholes, which attract a multitude of wildlife particularly during the dry winter. The neighbouring Ongava Private Game Reserve offers the attraction of tracking rhino on foot.
Find Out More about {acc:title}
Where: Oshikoto & Oshana Region
Ideal for viewing: black rhino, black-faced impala, damara dik-dik, African elephant, lion
Damaraland is an ancient area of arid plains, deep chasms and dramatic red, rocky peaks, dominated by the huge Brandberg Mountain. With the Atlantic coast nearby, sea mists drift inland providing sustenance to various desert life forms and natural laws of food and water dictate the movement of the desert elephant.
Find Out More about {acc:title}
Where: Erongo Region
Ideal for viewing: black rhino, desert elephant, springbok, white-tailed shrike, augur buzzard
The pleasant, relatively modern city of Windhoek is Namibia’s capital, and is the starting point of most wildlife safaris. A small city of contrasts, it combines modern Europe with modern Africa, together with a sprinkling of attractive old buildings of German architecture.
Find Out More about {acc:title}
The area around the Erongo Mountains is crossed by two important westbound rivers, the Omaruru and the Khan, whose riparian forests are a magnet for bird species not found in drier habitat. The region is also home to an exciting range of mammals including black rhino and black-faced impala.
Find Out More about {acc:title}
Where: North-east of Swakopmund
Ideal for viewing: Hartmann’s mountain zebra, rock hyrax, Damara rockrunner, rosy-faced lovebird, Hartlaub’s francolin
Suggested accommodation options are shown below.
Please
contact us
for further recommendations.
Ai-Aiba Lodge offers 20 rooms in African chalets providing comfortable accommodation that makes the most of a unique setting. Large windows frame the rocky outcrops all around. Each air-conditioned room has a small shaded terrace with a table and chairs where you can relax and listen to the birds.
Find Out More about Ai Aiba Lodge
Situated 17 kilometres from the southern entrance to Etosha National Park, known as Anderson's Gate, Okaukuejo currently functions as the administrative hub of the park, and the home of the Etosha Ecological Institute. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, shop, swimming pool and camp site.
Find Out More about Okaukuejo Rest Camp
Home to the AfriCat Foundation, one of the world’s largest cheetah and leopard rescue programmes, the design of this camp is a tribute to the history of cattle-farming in Okonjima. The complex offers three levels of accommodation, and there is a traditional thatched area for dining.
Find Out More about Okonjima Plains Camp
