Namibia on a self-drive tour — Budget
12 days driving through wild Namibia: giant dunes, Atlantic coast and Etosha plains. A self-drive tour in complete freedom to explore one of Africa's most fascinating countries.
Duration
12 days
From
€2,675/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
budget
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Enjoy Namibia by driving from one place to another. Appreciate the landscape ranging from mountains to dunes and from water to vegetation.
You might find the distance and time spent on the roads long, however, with beautiful and scenic roads, you will not feel the time spent on the road from one region to another.
This self-drive tour is designed for travelers wishing to discover Namibia's must-see attractions while keeping their budget in check. It takes you through the dunes of Sossusvlei, the Atlantic coast, Damaraland and Etosha National Park, with simple, comfortable and well-located accommodations.
In complete freedom, adapt your pace to the stages of the journey and enjoy the many viewpoints, small towns and natural sites that line the route.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Windhoek
Hosea Kutako International Airport → Windhoek
Arrival at Windhoek international airport. English-speaking welcome at the car rental office by the local guide who will assist you in obtaining a vehicle from the rental company and provide you with your travel documents. Drive to the city of Windhoek, arrival and check-in
Windhoek / Namib Desert
Windhoek → Sesriem
Sesriem → Sossusvlei
Namib Desert
Departure with your vehicle from the circuit for an excursion to Sossusvlei(entrance fee to be paid on site). The Namib Desert and the Sossusvlei region offer some of the most iconic landscapes in Namibie. Its immense red dunes, among the highest in the world, create spectacular light displays at sunrise. Must-see sites such as Dead Vlei, Dune 45, Big Daddy and Sesriem Canyon reveal the striking beauty of this ancient desert. Despite its aridity, the area is home to adapted wildlife, including oryx, springbok and ostrich. The nights there are exceptionally clear, ideal for stargazing.
Namib Desert / Swakopmund
Sesriem → Swakopmund
Morning drive through the contrasting landscapes of the desert and Atlantic coast towards Swakopmund, a charming seaside town with Germanic style. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel located between dunes and ocean. The afternoon is free to enjoy the surroundings: stroll through the lively streets, admire the colonial architecture, take a walk along the beach or simply savor the unique atmosphere of this town where the desert meets the sea.
Swakopmund
Swakopmund → Walvis Bay
Departure for a boat excursion to experience unforgettable encounters with Namibian marine wildlife. Besides seals and rescued pelicans that often join passengers, you will be able to observe dolphins and whales on this 3.5-hour cruise. In the afternoon, a 4x4 excursion to Sandwich Harbour. This is a 4x4 excursion that crosses the salt pans and enters the Namib-Naukluft park, "where the ocean and the desert meet". Our last stop is the Sandwich Harbour lagoon. This thrilling excursion will allow you to experience an unforgettable moment: our guides will demonstrate their expertise by climbing immense dunes.
Light lunch in the form of brunch in the dunes.
Walvis Bay → Swakopmund
Swakopmund is an elegant coastal town nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and desert dunes. Its German-influenced architecture, cool climate and relaxed atmosphere make it an unmissable stop. The town is a true hub of activities: sea outings to observe dolphins and seals, sandboarding, quad biking in the dunes, kayaking and panoramic flights over the Skeleton Coast. Cafés, craft markets and excellent restaurants complete the experience. Swakopmund is the ideal place to recharge and enjoy a unique blend of culture, ocean and adventure.
Swakopmund / Damaraland
Route towards the Damaraland region. Arrival and check-in at the lodge. Around 3:00 PM, departure for an excursion to search for adopted desert elephants in the Huab River with the lodge guide and vehicle.
Damaraland Camp / Etosha
Twyfelfontein → Parc national d'Etosha
Visit the Twyfelfontein site (entrance fee to be paid on site). Continue towards the Etosha National Park. Arrival and check-in, afternoon free to enjoy the lodge surroundings.
Etosha
Parc national d'Etosha → Parc national d'Etosha
Departure for a safari with your rental vehicle in Etosha Park by crossing the park towards the east side of the park (entrance fee to be paid on site).
The Etosha National Park is one of the largest reserves in southern Africa, famous for its vast salt depression, the Etosha Pan, visible from space. This park offers exceptional safaris thanks to its abundant wildlife: elephants, lions, black rhinoceros, giraffes, zebras and large herds of antelopes. Water points attract animals throughout the day, offering spectacular viewing, particularly at sunset. Etosha is an essential stop to experience one of Namibie's best safaris.
Arrival at the lodge and check-in at your lodge.
Etosha
As an optional extra, you can do a guided safari that is not private in the Etosha Park with the lodge's guide and vehicle. Or, departure with your circuit vehicle for a safari in Etosha Park (entrance to be paid on site). In the afternoon, departure for an excursion to the water point (only accessible via King Nehale) to observe animals coming to the water point at sunset.
Etosha / Otjiwarongo
Parc national d'Etosha → Otjiwarongo
Road heading south towards Tsumeb and Otjiwarongo. Arrival at the lodge and check-in. In the afternoon, as an optional activity with an additional fee, you can take a guided safari, not private, on the lodge's private reserve.
Otjiwarongo / Windhoek
Free morning to enjoy the lodge. Departure towards the city of Windhoek crossing through the town of Okahandja. In Okahandja, weather permitting, you can stop at the craft center in town to have the opportunity to buy souvenirs. Continue towards the city of Windhoek and check-in at the lodge.
Windhoek / Departure
Windhoek → Windhoek Airport
Road to Windhoek airport for your return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- The English-speaking guide
- Tips at the lodge and for lodge guides
- Everything you buy in souvenir shops
Included
- Welcome and airport pick-up by an English-speaking guide
- A Toyota Fortuner 4x4 automatic rental vehicle (super cover) – Subject to availability
- Accommodations such as mentioned in the program – Subject to availability
- Activities as mentioned in the program – Subject to availability
- Small gift per person and map of Namibia per room
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Namibia for a tourist stay. As entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Namibia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of entry into the country and contain at least two to three blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without a visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Namibia.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days per 12-month period. The authorized length of stay is specified by the immigration officer upon entry into the territory.
The authorities may request:
a departure ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay,
confirmation of an accommodation booking or a travel itinerary.
Arrival card
Upon arrival in Namibia, you will be asked to complete an entry form (arrival card) which is generally provided on the plane or available at border posts and international airports.
This form requires in particular:
passport information,
details of the flight or means of transport used,
the address of your first accommodation in Namibia,
the expected length of stay.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Namibia except from a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case an international yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
As a precaution, it is recommended that you consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure. The following vaccinations are generally advised:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
tetanus-diphtheria-poliomyelitis.
Antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended for trips to the north of the country, particularly in the Caprivi (Zambezi), Kavango and Etosha regions. Consult your doctor for treatment suited to your situation.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
Namibia applies strict rules regarding travel by minors. When a child travels with a single parent or without their parents, it is strongly recommended that you carry:
a travel authorization signed by the other parent or by both parents in the case of travel with a third party,
the child's original birth certificate,
proof of family situation where applicable (custody order, death certificate, etc.).
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should contact the embassy or consulate of Namibia in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and foreign medical expenses.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in Namibia, a valid passport with at least 6 months validity after entry and at least three blank pages is required. Visa exemption applies for certain nationalities for a limited period. Entry conditions may change: check with Namibian consular authorities the rules applicable to your nationality before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 230 and 380 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, 4x4 rental and activities. International flights (900-1300 euros return) are additional. The self-drive 4x4 with roof-top camping is Namibia's iconic experience.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each circuit to match our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Namib Desert
Connoisseur of Namibia's vast horizons, based in Windhoek
Namibia is not a country you visit in a hurry. Here, distances, silence and light are an integral part of the journey.
— Delphin
