Wüstenelefanten bei Awa Huab und Etendeka
Wüstenelefanten bei Awa Huab und Etendeka
Wüstenelefanten bei Awa Huab und Etendeka
Welwitschia Mirabilis im Damarland beim 'verbrannten' Berg
Bergkastanien im Granit des Damaraland
Springbok rennt in Wagenspur
Landschaft an der Spitzkoppe
Spitzmaulnashorn am Grootberg
Jungfrauenschenkel oder Flaschenbaum im Damaraland
Versteinerter Wald
Klippspringer an der Spitzkoppe
Landschaftsimpressionen des Damaralandes
Bare-cheeked Babbler / Nacktwangen-Drosselhäherling
Die Epupa Wasserfälle sind immer noch ein selten schönes Schauspiel der Natur
San Bushmen im Erongo bei Omandumba
Fahrzeug für Pirschfahrten auf Hobatere
African Scops Owl / Afrika-Zwergohreule

Damara- & Kaokoland, a self-drive Safari

A Leaflove self-drive Safari discovering the north-western Part of Namibia, Kaokoland & Damaraland

You are here:

Duration

16+ days
arrange your tour flexibly

Type

Self-drive tour

Group size

individual
(2-4 persons per vehicle)

Language

English

Overview

Erongo, Etosha West, Kaokoland & Damaraland – Your Self-Drive Journey into Namibia’s Wild Northwest!

This is one of Namibia’s best self-drive adventures, made for anyone who loves nature, culture, and beautiful scenery. The northwest is still largely untouched by mass tourism, and the landscape keeps changing at every turn.

You’ll start with great game viewing at Mount Etjo or the AfriCat Foundation at Okonjima, where you may spot lion, rhino, and other wildlife right from the start. From there, you’ll drive to the Ugab Terraces and the famous Vingerklip, a tall rock pillar standing in a scenic, wildlife-filled landscape, before continuing into the game-rich western part of Etosha National Park.

Next, the road leads deep into Kaokoland: through Opuwo, home to the OvaHimba people, and on to the impressive Epupa Falls on the Kunene River. Continuing through Palmwag and the Grootberg, you’ll pass the reddish basalt rock of the Etendeka Formation and the red sandstone near Twyfelfontein. Along the way, desert-adapted elephants often graze between the rocky hills, resting in the shade of tall Ana trees.

Your journey ends among the huge, oddly stacked granite boulders of the Erongo, where you can see ancient San rock art up close. With its rock engravings, local communities, and desert-adapted wildlife, this is a drive that shows you the very best of Namibia.

Highlights

Self-drive yet still informed:

We always put together our trips to be informative and enriching. While you drive the connecting routes yourself, we arrange the necessary locally guided safari drives and activities for you on-site.

Map

Itinerary

Days 1 & 2 - "natural"

Mount Etjo, Namibia's First Private Game Reserve
After picking up your vehicle and a short drive, you'll arrive at one of Namibia's most rewarding wildlife destinations: Mount Etjo, founded by conservationist Jan Oelofse on the belief that we should give back more to nature than we take from it. Once there, guided game drives through the reserve's striking landscape bring frequent sightings of elephant, rhino, predators, and antelope.

Days 1 & 2 - "classic & premium"

Leopards at the AfriCat Foundation
Today you'll arrive at the AfriCat Foundation, then join guided game drives in search of free-roaming leopards, with a chance of spotting the elusive brown hyena at dusk. The drives offer excellent opportunities to photograph Africa's captivating predators, and the elegant Okonjima lodges rank among Namibia's finest wildlife retreats.

Day 3

The "Vingerklip" & Namibian Monument Valley
Today you'll arrive at one of Namibia's most striking landscapes: the "Vingerklip" — or "Rock Finger" — jutting dramatically from the surrounding plains, set within a rugged terrain of eroded pillars and sweeping valleys that evokes the American Southwest.

Days 4 & 5

Wildlife Viewing in Central Etosha National Park
Today you'll arrive in central Etosha, where vast salt pans, open savanna, and busy waterholes create one of Africa's premier wildlife stages. Elephant, lion, rhino, giraffe, and antelope are in constant view here — few places rival it for sheer density and drama of game viewing.

Days 6 & 7

Hobatere – A Wildlife-Rich Concession Area
Today you'll arrive at Hobatere, a favourite among birdwatchers for garden sightings of the Bare-cheeked Babbler, Little Sparrowhawk, and African Scops Owlet. Beyond its rich birdlife, the concession is home to desert-adapted elephant and lion, cheetah, and a wide array of other wildlife — a prime destination for birding and game viewing alike.

Days 8 & 9

Kaokoland & the Himba at Epupa Falls
Today you'll arrive in one of Namibia's most remote corners, where the Epupa Falls tumble through a rugged, palm-lined gorge — a striking backdrop where wildlife, Himba communities, and the odd traveller traveller cross paths.

Days 10 & 11

Damaraland & Etendeka
Today you'll arrive in the heart of Damaraland, where the basaltic table mountains of the Etendeka Formation rise, sheltering a surprising diversity of endangered wildlife. Scarce water sources draw desert-adapted elephant, giraffe, springbok, and oryx, while the rocky hills and Euphorbia thickets hide small herds of the endemic Hartmann's mountain zebra.

Days 12 & 13

Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings, Burnt Mountain & the Organ Pipes
Today you'll step into a landscape carved by time: 4,000–6,000-year-old petroglyphs etched into the rock at UNESCO-listed Twyfelfontein, the eerie, multicoloured slopes of Burnt Mountain, and the towering basalt columns of the Organ Pipes. En route, hidden tracks weave through groves of giant Ana trees, whose fallen seed pods draw desert-adapted elephants out of the wild — offering a rare chance to meet these gentle giants face to face, on their own terms.

Days 14 & 15

Erongo – A Fairytale Landscape Framed by Towering Granite Boulders
Today you'll arrive in a landscape straight out of a fairytale: smooth granite walls carry ancient rock paintings — vivid hunting scenes and wildlife left behind by the area's earliest inhabitants. Around them, massive round boulders and dramatic formations rise from the plains, offering unforgettable photo opportunities for nature lovers and culture seekers alike.

Day 16

Departure
Safe travels home — we hope this is only "see you again," and look forward to welcoming you back to Namibia for your next unforgettable adventure.

Enhance Your Journey:

Hoanib – Exclusive Stay amongst rugged Hills to find Desert Elephants (+2 Nights)

The Hoanib – Dry River of the Desert Elephants
Far beyond the usual tourist routes lies the Hoanib, one of Namibia's last true wildernesses — a stark, sun-scorched riverbed carving through the desert. Here, against all odds, desert-adapted elephants, rhinos, and lions still roam free, making it one of the rarest wildlife spectacles on Earth.

"once in a lifetime" in the Skeleton Coast Park? (+2 Nights)

hipwreck Lodge – A Unique Experience in Skeleton Coast National Park
Deep within the Skeleton Coast, Shipwreck Lodge rises from the dunes like a stranded vessel, offering a one-of-a-kind luxury safari amid Atlantic fog and shifting sands. Guests explore one of Africa's last truly untouched coastal wildernesses, with exceptional sightings along the way.

Hoarusib, pristine desert paradise (+2 Nights)

Hoarusib – Untouched Desert Paradise
The Hoarusib Riverbed cuts through what may be one of the vastest, most untouched wildernesses left on Earth, its dramatic gorges and shifting rock formations sheltering the surprise of desert-adapted wildlife at every turn — a true off-the-beaten-path safari.

Accommodation Categories

Every traveller is different. Some prefer to explore Namibia as economically as possible, while others place greater value on atmosphere, exclusivity or truly exceptional locations. That is why we offer our journeys in three accommodation categories, each with a significant influence on the overall tour price. Regardless of the category you choose, every lodge is personally selected by us. We place far greater importance on character, genuine hospitality, location and an authentic Namibian experience than on the number of stars.

natural

Perfect for travellers seeking excellent value without compromising on cleanliness, comfort or a welcoming atmosphere. We select charming guest farms, intimate lodges and high quality glamping tents with private en suite bathrooms. While some properties may be slightly larger, we always prioritise character, beautiful surroundings and the distinctive LeafLove style.

classic

By far our most popular category, offering outstanding value for money within the upper mid range. You will stay in carefully selected lodges with comfortable rooms, attentive service and beautiful locations. Whenever possible, we favour smaller, owner managed properties with genuine character and charm.

premium

For those who regard their accommodation as an integral part of the travel experience. Stay in exceptional lodges set in spectacular locations or within private nature reserves. The higher price rarely reflects luxury alone, but rather the exclusivity, remarkable settings and unforgettable experiences that these extraordinary places provide.
Detailed itinerary

Arrival Logistics

  • Upon arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport, you will be welcomed by your private driver and transferred directly to the rental vehicle depot.
  • During the vehicle handover, you will receive a comprehensive briefing covering the vehicle, its features, and all relevant insurance information.
  • Afterwards, we will personally hand over your complete travel package, including your vouchers, maps, detailed route notes, and a small welcome pack.
  • To make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we also provide a GPS with all routes and key destinations preloaded, allowing you to explore Namibia with confidence from the very first day.

Category „natural“

Days 1 & 2

Preserve with ideology


“Give more back to nature than you take”
This is the guiding philosophy — and the goal — of Jan Oelofse, a world-renowned conservationist who founded the Okonjati Game Reserve in 1975.

inclusive:

  • Dinner, overnight stay and breakfast
  • 2 x game drives in an open 4×4 vehicle

Okonjati – Home of Mount Etjo

Total distance: 376 km

Total driving time: 4 hrs 10 min

Today you’ll arrive at the striking red sandstone formations of Mount Etjo, set amid the dense acacia savanna of Okonjati Game Reserve. Founded by Jan Oelofse back in 1975, the reserve has grown to around 36,000 hectares and is now home to about 10,000 animals and more than 600 bird species. Despite its name, meaning “Place of the Buffalo,” you won’t actually find any buffalo here.

Once there, you’ll head out on guided game drives in open safari vehicles with experienced guides, exploring this varied wilderness in search of its amazing wildlife. Elephant, rhino, giraffe, and lion are regularly spotted, along with greater kudu, warthog, and plenty of other species. Keep an eye out too for the impressive termite mounds dotted across the landscape, some standing up to five metres tall.

Category „classic / luxury“

Days 1 & 2

Great all year round…


  • 2 nights at one of the prime lodges of the Africat Foundation

 

inclusive:

  • Dinner, overnight stay and breakfast
  • 1 x Leopard Tracking Drive
  • 1 x Endangered Species Drive

The Africat Foundation – Leopards, Cheetahs & Brown Hyenas

Total distance: 343 km
Total driving time: 3 hrs 30 mins

Deep in central Namibia lies Okonjima, one of the country’s most fascinating wildlife reserves and home to the renowned AfriCat Foundation, which has spent decades protecting and researching Africa’s wild cats. The reserve is best known for its excellent chances of spotting free-roaming leopards, while brown hyenas are also seen regularly. With a bit of luck – and on request – you can even join a specialised search for one of Africa’s rarest mammals, the elusive pangolin.

Once on site, experienced rangers and researchers guide you on game drives in open four-wheel-drive vehicles, offering both remarkable wildlife encounters and fascinating insight into AfriCat’s conservation work. These well-planned excursions also make for outstanding wildlife photography.

Day 3


  • 1 night directly at the Ugab Terraces with beautiful views and high-quality ambience.

inclusive:

Dinner, bed and breakfast

The „Vingerklip“ & Namibian Monument Valley

Distance: approx. 230 km
Driving time: approx. 3 h 00

The “Great White Place” stretches across more than 4,000 km² of pure, open emptiness, its edges framed by ever-changing vegetation. The drive takes you from arid forest into an endless grassy steppe, then on into acacia savannah where giraffe graze gracefully overhead and, with a little luck, lion rest in the shade of dense mopane trees.

Wildlife here has grown accustomed to vehicles, making for outstanding game viewing and photography at every turn. Along the way, look out for springbok, red hartebeest, wildebeest, steenbok, dik-dik, and even the rare black-faced impala and oryx. Lion sightings are fairly common, while leopard and cheetah appear a little less often. Both rhino species and elephant also call this place home, and the birdlife and smaller creatures are just as rewarding to spot.

Days 4 & 5


  • 2 nights in the central area of the National Park at a good private lodge outside the park or in a semi-state Waterhole Chalet directly at the world famous Okaukuejo Waterhole.

inclusive:

Dinner, bed and breakfast

 

Etosha National Park – central

Distance: approx. 210 km
Driving time: approx. 2 h 30 min

The “Great White Place,” an expansive expanse covering over 4000 km2, stands as a canvas of vast emptiness, its borders adorned with ever-shifting vegetation. Our journey takes us through a arid forest, leading into an endless grassy steppe where zebras roam freely. This expanse transforms once more into an acacia savannah, where graceful giraffes graze, and if we’re fortunate, we may spot lions seeking respite in the shade of dense mopane trees.
In this realm, wildlife has grown accustomed to the presence of vehicles, providing exceptional opportunities for both game viewing and photography. Along the way, you’ll encounter several antelope species, including springbok, red hartebeest, wildebeest, steenbok, dik-dik, and even the rare black-nosed impala and oryx. Predators such as lions make frequent appearances, while leopards and cheetahs may grace us somewhat less often. Pachyderms, including both rhino species and elephants, also call this place home, with giraffes gracefully towering above the trees. Additionally, there’s an abundance of small animals and a vibrant avian presence to observe and admire.

Days 6 & 7


  • 2 nights at a lodge situated directly on the Otjovasandu dry river, in the middle of the Mopane savannah near large winter thorn acacias.

inclusive:

  • Full board
  • 2x local guided game drives / night game drives

Hobatere Communal Nature Reserve in Damaraland

Distance: approx. 205 km
Driving time: approx. 7 h 30 min – slow through Park

If you’ve added the extra days for the extended drive through Etosha’s western region, expect a journey full of surprises. Along the way, you’ll pass waterholes where Africa’s wildlife regularly gathers — often for unforgettable, up-close encounters.

This is truly unspoiled country, home to the endemic Hartmann’s mountain zebra, plentiful antelope, and graceful giraffe. Lion, leopard, cheetah, and elephant also roam here, though spotting them is always a matter of luck — and a little experience.

Bird lovers will love this stretch too: species like the Bare-cheeked Babbler, Little Sparrowhawk, and African Scops Owlet are often seen right in the lodge garden. Once you arrive, the lodge also offers guided night drives, a great chance to spot aardvark, porcupine, genet, bat-eared fox, spring hare, and other nocturnal creatures that add a touch of magic to your safari.

Days 8 & 9


  • 1 night at a rustic tented lodge on the Kunene River at the Epupa Falls
  • 1 night at a good lodge just outside Opuwo, the core of Kaokoland

inclusive:

  • Dinner, bed and breakfast
  • Locally guided game drive to a Himba village. Contact, communication and opportunities for photography by the local guide (mostly Himba himself).

Kaokoland & the Himba at Epupa Falls

Distance: approx. 380 km
Driving time: approx. 4 h 30 min

The drive takes you toward the Kunene River, the natural border between Angola and Namibia. Along the way, you’ll likely pass herds of cattle — lean, long-horned animals often trailed by oxpeckers, making for excellent birdwatching. These herds belong to the Himba people, and as you continue, the first traditional settlements come into view, offering a glimpse into their pastoral way of life.

On arrival, a local Himba guide takes you to visit a kraal, sharing insights into their customs, including the women’s use of ochre fat. The guide also serves as a cultural bridge, so you’re welcome to photograph freely and respectfully.

From here, the road leads on to the spectacular Epupa Falls, a natural wonder that draws wildlife, local residents, and only a handful of travellers.

Days 10 & 11


  • 2 nights in high quality safari bungalows overlooking the Etendeka Mountains and the palm grove of the Uniab River.

inclusive:

  • Class: Comfort Bungalow
    Dinner, bed and breakfast

optional activities:

  • “Rhino tracking day game drive
  • Sundowner game drive
  • Guided walks

Damaraland & Etendeka

Distance: approx. 234 km
Driving time: approx. 3 h 30 min

Nestled within the basaltic Etendeka Formation of Damaraland lies the Palmwag spring, framed by dense reeds and swaying Makalani palms. This desert oasis draws in local wildlife from far and wide, including desert-adapted elephant, giraffe, and antelope such as springbok and oryx. Among the surrounding Euphorbia bushes, you may even spot small herds of the endemic Hartmann’s mountain zebra.

The dry riverbeds of Damaraland are home to desert-adapted elephant, black rhino, and the rare desert lion, making this semi-desert landscape one of the most sought-after in the region. On site, you can join an optional, locally guided day tour in search of the endangered black rhino, also known as the hook-lipped rhino. Along the way, you’ll also have good chances of encountering desert elephants on the move and, with luck, the elusive desert lion.

Days 12 & 13


  • 2 overnight stays amidst exemplary gigantic granite bubbles at a specially chosen lodge.

inclusive:

  • Dinner, bed and breakfast
  • Guided tour to the petroglyphs at Twyfelfontein
  • Guided four-wheel drive game drive into the dry river Awa-Huab to look for the desert elephants.

Twyfelfontein

Distance: approx. 105 km – + Offroad
Driving time: approx. 2 h + 4h00

Damaraland is one of Namibia’s last great wilderness areas, best known for its free-roaming, desert-adapted elephants. Following the dry riverbeds of the Huab and Aba-Huab, lined with magnificent Ana trees and scattered Makalani palms, you can search for these remarkable elephants, uniquely adapted to one of Africa’s harshest environments.

Beyond these unforgettable wildlife encounters, the region also holds some of Namibia’s most important geological and cultural sites: the 4,000 to 6,000-year-old rock engravings of Twyfelfontein, the eerie Burnt Mountain, the striking basalt columns of the Organ Pipes, and the Petrified Forest, with fossilised tree trunks dating back some 200 million years. Together, they tell the fascinating story of this extraordinary landscape.

Days 14 & 15


  • 2 nights in a fairytale landscape surrounded by monstrous granite spheres in a selected lodge

inclusive:

  • Dinner, bed and breakfast
 

Spitzkoppe & the mighty Erongo

Distance: approx. 230 km
Driving time: approx. 3 h

Visible from afar, Spitzkoppe, Namibia’s most famous inselberg, rises dramatically from the vast gravel plains of the Namib. Its striking granite formations rank among the country’s most iconic landscapes, offering exceptional opportunities for nature and landscape photography.

On sheltered granite walls nearby, the San people left behind numerous well-preserved rock paintings, offering fascinating insight into their traditional way of life and the wildlife that once roamed the region.

Equally impressive are the massive granite domes of the Erongo Mountains. Surrounded by towering rock formations and dramatic valleys, you’ll gain a true sense of the immense scale of this remarkable landscape. Walks through the area reveal a fascinating semi-desert flora, numerous endemic and near-endemic bird species, and further traces of Namibia’s earliest inhabitants.

Bushman Walk (optional): On site, join members of the San community for a short guided walk and gain fascinating insight into their traditional way of life — from edible and medicinal plants to ancient hunting techniques, traditional fire-making, and the craft of jewellery made from ostrich eggshells.

Day 16


Good weather for departure…

Departure today or tomorrow?!

Many night flights to Europe or the Americas are available, allowing our guests to make a choice regarding their last day arrangements. Some prefer to combine the airport transfer with an afternoon check-in, while others seek to explore the city further or eliminate the stress of their final day.

For those who wish to extend their stay, we can arrange additional accommodations within Windhoek or offer stylish lodging options near the airport. Furthermore, some guests opt for extra components, such as a fly-in experience to the Caprivi, the Okavango Delta, or a few days in captivating Cape Town. We aim to provide flexible choices to enhance your travel experience.

We hope to have the pleasure of seeing you again soon

Distance: approx. 375 km
Driving time: approx. 4 h 30 min

As you travel along the east-west connecting route today, you’ll make good time, leaving plenty of time in the capital. Whether you’d like to shop for Namibian handicrafts as souvenirs or sit down to enjoy some lovely Namibian cuisine, there’s time to savour these last experiences.

In the afternoon, you’ll drop off your rental car at the airport or a recommended accommodation, and we’ll arrange a transfer for you as needed. Safe travels, and until we meet again

Enhance Your Journey:

Additional programme – Hiking in the wilderness

  • 2 nights on a high-quality ecocamp in the middle of the Etendeka.

inclusive:

  • “All inclusive”

Alternative – Hiking in the wilderness, insight into the real Damaraland

You will be picked up as the four-wheel drive route takes you deep into the real wilderness of the Etendeka volcanic landscape. On the way there, our guests could already observe desert lions and see desert elephants grazing in the red scree between the thousands of Damara spurge bushes. The area is “breathtaking” and the wilderness camp is an accommodation in its own highly individual way. We recommend this alternative for active nature and landscape lovers, as some of the activities are on foot, but without the stress of hiking.
The lodge, more of a high-end camp in the mountainous wilderness, operates very close to nature and has a very nature-friendly “low impact approach”. You feel like a guest in nature here and are travelling in an environmentally friendly way.

Additional Days – Hoanib River


  • 2 nights at a strategically located lodge on the Hoanib Dry River.

inclusive:

  • Dinner, bed and breakfast
  • locally guided game drive: Desert Elephant Experience ( Full Day )

Hoanib, River of the Desert Elephants

Vast stretches of fine sand dunes weave through rugged terrain bordered by slate, sandstone, and granite mountains. Grass-fringed valleys wind through the landscape, while the dry riverbeds are often lined with dense stands of mopane. Together, this ever-shifting scenery makes for a truly breathtaking drive.

Far beyond the usual tourist circuit lies one of Namibia’s last untouched wildernesses: the Hoanib Valley, where towering Winter-thorn acacias line the sandy riverbed, their pods a vital food source for the desert-dwelling elephants that call this place home.

The dry rivers of Kaoko and Damaraland form linear oases and the natural habitat of the desert-adapted elephant. On site, extended game drives take you in search of these magnificent animals, and with a little luck, you may even spot lion. Remarkably, this is one of the last semi-desert wilderness areas where elephant, rhino, and lion still roam free together — a truly rare and special place.

Additional programme – “once in a lifetime” in the Skeleton Coast Park


  • 2 nights where the Atlantic Ocean, linear oasis of the Hoarusib, the Skeleton Coast and the fantastic landscapes of the Namib meet.
  • Accommodation class: luxury

inclusive:

  • Full board
  • locally guided game drives leading to encounters with desert elephants and some wilderness surprises!

Shipwreck Lodge, an experience in the Skeleton Coast Park… unique solitude

Yes, it still exists, this one abandoned place in the world that is truly beautiful and unique in untouched wilderness… without ever having to meet the neighbour or other any tourists. No one is allowed here! Except, for now, you!…The Skeleton Coast Park offers in its rough desert nature wonderful nature observations in extremely changeable completely untouched rugged, yet stunningly beautiful, wilderness – landscape.

Yes, it still exists, that one abandoned place in the world, a realm of unspoiled beauty and unique untouched wilderness. Here, you won’t encounter neighbours or other tourists—this place is strictly off-limits to everyone, except for you, at least for now.
The Skeleton Coast Park is a haven of raw desert nature, offering incredible opportunities for observing the ever-changing, untamed, and strikingly beautiful wilderness landscape.

Additional days – Hoarusib


  • 2 nights at Hoarusib on Okahirongo, one of Namibia’s most individual and exclusive lodges.

inclusive:

  • Full board
  • locally guided drives in the Hoarusib and surroundings

Hoarusib, pristine desert paradise

The Hoarusib River, another of the region’s remarkable linear oases, winds its way through the heart of “deep” Kaokoland. Despite its remoteness, it remains accessible through guided four-wheel-drive excursions, giving you a well-rounded look at both the upper and lower Hoarusib and excellent chances of the kind of breathtaking moments usually reserved for wildlife documentaries.

As you make your way along the riverbed, expect ever-changing scenery and surprisingly diverse wildlife at every turn. This stretch feels wonderfully untouched — still off the radar for most travellers. Later, the route continues into the western Hoarusib, revealing an entirely different side of this arid paradise.

Indicative Rates for 2027

We’re happy to provide your personal direct rate – depending on travel period, time of booking, and preferred room category.

Participants per vehicle
Rates are per Person
NaturalClassicLuxury
1 Person$8,029$9,629$11,828
2 Persons$6,082$7,682$9,881
3 Persons$5,433$7,033$9,232
4 Persons$5,108$6,709$8,907
Single room supplement$945$995$1,541

Services included

Rental car:

Services not included

We are happy to answer frequently asked questions in advance

The cooler months are perfect for this trip, as it doesn’t get so bitterly cold in the northwest, but the summer is blisteringly hot and dusty.

Windhoek or Walvis Bay. Walvis Bay International is served daily by several airlines and is an excellent choice for this trip, especially if you want to add some “holiday” at the end.

Your vehicle is a four-wheel drive and you could theoretically drive through the thick sand. However, we will organise a transfer or at least a local helper to keep you safe on the critical stretches in the river bed.

Accommodation preference: Northwestern Namibia offers only a limited selection of accommodation categories. This itinerary includes mainly comfortable mid-range lodges, but also a few extremely high-end and expensive accommodations. These exclusive lodges are located exactly where you want to stay, in the heart of the wilderness and they are often the only ones that provide access to these remote and worthwhile areas. We can certainly adjust the trip to be more budget-friendly by choosing alternative accommodations. However, this would require a high degree of flexibility and tolerance when it comes to comfort and location.

In a time when flight bookings are just a few clicks away, it may seem old-fashioned to involve a travel agent. But when it comes to navigating the ever-changing world of air travel—delays, reroutes, strikes, cancellations, and the charming surprise of “you no longer have a seat”—working with a real human still has very real advantages when unexpected challenges arise, such as:

  • Delays and last-minute flight changes

  • Strikes or changes made by the airline

  • Seat changes without prior notification

  • The need to rebook during your trip

Especially in those moments—just imagine being on safari while these changes occur—it is incredibly helpful to have a reliable contact person who handles everything quickly and professionally.

Our Recommendation:

Even if booking flights through a travel agency may seem slightly more expensive, it is absolutely worth the investment. The service, support, and peace of mind it provides, particularly in problematic situations, are priceless.

We’ve had consistently excellent experiences with the following agencies – they are professional, fast, and reliable.

Important:

Please make sure to always mention that you are booking through Leaflove Safari / Albert Voigts.

This is the only way we can ensure that all flight times are accurately recorded and that we can coordinate with the agents to perfectly align the itinerary with your travel plans – e.g. for organizing transfers, airport greetings, or handling last-minute changes.

Namibia:

Anja Badenhorst – Tokkies Travel

📱 +264 81 249 8760

✉️ ticketing@tokkiestravel.com

➡️ Anja has already assisted many of our guests – reliable, fast, and solution-oriented.

Sonja Etzold – Molo Africa Travel

📱 +264 81 202 6002

✉️ sonja@moloafricatravel.com.na

➡️ Sonja is also highly experienced and particularly helpful when it comes to last-minute rebookings.

An offer especially for you! Simply let us know your change requests in this form.

send us a non-binding enquiry for 'Damara- & Kaokoland' a self-drive Safari

This Safari was last updated on 12. August 2026 @ 10:36.

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