Namibian Wildlife, a self-drive Safari
Namibian Wildlife, a self-drive Safari exploring the Wildlife-Rich Etosha & Caprivi in Namibia
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Damara- & Kaokoland, a self-drive Safari
A Leaflove self-drive Safari discovering the north-western Part of Namibia, Kaokoland & Damaraland
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Overview
Undoubtedly, one of the most sought-after and comprehensive self-drive adventure tours designed for enthusiasts of wildlife, nature, culture, and stunning landscapes. This journey unfolds in the pristine, less-visited north-western region of Namibia, away from the crowds, offering a rich tapestry of experiences.
The tour commences with immersive wildlife encounters in picturesque wilderness areas, providing ample opportunities for capturing remarkable animal photographs. Venturing further into Namibia’s north-western semi-desert region, which boasts captivating geological and scenic wonders, you’ll discover the allure of the Damara and Kaokoland regions.
Here, the pastoral communities of the OvaHimba and Damara people coexist amidst breathtaking desert vistas. Notably, the Hoanib Valley, the Hoarusib River, and the Etendeka Formation stand out as particularly mesmerizing. This is the realm of the famed desert elephants, desert lions, and the endemic Hartmann’s mountain zebras, which draw visitors to this remarkable terrain.
Prepare to be enchanted by a wealth of wildlife encounters, a diverse array of flora, ever-changing landscapes, and captivating geological transformations throughout this unforgettable journey.
Highlights
- Kaokoland with Epupa Waterfalls and OvaHimbas
- Damaraland with desert elephants and petroglyphs
- Erongo and game-rich protected areas
- For nature, culture and landscape lovers
- Away from mass tourism
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
Detailed itinerary
Logistics @ arrival
Locate you as you enter the airport’s arrival hall – you’re eager to assist you.
Our team at Leaflove Safari will efficiently manage and oversee the vehicle handover, including insurance logistics.
You’ll receive your vouchers, maps, a detailed route description, and, of course, a warm welcome package.
Additionally, you’ll equip you with a GPS device featuring pre-programmed routes in the ‘Tracks 4 Africa’ system!
Days 1 & 2
- 2 nights at a comfortable lodge in the middle of a private nature reserve.
inclusive:
- Dinner, bed and breakfast
- 2x game drives in open game vehicles guided by well-trained rangers.
Biodiversity: Arrival & drive into a wildlife rich nature reserve
185 km – approx. 2 h driving time
In the acacia savannah of the central high plateau, a red sandy hilly landscape awaits you with wonderful photo opportunities such as the high termite mounds and umbrella acacias.
We have planned two nights here, as the locally guided game drives offer you a wide variety of game viewing opportunities.
The locally guided game drives in the afternoons are highly recommended and pachyderms and big cats are often spotted.
At the waterholes right at the lodge, giraffes, numerous antelope species and many birds can be observed and photographed in a relaxed atmosphere… ideal if you want to “be the late bird” but still catch the worm.
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- Leoparden sind auf dem Erindi Naturreservat sehr schön zu beobachten
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- Breitmaulnashörner sind sanftmütige Grasfresser
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- Loewen sind auf dem Erindi Naturreservat sehr schön zu beobachten
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- Auf Pirschfahrt ist man sicher, auch vor Löwen
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- Die Elefanten des Erindi reservats sind die Pirschfahrzeuge gewohnt und sehr fotogen.
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
210 km – approx. 3.2 h driving time
Completely unexpected, limestone reefs emerge in a landscape decorated with termite mounds. The Ugab Terraces are a large erosion valley similar to Monument Valley in America, but nowhere near as large. The area is geologically very beautiful and the main attraction is a gigantic rock finger called the „Vingerklip“, which refers to „Rock Finger“.
You will find the opportunity to do a short hike, start walking from the lodge, through the Mopane savannah along these steep reefs up to this huge rock, protruding like a finger of stone.
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- Im Ugab Erosionstal steht die Vingerklippe als Überbleibsel der Erosion.
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- Landschaften der Ugab Terrassen bei der Vingerklippe
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- Calendulauda sabota, Tswana Wort für Lerche
Additional Days in Etosha Park?
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
210 km – approx. 5 h driving time (slowly through the Park)
“Great White Place” A pan of nothingness over 4000 km2 in area, is fringed by ever-changing vegetation. You will pass through a dry forest into an endless grass steppe looking at zebras, which ends again in an acacia savannah with giraffes and finally you could find lions resting in the shade of dense mopane trees.
The wildlife has lost its fear of vehicles and offers excellent opportunities for game viewing and photography, so leave early and take your time…
Several antelope species such as springbok, red hartebeest, wildebeest, steenbok, dik-dik, the rare black-nosed impala and oryx can be found along the way. Predators such as lions are seen more often, leopards and cheetahs somewhat less frequently. Pachyderms such as both rhino species and elephants are also at home here, giraffes lurk around many a tree and there is also plenty to see of small animals and birds.
Book a local guide…
We highly recommend you book a locally guided game drive departing from your accommodation. Let us know, whether you have special interests like birds or plants, this will help us find the right guide for you.
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- Es ist wunderschön die Schwarznasenimpalas im März zwischen den Sesamum Blumen zu sehen.
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- Im Etoscha Nationalpark sind trotz Wilderei immer noch behörnte Spitzmaulnashörner, auch schwarze Nashörner genannt, zu sehen.
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- Die Hengste der Steppenzebras bekämpfen sich spielerisch um sich auf den Tag der ernsthaften Kämpfe vorzubereiten.
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- Die Tüpfelhyäne oder Fleckenhyäne (Crocuta crocuta) ist eine Raubtierart aus der Familie der Hyänen (Hyaenidae)
Days 4 & 5
- 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
230 km – approx. 3 h driving time
The long drive through the west of Etosha National Park (if you have booked the additional days) leads to many waterholes, which are often unexpectedly visited by Africa’s mammals.
A truly “untouched” nature, where wildlife can still follow the daily rhythm of Africa. Expect encounters with endemic Hartmann’s mountain zebra, numerous antelope and giraffe. Lions, leopards, cheetahs and elephants like to roam this area, being able to observe them is always a matter of luck (and a little experience).
We also recommend to use this area if you are a birder, as Bare-cheeked Babbler, Little Sparrowhawk and Scops Owlet can already be found in the garden here.
The lodge offers night drives, which can lead to encounters with aardvark, porcupine, genet, bat-eared fox, spring hare and other nocturnal animals.
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- Am Wasserloch wurde auf Hobatere diese Löwenfamilie beobachtet.
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- wer gut schläft ist besser wach
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- ruhiges Ambiente mit Blick auf das Wasserloch
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- gemütliche kleine Bungalows
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- Tierbeobachtungen und sehr viele endemische Vögel sind auf Hobatere zu sehen.
Days 6 & 7
- 2 nights 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
380 km – approx. 5 h driving time
As you drive up to the Kunene river, which borders Angola and Namibia, you might want to stop and marvel at the interesting botany next to road.
The cattle herds, a very colourful conglomerate of skinny beasts with long horns, have right of way and give you some birding opportunities, since oxpeckers are often seen riding along.… Interestingly, the herdsmen of these herds belong to the Himba people. The first settlements are already visible along the way and you could gain an insight into the traditional life of these pastoralists. A local guide organised by us beforehand, will help you visit a „Kraal“ or village. You are shown, for example, how the ladies rub themselves with ochre fat. The Himba guide serves as a communication bridge between you and these pastoralist people, you are thus allowed to take pictures without worrying to offend anybody.
The Epupa Waterfalls are an impressive natural spectacle and a playground for animals, locals and a few tourists.
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- Die Epupa Wasserfälle sind umsäumt von Affenbrotbäumen und Makalanipalmen
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- Die Epupa Wasserfälle sind umsäumt von Affenbrotbäumen und Makalanipalmen
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- Ova Himba Frau am Ziegenmelken
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- Ova Himba Frauen in ihrem Alltag
Days 8 & 9
- 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
180 km – approx. 3 h driving time (lokal Transfer inclusive)
Fine sand dunes stretch up between slate, sandstone and granite mountains, valleys are covered with grass, dry rivers mostly lined by dense stands of mopane trees. This colourful mix of landscapes is breathtakingly beautiful to experience.
Far…far away of the usual tourist “circle” the absolute stunning wilderness of Namibia waits to be explored. We take you, on a locally guided trip in an open vehicle, into the valley of the Hoanib, a sandy dry river lined with gigantic Winter-thorn acacias, delivering the so much needed pods desert-dwelling elephants survive on!
The dry rivers of Kaoko and Damaraland are linear oases and the home ranges of the desert elephant. We will try to show you these animals on a locally guided game drive of several hours. Some of our guests are very lucky to spot lions here. It is worth mentioning that this is the last semi-desert wilderness where elephants, rhinos and lions still occur.
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- Im Damaraland leben in den Trockenflüssen Aba-Huab, Huab und Hoanib Wüstenelefanten
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- Zwei alte Bullen…
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- Die Kulisse im Hoanib ehrt die Schauspieler
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- Elefanten fressen auch Gras und lieben grüne Weiden…
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.
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.
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- moderne gemütliche Atmosphäre in den Bungalows
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- Es müssen nicht immer Wüstenlöwen sein…
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- Die Shipwreck Bungalows passen in die Umgebung
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- Ausflüge in die Wildnis der Trockenflüsse
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- Hier ist frau nett zu uns…
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- Die Shipwreck Lodge ist ein “once in a lifetime” Abenteuer. Man muss es erlebt haben.
Days 10 & 11
- 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
150 km – approx. 3 h driving time (Transfer through the thick-sand Riverbed inclusive)
The Hoarusib, another linear oasis, winds its way through the “deep” Kaokoland, but is still easy to reach and explore on a guided four-wheel drive tour. On this well-designed trip, you will experience the upper and lower Hoarusib and therefore have good opportunities to experience the beautiful moments that you otherwise only know from television.
You will be taking part in locally guided drives along the Hoarusib riverbed and will constantly find yourself fascinated by changing landscapes and unexpectedly interesting wildlife.
This part of the trip is particularly interesting, as the area seems empty of tourists and unexplored. Later on this you will also enter the western Hoarusib, which again presents a completely new picture with absolutely stunning views of the Skeleton Coast National Park within this arid paradise.
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- Im Kaokoland neben Pirschfahrten auch einen Pool geniessen.
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- Okahirongo Lodge Am Hoarusib Im Kaokoland
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- Okahirongo Lodge Am Hoarusib Im Kaokoland
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- Okahirongo Lodge Am Hoarusib Im Kaokoland
Days 12 & 13
- 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
217 km – approx. 6 h driving time
Within the basaltic Etendeka Formation of Damaraland lies the Palmwag spring nestled in dense reeds and waving Makalani palm trees. The water attracts desert elephants, giraffes, various antelopes such as springbok and oryx and among poisonous Euphorbia bushes you might spot small herds of endemic Hartmann’s mountain zebra.
The dry rivers of Damaraland are home to desert elephants, black rhinos and desert lions. These coveted animals attract many visitors to this semi-desert.
A locally guided day tour (optional) is designed to show you the endangered black, also called hook-lipped, rhinoceros. Naturally, you will also see a lot of other game, even desert elephants on the move and, at times, even the shy and skittish desert lions.
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- Anhand eines Tracking-Ausflugs kann man versuchen die bedrohten Spitzmaulnashörner des Damaralandes zu finden.
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- Nashornpirsch und Wüstenelefanten im Damaraland
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- Nashornpirsch und Wüstenelefanten im Damaraland
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- Nashornpirsch und Wüstenelefanten im Damaraland
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- Die Tafelberge der Etendeka bilden einen schönen Hintergrund für Elefantenfotografie
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.
Days 14 & 15
- 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
110 km – approx. 1.5 h driving time
Worth seeing are the 4000 – 6000 year old petroglyphs at “Twyfelfontein”, the “Burnt Mountain” and the basaltic “Organ Pipes”. About 200 million years ago, huge, primordial “cordaites” trees were washed up here in great mud floods from Central Africa and covered with muddy masses. Due to the exclusion of oxygen, petrification took place and these “fossilised trees” can be admired today as an amazingly strange geological formation.
The dry Huab River finds its way west through this geologically striking desert region. The gigantic Ana trees, also called “winter thorn acacias”, produce red pods which are gladly eaten by desert-dwelling elephants. A locally guided trip will take you off the beaten track to get you close to these wonderful mammals.
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- Bei Twyfelfontein im Damaraland sind Petroglyphen und Felsgravuren unter Denkmalschutz zu sehen.
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- In der Nähe Twyfelfonteins im Damaraland sind basaltische Orgelpfeifen zu finden.
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- eine Welwitschia mirabils und der verbrannte Berg… Fossilien, lebend und historisch
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- Bei Twyfelfontein im Damaraland sind Petroglyphen und Felsgravuren unter Denkmalschutz zu sehen.
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- Die Schlieferratte ist eigentlic eine große Felsenmaus
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- Versteinerter Wald / Holz, auf der Farm Blaauwkranz im Damaraland
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- Im Trockenfluss Awa Huab und Huab sind einige Wüstenelefanten unterwegs
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- Im Trockenfluss Awa Huab und Huab sind einige Wüstenelefanten unterwegs
Days 16 & 17
- 2 nights in a fairytale landscape surrounded by monstrous granite spheres in a selected lodge
inclusive:
- Dinner, bed and breakfast
Spitzkoppe & the mighty Erongo
230 km – approx. 3.2 h driving time & 86 km – approx. 1.2 h driving time
Even from a distance, Namibia’s best-known “island mountain”, the Spitzkoppe, stands out like a natural monument from the flat gravel surface of the Namib.
Bushmen have painted clearly visible scenarios of hunting and wildlife on the smooth granite walls. The landscape looks like a fairytale – scenery and offers wonderful photo opportunities.
The gigantic granite spheres of the Erongo are impressive, as the visitors literally feel “dwarfed” between the towering rock faces of these magma mountains. Some legendary rock paintings, semi-endemic bird species and remarkable semi-desert flora await the hiker or walker here.
Bushman Walk (optional): Here you will meet authentic Bushmen who will be happy to open your eyes through a short walk. You will learn how to set traps, use herbal remedies and go hunting. You will also see how a fire can easily be lit and that wonderful jewellery can be cut from ostrich eggs.
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- Achaetops pycnopygius, also dichter “Rücken”
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- Klippschliefer auf der Erongo Wild Lodge
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- Die Buschleute / san zeigen gern ihre Kultur, Bräuche und Felsmalereien
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- Im Erongo und anderen Gebirgszügen sind Klipspringer gut angepasst.
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- Western Rock Sengi / Westliche Klippen-Rüsselmaus
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- Der Fleckentoko, Tockus monteiri, imponiert als Halb-Endemit hier auf einem Weinrebengewächs auf der Spitzkoppe.
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- wunderbar gelegen an der Spitzkoppe mit einzigartigem Pool ist die Spitzkoppen Lodge
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- Der Bogenfels oder “Rock Arch” ist eine bekanne Granitformation an der Spitzkoppe
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- An der Spitzkoppe findet sich das Buschmannparadies. Eine steile Wanderung bis oben.
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- schon von kindesbeinen an üben die Kinder der San das Entfachen des feuers
Day 18
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.
..home & unfortunately goodbye…
289 km – approx. 4 h driving time (Windhoek)
200 km – approx. 2 h driving time (Walvis Bay)
Straight ahead on the east-west route you will reach Windhoek or alternatively Walvis Bay again.
In Windhoek your journey unfortunately comes to an end, we very much hope to welcome you back in good health and spirits.
You will be taken to the airport after dropping off your rental car.
Of course, you can still explore the city and visit the Craftcentre beforehand, for example, where Namibian artists offer their handicrafts for sale.
Indicative Rates for 2026
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 | per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $14,394.00 |
| 2 Persons | $12,447.00 |
| 3 Persons | $11,798.00 |
| 4 Persons | $11,474.00 |
| Single room supplement | $3,160.00 |
Services included
- Transfers as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Activities as indicated in the itinerary
- Pre-programmed GPS with route itinerary / Tracks for Africa
Rental car:
- Off-road and safari-friendly 4x4 Toyota Fortuner or Land Cruiser (up to 4 people) cheaper options available
- Tires suitable for gravel roads
- Two spare tires in good condition
- Maximum insurance coverage with lowest possible access (conditions apply)
- Complimentary airport transfers and handling
Services not included
- Additional optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Beverages and gratuities
- International and domestic flights
- Fuel for the vehicle
- Entrance fees to national parks and local attractions on the itinerary (to be paid on-site)
- Visa expenses
We are happy to answer frequently asked questions in advance
At what time of year is this trip suitable?
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.
Which airport is suitable as a start and end point?
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.
Do we have to drive through thick sand?
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.
Could we cut costs?
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.
Why Booking Flights Through a Travel Agent Still Makes Sense in the Digital Age
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 4. December 2025 @ 7:59.
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