Damara- & Kaokoland, a self-drive Safari
Damara- & Kaokoland, a self-drive Safari discovering the north-western Part of Namibia, Kaokoland & Damaraland
“Ondili” translates to “I am at home” in the language of the Ovambo, the largest ethnic group in Namibia. We have named this journey “Ondili Natura” as we want you to feel “at home in nature.”
The collaboration with Ondili Lodges originated after a shared weekend in their private nature reserves, which breathe a unique idealism and a genuine desire for natural preservation and sustainability. On this journey, our guests experience accommodations of the highest quality in breathtaking natural reserves at a fair local direct price. In addition to the Ondili Lodges, we have carefully selected two excellent lodges that are also actively engaged in conservation, protecting vast areas and reinvesting a significant portion of their earnings into preserving the surrounding habitat.
During this trip, you will encounter Namibia’s prime attractions, enjoy first-class accommodations, be provided with an excellent rental car, and receive an unbeatable offer from us.
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!
1 night stay within Windhoek at a charming small guesthouse with a very beautiful view
Overnight stay with breakfast
Dinner @ Joes’ Beerhouse
Upon your arrival in Windhoek, embark on an exciting self-driving adventure, starting with a city tour to explore the culture and history of this modern African city. Contrast the old architecture with contemporary structures and delve into the city’s diverse past.
Enjoy a delightful self-guided shopping experience in the downtown area, where you can peruse local crafts, from hats to authentic local leather shoes called “Vellies.”
Navigate through Windhoek’s informal settlements at your own pace and visit the Penduka Women’s Project, showcasing the resilience and courage of these women.
After a day filled with self-discoveries, we recommend unwinding at the world-renowned restaurant, Joe’s Beerhouse.
2 nights in a carefully selected lodge nestled in the captivating linear dune landscape of the Kalahari.
Your self-driving adventure takes you through the Camel Thorn savannah of the central plateau until you reach the diverse linear dune landscapes, crusted limestone ridges, and expansive salt pans of the Kalahari. The most captivating feature of the Kalahari reveals itself in its colors! With dark orange-hued dunes and brown-green Camel Thorn woodlands, the Kalahari is a true paradise for photographers. Along your route, discover gigantic Sociable Weaver nests in ancient Camel Thorn acacias. With a bit of luck, you may even encounter a Cape cobra, which often raids the nests of communal birds. Observe a variety of wildlife, including gemsboks, springboks, frequent kudus, and zebras. Enjoy sightings of ground squirrels and other small mammals like meerkats.
2 Nights at a fantastically situated lodge with its private nature reserve in close proximity to the Namib-Naukluft Park.
The Namib Desert impresses with its overwhelming expanse and breathtaking landscapes in a seemingly barren yet rich environment. Particularly striking is the dune landscape in the morning light, encompassing the highest of its kind worldwide and creating an unforgettable panorama. The Tsauchab Dry River has cut off the path to the ocean, forming the unique “Sossusvlei” – a clay pan surrounded by ancient camelthorn acacias and green, thorny !Nara plants, framed by impressive high red star and crescent-shaped dunes. A worthwhile hike up the dunes offers a fantastic view. The Tsauchab Dry River presents another geological attraction – the “Sesriem Canyon.” Ox-wagon drivers once had to bind six thongs together to draw water from this gorge. Take the opportunity for a short hike into the canyon; it will definitely be rewarding.
There are those things you just have to experience! Weather permitting (as it can get very windy), the hot air balloon from Namib Sky takes off amidst the dunes and hills on the gravel plains of the Tsauchab. Enjoy a beautiful view of the dune and mountain landscapes and the interplay of various colourful scenery in the morning light.
If you wish to take a balloon ride, it would be advisable to extend your journey by an additional day!
2 nights at a guesthouse in Swakopmund that we have personally tested and chosen
Overnight stay and breakfast
The town of Walvis Bay is just 30 km south of Swakopmund and offers a diverse destination with an 11,000-hectare lagoon. Tens of thousands of seabirds, seals, dolphins, and occasionally whales and sunfish “Mola Mola” enchant visitors to this world natural heritage site.
The gravel plains of the Namib stretch out before you, occasionally interrupted by mountains or a shimmering horizon. The long, straight roads are adorned here and there with small dust trails. Traverse the area through circuitous routes, passing through granitic sculptural landscapes, ancient erosion valleys, and dry riverbeds. The surroundings are marked by deadly silence, yet sometimes giraffes, often zebras, and antelopes can be spotted.
Embark on a foot exploration to discover the cave of the two geologists, whose story is recounted in the book “Sheltering Desert.” Please lace up your hiking boots.
Along the way, discover the world-famous “Welwitschia mirabilis” (1500 years old), lichen fields, and the erosion valley of the Swakop Dry River, also known as the “Mondlandschaft” (Moon Landscape).
Swakopmund is a small coastal town where there is ample time for leisurely strolls. In good weather, you can even sunbathe, visit modern and colonial landmarks, and enjoy a cup of coffee. Private coffee roasteries, a renowned gin distillery, numerous artists of various styles, and a distinctly relaxed atmosphere may tempt you to extend your stay. Here, you’ll find, among other things, the best-managed private museum in the country, an oceanarium, a crystal gallery, and a small bathing bay we call “Mole.”
1 night in an enchanting landscape with a stunning view of the gigantic Hohenstein, an impressive granite boulder, at a carefully selected lodge.
In the distance, you’ll spot the iconic “inselberg” of Namibia, the Spitzkoppe, rising like a natural monument from the flat gravel plains of the Namib. The smooth granite walls of the Spitzkoppe tell stories of hunting scenarios and wildlife, painted by indigenous people and waiting to be discovered. The landscape creates a fairytale-like impression, offering countless opportunities for breathtaking photos. As you approach the gigantic granite spheres of the Erongo, you’ll feel almost “dwarfed” between the towering rock walls of these magma mountains. Exploring this region on your self-driving journey, whether it’s hikes or walks, unveils legendary rock paintings, semi-endemic bird species, and a remarkable semi-desert flora, allowing you to immerse yourself in the wonders at your own pace.
2 nights amidst impressive granite formations at a carefully selected lodge.
Embark on a fascinating adventure to Twyfelfontein, celebrated for its ancient petroglyphs, the “burnt mountain,” and the basaltic “organ pipes.” Around 200 million years ago, colossal prehistoric “Cordaites” trees were carried in by massive mud floods from Central Africa, covered in muddy deposits. The lack of oxygen led to petrification, and these “petrified trees” now stand as uniquely peculiar geological formations.
Navigate through the desert landscape as the dry Huab River meanders to the west.
In this geologically rich area, seek out the gigantic Ana trees, or “winter thorn acacias,” with their red pods—a delightful treat for desert-dwelling elephants. Feel the thrill of a locally guided expedition as you search for these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
2 nights in the central area of the National Park at an enchantingly beautiful private lodge outside the park.
Etosha National Park stands out as one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich parks, thriving despite its comparatively arid conditions. The expansive 4,000 km² salt pan gives rise to artesian springs on the southern shore, famously known as “contact springs.” Particularly in the somewhat drier and warmer seasons, a diverse array of wildlife congregates at these springs.
The central area boasts openness and a covering of acacias, while the middle section features a dense mopane forest. In the east, you’ll encounter a dry woodland. Each of these distinct vegetation types plays host to a variety of animal species.
As you embark on your self-drive adventure, the opportunity to spot numerous animals naturally presents itself. With a bit of luck, optimal sightings of elephants and big cats await – showcasing that patience and an early start often yield rewarding results in this remarkable park.
2 nights at a well-located lodge in the eastern part, directly adjacent to the park.
Our Land Cruisers, specially modified for wildlife observation, feature wide window seats, and the roof can be raised at waterholes. This allows you to comfortably take photographs while sitting or standing.
We recognize that many of our guests come to Namibia primarily for wildlife observation. Hence, we have strategically planned two nights in the eastern part of the Etosha National Park for you to explore.
In this region, the slightly more abundant vegetation and numerous springs ensure a higher density of animals. The chances of encountering lions are particularly high here. Additionally, the presence of Damara Dik-Dik, Blue Cranes, and often rhinos adds to the allure of this region.
Consider booking an additional guided game drive led by locals. We would be happy to recommend an experienced local guide for you.
One night at one of the prime lodges of the Africat Foundation
On today’s route, you can visit Otjikoto Lake, a large doline—a peculiar lake with unexplored depth, mysterious and beautiful.
Try to be early, since this is the domain of the Africat Foundation, an organisation dedicated to African cats. Considerable time and effort are dedicated to the conservation and research of various wild cats, particularly cheetahs and leopards. A successful sighting of wild leopards is nearly guaranteed, and you’ll also have the opportunity to observe other cats like cheetahs. Another remarkable sighting could be a brown hyena!
Joining a game drive led by local guides/experts in open 4×4 safari vehicles is part of the plan.
Photographers will find these game drives especially rewarding, as their needs are taken into consideration. Well-guided walks and game drives offer visitors valuable insights into the nature and workings of the project.
Hope to see you again… soon
Continuing on the north-south route, you’ll eventually arrive back in Windhoek. Unfortunately, your memorable journey concludes in Windhoek, and we sincerely hope you depart in good health and high spirits. After returning the rental car, transportation to the airport will be arranged for you. Feel free to explore the city further, perhaps visiting the Craft Centre where Namibian artists showcase and sell their crafts.
Our team is ready to assist with booking transfers and any additional logistics you may need, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for your onward journey.
Participants per vehicle | Per Person |
---|---|
1 Person | 9.196,00 $ |
2 Persons | 7.397,00 $ |
3 Persons | 6.798,00 $ |
4 Persons | 6.497,00 $ |
Single room supplement | 1.292,00 $ |
This trip is designed to cater to a broad range of interests, and you will have suitable weather for your observations at various locations throughout the year. If you are particularly interested in wildlife observation, this journey would be ideal from May to November. If you wish to savor the fantastic desert landscapes, February, March, and April would be very suitable.
Yes, this safari offers a very diverse mix of various attractions, a variety of landscapes, wonderful botany, a good insight into Namibia’s rich history, and the opportunity to see a wide range of animals.
Certainly, you tell us what particularly interests you, and we will adjust the itinerary accordingly.
This trip offers an exclusive experience in extremely comfortable accommodations, far removed from the usual, disruptive routine of tourism. The accommodations themselves are already a highlight, situated amid breathtaking landscapes that are privately protected and surrounded. Through a direct collaboration, we can offer you this trip at a direct price, making it a particularly attractive offer.
This Safari was last updated on 10. February 2025 @ 10:08
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