A self-drive, roof-top camping trip is an excellent way for the independent-minded traveller to experience Namibia. Enjoy the open road and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes at very affordable prices, even in the high season between June and November. By day travel along established but sparsely populated routes. At night stop off at well-located campsites, pop up the roof-tent, climb aboard and snuggle down for a good night's sleep in a cosy sleeping bag.
Everything you need for a self-sufficient trip is provided - fridge, cool-box, grill set, gas cooker, cooking equipment, folding chairs and table, mattress, sleeping bag, sheets and pillow. You are met at Windhoek airport and shown the ropes, before taking control of your Toyota 4WD, safe in the knowledge that there is a spare wheel and a 24-hour emergency number.
Climb Big Daddy at Sossusvlei, see the game-rich pans at Etosha and help care for the rescued big-cats at Okonjima. We carefully plan your self-drive itinerary with you so that you see as many of the best sights as you can, ensuring there is time to relax and take in the views, or try out some adventure activities like sand boarding, deep-sea fishing and quad-biking.
Campsites in Etosha are attached to the newly up-graded Government rest camps, where well-priced restaurants are available, if you feel like a night off from cooking. In rural areas community-run campsites are more basic but have essential facilities. For extra comfort and a guaranteed hot shower, include a night or two along the way in a guesthouse.
Self-drive roof-top camping is a great holiday choice for couples, a group of four, or families choose between a single cab with a tent for two and a double cab with two separate, two-person tents.
What our clients say
"Just back from a fantastic [roof-top camping] trip. Thank you so so much for organising one of best holidays ever! Will not hesitate to recommend to any friends who are thinking of a trip." R Owen
Itinerary
On this trip you will visit:
- Etosha
- Sossusvlei
- Swakopmund
- Windhoek & Central Namibia
Day 1
Early evening overnight flight from London Heathrow to Windhoek via Johannesburg.
Day 2
Windhoek
Arrive Windhoek around mid day, collect your fully equipped camping vehicle and drive into Windhoek for a 1 night stay at the Hilltop Guesthouse or similar with breakfast included.
You will be given a comprehensive self drive briefing and you will have the afternoon at leisure to prepare for your journey or explore the capital.
Accommodation: Hilltop House
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Days 3 - 4
Sossusvlei
Early morning start for your journey down to the Sossusvlei for a 2 night stay at the Sesriem campsite on a self-catering basis.
With close proximity to the Sossusvlei, the dunes are best visit morning or late afternoon and the nearby petrified Elim dune is a good spot to enjoy the sunset from.
Days 5 - 7
Swakopmund
Travel north to the coastal town of Swakopmund for a 3 night stay at Sams Giardino Guesthouse or similar with breakfast included.
Highly recommended - Sandwich Harbour tour with Bruno Nebe, one of Namibia's best professional guides. The Sandwich Harbour tour starts with a drive along a beautiful dune chain adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, zigzagging the original railway line between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, and then onwards to the lagoons at Walvis Bay and at Sandwich Harbour, both 'Wetlands of International Importance'.
Further on you will explore the Kuiseb Delta, dotted with archaeological sites, 450 year-old animal tracks, wind blown graves and magnificent dunes.
Turning south, you begin the approach to Sandwich Harbour with its towering, wind-sculptured dunes where you will enjoy your picnic - a large hamper full of homemade cakes, savouries, salads, fruit and drinks - and a spot of bird watching. The drive back home (experience the roaring dunes they're amazing!) affords a last look at these haunting landscapes before you arrive back at your hotel in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Sam's Giardino
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Days 8 - 9
Damaraland
Into the Damaraland, in the search of the elusive desert adapted elephant or rhino and enjoy the unique rock formations of the area, stay 2 nights at Aba Haub campsite, on a self-catering basis.
Days 10 - 12
Etosha
Onto the world famous Etosha National Park for a 3 night stay camping on a self catering basis. Ideally split between the eastern and western sides of the park staying at Okaukeujo, Halali and/or Namutoni.
Day 13
Okonjima
The Africat project has done some remarkable work in the conservation and rehabilitation of endangered African cats. Spend 1 night at Okonjima Main Camp with breakfast and dinner included.
Accommodation: Okonjima Collection
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Day 14
Windhoek
Return car to Windhoek in time for the overnight flight via Johannesburg to London Heathrow.
Price guides 2013/2014
From £2,695 per person, sharing
From £8,490 per family, sharing (2 adults travelling with 2 children under the age of 12 years)
Inclusive of international flights, roof top tent vehicle and equipment hire and accommodation as indicated in itinerary with meals as specified.
Excludes: visa fees, drinks, activities, entrance fees, fuel, additional driver fee, car hire admin fee payable directly, car hire security deposit taken from credit card, meals other than specified.
Supplements apply during peak season and school holidays.
Speak with a specialist
Rainbow specialists provide a high-quality, personal service and respected, impartial advice so you can make informed decisions about your individual holiday. To talk through your holiday ideas and plans, ring us on
020 7666 1250, or make an enquiry by
email.
Accommodation
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Etosha, Namibia
Halali ,one of the rest camps in the national park, is set amongst shady mopane trees. The new décor uses natural colours and materials to excellent effect. There are two and four bed bush chalets, family chalets and...
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Windhoek & Central Namibia, Namibia
Hilltop House is set on a hill in a quiet area of Windhoek, yet close to the centre of town. It has many of the facilities you might expect from a large hotel, yet maintains a personal welcoming touch. There are 6 well-equipped,...
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Etosha, Namibia
Namutoni is the easternmost of the rest camps in Etosha, and is perhaps the most upmarket. It is built around an old German fort overlooking the King Nehale waterhole, and from its raised walkway there are excellent views across...
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Etosha, Namibia
Okaukuejo one of rest camps, provides excellent accommodation inside Etosha. This popular lodge is situated at the southern entrance to the park, overlooking a permanent, floodlit waterhole, regularly frequented by game. The...
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Windhoek & Central Namibia, Namibia
Okonjima Collection If you don’t want a night in the capital, head straight out to Okonjima, just two or three hours north, on the road to Etosha. You’ll find it just south of Otjiwarongo. Here, big cats are the main...
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Swakopmund, Namibia
Sam's Giardino
If you are comfortable around dogs, we recommend Sam's Giardino, a friendly, cheerful Swiss-run guesthouse, with nine spacious rooms, including a honeymoon room on the top floor. Breakfasts here are...
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