Africa

Namibia: A Desert Adventure – Group Self Drive

19 Days. From AUD $10,652pp.
Self-Drive Journeys
Details

Overview

Namibia is one of Africa’s most extraordinary road trip destinations, and this 19-day guided self-drive safari puts you right in the driver’s seat. Starting in Windhoek and covering over 3,000km across some of the continent’s most dramatic and diverse landscapes, you’ll navigate your own fully-equipped Toyota Hilux 4×4 through the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei and the ghostly white expanse of Deadvlei, along the wild Atlantic coastline at Swakopmund, through the rugged mountains of Damaraland where desert-adapted elephants roam freely, across the vast salt pans of Etosha National Park teeming with lions, elephants, and rhino, and into the lush river systems of the Kavango and Kwando regions before finishing on the banks of the Chobe River in Botswana. Travelling in convoy with just 20 participants across five fully-equipped 4x4s, you’ll have the freedom of your own vehicle with the support and expertise of an experienced guide. This is Namibia at its most raw, most beautiful, and most unforgettable.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Self drive with expert guides and fellow travellers.
  • Begin in Windhoek before exploring the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei and the coastal charm of Swakopmund.
  • Experience rugged wilderness in Damaraland and thrilling wildlife encounters across Etosha National Park.
  • Journey through the lush Kavango Region and Kwando Region before ending with a scenic river cruise on the Chobe River.

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1 & 2: Windhoek
  • Day 3 to 5: Sossusvlei
  • Day 6 & 7: Swakopmund
  • Day 8 & 9: Damaraland
  • Day 10 & 11: Etosha West
  • Day 12 & 13: Etosha East
  • Day 14 & 15: Kavango Region
  • Day 16 & 17: Kwando Region
  • Day 18: Chobe River, Botswana
  • Day 19: Kasane, Departure Day

Tailor-made suggestions

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1 & 2: Windhoek

Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, is nestled amongst rolling hills, bounded by the Eros Mountains in the East, the Auas Mountains to the south and the Khomas Hochland in the west. A meeting place between Africa and Europe - the old and the new. Centrally located in Namibia, Windhoek is a perfect
starting point for any adventure!

Travel information:
ETA from JNB : 11:00am
Transfer to Windhoek

Activities information:
Rental Vehicle hand over
Welcome dinner

Dinner included.

Day 3 to 5: Sossusvlei

Our stay at Sossus Oasis places you right at the gateway to Sossusvlei. Comfortable facilities combine with unforgettable scenery as you explore towering dunes, Deadvlei’s ancient skeleton trees, and vast desert plains. Sunrise here is simply unmissable – one of the highlights of any Namibian adventure.

Travel information:
330km
5 hours drive

Activities information:
Visit the towering dunes of Sossusvlei
Hot Air Balloon safari (optional extra activity)

Day 6 & 7: Swakopmund

Discover Namibia’s adventure capital from the comfort of The Strand Hotel, set right on the Atlantic shoreline. Swakopmund offers a mix of German colonial charm and thrilling activities, from desert tours to ocean excursions. Return in the evening to comfortable rooms, fine dining, and the sound of the sea.

Travel information:
350km
5-6 hours drive

Optional Activities:
Ocean and dune based activities

Breakfast included.

Day 8 & 9: Damaraland

Set against rugged mountains and sweeping desert plains, our Damaraland camp offers a true wilderness experience. At Brandberg White Lady Campsite you'll camp at the foot of Namibia's highest mountain. This region is home to desert-adapted elephants, ancient rock art, and some of Namibia's most dramatic scenery.

Travel information:
330km
5-6 hours drive

Activities information:
Self drives 4x4 trails
Walks

Day 10 & 11: Etosha West

Experience the magic of Etosha, where shimmering salt pans stretch to the horizon and wildlife gathers at waterholes in remarkable numbers. Camping just outside the park allows us to enjoy early morning and late afternoon drives, maximising our chances of unforgettable sightings and capturing the true spirit of the African bush.

Travel information:
340km
5-6 hours drive

Activities information:
Self drive game viewing in Etosha

Day 12 & 13: Etosha East

We settle in at Mokuti Etosha Lodge on the eastern edge of the park, where thatched chalets are set among lush gardens and open woodland. Two nights here allow for unhurried game drives, relaxed afternoons, and a chance unhurried game drives, relaxed afternoons, and a chance to enjoy this well-appointed, wildlife-rich corner of Etosha.

Travel information:
180km
Full day drive in the Park

Activities information:
Self drive game viewing in Etosha

Breakfast included.

Day 14 & 15: Kavango Region

We trade desert for river life at Ngepi Camp, where shaded campsites sit right on the banks of the Okavango. Take a sunset cruise on the river or a mokoro ride for golden views, wildlife sightings, and a taste of this wild, laid-back region.

Travel information:
630km
8 hours drive

Optional Activities:
Boat Cruises
Mokoro rides
Game Drives

Day 16 & 17: Kwando Region

Set in a community conservancy along the Kwando River, Nambwa Campsite is one of Namibia’s most unique places to stay. Here, camping blends seamlessly with nature – expect elephants passing by, hippos grunting at night, and incredible birdlife all around. It’s raw, wild, and unforgettable.

Travel information:
220km
3-4 hours drive

Activities information:
Self drive game viewing

Day 18: Chobe River, Botswana

We conclude pur adventure at Cresta Mowana Hotel in Kasane, Botswana, beautifully located on the Chobe River. Here, we enjoy a final night of comfort and relaxation, capped off by a sunset Chobe River cruise to watch elephants, hippos, and crocodiles along the water’s edge.

Travel information:
260km
4-5 hours drive
Border crossing into Botswana

Activities information:
Chobe River Sunset Cruise
Final dinner

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 19: Kasane, Departure Day

The town’s convenient connections and proximity to the Chobe River make it easy to continue exploring southern Africa or head home with memories of an unforgettable journey.

Our adventure sadly ends in Kasane, perfectly located for onward safari travel to the Okavango, Victoria Falls, and other neighbouring safari regions. Or for flights returning to Johannesburg.

DatesFromAdditional
01 Jun 2027 - 19 Jun 2027A$10652ppContact us
  • Rates are per person based on four people sharing a vehicle. 25% per person supplement applies for travellers opting for 2 people per vehicle.
Suggested Accommodation
CityAccommodation
Windhoek The Weinberg Hotel or similar
Namib Sossus Oasis Camp Site or similar
Swakopmund Strand Hotel Swakopmund or similar
Brandberg Brandberg White Lady Lodge or similar
Etosha National Park Etosha Trading Post or similar
Etosha National Park Mokuti Etosha Lodge or similar
Caprivi Ngepi Camp or similar
Kwando River Nambwa Campsite or similar
Chobe National Park Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa or similar

What's included?

  • 18 days hire of a Toyota Hilux Double Cab 4x4,
  • All vehicle extras including:
    o Collection in Windhoek & Drop off in Kasane,
    o Zero excess insurance,
    o 2x Roof top tents and camping gear for 4 people
  • Hosts/guides in lead vehicle with radios, recovery gear and satellite phone
  • Airport transfers from Windhoek Airport to the Weinberg Hotel.
  • Welcome dinner
  • All accommodation & meals listed in the itinerary (subject to availability at time of booking)
  • Chobe River Sunset Cruise (Cresta Mowana Hotel)
  • Final dinner
  • Medical Evacuation Insurance
  • Adventure pack with map, guide book and other touring essentials
  • (The odd GnT!)

What's not?

  • International & regional flights
  • Visas
  • Any meals not specifically listed in the itinerary (this is a self catering tour)
  • Any drinks/refreshments not specifically listed in the itinerary
  • Laundry services
  • Any extra activities offered by lodges/camps not listed in the itinerary
  • Hot Air Balloon Safari with desert champagne breakfast (Highly Recommended)
  • National park & game reserve entrance fees and conservation fees
  • Food & Fuel (self drive & self catering) & Cross-Border fees
  • Staff gratuities
  • Personal Travel Insurance

Important notes and additional information

  • Rates are per person based on four people sharing a vehicle. 25% per person supplement applies for travellers opting for 2 people per vehicle.
  • Where the listed accommodation is not available, a suitable and equivalent alternative will be used.
  • Minimum group size: 12 people
  • Maximum group size: 20 people
  • Min/Max capacity per vehicle: 3-5 people

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Africa

From its endless deserts and burning sunsets, to its abundance of wildlife and diversity of culture, the African Safari has it all. There is nowhere else on the planet with such incredible natural beauty and rich traditions than Africa. Discover your own Africa with a tailored tour through some of the most dynamic and stunningly beautiful natural landscapes the world has to offer.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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Namibia: A Desert Adventure – Group Self Drive

19 Days. From AUD $10,652pp.