Lesser Bushbaby s-drive: In full

Collect your hire car from Windhoek Airport on arrival and enjoy a taste of Namibia's Central Highlands as you drive the 42km to Windhoek. Your guesthouse is located in a peaceful suburb of Windhoek city, a short drive to explore the city centre if appeals or spend the afternoon relaxing in the attractive gardens and pool at Haus Sonneneck.

Begin your adventure by heading south-west through the scenic Khomas Hochland Highlands and over the Great Escarpment as you journey to the Namib Desert. Here you spend two nights discovering the breathtaking landscapes of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, including Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon. Each unforgettable day concludes in comfort at Desert Homestead.

Cross varied desert terrain, through canyons and extensive gravel plains, to reach the Atlantic Coast at Walvis Bay before continuing north to Swakopmund. There is much to see and do here. The town itself has a fascinating colonial history and architecture, blended with a good range of restaurants, shops, galleries, a craft market and an attractive waterfront. The surrounding area can be explored in your hired vehicle and on a wide variety of optional activities such as a seal and dolphin cruise or kayaking trip, 4WD or quadbike excursion in the coastal dunes, sandboarding and much more. You'll stay two nights at the conveniently located Central Guest House.

Depart early and head north along the coast, with option to detour to Cape Cross seal colony, and inland into the remarkable scenery of Southern Damaraland. The attractions here are varied. Amongst the striking landscapes you'll find interesting geological sites such as Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes; an amazing array of petroglyphs sheltered by the Twyfelfontein valley; a Damara cultural village; and desert adapted wildlife that traverse the ephemeral river valleys. When the nomadic desert adapted elephant are in the region, a guided excursion to track these elusive creatures is highly recommended and offered during your stay at Twyfelfontein Country Lodge.

Continue north-east, via the Petrified Forest if appeals, and enter the southern gate of Etosha National Park - Namibia's premier game reserve. Let the serious game viewing begin! You have three nights to explore this vast park, driving in your hire car along a network of sand roads and waterholes in search of game. Etosha is home to 114 mammal species and over 300 bird species, as well as a countless variety of other wildlife. The terrain is arid yet varied, with open savannah and woodlands surrounding the expansive Etosha Pan. Continue game viewing after sunset beside the busy flood-lit waterhole at Okaukeujo Camp.

Game drive your way out of Etosha National Park and head south into the Central Highlands towards Windhoek. About an hour before the capital city you turn off onto a rural gravel road to reach a welcoming farmstead. Optional activities here include walks, farm drives, a cultural tour and a tour of nearby Okahandja town. The tranquil farmhouse gardens and lovely bush surroundings also invite you to just relax for your final evening at Elegant Farmstead.