Eland self-drive
This extensive
21-night itinerary covers the highlights of both northern and southern
Namibia; enjoy the freedom of Namibia's endless, often-empty roads in your own car as you discover the
Fish River Canyon, the soaring
Naukluft Mountains, the great dune-fields of the
Namib Desert, and
Etosha National Park with its varied and plentiful wildlife.
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Starting from London, your scheduled South African Airways overnight flight will take you, via Johannesburg to Windhoek, where you land early about midday. |
On arrival at the airport, pick up your hire car and drive for around 45 minutes into Windhoek. Spend the day strolling around the city, enjoying the pleasant atmosphere of this vibrant place. |
| Haus Sonneneck (bed & breakfast) |
After breakfast, it's a long drive south to the town of Keetmanshoop - along excellent tar roads. Perhaps stop to take a break at Hardap Dam, or detour slightly though the western edge of the Kalahari, with its striking red dunes, before arriving at the convenient… |
| Central Lodge (bed & breakfast) |
Just 2 hours drive brings you to the spectacular Fish River Canyon, where you stay for 2 nights. The canyon itself is vast - look across at the magnificent cliffs and then half a kilometre down, to where the gentle Fish River flows. The surrounding area is wonderful and easy to explore whilst staying at the comfortable… |
| Canon Roadhouse (half board) |
Leave after breakfast for the historic and quaint town of Lüderitz which is a sleepy and laid back place to stay. Friendly locals often have time to talk, and you can hire a guide for tours around the area. Sail out to the penguin colony or discover the town of Kolmanskop during your stay at… |
| Nest Hotel (bed & breakfast) |
During your drive north to Naukluft from Lüderitz, it is best to make an overnight stop. There are some wonderful guest farms to stay at along this route and for those who are interested you can learn a lot about Namibian life. For a convenient break on your journey, relax at the family run… |
| Dabis Guest Farm (half board) |
After a 3-hour drive you arrive beside the Naukluft Mountains for 3 nights. Base yourself here to explore the nearby streams, waterfalls and ravines – or to visit the dunes of Sesriem and Sossusvlei. Use your own car, or join an excellent guided tour in a 4x4, organised by your hosts at… |
| Desert Homestead (half board) |
Stop in Swakopmund where the quaint old buildings and array of restaurants and shops, result in a unique and vibrant atmosphere. During your 2 nights here, you'll never have a shortage of things to do. Try kayaking, sand-boarding, or a superb day-trip to Sandwich Harbour. Base yourself at the … |
| Beach Lodge (bed & breakfast) |
Drive for about 5 hours to Damaraland, an area that has been occupied by humans for thousands of years. There are many sights to visit, including the rock paintings and engravings that cover the slopes of Twyelfontein. Reach these easily in your own car, or on a short tour organised by the lodge… |
| Doro Nawas (half board) |
Leave early for a 3-4 hour drive to Etosha National Park. Its huge silvery-white pan is one of the continent's most picturesque settings for game-viewing. Drive around at your own pace, stopping to watch and photograph. In the evenings, observe the wild black rhino which visit the floodlit waterhole beside … |
| Okaukuejo Camp (bed & breakfast) |
Meander slowly through the park spotting big game as you go until you reach the middle of the park where you stop for 2 nights at the quieter |
| Halali Camp (bed & breakfast) |
After a morning of game viewing, drive south to Okonjima which is situated in the rolling hills of the Central Highlands. This area has become especially renowned for the Africat Foundation which aims to protect Africa's big cats and there is usually a good chance of seeing some whilst staying at… |
| Okonjima Main Camp (half board) |
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Drive back to Windhoek Airport, perhaps stopping at Okahandja craft market for any last-minute curios. Arrive at the airport in good time to drop off your rental car and then connect to your scheduled overnight flight back to the UK, via Johannesburg with South African Airways. |
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Arrive back in London early in the morning, to make easy connections with onward flights, or travel back to your home in the UK. With a minimal time difference between Namibia and the UK, there's seldom any real jet lag – at the end of such a superb tour of Namibia. |
| From |
To |
Cost |
| 1-Jan-2010 |
16-Mar-2010 |
£2,955 |
| 17-Mar-2010 |
31-Mar-2010 |
£2,825 |
| 1-Apr-2010 |
14-Jun-2010 |
£2,889 |
| 15-Jun-2010 |
17-Sep-2010 |
£2,941 |
| 18-Sep-2010 |
15-Nov-2010 |
£3,020 |
| 16-Nov-2010 |
15-Dec-2010 |
£3,036 |
Notes:
Upgrades to larger hired cars are easy to arrange; ask us for details.
• The prices shown are per person sharing; call us for single person supplements. |
This itinerary includes:• Economy flights to and from London, plus UK and Namibian airport departure taxes.
• All your meals and activities as specified.
• A
Group C/B hire car for the duration of your trip, to be picked up and dropped off at Windhoek Airport. This includes unlimited mileage.
• The hire vehicle is covered by the car hire company's Super Cover insurance. Please note that this is only valid for drivers who are aged over 25 years. This covers unlimited mileage, theft, personal accident insurance and almost all damages. (Alternative insurance arrangements are possible for fully inclusive cover, although this alters the price of the itinerary slightly.)
• A comprehensive pack of maps and information covering the places that you'll be visiting.
• See the individual lodges for precise inclusions & exclusions
• A complementary copy of the
Bradt Travel Guide to Namibia.
This itinerary excludes:• Petrol for your hire car.
• The hire vehicle is covered by the car hire company's Super Cover insurance. This cover excludes under-carriage, sand and water damage.
• Park fees to enter any national park (unless on an organised prepaid trip arranged by a lodge).
• Tips and gratuities (which are optional).
• All meals and activities not specified.
• See the individual lodges for precise inclusions & exclusions.
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