Brown Hyena Self-drive: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Brown Hyena Self-drive. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.
Starts: Windhoek International Airport
Pick-up car: Windhoek International Airport
To help get your adventure underway as swiftly and smoothly as possible we’ll arrange for your hire vehicle to be ready and waiting for you on arrival at Windhoek International Airport. The rest of the day is then yours to explore the city or recuperate from the flight.
Otjimbondona
On the edge of the Namibian Kalahari in a 30km² private reserve, Otjimbondona Kalahari is a luxurious lodge in a convenient location, some 81km south-east of Windhoek International Airport. With a surprising proliferation of game, a relaxed atmosphere and charming hosts it offers some gentle game viewing, as well as easy access to Namibia’s longest cave system at Arnhem.
On the edge of the Namibian Kalahari in a 30km² private reserve, Otjimbondona Kalahari is a luxurious lodge in a convenient location, some 81km south-east of Windhoek International Airport. With a surprising proliferation of game, a relaxed atmosphere and charming hosts it offers some gentle game viewing, as well as easy access to Namibia’s longest cave system at Arnhem.
"lodge..gorgeous ..service..superb. Outstanding wildlife for a private reserve. "
Mr J.fromMakatiArrived 6 May 2022, 2 nights
Otjimbondona is a very different prospect from the majority of properties within reach of Windhoek’s airport. This truly is a destination that you might want to enjoy for more than one night, with a luxurious yet relaxing ambience that make it an ideal stop at the beginning or end of your Namibian adventure. See our full report on Otjimbondona Kalahari
Activities
4WD Safari
Guided walking safari
Mountain biking
Self-guided walking
Wolwedans Desert Lodge
Wolwedans Desert Lodge is situated on the private NamibRand Nature Reserve, a vast area of 2,100km² located in the Namib Desert in southern Namibia. Built along the top of a dune plateau and overlooking the desert in all directions, this is the most substantial property in the Wolwedans Collection.
Wolwedans Desert Lodge is situated on the private NamibRand Nature Reserve, a vast area of 2,100km² located in the Namib Desert in southern Namibia. Built along the top of a dune plateau and overlooking the desert in all directions, this is the most substantial property in the Wolwedans Collection.
"We really enjoyed our trip to Wolwedans"
Mr & Mrs LfromBirminghamArrived 3 Oct 2022, 2 nights
Wolwedans Desert Lodge feels very luxurious and we've enjoyed superb food here on our visits over the years. The lodge's open design allows visitors to get the most out of the spectacular views from its perch atop the dunes, both during the day and at night. But for us the real luxury of Wolwedans is the sense of space and tranquillity, enhanced by exploration with a passionate, knowledgeable guide. See our full report on Wolwedans Desert Lodge
Activities
4WD Safari
Cultural excursion
Horse-riding
Hot air ballooning
Hoodia Desert Lodge
Dwarfed by the majesty of the Namib-Naukluft Mountains, Hoodia Desert Lodge is both welcoming and stylish. It’s a winning combination at this owner-managed lodge, where Thomas and Henreza Becker are often on hand to greet their guests with a cool drink after a dusty journey through the desert.
Dwarfed by the majesty of the Namib-Naukluft Mountains, Hoodia Desert Lodge is both welcoming and stylish. It’s a winning combination at this owner-managed lodge, where Thomas and Henreza Becker are often on hand to greet their guests with a cool drink after a dusty journey through the desert.
Freshening up is next on the agenda, perhaps in the small pool sculpted into natural rock, perhaps in the privacy of your spacious air-conditioned chalet, where a powerful shower awaits. Or take indulgence to another level and luxuriate in the decadence of your own open-air bath.
Then relax on your shaded veranda and take in the views – whether of the ephemeral Tsauchab River or across the plains to the mountains.
If the setting is special, so is the restaurant, where delicious traditional and international cuisine is accompanied by a selection of South African wines, matched by attentive service. Tables are set around a large fireplace, which in summer morphs into a barbecue, while centre stage are the views, best seen from the outside terrace which doubles as a good spot for birdwatching, and a superb sundowner spot.
"Brilliant place: accommodation amazing, friendly efficient staff,"
Mr & Mrs BfromWraysburyArrived 11 Sep 2024, 2 nights
Explore the immediate surroundings on foot, but to make the most of the iconic desert surroundings, look at the full-day excursion. With excellent interpretive guides and a superb picnic lunch, it’s a real highlight of your Namib experience. See our full report on Hoodia Desert Lodge
Activities
4WD Safari
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Hot air ballooning
Quad-biking
Hoodia Sossusvlei excursion
Escape the crowds and experience the iconic and beautiful Namib Sand Sea with an experienced guide from Hoodia Desert Lodge. The approach is personal and the guiding knowledgeable, making your introduction to the highlights of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, including Sesriem Canyon and the famous pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, both interesting and unhurried. Read all about Hoodia excursion
Strand Hotel
For location alone, with the Atlantic on three sides, it would be hard to better the Strand. Yet uninterrupted sea views from some of the 125 rooms and suites are just one of many attractions of this newly built hotel on The Mole, which shelters Swakopmund's small beach.
For location alone, with the Atlantic on three sides, it would be hard to better the Strand. Yet uninterrupted sea views from some of the 125 rooms and suites are just one of many attractions of this newly built hotel on The Mole, which shelters Swakopmund's small beach.
If the Strand is ideally placed for those wishing to dip a toe in the chilly waters of the Atlantic, rather more popular are its more hedonistic offerings.
Comfortable seating areas in the bright and airy foyer share the sea views through a huge glass wall, the tone softened by the sinuous trunks of potted trees. In the contemporary, air-conditioned (and heated!) rooms, soft grey-green walls are offset by chunky metal light fittings, while black-and-white pictures convey a sense of Swakopmund’s past.
Without setting a foot out of the hotel, you can work out in the gym, relax in the spa or make your way to the roof-top garden terrace. And that’s without Swakopmund’s wide range of attractions and activities.
"Lovely room. Very relaxing. "
Mr&mrs AfromlondonArrived 23 Oct 2024, 2 nights
Having worked up a thirst, or an appetite, stop for a coffee at the Farmhouse Deli, or a simple lunch at Café Mole. The Brewer and Butcher, with its own micro-brewery, needs no explanation. But for sheer seafood indulgence, it’s the Ocean Cellar that comes up trumps. See our full report on Strand Hotel
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Dune-boarding
Fishing
Kayaking
Mowani Mountain Camp
Situated in the heart of southern Damaraland, between Namibia's Ugab and the Huab rivers, the smart Mowani Mountain Camp commands a stunning location. Perched high on a rocky outcrop, the camp is nestled amongst large granite boulders and has superb views across gravel plains to the mountains beyond.
Situated in the heart of southern Damaraland, between Namibia's Ugab and the Huab rivers, the smart Mowani Mountain Camp commands a stunning location. Perched high on a rocky outcrop, the camp is nestled amongst large granite boulders and has superb views across gravel plains to the mountains beyond.
"stunning location - water feature, a delight to watch birds and dassies .."
Mr & Mrs LfromGloucesterArrived 5 Oct 2024, 2 nights
Mowani Mountain Camp's innovative, integrated design and comfortable rooms, along with its spectacular views, makes it a lovely base for a couple of nights in this area. Most visitors drive themselves here, giving them the flexibility to either drive around in their own vehicle, or be driven on a 4WD excursion by one of the camp's guides See our full report on Mowani Mountain Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Self-guided walking
Ongava Lodge
Stunning views over the plains of its own private reserve set the scene at the smart Ongava Lodge. And if the view is superb, so is the wildlife – perhaps to be expected in such close proximity to Etosha National Park.
Stunning views over the plains of its own private reserve set the scene at the smart Ongava Lodge. And if the view is superb, so is the wildlife – perhaps to be expected in such close proximity to Etosha National Park.
With plains game aplenty on the reserve, predators are rarely far behind, but pride of place goes to both black and white rhino. Spotting these primeval giants from a game-drive 4WD is exciting in itself, but to approach white rhino on foot is an opportunity not to be missed.
Back at the lodge, every area maximises the views – and the wildlife. In the spacious, air-conditioned chalets, floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a veranda that overlooks the plains. At the hub of the camp, an attractive dining terrace looks down onto a floodlit waterhole. And a strategically placed hide allows you to get even closer to the animals.
"We loved Ongava"
BarnesfromHampshireArrived 13 Sep 2024, 2 nights
In this exclusive setting, comfort is the watchword. Wander down to the pool for a cooling afternoon dip, or freshen up before dinner in your open-air shower. Then order a drink at the bar, and take in the Namibian night sky from the terrace. Or, come the cooler evenings, cosy down around a wood fire with a book from the library. And if you’re lucky enough to spot rhino at the waterhole, that’s a further bonus. See our full report on Ongava Lodge
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Onguma Tented Camp
In close proximity to the renowned Etosha National Park, Onguma Tented Camp also offers the privacy of its own reserve. Nestled amongst mopane woodland, overlooking a productive waterhole, Onguma Tented Camp is the epitome of understated safari chic.
In close proximity to the renowned Etosha National Park, Onguma Tented Camp also offers the privacy of its own reserve. Nestled amongst mopane woodland, overlooking a productive waterhole, Onguma Tented Camp is the epitome of understated safari chic.
Owner André Louw’s distinct taste for architecture and interior design have made his lodges some of the top places to stay in Namibia, and– with its innovatively designed, triple-layer tents, blending natural elegance and style, – Onguma Tented Camp is no exception. A beautiful tented camp bordering eastern Etosha, it offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere in a peaceful location, coupled with a high standard of food and friendly, welcoming staff.
From all around the lodge there are great views over the floodlit waterhole, which is frequented by an array of plains game and sometimes lion too. On guided excursions, you can explore the private Onguma Reserve on foot as well as by 4x4. But arguably the bigger draw is Onguma’s close proximity to Etosha National Park with its fantastic wildlife viewing, including exceptionally good populations of rhino, elephant and lion.
"My favourite place. So beautiful and relaxed and peaceful. "
Ms J.fromMijasArrived 8 Sep 2023, 2 nights
While away your day at some of Etosha’s many waterholes and let the wildlife come to you. Then back in camp, relax in the comfortable lounge with a drink or two – always keeping an eye on the comings and goings at this waterhole; who knows what may turn up? See our full report on Onguma Tented Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Okonjima Bush Camp
With its thatched chalets and stylish curves, Okonjima Bush Camp is a subtly luxurious setting for seeking out leopards. And for many visitors, it’s the leopards that have pride of place on the 220km² private Okonjima Reserve. Tracked by knowledgeable guides from 4WD vehicles, they present the visitor with superb photographic opportunities.
With its thatched chalets and stylish curves, Okonjima Bush Camp is a subtly luxurious setting for seeking out leopards. And for many visitors, it’s the leopards that have pride of place on the 220km² private Okonjima Reserve. Tracked by knowledgeable guides from 4WD vehicles, they present the visitor with superb photographic opportunities.
While leopards may top the bill, the diverse wealth of wildlife that inhabits the protected plains and craggy rocks of the reserve deserves serious attention too, as does the conservation work of the AfriCat Foundation, which is committed to protecting these threatened species.
Back in camp, smaller animals, from antelope to warthog, are attracted to the waterhole in front of each chalet. Watch from the comfort of your bed, or from the softly draped daybeds that furnish your private rondavel. Scatter seed here, too, and await the colourful array of birds that materialise from the surrounding bush.
By day or after dark, wander over to the hub of the camp, perhaps for a swim or to relax in the shade by the pool; perhaps for a drink at the bar before a delicious three-course dinner served at solidly carved tables.
"Highly recommend all the activities we did"
Mr & Mrs BfromWraysburyArrived 21 Sep 2024, 2 nights
And to round off your day, settle down by the fire to swap stories beneath the glittering stars of the Namibian night sky. See our full report on Okonjima Bush Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Mountain biking
Night drive
Self-guided walking
Drop-off car: Windhoek International Airport
After many miles together it is time to leave your car back at the airport, where you collected it at the start of your trip.
Ends: Windhoek International Airport
Experiences you can add to this trip.
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst staying at lodges on this trip. These are usually best arranged in advance so talk to us.