This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
FROM US$5,800-US$7,210

Chongololo Self-drive Safari

This self-drive safari focuses on the best walking experiences in Namibia. Get your boots ready for the apricot dunes of the Namib Desert and the ancient hills of Damaraland.

Chongololo Self-drive Safari: Summary

Chongololo Self-drive in a nutshell

From Windhoek, drive south to BüllsPort, a warm farm stay on a genuine ranch in the shadow of the Namib Naukluft mountains. Its trails, mountain bike tracks and horse rides on some of the very best mounts in the country are a great start to your adventure.

Next up is one of our favourite walking experiences in Namibia. Tok Tokkie Trails is a three-day hike through the stunning desert landscapes of the NamibRand, crossing rugged mountains and orange dunes while led by experienced guides who’ll show you unique wildlife with two nights spent camping out on bed rolls under the stars. A very special experience.

Return to a little luxury at Hoodia Desert Lodge which is ideally located to explore the Sossusvlei, Deadvlei and Sesriem Canyon – highlights of any Namibian trip. Continuing north, spend a night at Rostock Ritz whose welcoming hosts can introduce you to the local meerkats.

The bald granite peaks of Spitzkoppe Mountain in Damaraland await, along with some particularly scenic trails, cycling trips and tours to ancient San rock art from the lovely Spitzkoppen Lodge. This is also one of the premier rock-climbing destinations in Namibia. Then find Mowanai Mountain Camp hidden among huge peach boulders, where there’s more ancient heritage to discover at Twyfelfontein – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and herds of desert-adapted elephants.

450,000 hectares of true wilderness are the setting for your next trail. With expert guides from Etendeka, hike through the beautiful Palmwag Concession between comfortable camps set on raised platforms. This remote area is a stronghold for black rhino and giraffe, while big cats also wander the hills.

Turn east to the private Ongava Game Reserve, on the edge of Etosha National Park. In the reserve itself, you can head out on game drives and walks where you can find both black and white rhino, lion, leopard and more. You can also drive into the neighbouring national park to see an incredible diversity of species converge around its waterholes which are scattered around the edge of the vast salt pan.

Mundulea Reserve is the penultimate destination and something of a hidden gem. Passionate owners Bruno and Kate have rewilded the reserve with incredible success, reintroducing all manner of wildlife into its forests which you can encounter on a strictly on-foot only safari from its classic bush camp. End with a night in the Erongo Mountains at the beautiful Ai Aiba Lodge.

At a glance

Starts: Windhoek International Airport
1 night Olive Grove - Windhoek, Namibia Bed & Breakfast
2 nights BullsPort Lodge & Farm - Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia Half Board
2 nights Tok Tokkie Trails - NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia Full Board & Activities
2 nights Hoodia Desert Lodge - Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia Half Board
1 night Rostock Ritz - Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia Bed & Breakfast
2 nights Spitzkoppen Lodge - Damaraland, Namibia Half Board
2 nights Mowani Mountain Camp - Damaraland, Namibia Half Board
2 nights Etendeka Walking Trail - Damaraland, Namibia Full Board & Activities
3 nights Ongava Lodge - Etosha National Park, Namibia Half Board
3 nights Mundulea Reserve - Central Highlands, Namibia Full Board & Activities
1 night Ai Aiba Lodge - Central Highlands, Namibia Half Board
Ends: Windhoek International Airport

Olive Grove

Day 1

The Olive Grove is a stylish guesthouse in Windhoek's Klein Windhoek suburb. Taking its name from the neighbouring grove of olive trees, the guesthouse is located in a renovated old house. It was opened in early 2004, and has become a favourite place to stay in Namibia's capital city.

View full itinerary

BullsPort Lodge and Farm

Days 2-4

Within its own section of the majestic Naukluft Mountains, BullsPort Lodge & Farm offers both hiking and horseriding. Also spelled BüllsPort or BuellsPort, it is one of Namibia's oldest farms, lying some 250km south-west of Windhoek, or 50km south of Solitaire.

View full itinerary

Tok Tokkie Trails

Days 4-6

What an experience! Although not really a 'lodge' or a 'camp' – Tok Tokkie Trails run a two-night/three-day walking trail in the NamibRand Nature Reserve. Visitors stay on the Tok Tokkie trail in the reserve for three days, whilst they explore the unique desert landscape on a guided walking trail.

View full itinerary

Hoodia Desert Lodge

Days 6-8

Set at the foot of the Namib-Naukluft Mountains, Hoodia Desert Lodge overlooks the ephemeral Tsauchab River. It was opened in 2008 by owner-managers Thomas and Henreza Becker, an easy 22km drive to Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei. The name comes from the flowering cactus, which dots the surrounding plains that seem to go on forever.

View full itinerary

Rostock Ritz

Day 8

Most frequently accessed by road on a self-drive itinerary, Rostock Ritz is around 240km from Windhoek or Swakopmund, and 120km from Sesriem. This quirkily designed lodge offers simple accommodation in an attractive setting with sweeping views of expansive gravel plains and the Rostock Mountains.

View full itinerary

Spitzkoppen Lodge

Days 9-11

Set in its own small reserve, Spitzkoppen Lodge sits beneath the craggy mountain that dominates this remote area. Widely known as Spitzkoppe Lodge, it opened in November 2016, offering access to a remote and less often visited part of Namibia, between Usakos and Swakopmund, that was previously accessible only to campers or on day trips.

View full itinerary

Mowani Mountain Camp

Days 11-13

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.

View full itinerary

Etendeka Walking Trail

Days 13-15

Trekking on foot though the hills of the Grootberg Massive promises travellers a unique perspective on one of Namibia’s most remote and untouched wilderness areas. An expert guide will be on hand throughout the 3-4 day walking trail to point out the flora, fauna and geology of this harsh but surprisingly verdant and undeniably breathtaking landscape.

View full itinerary

Ongava Lodge

Days 15-18

Perched on the top of a small kopje, Ongava Lodge has stunning views of the plains below. Started in the early 1990s, this was the original "luxury game lodge" near Etosha, sitting on the private Ongava Game Reserve, which borders the southern side of Etosha National Park near the Andersson Gate, south of Okaukuejo.

View full itinerary

Mundulea Reserve

Days 18-21

The 120km² Mundulea Nature Reserve was established by Bruno and Kate Nebe in 2001. Since then, the four former cattle ranches that make up the reserve have been gradually restored and re-wilded, a process that is still ongoing. The reserve is now home to thriving and diverse populations of game, including several threatened and endemic species. Guests – limited to a maximum of eight – normally spend four days exploring the reserve on foot (game drives are not offered here) with expert guides, returning each evening to a comfortable bush camp.

View full itinerary

Ai Aiba Lodge

Day 21

Nestled at the foot of a granite kopje, Ai Aiba has enviable views of Namibia's Erongo Mountains. The surrounding area hides a high concentration of Bushman rock art, leading to the camp’s alternative name, The Rock Painting Lodge. Over 200 sites have been recorded here, some thought to be over 2,000 years old and many in excellent condition. The area’s rolling hills and rugged terrain are also well-known for hiking.

View full itinerary
Olive Grove

Olive Grove

Windhoek, Namibia

BullsPort Lodge and Farm

BullsPort Lodge & Farm

Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Tok Tokkie Trails

Tok Tokkie Trails

NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia

Hoodia Desert Lodge

Hoodia Desert Lodge

Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Rostock Ritz

Rostock Ritz

Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Spitzkoppen Lodge

Spitzkoppen Lodge

Damaraland, Namibia

Mowani Mountain Camp

Mowani Mountain Camp

Damaraland, Namibia

Etendeka Walking Trail

Etendeka Walking Trail

Damaraland, Namibia

Ongava Lodge

Ongava Lodge

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Mundulea Reserve

Mundulea Reserve

Central Highlands, Namibia

Ai Aiba Lodge

Ai Aiba Lodge

Central Highlands, Namibia

About image

Highlights

Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Chongololo Self-drive Safari.

  • Exploring epic landscapes on foot
  • Discovering Namibia's biodiversity, history and culture
  • Making ancestral connections through ancient San rock art
  • Stargazing from bed on a sleep out
  • Spotting wildlife on foot and from a 4WD at Ongava

Activities

Some activities which can be included in the Chongololo Self-drive Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.

  • 4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

  • Fly-camping

  • Guided walking safari

  • Helicopter

  • Horse-riding

  • Hot air ballooning

  • Night drive

  • Quad-biking

  • Self-guided walking

  • Sleeping under the stars

About image

Key species to see on the Chongololo Self-drive Safari

Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Chongololo Self-drive Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.


Giraffe

100% chance

Oryx

100% chance

Wildebeest

100% chance

Zebra

100% chance

Elephant

99% chance

White Rhino

99% chance

Lion

95% chance

Eland

94% chance

Black Rhino

87% chance

Roan antelope

47% chance

Brown Hyena

34% chance

Meerkat

34% chance

Spotted Hyena

21% chance

Sable antelope

18% chance

Leopard

16% chance

Cheetah

14% chance

Pangolin

10% chance

Aardvark

0% chance

Side-trips whilst on this holiday

We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Chongololo Self-drive Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.


Ballooning in the Namib Desert

Ballooning in the Namib Desert

Half day, including breakfast

Ballooning over the world’s oldest desert is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Enjoy spectacular views as the sun rises over the dune-covered plains and rocky mountains of the Namib Desert. You may even spot the occasional oryx or black-backed jackal punctuating the landscape below.

More about Ballooning
94% (70 reviews)
Scenic flights in Namibia

Scenic flights in Namibia

Variable, depending on the flight

Namibia is famed for its stark beauty and boundless desert vistas and there is no better way to soak these in than from the air. A scenic flight gives you a unique perspective on this stunning and varied country, and may even provide a bird’s-eye view of areas that are out of reach to those restricted to terra firma.

More about Scenic flights
94% (7 reviews)

Let us help you customise your trip

All of our holidays on this site are just ideas; none are fixed. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us help you to work out your perfect trip.


Talk to an Expert

Call us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.

Set up your itinerary

Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.

Prepare for your trip

The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.

Travel with peace of mind

After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.

When you return

We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

Other ideas for Namibia trips

Look at these ideas in Namibia: then talk to us. Will will design a trip that's perfect for you.


Map

Hoopoe Fly-in Safari

11 days • 4 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

This relaxed fly-in safari reveals Namibia at its best. Generous timings and a wide choice of activities help travellers to enjoy the best of the country’s most spectacular areas.

Visiting Windhoek, Namib-Naukluft and 2 other areas

US$5,900 - US$8,860 per person

Read more about the Hoopoe Fly-in Safari

Map

Brown Hyena Self-drive

14 days • 8 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

The perfect trip for those who want to mix the adventure and freedom of a self-drive with some of our favourite luxury camps in Namibia and a great mix of activities.

Visiting Okonjima, Namib-Naukluft and 5 other areas

US$5,960 - US$7,620 per person

Read more about the Brown Hyena Self-drive

Map

Pelican Fly & Drive Safari

10 days • 5 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A unique itinerary visiting the must-see highlights combining the adventure of a classic Namibian self-drive with the ease and spectacular views of a fly-in safari.

Visiting Namib-Naukluft, Damaraland and 3 other areas

US$5,550 - US$7,380 per person

Read more about the Pelican Fly & Drive Safari

Map

Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari

18 days • 10 locations • 3 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A truly epic southern African self-drive safari adventure from Namibia’s mountains and deserts, along the lush Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, staying at luxury lodges throughout.

Visiting Etosha, Victoria Falls and 6 other areas

US$5,400 - US$8,720 per person

Read more about the Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari

Map

Flamingo Fly-in Safari

6 days • 3 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Short on time but big on experience, this luxury fly-in safari takes in Sossusvlei’s famous dunes and Etosha National Park’s captivating wildlife with stays at two excellent luxury lodges.

Visiting Namib-Naukluft, Etosha and 1 other area

US$4,760 - US$6,500 per person

Read more about the Flamingo Fly-in Safari

Map

Black-faced Impala Guided Safari

13 days • 6 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A unique mix of luxury and adventure in our original, and perhaps most varied, destination on a privately guided Namibian overland safari. Perfect for families, friends or couples travelling together.

Visiting Windhoek, Namib-Naukluft and 3 other areas

US$4,700 - US$6,200 per person

Read more about the Black-faced Impala Guided Safari

Map

Rock Agama Self-drive Safari

9 days • 6 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Big on experience and light on time, this self-drive trip packs in Namibia’s highlights while staying in a selection of luxury camps and lodges for an unforgettable 10 days.

Visiting Okonjima, NamibRand and 4 other areas

US$4,500 - US$8,730 per person

Read more about the Rock Agama Self-drive Safari

Map

Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari

14 days • 8 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A combination fly-in self-drive exploration of Namibia, with quick, easy and scenic flights in and out of Sossusvlei before a classic road trip adventure of the country’s rugged north.

Visiting Okonjima, Namib-Naukluft and 4 other areas

US$4,370 - US$5,610 per person

Read more about the Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari

Map

Skeleton Coast Safari

5 days • 5 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

An epic flying safari exploring some of Namibia’s most spectacular and remote wildernesses. Exceptional pilots, among the best guides in the country and exclusive camps ¬– this a real bucket list adventure.

Visiting Skeleton Coast, Windhoek

US$7,490 - US$12,340 per person

Read more about the Skeleton Coast Safari

Map

Cape Fox Guided Safari

13 days • 7 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A classic clockwise circuit around Namibia’s northern highlights with a private guide and vehicle. We can’t think of a better way to see more in this timeframe.

Visiting Windhoek, Namib-Naukluft and 4 other areas

US$8,080 - US$10,300 per person

Read more about the Cape Fox Guided Safari

Other holiday ideas across Africa

Talk to us: help us to understand what you like and we can create a holiday that will really suit you.


Itinerary image

Red Colobus Monkey Safari

11 days • 3 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

This luxury holiday suggestion combines a wildlife safari in Ruaha National Park with a week on Zanzibar, exploring Stone Town’s narrow streets and relaxing on a palm-shaded beach.

US$6,020 - US$7,820 per person

Itinerary image

Turaco Safari

12 days • 4 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

This top-value holiday idea combines two safari areas with a week on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar. Photograph lions and elephants, then relax under the palms on a powder-sand beach.

US$5,460 - US$6,330 per person

Itinerary image

Elephant Safari

10 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

This example of a mid-range Kenya safari and beach trip explores the wildlife of Tsavo West's volcanic plains and woodlands, Tsavo East's immense plains and the white-sand beaches and lush environment of Diani Beach.

US$5,120 - US$5,780 per person

Itinerary image

Utaka Cichlid Safari

10 days • 3 locations
BLANTYRE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT

Explore two of Malawi's safari parks - Majete Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park - before finishing your trip with some beach time: relaxing, snorkelling and sailing in Lake Malawi National Park.

US$4,340 - US$5,700 per person

Itinerary image

Hyena Safari

11 days • 4 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT

Mix relaxation and adventure on a safari combining the South Luangwa with Victoria Falls and the beaches of Lake Malawi. These three locations are among the most iconic in southern Africa.

US$7,680 - US$10,320 per person

Itinerary image

Cape Grysbok Self-drive Safari

20 days • 8 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Explore Cape Town, Hermanus, Franschhoek and Namaqualand, amongst other memorable destinations, during this leisurely self-driven safari. Fine dining, varied activities and impressively comfortable lodges, estates and country houses await.

US$3,760 - US$6,240 per person

Itinerary image

Cape Mountain Zebra Self-drive Safari

12 days • 4 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Fine dining, luxurious accommodation and a wide of range of leisurely activities make this a superbly comfortable self-driven safari. Visit the cosmopolitan Cape Town, tranquil coastal retreats, stylish wine farms and spectacularly peaceful nature reserves.

US$3,540 - US$6,570 per person

Itinerary image

Red Zebra Cichlid Safari

7 days • 2 locations
BLANTYRE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT

Explore two of Malawi's highlights, with a safari in rugged, remote Majete Wildlife Reserve before some beach time: relaxing, snorkelling and sailing in Lake Malawi National Park.

US$3,400 - US$4,500 per person

Itinerary image

Dik Dik Safari

12 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Combine safari with peace and relaxation on Zanzibar’s white-sand shores during this exploration of Tanzania. Stay in three high-quality sister camps within Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park before concluding with a stay on Michamvi Peninsula.

US$8,750 - US$14,010 per person

Itinerary image

Cape Genet Self-drive Safari

20 days • 8 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Enjoy fine-dining in Cape Town, whale-watching in Hermanus, and a range of walking and water-based activities throughout De Hoop’s Nature Reserve, the Klein Karoo and Plettenberg. This relaxed self-driven safari concludes with stays in The Winelands and Namaqualand.

US$2,860 - US$3,760 per person

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Africa