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Namibia is an incredible country with spectacular landscapes, people and animals and here is a 14 Night Self Drive Namibia Itinerary.

Namibia is a very large country and you can never underestimate the driving distances. When driving I would always recommend starting early in the morning. This is because it is cool, the early morning light makes the scenery particularly beautiful and you often see animals on the roadside.

You are also never quite sure exactly how long it is going to take you.

We did this route pre-kids and it’s the one I’m currently using to plan a trip with the kids later this year or next.

How to plan a trip to Nambia?

First work out what time you have. Is your Namibia Itinerary 21 days, or is it Namibia for a week that you have time for?

Secondly work out your budget.

Thirdly work out what style of accommodation you are prepared to stay in. Are you prepared to camp in Namibia, or do you prefer luxury accommodation?

Day 1 – Self-Drive Namibia Itinerary 14 days

From the UK you will usually fly overnight, arriving into Windhoek at a good time in the morning.

On arrival in Windhoek either arrange a transfer to be taken to your hotel in the city centre and have the car delivered there (less stressful in my experience) or save some money and pick up your car at the airport. Ideally you’ll collect a cool box and a mobile phone/mobile phone SIM to take with you on your journey around Namibia .

There are some excellent restaurants in Windhoek.

We stayed at The Elegant B&B, Windhoek

Day 2 & 3 – Namibia Road Trip

This morning you will set off early to stay two nights in the heart of the Naukluft mountains. The drive will take around 4 hours.

We stayed at Zebra River Lodge, Naukluft Mountains

This property constantly gets decent reviews. Some of the best activities here are the self guided walks amongst the canyons. The directions are fairly straightforward and you will have the chance to experience the breathtaking scenery around the lodge.

https://www.instagram.com/zebra_river_lodge/

BuellsPort Naukluft Lodge & Farm is also in the region – it either seems to get amazing reviews or disappointing ones. Not much in-between!

Day 4 & 5 – Self Drive Namibia Itinerary

It is just a short drive today to Sossusvlei. – 2 hours ish

We stayed at Desert Homestead Lodge.

The views from the luxury tented camp are simply magnificent and the whole setting is peaceful and serene. If you are feeling a little bit more adventurous go on the horse riding sundowner excursion which is excellent fun.

Today you can either utilise your own vehicle and drive to Sossusvlei or make use of the guided activities. We suggest either way you leave at first light so you will be some of the first people in the area. Both
Dead Vlei and Sossusvlei are worth visiting as they offer very different perspectives. If you have the energy clamber up one of the dunes as you are then able to get more of a sense of perspective.

There are also plenty of other options in Sesriem/Sossusvlei

Day 6 & 7 – Self Drive Namibia Itinerary

You will leave Sossusvlei behind today and drive to Swakopmund. This drive will take
about 5 hours. Along the way you will pass through a couple of fascinating canyons.

In Swakopmund you will have a choice of activities this includes a dramatic trip down to Sandwich Harbour or a boat trip with the seals at Pelican point or even if you are feeling adventurous some quad biking.

We stayed at The Stiltz.

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Day 8 – Self Drive Namibia Itinerary

You will leave the coast behind and drive inland towards Damaraland. You can either drive up through the bleak Skeleton Coast or cut inland.

We stayed at Mowani Mountain Camp, Damaraland.

Mowani has arguably one of the most beautiful locations in Namibia set in a stunning boulder strewn landscape.

Day 9 & 10 – Self Drive Namibia Itinerary

Today you will have a chance to explore the area around Twyfelfontein. There are some fantastic rock engravings here which are thousands of years old. In addition you will have the opportunity to track the incredible desert adapted elephants.

You will then head onto Grootberg which has a dramatic setting at the top of the pass. We stayed at Grootberg Lodge, Damaraland.

There are a number of activities you can do from here each of which are excellent. They can organise both rhino and elephant tracking as well as visits to the nearby Himba communities when they are in the area.

Day 11 & 12 – Self Drive Namibia Itinerary

Today you will drive onto Etosha National Park.

We stayed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp, Etosha National Park.

There are number of self drive routes you can take round the park with good opportunities to
see rhino, lion or even occasionally leopard. Take a look at the sightings book in reception as this will give you up to date info on where people have been viewing the best game. It is also possible to pay locally
and take a guided night activity which offers the opportunity to see normally elusive nocturnal species.

Day 13 – Self Drive Namibia Itinerary

I would suggest you make a day of it and amble your way across the park today stopping off at waterholes along the way to view the game. Halali is an excellent place to stop for lunch in the heat of the day before you continue onto Namutoni and then exit the park.

We stayed at The Mushara Outpost, Etosha National Park in a Luxury Tent

Day 14 – Self Drive Namibia Itinerary

Today you will drive down the tarmac road to Okonjima.

We stayed in the Bushcamp rooms and there are some excellent activities to enjoy. The lodge is the home of the Africat, one of the finest conservation projects in Namibia – you are likely to get the chance of seeing both leopard and cheetah close up as well as getting to see the night hide where watching porcupine feed is a fascinating experience.

Day 15 – Self Drive Namibia Itinerary

After your morning activity you will drive to the airport. It is about 3 hours from Okonjima so leave plenty of time. In addition please note that the airport is 45 minutes beyond Windhoek when driving from Okonjima. If you have time you can stop off in Windhoek for some last minute souvenir shopping. At the airport you will
drop off the car and fly home overnight.

Why not PIN this 14 Night Self Drive Namibia Itinerary