Overview
This adventurous and expansive self-drive journey is designed for seasoned safari travellers seeking a deeper exploration of Namibia. With the thrill of finishing at the majestic Victoria Falls. Allow close to three weeks to fully savour the contrasts and changing landscapes that make Namibia so extraordinary. From the beautiful desert dunes of Sossusvlei to the watery wildlife region of the Caprivi strip, which shares their eco-system and wildlife with northern Botswana.
This is an indicative sample tour as there are many ways to change this, by upgrading the accommodation, adding nights or even combining a self-drive for part of the trip with a transferred tour of the Caprivi Strip & Victoria Falls.
Namibia Explorer Self Drive Tour to Victoria Falls at a Glance (18 nights):
- Windhoek – 1 night Ti Melen Lodge, Bed & Breakfast (Upgrade: The Weinberg)
- Sossusvlei – 2 nights Sossusvlei Lodge, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast or DBB (Upgrade: Desert Homestead)
- Swakopmund โ 2 nights At the Beach Guesthouse, BB
- Damaraland โ 2 nights Twyfelfontein Adventurer Camp, DBB (Upgrade: Mowani Mountain Lodge, Full Board & Activities)
- Etosha โ 1 night Etosha Safari lodge, BB and 2 nights Mushara Lodge, DBB
- En route north โ 1 night Hakusembe Lodge, DBB
- 2 nights Caprivi Strip – Divava Okavango Lodge, DBB plus one game drive and one boat cruise
- Caprivi Strip – 2 nights Namushasha Safari Lodge, DBB plus 3 game drives/boat cruise (Upgrade: Nambwa Tented Lodge Fully Inclusive)
- Zambezi River -1 night Zambezi Mubala Lodge DBB
- Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)ย – Drop off rental car at Katima Mulilo then road transfer to Batonka Lodge 2 nights Bed & Breakfast (Upgrade: Ilala Lodge Deluxe room)
Optional Extension (making it 20 nights):
Add 2 nights at Chobe Bakwena Lodge near Chobe National Park, Fully Inclusive with game activities.
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Safari Description
From the sculpted dunes of Sossusvlei to the Atlantic charm of Swakopmund, and from the ancient rock formations of Damaraland to the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha, this itinerary reveals Namibia in all its diversity.
As you journey north to the Caprivi Strip, the scenery softens into riverine forests and lush waterways along the Kavango and Caprivi (Zambezi) region, alive with elephant herds, buffalo, and birdlife.
The grand finale is Victoria Falls, where the Zambezi River plunges into a dramatic chasm in a spectacle of mist and rainbows; ย a fitting conclusion to an epic overland adventure.
Tailor This Safari
This itinerary is highly adaptable. You may choose to upgrade selected lodges โ see our suggestions above. We particularly recommend Mowani Mountain in Damaraland and Nambwa Tented Camo in the Caprivi.
If you have time, add a Chobe National Park extension en route to Victoria Falls.
Our team will refine the routing, pace, and accommodation to create a journey that reflects your style of travel.
Note: This cannot really be converted into a guided tour easily. BUT we can offer a mix of scheduled transfers or private touring returning to Windhoek. Then you can fly to Rundu and enjoy a transferred tour through the Caprivi Strip ending in Victoria Falls.
You can also combine a self-drive for the first 10-11 nights returning to Windhoek and then fly to the Caprivi Strip for a transferred tour from Days 12 to 19.)
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Good to Know
- Ideal for confident, experienced self-drive travellers
- Allow approximately 18โ20 nights for a relaxed pace
- Roads range from tar to gravel; a suitable rental vehicle is essential
- Car hire ends in Katima Mulilo before your transfer to Victoria Falls
- Best enjoyed between May and October for optimal wildlife viewing
Tour Video
Our Digital Itinerary
Use the scroll button to see the full itinerary.
Upon arrival at the Windhoek Airport you collect your Rental Car and drive to your guesthouse in Windhoek. You will be staying at Ti Melen Boutique Guesthouse for 1 night.
Today you will leave the city and head south to Sossusvlei, where you will be staying for 2 nights at the Sossusvlei Lodge.
Situated at the entrance gate to the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei Lodge offers direct access to the towering red sand dunes, the famous pan of Sossusvlei, the scorched black trees of Dead Vlei, and the remarkable depths of the Sesriem Canyon.
Experience the true art of hospitality with the thoughtful touch of attentive staff to contribute to a truly memorable experience. Facilities include a sparkling pool, bar, sundowner deck, beer garden, and an al fresco terrace where one can enjoy exquisite food, award-winning wines, and magnificent views of the floodlit waterhole.
This morning/afternoon you will by heading to the Swakopmund area, where you will be staying for 2 nights at the Swakopmund Guesthouse.
Situated in the town center, a mere five-minute walk from the beach and main shopping area, Swakopmund Guesthouse is owned and run by the Borg family. There are eight standard rooms, eight luxury rooms, and one family suite for guests wanting to indulge in a comfortable stay-over close to the ocean.
Today you make your way to the Damaraland area, you will be staying at Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp for 2 nights.
Nestled in the rolling boulders of a granite outcrop, Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp is conveniently situated a ten-minute drive from Twyfelfontein rock engravings, within walking distance of the Damara Living Museum, and within the Huab River Valley. A visit to the neighboring Damara Living Museum offers a fascinating look into the people, heritage, pulse, and soul of Damaraland.
Optional activities include sundowner drives as well as a scenic nature drive in the ephemeral Huab River and surrounding valley, including a picnic lunch. This excursion exposes visitors to unique geological formations and the possibility of sighting the elusive desert-adapted elephants and rhinos.
Today you will be going to Etosha, you will be staying at Etosha Safari Lodge for 1 night.
Explore the national park with knowledgeable guides who are familiar with the waterholes and the animals that frequent them. Take this opportunity to be introduced to African wildlife from the comfortable seat of a game vehicle. Early morning or late afternoon visits, in accordance with the Andersson gate times, provide the best game viewing.
Today after breakfast you will be heading to the eatsern side of Etosha National Park for you 2 night stay.
Today you will be heading north en route to the Caprivi Strip (Zambezi region). Stay overnight at Hakusembe River Lodge
You will make your way to the Divava Okavango Resort & Spaย for your 2 nights stay.
The resort is perched on the banks of the Okavango River, with 20 spacious chalets with large decks providing front row seats for the magnificent wildlife show. In the evening, guests enjoy fine dining surrounded by elegant style and luxury.
Discover the Okavango River and its surroundings on a boat cruises or safari. A guide will take you downstream to see hippo, crocodile, an enormous variety of birdlife, and more. Fishing is another fun and unique activity, and guests can also embark on game drives in the Mahango Game Reserve or Buffalo Game Park, see Popa Falls, and visit a traditional village to meet the Kavango people.
Today you will be going to your next accommodation Namushasha River Lodge for 2 nights
Namushasha River Lodge celebrates the wonders of the Zambezi water world with accommodation fit for royalty. There’s a magical charm that enraptures you in these northern realms. With elephants, hippos, myriad bird species, waterlilies, and African bush, a visit to Namushasha provides an enriching adventure into nature – to the accompaniment of the chiming of reed frogs, bird calls, hippo grunts, and the soothing sound of a boat skimming through water.
UPGRADE OPTION:
Nambwa Tented lodge is situated inside the Bwabwata National Park, nestled high among majestic trees, honoring the elephants’ right of way below. Timber walkways meander through the trees, joining the 10 luxurious tented suites. Tastefully decorated with natural colors evoking a gentle sense of calm, the decadently spacious tented suites open completely creating a feeling of vastness and opulence.
Today you will be going to the Zambezi Mubala Camp to stay by the Zambezi river.
Today you will be dropping off your rental car at Katima Mulilo. Thereafter you are collected for your transfer across the border to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Stay two nights at Batonka Guest Lodge.
You can extend you trip with a 2 nights stay at Chobe Bakwena Lodge.
The Lodge offers an inclusive safari option in an area with some of the finest game viewing to be had. Chobe is well known for its predators and has the home of most of Botswanaโs estimated 200,000 elephants.
Activities are naturally focused on land and water based safaris, all based in-house. A host of other activities are also on offer, from guided bicycle tours or a sundowner cruise to the meeting place of four countries (the only one in the world). Bakwenasโ excellent guides will endeavour to make a stay in Chobe a highlight of any safari.
Note: This is NOT currently in the price shown below. Contact us for a Quote
An idea of price
This is a set tour using specific camps. However many tours can be adapted. Chat to us about your options. It excludes international flights but includes an estimate for all domestic or regional flights within the tour.
Accommodation

Mari Jacobs
AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST


























