Namibia trip | Luxury self-drive through Namibia

Halfway between Windhoek and Etosha lies the famous Okonjima Nature Reserve. The 22,000-hectare Nature Reserve is surrounded by 96 km of fence and was finally completed in 2010. Okonjima is home to AfriCat, where carnivores are rehabilitated to be released back into the wild. Here, the animals can once again become fully independent hunters in the middle of a protected area.

Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city. It is also the economic heart of South Africa, home to all the major financial and industrial companies. Johannesburg was founded following the discovery of gold in the Witwatersrand in 1886. At that time, the Witwatersrand lay within the borders of the South African Republic, of which Paul Kruger was president. The Republic had been established in consultation with the British government, which was administering the Cape Province at the time. Following the discovery of gold, control of the region became a matter of dispute.
Johannesburg’s city centre is colourful, lively and exotic, with its diverse cultural offerings. Of particular interest is the ‘Carlton Centre’ on Commissaris Street. This skyscraper was built in the 1970s, stands 220 metres tall and remains the tallest building in Africa. On the top floor is a viewing platform called ‘The Best of Africa’. From a height of 202 metres, you can enjoy an impressive view over Johannesburg.
Outside the city centre, in the Fourways district, you’ll find the new theme park “Monte Casino”, whilst “Gold Reef City” is situated in the south of the city. Here, you can learn about the history of gold mining in an entertaining way. The new Apartheid Museum is also well worth a visit. And if you’re looking for the best shops in the country, head to Mandela Square in Sandton.

Gauteng is South Africa’s smallest province, but it is the commercial and administrative heart of the country and indeed of the whole of southern Africa.
The name Gauteng is the Sotho name for ‘Place of Gold’. In fact, a huge gold vein was discovered in this province in 1886, and gold quickly became the foundation of the national economy. During mining operations, further riches were unearthed, such as diamonds and coal.
But Gauteng is more than just cities, money and politics. For example, the Sterkfontein Caves were designated a World Heritage Site after bones dating back no less than 3.5 million years were found there. This site is also known as the Cradle of Humankind.

One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, affectionately known to locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', has 11 official languages, and its people are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover Cape Town's gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the community of Soweto, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or taste some of the world's best wines at the numerous wine estates scattered across the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all, the untamed wilderness is amazing: wildlife roams freely across huge unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park.

Windhoek is the capital of Namibia, home to an international airport and an abundance of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation. The city is clean, safe and well organised, with a colonial heritage reflected in the many German restaurants and shops, and the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek has an interesting mix of historic architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth seeing, including the Alte Feste (Old Fort), the 1896 Christuskirche (Christ Church), and the more contemporary Supreme Court.

The Kalahari is an exceptionally beautiful 'Living Desert'. This mighty desert covers large parts of Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. It is also one of the last areas where the San-Bushmen live. The Kalahari in Namibia consists mostly of red sand covered with thin golden grass and dotted with acacia trees. Many animals can also be spotted, which have adapted to the living conditions of the Kalahari. There is a chance of seeing gemsbok, impala, jackals and cheetahs.

Southern Namibia is a harsh but beautiful region. From the Orange River to the Central Namibian highlands and between two deserts, South Namibia is epitomised by vast, slowly changing landscapes.

This region is characterised by the Succulent Karoo. The striking climatic features of the Succulent Karoo set it apart from all other deserts in the world. Rainfall is reliable and predictable, usually occurring in winter, and prolonged droughts are rare. The botanical diversity of the Succulent Karoo is unrivalled by any other arid region on Earth, and it is the world’s only arid plant hotspot.
The ecoregion is home to more than 5,000 species of higher plants, of which nearly 40 per cent are endemic and 18 per cent are threatened. It has the richest succulent flora in the world and is home to around 10,000 species of succulents. Other unique features include the diversity of miniature succulents (435 species) and geophytes (bulb-like plants, 630 species). The ecoregion is also a centre of diversity and endemism for reptiles and many invertebrate taxa.
The Namib Desert ecoregion in the north is characterised by extremely low and variable summer rainfall (less than 50 mm per year) and extremely sparse vegetation cover, dominated by ephemerals. To the east lies the Nama Karoo ecoregion.

Sossusvlei is where you’ll find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib Desert. The clear blue skies contrast with the gigantic red sand dunes, making this one of Africa’s natural wonders and a perfect spot for photographers.
As well as the attractions near Sossusvlei such as Dune 45, Hiddenvlei, Big Daddy and Deadvlei, other sights in the area include the Sesriem Canyon and the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

Swakopmund is a small town on the Atlantic coast and has a distinctly German character. Even today, German is still widely spoken there, and you can order Kaffee mit Kuchen in a genuine Konditorei.
There’s plenty to do in and around Swakopmund. An hour’s drive to the north takes you to Cape Cross, home to a sea lion colony numbering many thousands of animals. The noise is deafening and the smell isn’t always pleasant, but the sight of these thousands of animals is certainly worth it. You can also visit the beach; horse riding, skydiving and even a hot-air balloon ride are among the options.
It’s definitely worth exploring the marine life on a catamaran, where dolphins swim alongside the boat, pelicans dive into the sea in search of fish, and sea lions come to take a look from Cape Cross.

Twyfelfontein is the name of a spring and the valley in which it lies, in the mountains of Damaraland in Namibia. When white farmers settled in the region in 1947, the spring proved less reliable than expected. It sometimes provides water and sometimes does not. Time and again, people wondered whether there would be water or not. That is why the spring was given the name Twyfelfontein.
The valley owes its international fame to the countless rock paintings and engravings found on the rocks. The drawings were created by the San people and are in some cases thousands of years old. There are at least 2,500 inscriptions and several thousand drawings on the rock faces, dating from 300 BC to the 19th century. Most of the engravings depict animals such as gemsboks, lions, elephants and goats. Some show tracks and geometric figures, which are thought to indicate watering holes.

Located just south of the Etosha National Park border, Etosha South forms the southern region of this wild paradise. Ongava Private Game Reserve shares the southern border with Etosha National Park and offers a range of luxury lodges overlooking picturesque landscapes dotted with abundant flora and fauna. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson's Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino. Popular activities include game drives, tracking rhinos on foot, guided nature walks or watching the sunset over this beautiful landscape.

Etosha West, located in the western part of Etosha National Park, is a new addition to this world-renowned nature reserve. Visitors to Etosha West can look forward to exploring the beautiful Namibian landscape to the north, which is characterised by lush undulating terrain and reddish-brown soil, providing a stark contrast to the white, dusty clay soil on the vast plains of Etosha East. The area has numerous waterholes that attract elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions and several species of animals. Don't miss this chance to catch a glimpse of the rare Hartmann's Mountain Zebra and black-faced impala.

Etosha means ‘Big White Spot’ and is one of the larger nature reserves in Southern Africa. The park is roughly three-quarters the size of the Netherlands and consists largely of a vast salt pan surrounded by bush and scrub. At the natural and man-made waterholes, you can spot large numbers of wildlife.
Elephants, zebras, lions and various species of antelope can be found at these waterholes, which are vital for survival during times of drought. Some of the watering holes are situated closer to your accommodation, and in the evening, after dark, you can enjoy watching rhinos and large herds of elephants coming to drink. The watering holes are often illuminated, which gives this nocturnal experience a unique character.

In the vast, arid expanse of northern Namibia lies one of Southern Africa’s most beloved game reserves. Etosha National Park offers an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife in one of Africa’s most accessible locations. Zebras and springboks are scattered across the endless horizon, whilst the numerous waterholes attract the endangered black rhinoceros, lions, elephants and large numbers of antelopes.
Etosha, meaning ‘place of dry water’, encompasses a vast plain (or pan) of approximately 5,000 km². The ‘Pan’ forms a vast, parched, silvery-white backdrop of shimmering mirages in an area of semi-arid savannah grassland. The pan itself only holds water after very heavy rainfall – sometimes for just a few days a year – but this is enough to stimulate the growth of blue-green algae, which in turn attract thousands of flamingos.

The Waterberg Plateau, east of Otjiwarongo, towers high above the surrounding plains. The 20-kilometre-wide and 50-kilometre-long table mountain consists of porous sandstone. Rainwater seeps through the permeable rock and collects on top of an impermeable layer of clay at the base.
Although the plateau is dry at the summit, there are many permanent water sources at the foot of the mountain. The vegetation is therefore very lush, green and diverse. Wild fig trees, lilies and coral trees grow here. The area is also rich in wildlife.
In 1972, Waterberg and the surrounding area – covering a total area of approximately 400 square kilometres – became a protected nature reserve. The park has now been granted National Park status. Endangered species such as the white and black rhinos, sable antelope, Damara dik-diks and blue wildebeest live in the park. Furthermore, the Waterberg is the only place in Namibia where the Cape vulture can be found. These enormous birds have a wingspan of three metres. They belong to a group of bird species that are almost completely extinct.
The Waterberg region forms part of the Herero people’s most important territory. In August 1904, some 40,000 Herero men, women and children, led by Samuel Maharero, were attacked by 1,600 German colonial soldiers. Only a few Herero managed to escape by crossing the dry Kalahari Desert (Omaheke) into Botswana. A military cemetery serves as a memorial to these tragic events.

With its well-developed infrastructure, some of the best tourist facilities in Africa and an impressive list of breathtaking natural wonders, exploring Namibia is truly a delight. Visit the capital Windhoek and the beautiful coastal town of Swakopmund to discover remnants of the country's German influence, reflected in its architecture, culture, gastronomy and annual Oktoberfest celebrations. To properly appreciate this extraordinary country, you need to get out of town in search of the remarkable natural landscapes Namibia has to offer. These include: the impressive Fish River Canyon Park; the sprawling Etosha National Park filled with local animal species, such as desert lions, desert elephants and the Hartmann's Mountain Zebra; the terrifyingly beautiful Kalahari Desert; and, of course, the Namib Desert that stretches for almost 1,000 km along the beautiful Atlantic coast. Namibia is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable African experience in uniquely beautiful unspoilt wilderness.

The Fish River Canyon (Afrikaans: Visrivier Canyon or Visrivier Afgronde, German: Fischfluss Canyon) in Namibia is the second-longest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon in the United States. The canyon is approximately 160 km long, up to 27 km wide and, in some places, up to 550 metres deep.
The canyon lies along the lower reaches of the Vis River. This river does not carry water all year round and is not navigable. The water is orange in colour. The canyon begins at the village of Seeheim and ends at Ai-Ais. From there, the river flows into the Orange River along the border with South Africa.

Stretching almost 50000 square kilometres across the red-orange sands of the Namib Desert over the Naukluft Mountains to the east, the Namib-Naukluft National Park is Africa's biggest wildlife reserve and the fourth largest in the world. Despite the unforgiving conditions, it is inhabited by a plethora of desert-adapted animals, including reptiles, buck, hyenas, jackals, insects and a variety of bird species. One of the main attractions of the park are the ancient dunes of Sossusvlei, home to some of the tallest dunes in the world rising over 300 metres from the desert floor. This magnificent landscape features rolling dunes, rugged moonscapes, lagoons, wetlands and mudflats. Visitors can look forward to a number of impressive sights including: the picture-perfect Dune 45, standing 170 metres high; the Welwitschia Plains, otherworldly lunar terrain dotted with the endemic plants; and the Dead Vlei, a photographer's dream.

Set on the TransNamib railway in central-north Namibia, near Etosha National Park, Otjiwarongo, meaning 'the place of fat cattle', is an affluent town with a suburban feel and numerous attractions. The town is known for its excellent conservation projects, which include several parks protecting large wild cats, such as the famous Cheetah Conservation Fund, and the Crocodile Ranch, where visitors can view and learn about these fascinating creatures. Hiking, guided nature walks, and safaris are popular activities. The lively, traditional craft market adds appeal. History enthusiasts should make sure to visit the Locomotive No 41 monument, and the culturally significant site of the Battle of Waterberg on the Waterberg Mountain.

This reserve borders with Etosha National Park. Considered one of the finest private game reserves in the region, Ongava Game Reserve has global recognition for exceptional conservation, pioneering research and exciting safari experiences. The reserve is home to the lion, eland, impala, zebra and a variety of other antelope species, among others. In addition, this is one of the few private reserves in Southern Africa where both black and white rhinoceros can be observed. As many as 340 bird species also live in this area.

Enjoy the stunning landscapes of Damaraland Enormous, untamed and rugged, Damaraland is an exceptionally scenic landscape of open plains and spectacular rock formations. The main attractions are Spitzkoppe, the Brandberg, Twyfelfontein, Vingerklip and the Petrified Forest. In addition, this gigantic area is home to desert elephants, among others, which have fully adapted to the living conditions of this rugged landscape.

The central Namibian highlands are much cooler and less extreme than the arid lowlands that make up the majority of the country. This is an ideally suited area for cattle breeding, and more recently large and small game breeding.

Northern Namibia stretches from the remote Kunene River in the west of the country to the densely populated region of Ovamboland in the north-east. Central Ovamboland forms part of Namibia’s vast Kalahari system and is home to one of Africa’s largest wildlife parks, Etosha National Park. The park offers phenomenal opportunities for wildlife viewing, and travellers can look forward to visiting the spectacular Etosha Pan.
Damaraland lies in the north-west, featuring some of the most impressive rock art adorning this rugged landscape. Further east, the Caprivi stretches for over 450 kilometres and is Namibia’s most tropical region. It serves as a corridor for African elephants migrating to Angola. Northern Namibia is a remote wilderness with incredible landscapes and magnificent wildlife, making it more than worth visiting.

The Namib Desert, or simply the Namib, is considered to be the oldest desert in the world. This sandy desert, approximately 200 kilometres wide, stretches from north to south along Namibia’s Atlantic coast for a distance of around 2,000 kilometres, from Angola in the north to the Orange River in the south. However, when people refer to the Namib, they usually mean the sea of sand that stretches between Lüderitz and Swakopmund. This sea of sand was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013.
The Namib Desert forms part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, which is Africa’s largest wildlife reserve. In the centre of the desert lies Sossusvlei, a picturesque valley where water occasionally collects. Together with the neighbouring Dodevlei, Sossusvlei is one of the country’s major tourist attractions.

Windhoek, Namibia's capital, is surrounded by beautiful mountains, fertile farmlands, lodges and luxury guest farms. The landscape of the Greater Windhoek area surrounding this bustling city is characterised by vast valleys, thick bush, rocky hills and a golden savannah. Visitors can enjoy the many birds, and view large amounts of other wildlife to the north.Also be sure to visit the more arid eastern part with its olive and potato plantations; explore the rolling hills of the Khomas Hochland Mountains in the west of Greater Windhoek and enjoy the epic views along a number of scenic passes leading to the high plateau, including Bosua Pass, Gamsberg Pass and Spreetshoogte Pass.