
Desert and Safari Namibia Self Drive
This self-drive is a 'northern circuit' itinerary with a particular focus on Namibia's wildlife. In your own 4x4, the drives will be long, but the scenery will be otherworldly and the animal encounters truly exceptional.
Highlights of the trip include Swakopmund, Damaraland and Etosha. Swakopmund offers gorgeous beaches, palm-lined streets, cafes, museums, and seaside promenades. The area is famous for its adrenalin-fuelled activities such as sandboarding, hot air ballooning, quad biking, parachuting, deep sea fishing and many more. Damaraland is one of Namibia's most scenic areas. Here, you can get your first taste of the wildlife to come, with desert-adapted elephant, giraffe, ostrich and critically endangered black rhino all present.
Etosha National Park’s large waterholes attract abundant wildlife giving you almost guaranteed game sightings of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, giraffe, white rhino, black rhino, lion and many antelope species. This itinerary splits your time in Etosha between 2 contrasting areas in terms of landscape, allowing you to maximise your experience of this incredible park.
Day by Day summary
- Starts - Catch your overnight flight from JFK to Windhoek International
- 1 night - Galton House, Windhoek & Surrounds
- 2 nights - Hansa Hotel, Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
- 3 nights - Doro Nawas Camp, Damaraland
- 2 nights - Etosha Safari Lodge, Etosha & Suroounds
- 2 nights - Onguma Tented Camp, Etosha & Surrounds
- 1 night - Waterberg Plateau Lodge, Central Highlands
- Ends - Transfer to Windhoek International for your international flight home
At a glance
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Namibia
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11 Nights
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City
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Safari
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Scenic
Tailormade itineraries
Every Mahlatini trip is tailored to your exact travel wishes—no readymade tours or set departures. Get in touch with our experts to start creating your bespoke itinerary.
Guide Price
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High Season from {: 7300|toCurrency :} per person
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Our trips are unashamedly high-end but always deliver excellent value for money. Our guide price covers the majority of trip costs upfront, on a per person basis, including international flights and all transfers.
Includes
- International flights as detailed
- Meals and accommodation as detailed
- Drinks (excluding premium brands) at Doro Nawas and Onguma Tented
- Twice daily scheduled safari activities
- National Park Fees
- Group U Hire Car (Toyota Fortuner or similar) + GPS
- Carbon-offsetting with One Tree Planted
- Conservation donation to Save the Rhino
- Community projects contribution with Uthando
Excludes
- Entry visas and fees
- Gratuities
- Personal travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- Any sightseeing activities mentioned
- Petrol
- Additional Driver’s Fee
- Beverages with the exception of Doro Nawas and Onguma Tented Camp
- Additional activities or options on offer
ACTIVITIES
This sample trip offers countless adventures and activities to ensure lifetime memories are made. From unforgettable thrills to indulgent relaxation, choose those that appeal most and we will curate your perfect itinerary.
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Big 5 Safari
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Birdwatching
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Guided Walking Safari
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Night Drive
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Cultural Experience
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Desert Tours
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City Sights
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Star Gazing/Star Bed
ICONIC WILDLIFE
Whether you want to tick off the Big Five or encounter specific safari species and sea creatures on your safari and coastal stay, our expert guides reveal the typical wildlife sightings to expect on this sample trip.
TRIPS TO INSPIRE
From exhilarating wildlife encounters to out-of-this-world natural wonders, echoes of ancient empires, and rose-gold beaches, every bespoke Mahlatini journey is designed to immerse you in the extraordinary. Whether it’s a bucket-list trip, marking a milestone, or a soul-stirring retreat, let this handpicked selection inspire your next escape.
- Bespoke itineraries
- Flights and transfers included
- Best rates guaranteed