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Onguma tented camp tented camp by the river 2400

Northern Explorer Namibia Self Drive

Inspirational self drive trip to Namibia

One for the adventure seekers, a comprehensive 2-week road trip discovering all the best of Namibia's northern regions. In your own 4x4, the drives will be long, but the scenery will be otherworldly and the wildlife encounters truly exceptional.

On your journey through Namibia’s north you will encounter contrasting landscapes, enjoy bucket-list activities, and get the chance to interact with diverse, and sometimes endangered, animals. You will see the coastal town of Swakopmund, situated between the desert and the sea. Here you can go dune surfing in the desert, hot air ballooning, sky diving, deep sea fishing and kayaking. Then, enjoy the unique Skeleton Coast, infinite ocean and desert, littered with the eerie remains of shipwrecks and whale bones, and home to a huge colony of Cape Fur Seals. Damaraland boasts some of the most impressive mountains in Namibia, spectacular desert vistas, plants that live for hundreds of years and awe-inspiring starry nights. The biggest draw to the area is the chance to track the rare desert-dwelling elephants and endangered black rhino. In the Etosha region, you will enjoy day and night Big 5 game drives and watch an abundance of wildlife at the famous waterholes. Finally, at the Okonjima Nature Reserve you will get the chance to learn more about the conservation of leopards and cheetah. This epic adventure will certainly leave you with lasting memories of a very special country.

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Day by Day summary

  • Starts - Catch your overnight flight from Chicago O'Hare International to Windhoek International
  • 1 night - The Olive Exclusive All-Suite Hotel, Windhoek and Surrounds
  • 2 nights - The Strand Hotel, Swakopmund
  • 1 night - Cape Cross Lodge, Skeleton Coast
  • 2 nights - Desert Rhino Camp, Damaraland
  • 2 nights - Damaraland Camp, Damaraland
  • 2 nights - Ongava Tented Camp, Etosha and Surrounds
  • 2 nights - Onguma Tented Camp, Etosha and Surrounds
  • 2 nights - Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp, Central Highlands
  • Ends - Transfer to Windhoek International for your international flight home

At a glance

  • Country Icon Namibia
  • Nights Icon 14 Nights
  • Safari Icon Safari
  • Scenic Icon Scenic

Tailormade itineraries

Every Mahlatini trip is custom created 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

Low Season from {: 7200|toCurrency :} per person
High Season from {: 8900|toCurrency :} per person

Includes flights from Chicago O'Hare International
Itinerary Details

Day-by-day

Catch your overnight flight from Chicago O'Hare International to Windhoek International

The olive exclusive all suite hotel bar and dining area 1280
The olive exclusive all suite hotel ensuite bathroom 1280
The olive exclusive all suite hotel lounge area in guest bedroom 1280
The olive exclusive all suite hotel bar and dining area 1280 Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 1

Arrive at Windhoek Airport, collect your hire car and drive to your guest house in the city.

  • 1 night

The Olive Exclusive All-Suite Hotel
Bed & Brealfast | Suite
Namibia

The olive exclusive all suite hotel guest suite 1280
Strand hotel swakopmund bar and lounge area 1280
Strand hotel swakopmund beachfront dining 1280
Strand hotel swakopmund guest bathroom with a bathtub 1280
Strand hotel swakopmund bar and lounge area 1280 Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 2 - 4

Today you will set off on the +- 4-hour drive to Swakopmund.

  • 2 nights

Strand Hotel Swakopmund
Bed & Breakfast | Standard Sea Facing Room
Namibia

Strand hotel swakopmund guest bedroom 1280
Cape cross Lodge exterior and beach setting
Cape Cross Seal Colony
Cape Cross Lodge fresh seafood
Cape cross Lodge exterior and beach setting Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 4

Journey north today for +-1.5-hours to your lodge at the Skeleton Coast.

  • 1 night

Cape Cross Lodge
Half Board | Sea View Room
Namibia

Cape Cross Lodge bedroom interior
Desert rhino camp evenings by the fire 1280
Desert rhino camp sundowner 1280
Desert rhino camp rhino tracking 1280
Desert rhino camp evenings by the fire 1280 Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 5 - 7

Today your drive will be +-4.5-hours to the Damaraland region.

  • 2 nights

Desert Rhino Camp
All Inclusive | Safari Tent
Namibia

Desert rhino camp tent interior 1280
Damaraland camp mountain view 1280
Damaraland camp elephant herd on game drive 1280
Damaraland camp camp pool views 1280
Damaraland camp mountain view 1280 Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 7 - 9

Your journey today will take you to another Wilderness Safaris camp in the Damaraland.

  • 2 nights

Damaraland Camp
All Inclusive | Thatched Room
Namibia

Damaraland camp interior guest suite 1280
Ongava tented camp giraffe at the watering hole 1280
Ongava tented camp swimming pool and lounge area 1280
Ongava tented camp evening firepit 1280
Ongava tented camp giraffe at the watering hole 1280 Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 9 - 11

Today you will head in an Eastern direction for +-4.5-hours until you reach the Ongava Private Reserve bordering Etosha National Park.

  • 2 nights

Ongava Tented Camp
All Inclusive | Safari Tent
Namibia

Ongava tented camp tented bedroom 1280
Onguma tented camp giraffe at the watering hole 1280
Onguma tented camp tented guest lounge 1280
Onguma tented camp main dining area 1280
Onguma tented camp giraffe at the watering hole 1280 Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 11 - 13

Today you will enter the Etosha National Park and enjoy the game viewing as you make your way to the eastern border of Etosha National Park.

  • 2 nights

Onguma Tented Camp
All Inclusive | Safari Tent
Namibia

Onguma tented camp tented bedroom 1280
Okonjima luxury bush camp main lounge and dining area 1280
Okonjima luxury bush camp game drive experience 1280
Okonjima luxury bush camp sala with a view of the watering hole 1280
Okonjima luxury bush camp main lounge and dining area 1280 Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 13 - 15

Another +-4-hour drive today south towards the Central Highlands and to the Okonjima Nature Reserve.

  • 2 nights

Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp
All Inclusive | Luxury Chalet
Namibia

Okonjima luxury bush camp camp bedroom 1280

Day 15

Enjoy the last 3 hours of driving Namibia’s roads today as you head back to Windhoek Airport to catch your international flight.

Make it yours

Tailormake this itinerary to your exact wishes

We've got you covered

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.

Included icon

Includes

  • International flights as detailed
  • Meals and accommodation as detailed
  • Drinks (excluding premium brands) at All Inclusive Properties
  • Twice daily scheduled safari activities
  • National Park Fees
  • Group U Hire Car (Toyota Fortuner 4x4 or similar) + GPS
  • Carbon-offsetting with One Tree Planted
  • Conservation donation to Save the Rhino
  • Community projects contribution with Uthando
Not included icon

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 All Inclusive Properties
  • Additional activities or options on offer
Indulge your passions

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.

  • Big 5 Safari Icon Big 5 Safari
  • Birdwatching Icon Birdwatching
  • Guided Walking Safari Icon Guided Walking Safari
  • Night Drive Icon Night Drive
  • Rhino Tracking Icon Rhino Tracking
  • Whale Watching Icon Whale Watching
  • Conservation Experience Icon Conservation Experience
  • Cultural Experience Icon Cultural Experience
  • Desert Tours Icon Desert Tours
  • Photography Safari Icon Photography Safari
  • Star Gazing Star Bed Icon Star Gazing/Star Bed
  • Wellness Spa Icon Wellness/Spa
Enriching encounters

ICONIC WILDLIFE

Whether you want to tick the Big Five off your bucket list or seek out specific safari species, our expert guides reveal the typical wildlife sightings to expect on this sample trip.

  • White Rhino
    White Rhino
  • Springbok
    Springbok
  • Southern Giraffe
    Southern Giraffe
  • Pangolin
    Pangolin
  • Lion
    Lion
  • Leopard
    Leopard
  • Kori Bustard
    Kori Bustard
  • Jackal
    Jackal
  • Hornbill
    Hornbill
  • Honey Badger
    Honey Badger
  • Elephant
    Elephant
  • Cheetah
    Cheetah
  • Cape Fur Seal
    Cape Fur Seal
  • Buffalo
    Buffalo
  • Brown Hyena
    Brown Hyena
  • Black Rhino
    Black Rhino
Sample Itineraries

TRIPS TO INSPIRE

From majestic wildlife to out of this world natural wonders, cultural melting pots and enchanting beaches, every bespoke Mahlatini journey is thrilling. Unsure where to visit? Whether it’s a bucket-list adventure, a milestone celebration or simply a much-needed escape, experience the joy with this inspiring selection of favorites.

  • Bespoke itineraries
  • Flights and transfers included
  • Best rates guaranteed

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Our travel experts are ready to start creating your tailormade trip.