Self-Drive Epic Namibia & Botswana - 35 days

Travel distance: Approximately 45kms, main roads.

Collect your vehicle upon arrival and drive to your guesthouse. You may choose to wander into the centre of Namibia’s capital city which is often described as having a continental atmosphere - mixing African lifestyle with European history. Picturesque German architecture, European influenced restaurants and shopping centres combined with street vendors make it unique. You will be introduced to your vehicle and have the day to stock up with  supplies for your trip.

Stay at:
Terra Africa Guesthouse or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 330kms, good dirt roads

Enjoy the stunning scenery on the drive to Sesriem, the main campsite and entry to the famous sand dunes of Sossusvlei, perhaps take a walk to the nearby Elim’s Dune for sunset. The following day rise early to venture into the world heritage Sossusvlei dune fields (recommend leaving before sunrise to ensure you are in the dune sea for sunrise). Ensure you visit nearby Dead Vlei, where the ancient and skeletal camel thorn trees stand on the white pan with the backdrop of orange sand dunes and blue sky - a photographer’s delight. Return to camp and later this afternoon visit the nearby Sesriem Canyon.

Stay at:
Sesriem Oshana Campsite or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 360kms, good dirt roads.

Drive through the desert to Swakopmund, stopping at Walvis Bay on the way to visit the lagoon, a protected RAMSAR wetland site, where you may see many species of birds including greater and lesser flamingos, pelicans, avocets, plovers and the endemic Damara tern. From here it is a short coastal drive to the historic seaside town of Swakopmund where the German colonial influence still permeates. Soak up the atmosphere or participate in one of the many adventure activities on offer in the surrounding desert such as quad biking, sand boarding or for the less adventurous join a living desert tour to discover how animals and reptiles survive in such an arid environment.

Stay at:
Organic Guesthouse or similar (camping not recommended as Swakopmund can get very cold and foggy)

Travel distance: Approximately 340kms, good dirt roads.

Drive north along the Skeleton Coast, stopping at a shipwreck close to Henties Bay and visiting the Cape Cross Seal Colony, where thousands of seals congregate on the beach. Turning inland brings you to /Ui-//ais, also known as Twyfelfontein, a World Heritage site with one of the largest concentrations of rock engravings (petroglyphs) in Africa. Over 2,500 engravings over 2,000 years old are set on a stunning hillside amongst red sandstone boulders. Guides take visitors to view the amazing engravings including elephants, lion, giraffe and kudu – all which once drank from the spring (fontein) found at the base of the hillside. Close by are the interesting geological formations of ‘The Organ Pipes,’ ‘Burnt Mountain’ and the Petrified Forest. This area is also renown for its desert elephants and spectacular landscapes.

Stay at:
Mowani Campsite or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 200kms, good dirt roads.

Drive north further north into the heart of Damaraland to Ongongo Waterfalls Campsite. Nestled in a remote canyon this magical spot features a stunning creek and natural spring for year round swimming.

Stay at:
Ongongo Waterfalls Campsite or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 340kms, good dirt roads.

Keep driving north to the very border of Namibia. Here, the Kunene River forms the border of Angola and Namibia and you can view the impressive Epupa Falls - a series of large waterfalls which have a total drop of about 60 meters over a distance of 1.5 km. "Epupa" means "falling water" in Herero and reflects the nature of these stunning waterfalls.

Stay at:
Epupa Falls Lodge & Campsite or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 180kms, good dirt roads.

After a final morning enjoying the Falls, head back south to Opuwo Country Lodge for a 1 night stop over on your way to Etosha National Park.

Stay at:
Opuwo Country Lodge Campsite or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 260kms, combination good dirt roads and main roads.

Onward to Etosha National Park, a place of unspoilt nature and wildlife. Enjoy your first safari drive to Olifantsrus Campsite with its fabulous hide. The next day make your way to Okaukuejo, perhaps stopping at a waterhole en-route, later you can relax by the floodlit waterhole and see what wildlife comes to drink. During the dry season, Okaukuejo waterhole is generally very active with hordes of animals such as springbok, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and kudu congregating and drinking. Around sunset it’s common for herds of elephant, as well as the endangered black rhino to enter the fray. Lion and other predators are, of course, frequent visitors as well. Spend two days in search of the wildlife in the area, perhaps spending time at one of the many waterholes or heading out for views over the vast Etosha Pan, before continuing to the eastern sector of the park to stay at Onguma Tamboti Campsite in a concession adjacent to Etosha.

Stay at:
Olifantsrus Campsite (1 night), Okaukuejo Rest Camp (2 nights) and Onguma Tamboti Campsite (2 nights) or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 430kms, combination good dirt roads and main roads.

Head north east to the western side of the Caprivi Strip, now called the Zambezi Region. This narrow, lush extension of northeastern Namibia stretches between Angola, Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Known for its rivers, wetlands, and rich biodiversity, it contrasts sharply with Namibia’s arid interior and is home to unique wildlife, vibrant cultures, and important conservation areas.

Stay at:
Hakusembe Lodge Campsite or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 220kms, combination good dirt roads and main roads.

Head east into the heart of the Caprivi Strip and spend a night at the Ngepi Camp, a rustic eco-lodge situated on the banks of the Okavango River in the northern Okavango Delta panhandle. Enjoy this character-filled lodge and partake in various activities such as mokoro safaris, boat cruises, fishing, bird and village walks, safari drives, and visits to nearby attractions like the Popa Falls.

Stay at:
Ngepi Camp or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 220kms, combination good dirt roads and main roads.

Drive on to Nambwa Campsite which offers an intimate and immersive safari experience within the Bwabwata National Park. Perched along the Kwando River, this rustic campsite comprises four exclusive sites, each shaded by majestic trees behind the Long Lagoon of the Kwando River. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the floodplains, with abundant wildlife often visible from their campsites.​ Spend your full day exploring the Horseshoe Lagoon and other areas of this little known national park.

Stay at:
Nambwa Camp or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 100kms, combination good dirt roads and main roads.

Drive to Nkasa Rupara National Park, Namibia's largest protected wetland area. Situated along the Kwando/Linyanti River, it serves as a vital corridor for wildlife migration between Namibia, Botswana, Angola, and Zambia. The park's ecosystem is characterized by reed beds, lagoons, and islands, providing habitat for diverse species, including elephants, buffalo, hippos, and over 450 bird species.​

Camp at Livingstone's Camp on the park's border. The camp features five exclusive campsites, each equipped with private bathrooms, hot showers, and stunning views of the Linyanti wetland. Enjoy activities such as mokoro safaris, guided walking tours, and game drives, all while surrounded by abundant wildlife and birdlife.

Stay at:
Livingstone's Camp or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 250kms, combination of dirt roads and good main roads.

Kasane is a great base for exploring two of Africa's major highlights - Chobe Riverfront and the Victoria Falls. Chobe Riverfront has very high concentrations of animals – especially in the dry season when the animals are drawn to the river. Chobe is famous for its huge herds of elephants which together with massive herds of buffalo often delight visitors. Included in your package is a safari boat cruise on the Chobe River and full day unguided tour to Victoria Falls.

Stay at:
The Old House or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 170kms, dirt roads - possible thick, soft sand.

Enjoy your drive to Savute along the Chobe River then inland into the thick Kalahari sands. At the heart of Savute is a relic marsh that is watched over by seven low lying hills. Savute is an ancient channel that only flows in periods of extreme rainfall. The Joubert's documentaries made the area famous for its large lion prides, hyena and elephant bulls.

Stay at:
Savute Campsite or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 100kms, thick sand roads - possible water crossings.

Drive from Savuti to Khwai either taking the Sand Ridge Road or Marsh Road. The Khwai River forms the northern border of Moremi Game Reserve and the Khwai Community Trust Concession lies along this river between Moremi and Chobe National Park. This is a magical area which is a magnet for animal and bird life, especially along the fabulous Khwai River floodplains. All major animal species including elephant, lion, leopard and endangered wild dog occur in the region as well as more unusual water-loving animals such as red lechwe antelope and more than 500 types of birds.  Self-drive travellers can support the local Khwai Community by staying at the fantastic private camp sites within this stunning location, and being contiguous with Moremi, self-drive safari drives can be done within both the Khwai Community Concession or the Moremi Game Reserve.

During your stay at Khwai a recommended activity is a morning guided mokoro trip along one of the tributaries of the Khwai River. This is a relaxing way to enjoy your surroundings and view wildlife from a different perspective. A mokoro trip can be pre-booked, recommended during peak season (July - October) or arranged on arrival at the camp.

Stay at:
Magotho Campsite or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 60kms, dirt roads - possible thick sand and water crossings.

Renowned as being one of the most beautiful game reserves in Africa, Moremi offers an abundance of wildlife and birdlife. Unique delta scenery combined with Mopane forests and open flood plains. Spend two days searching for animals and birds on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta where towering mopane forests dominate the flood plains. Wildlife viewing here can only be described as superb, with a very good chance of seeing some of the big cats and wild dog. 

Stay at:
Third Bridge Campsite or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 140kms, dirt roads - possible sand sections and water crossings.

Leave Moremi and drive to Maun where you can relax and enjoy some creature comforts.

Okavango Delta Add-On option: As the perfect add-on to your Botswana trip or, instead of your Eastern Delta safari experience, why not let Travel Africa assist you with a fly-in package to stay at one of the lodges / camps in the Delta's heart.

Stay at:
The Maun Studios or similar

Leave your vehicle securely parked in Maun and join your guide for a two night safari adventure into Botswana's Okavango Delta. You will drive out of Maun in a 4x4 vehicle until you reach the polers station on the edge of the Delta where you will climb aboard your mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe) to be transported through the reed lined channels to your island home for 2 nights.

Mid-afternoon you will arrive at your mobile tented camp and meet the camp staff who will hosts during your stay.  A brief introduction to the camp will show you your dome tent with twin beds and a bush en-suite bathroom – long drop toilet and a bucket shower - and the mess tent where you can relax and where you will take your meals. Activities at the camp include mokoro trails and guided walks.

Most days follow a similar pattern, up before the sun, you set out on foot, to explore the area in search of game before returning for  breakfast and time to catch up on your reading or view the birdlife from the mess tent. After lunch, the time is yours to relax or have a go at poling the mekoros or ask the guides to find a swim spot for you, before your afternoon activity. Return to camp in the late afternoon for a sundowner while your dinner is being prepared.

During the evening your hosts can be encouraged to share stories around the fire of their lives and lands. Be prepared as if your Botswanan hosts put on a song for you they will expect one in return! As the evening draws to a close lay back and listen to the music of life – the sounds of the African bush!

On your last morning there is time for a final activity before meandering down the pristine channels back to the polers station where it is time to bid farewell to your Delta friends as you return to Maun.

Stay at:
Mobile tented safari camp in the Okavango Delta (includes full board meals and all safari activities)

Return to Maun in the late afternoon, after you Eastern Okavango Delta safari and relax for the evening.

Stay at:
The Maun Studios or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 520kms, main roads.

Start your journey back to Windhoek by heading into the Kalahari and crossing the Namibia border past Ghanzi.

Stay at:
Kalahari Bush Breaks Camp or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 250kms, main roads.

Return west to Windhoek and return your vehicle before your onward flight.