Picture of long dirt roads surrounded by beautiful scenery as can be experienced on Private Self Drive Tours

Home / All Tours / Namibia – 11-day Classic Northern Circuit Adventure – Private Self-drive

Namibia – 11-day Classic Northern Circuit Adventure – Private Self-drive

11 days / 10 nights
Windhoek • Sesriem • Swakopmund • Twyfelfontein • Etosha South • Etosha East • Okonjima Nature Reserve

Country

Namibia

Duration

11 days

Highlights

Windhoek

Sesriem

Swakopmund

+4 destinations

Rated 4.9/5

See reviews

Namibia – 11-day Classic Northern Circuit Adventure – Private Self-drive

From $1,920
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
Etosha South
Okonjima Plains Camp
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
Mushara Bush Camp
Mushara Bush Camp

Includes

Toyota Hilux Double Cab 4x4 or similar from January - June and a Toyota Urban Cruiser or similar from July - December, both come with manual transmission, unlimited kilometers, full insurance cover and a cooler box
10 nights in lodges and guest house on meal basis as mentioned
Leopard tracking activity at Okonjima

Excludes

Flights
Fuel
Meals not mentioned
Drinks
Activities, apart from the Leopard tracking at Okonjima
Gratuities - we recommend NAD 180 per person/day per guide and for lodge staff
Entry visa
Travel insurance
Increase in government tax and park fees

Itinerary

Windhoek, Namibia

Situated in Central Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek serves as the capital of the country. It is home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation options. The city is clean, safe and well-organised, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste an old fort, the 1896 Christuskirche Christ Church, and the more contemporary Supreme Court.
Windhoek
Windhoek
Windhoek
Windhoek
Windhoek
Windhoek
  • Olive Grove Guesthouse

    Day 1 - 2

    Nestled in the heart of Windhoek's vibrant city centre, Olive Grove Guesthouse offers a tranquil retreat just a short stroll away from town. This charming guesthouse is an ideal starting or ending point for your Namibian adventure.
    Olive Grove Guesthouse
    Olive Grove Guesthouse
    Olive Grove Guesthouse
    Olive Grove Guesthouse
    Olive Grove Guesthouse
    Olive Grove Guesthouse
    +11

Day 1

Day Notes:

Touchdown at Windhoek airport, where you will be met and taken to your guesthouse for the night. In the afternoon your rental car will be delivered and a detailed briefing will be given to you by our partner on the ground. For dinner we recommend Joe's Beerhouse - booking is essential and can be done online. 

  • Meet & Greet

  • Transfer from Hosea Kutako International Airport [WDH] to Olive Grove Guesthouse

  • Check-in to Olive Grove Guesthouse

  • Car delivery and briefing

  • Joe's Beerhouse

Sesriem, Namibia

As there is no accommodation at Sossusvlei, visitors to this desert wilderness are likely to end up staying at Sesriem, 65 kilometres away, where camps and lodges serve as a base from which to explore the dunes. Sesriem Canyon, a deep chasm carved through the rocks by water, is a striking natural feature of the area that is best explored on foot. Stony walls rise up sharply on both sides of the canyon, while birds roost in its crags and lizards dart along the ledges. The canyon’s name was coined when early settlers used it as a water source, using six lengths of leather (‘ses riem – six thongs) tied together to lower buckets into the water at the base of canyon.)
Sesriem
Sesriem
Sesriem
Sesriem
Sesriem
Sesriem
  • Desert Camp

    Day 2 - 4

    Self-catering at its Best amidst unparalleled Desert Beauty...
    Desert Camp

Day 2

Day Notes:

Head down south to Sesriem, the entrance to the Namib Naukluft National Park. As you drive, you will notice a colour change in the surrounding landscape and pass through some beautiful areas. Arrive at Desert Camp, which is situated right at the entrance gate, just in time for dinner. 

Driving time: ~4 1/2 hours

  • Check-out from Olive Grove Guesthouse

  • Self Drive from Olive Grove Guesthouse to Desert Camp

  • Check-in to Desert Camp

Day 3

Day Notes:

Rise early and enter the park at 6 am in order to spend the cooler hours of the day in Sossusvlei, watching the spectacular colour shift of the dunes as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Once the sun rises, climb up Dune 45 and Big Mama and pay a visit to Deadvlei - take a 4x4 shuttle from the parking space in the park to get all the way to Deadvlei - those shuttles do not have to be prebooked and can just be picked up on the spot. On the way back, you can also visit Sesriem Canyon. For the afternoon, relax on your terrace, or book an activity with the adventure centre at Sossusvlei Lodge.

  • Explore the Sossusvlei dunes & Sesriem Canyon

Swakopmund, Namibia

Set along Namibia's spectacularly scenic coast, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide-open avenues, colonial architecture, and its surrounding otherworldly desert terrain. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South-West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort town, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, adventure options, laid-back atmosphere and cool sea breeze make it a very popular Namibian destination. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities including: quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing and fascinating desert tours.
Swakopmund
Swakopmund
Swakopmund
Swakopmund
Swakopmund
Swakopmund
+4
  • Driftwood Guesthouse

    Day 4 - 6

    Spacious, personal, upmarket, tranquil and full of unique Namibian character are words best suited to Driftwood Guesthouse. As a small brand new 8 room guesthouse we focus on clean, cosy, small, personal detail and style in abundance.
    Driftwood Guesthouse
    Driftwood Guesthouse
    Driftwood Guesthouse
    Driftwood Guesthouse
    Driftwood Guesthouse
    Driftwood Guesthouse

Day 4

Day Notes:

Drive north to your next stop of the trip, the historically German coastal town of Swakopmund. On your way, stop off at Solitaire, which has a fabulous bakery. Drive through ever-changing landscapes - parts of this stretch may look as if someone had rolled out a velvety green carpet on top of the orange sand. You can stop along the way to see some of the up to 1,500-year-old welwitschia plants and the moon-like landscape close to Swakopmund.  Take a stroll through town and maybe along the beach, looking out onto the rough and cold Atlantic Ocean. In the evening, go out for a traditional German dinner in town (not included). 

Driving time: ~5 hours

  • Check-out from Desert Camp

  • Self Drive from Desert Camp to Driftwood Guesthouse

  • Solitaire stopover

  • The Moon Landscape

  • Check-in to Driftwood Guesthouse

Day 5

Day Notes:

Explore Swakopmund, a breath of fresh sea air in the desert. There are many optional activities to keep you busy, from a leisurely catamaran cruise to view seals and dolphins, a Sandwich Harbour or a living desert tour to get a closer look at all the small desert-adapted creatures, to the many adventure activities offered here, such as quad biking, sand boarding, sky diving, etc. Ask us if you wish to make a prebooking, which is recommended.

  • Catamaran Charters

  • Sandwich Harbour 4x4

  • Living Desert Tours

Twyfelfontein, Namibia

Set in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, Twyfelfontein is a spectacularly scenic area, featuring one of the largest and most important concentrations of rock art in Africa. The name ‘Twyfelfontein’ translates to ‘Fountain of Doubt’, which refers to the perennial spring situated in the impressive Huab Valley flanked by the slopes of a sandstone table mountain. It was this spring that attracted Stone Age hunters over six thousand years ago, and it was during this time that the extensive group of rock engravings and paintings were produced. Visitors can look forward to basing themselves at some wonderfully shady campsites along the Aba-Huab riverbed, while exploring over thirty different sacred ritual sites of the traditional hunter-gatherer communities.
Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein
  • Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

    Day 6 - 7

    Welcome to Twyfelfontein Country Lodge. A true landmark situated in the heart of one of the world’s most magnificent wilderness regions. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Twyfelfontein in Damaraland is home to one of the largest collections of rock-art engravings found in Southern Africa. Not only did the Khoi-San and tribes of ancient years leave us with a true cultural heritage, but the whole area is characterised by natural wonders such as Doros Crater, Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes, Petrified Forest and desert-adapted animals – of which the desert-adapted elephant is probably the most well-known species.
    Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
    Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
    Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
    Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
    Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
    Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
    +15

Day 6

Day Notes:

Depart Swakopmund around 8 am to drive up the Skeleton coast to Cape Cross, where you can have a quick look at the world's largest seal colony, before turning around to drive inland to the Twyfelfontein area. The name "Twyfelfontein" translates to "Doubtful Spring" in Afrikaans, referencing the unreliable nature of the water source in this captivating and historically significant area. After check-in, go to visit the Twyfelfontein Rockart, which is only a 10-minute drive from the lodge. Note that the Unesco Heritage Site closes at 5pm.

Driving time: ~5 1/2 hours

  • Check-out from Driftwood Guesthouse

  • Self Drive from Driftwood Guesthouse to Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

  • Cape Cross Seal Colony

  • Check-in to Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

  • Twyfelfontein Rock Art

Etosha South, Namibia

Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. The area is comprised of a collection of world class private game reserves. 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, and a multitude of plains game. Popular activities include: enjoying an open 4x4 safari with an expert guide, half day or full day drives with the option of a picnic lunch with wine on the full day game drive.
Etosha South
Etosha South
Etosha South
Etosha South
Etosha South
Etosha South
+2
  • Okaukuejo Resort

    Day 7 - 9

    Okaukuejo Resort is located within the Etosha National Park in Namibia. Accommodation options consist of comfortably furnished rooms and chalets with air conditioning, refrigerators, and tea/coffee-making facilities. Chalets have fully equipped kitchens/kitchenettes. Guests can start the day with an inclusive breakfast on-site. Facilities and services include a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, a souvenir shop, and an onsite convenience store. Area activities include game drives, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.
    Okaukuejo Resort
    Okaukuejo Resort
    Okaukuejo Resort

Day 7

Day Notes:

Today, you will enter Etosha National Park through the southern Andersson Gate and check-in at Okaukuejo Camp, where you will spend 2 nights. On the way you can stop to see the Petrified Forest. After check-in at Camp, go on your first game drive in your own car and then spend the evening watching the best waterhole in the country, which is lit up at night.

Driving time: ~4 hours

  • Check-out from Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

  • Self Drive from Twyfelfontein Country Lodge to Okaukuejo Resort

  • Petrified Forest

  • Check-in to Okaukuejo Resort

Day 8

Day Notes:

Etosha National Park is a mesmerising wildlife haven renowned for its expansive salt pan that dominates the landscape. Home to a diverse array of fauna, including elephants, lions, and rhinos, the park offers unparalleled opportunities for safari enthusiasts to witness the beauty of African wildlife in their natural habitat. You can spend as much time as you'd like game driving through Etosha National Park. You can stop off at other camps and picnic spots for meals and breaks. Grab a map and plan your journey. 

 

  • Morning and afternoon game drive

Etosha East, Namibia

Located in Northwestern Namibia, Etosha East is a protected sanctuary in the eastern part of the world-renowned Etosha National Park, known as one of the most accessible game reserves in Southern Africa. Etosha East boasts vast open plains scattered with semi-arid savannah grasslands dotted with watering holes and secluded bush camps. An impressive 5000-square-kilometre Etosha salt pan makes up a large area of the eastern side of the park and can even be seen from space. This remote area teems with abundant wildlife such as lions, elephants, black rhinos and giraffes, as well as a variety of birdlife featuring flamingos, ostriches, eagles, hornbills, and owls.
Etosha East
Etosha East
Etosha East
Etosha East
Etosha East
Etosha East
  • Mushara Bush Camp

    Day 9 - 10

    MUSHARA BUSH CAMP
    Mushara Bush Camp
    Mushara Bush Camp
    Mushara Bush Camp
    Mushara Bush Camp
    Mushara Bush Camp
    Mushara Bush Camp
    +13

Day 9

Day Notes:

After breakfast, check out and drive towards the East of the park, along the vast salt pans, an excellent area to find lions. Stretching over 4,800 square kilometers, this colossal salt flat transforms into a surreal, reflective surface during the rainy season, attracting myriad bird species and becoming a temporary home for flamingos. Overnight at Mushara Bush Camp, just outside the gate.

Driving time: ~3-4 hours

  • Check-out from Okaukuejo Resort

  • Self Drive from Okaukuejo Resort to Mushara Bush Camp

  • Check-in to Mushara Bush Camp

Okonjima Nature Reserve, Namibia

Midway between the spectacular Etosha National Park and the capital city of Windhoek, lies the well-known Okonjima Nature Reserve. The 22 000 hectare nature reserve is home to AfriCAT, a carnivore sanctuary, which gives the captive cats a second chance to be released back into the wild and become completely independent hunters in a protected area right in the middle of commercial cattle farmland. Visitors can enjoy a stay at a variety of excellent accommodation options including everything from luxury villas to secluded camping. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy thrilling cat-tracking guided safaris, leopard-spotting, off-road night drives and learn about local San culture along the Bushmen trail.
Okonjima Nature Reserve
Okonjima Nature Reserve
Okonjima Nature Reserve
Okonjima Nature Reserve
Okonjima Nature Reserve
Okonjima Nature Reserve
  • Okonjima Plains Camp

    Day 10 - 11

    Okonjima Plains Camp is within the secluded wilderness area of Okonjima Nature Reserve and has majestic sunset views. Its design honours the Hanssen’s family cattle-farming history with its accommodation facility of 10 large View Rooms and 14 spacious Classic Rooms. The Plains Camp Barn includes a dining and lounge area, a curio shop and a terrasse with views over a waterhole and the Okonjima plains.
    Okonjima Plains Camp
    Okonjima Plains Camp
    Okonjima Plains Camp
    Okonjima Plains Camp
    Okonjima Plains Camp
    Okonjima Plains Camp
    +19

Day 10

Day Notes:

Head out on a final early morning game drive in the park before you make your way back down south to Okonjima Plains Camp. You will stay here for 1 night and enjoy a leopard-tracking drive in the afternoon, included in your stay. Please plan to arrive no later than 2pm.

Driving time: ~4 hours

  • Check-out from Mushara Bush Camp

  • Self Drive from Mushara Bush Camp to Okonjima Plains Camp

  • Check-in to Okonjima Plains Camp

  • Leopard tracking

Day 11

  • Check-out from Okonjima Plains Camp

  • Self Drive from Okonjima Plains Camp to Hosea Kutako International Airport [WDH]

End of Itinerary

Destinations

Windhoek
Namibia
Day 1

Windhoek

Situated in Central Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek serves as the capital of the country.
Sesriem
Namibia
Day 2-3

Sesriem

As there is no accommodation at Sossusvlei, visitors to this desert wilderness are likely to end up staying at Sesriem, 65 kilometres away, where camps and lodges serve as a base from which to explore the dunes.
Swakopmund
Namibia
Day 4-5

Swakopmund

Set along Namibia's spectacularly scenic coast, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide-open avenues, colonial architecture, and its surrounding otherworldly desert terrain.
Twyfelfontein
Namibia
Day 6

Twyfelfontein

Set in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, Twyfelfontein is a spectacularly scenic area, featuring one of the largest and most important concentrations of rock art in Africa.
Etosha South
Namibia
Day 7-8

Etosha South

Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise.
Etosha East
Namibia
Day 9

Etosha East

Located in Northwestern Namibia, Etosha East is a protected sanctuary in the eastern part of the world-renowned Etosha National Park, known as one of the most accessible game reserves in Southern Africa.
Okonjima Nature Reserve
Namibia
Day 10

Okonjima Nature Reserve

Midway between the spectacular Etosha National Park and the capital city of Windhoek, lies the well-known Okonjima Nature Reserve.

Accommodations

Olive Grove Guesthouse
Windhoek
Day 1-2

Olive Grove Guesthouse

Nestled in the heart of Windhoek's vibrant city centre, Olive Grove Guesthouse offers a tranquil retreat just a short stroll away from town.
Desert Camp
Sesriem
Day 2-4

Desert Camp

Self-catering at its Best amidst unparalleled Desert Beauty....
Driftwood Guesthouse
Swakopmund
Day 4-6

Driftwood Guesthouse

Spacious, personal, upmarket, tranquil and full of unique Namibian character are words best suited to Driftwood Guesthouse.
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
Twyfelfontein
Day 6-7

Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

Welcome to Twyfelfontein Country Lodge.
Okaukuejo Resort
Etosha South
Day 7-9

Okaukuejo Resort

Okaukuejo Resort is located within the Etosha National Park in Namibia.
Mushara Bush Camp
Etosha East
Day 9-10

Mushara Bush Camp

MUSHARA BUSH CAMP.
Okonjima Plains Camp
Okonjima Nature Reserve
Day 10-11

Okonjima Plains Camp

Okonjima Plains Camp is within the secluded wilderness area of Okonjima Nature Reserve and has majestic sunset views.

2026

  • Per person, based on 2 people sharing: NAD 38,000
  • Single traveller: N$ 41,500
  • Solo traveller: N$ 55,000
  • Children under 12: please enquire

Namibia Mention

"Indigo Safaris is an extremely great company to work with. Matthew was super helpful from the beginning right up until the end of our visit to Namibia… He made sure all our requests were met."

Tanya De Canha
South Africa

Cristiana Namibia

A fantastic organized tour in Namibia

We visited Namibia for 10 days on a tour that included a shuttle, lodges, and some excursions. Everything worked out perfectly. Comfortable shuttles with friendly and helpful drivers, always on time. Lodges with all the comforts, friendly staff, and beautiful excursions.
Excellent value for money. We really recommend it.

Cristiana
Italy

Debbie Summers Namibia

Cannot recommend Indigo safaris enough !

After a lot of research we chose Indigo safaris with Michele as our operator. She was simply amazing. Her communication was so efficient. She always returned calls quickly. She was ready to help , change plans etc.
we have just returned from Namibia and I think our trip was good value.
Go with Indigo. You will not regret it !

Debbie Summers
Australia

Karen Head Namibia

High-quality service and excellent experience!

We used Indigo Safaris to book a self-drive safari in Namibia. Michelle was incredibly efficient and responded quickly finding accommodation and supporting with our agenda. Nothing was too much trouble and the organisation was excellent. Everything went smoothly and we had a great time. The value for money was excellent and it took the stress out of our holiday. I'd highly recommend!

Karen Head
United Kingdom

Robert Paling Namibia

Delivering value for money, beyond expectations.

In an ocean full of expensive an very expensive options Indigo was very forthcoming presenting us a three day Sossusvlei trip which fitted in our budget and suited our family. The Gondwana Dessert Lodge was splendid, the tours excellent and entertaining. Would recommend Indigo to any other family!

Robert Paling
Netherlands

Linda Kvilten 4 x 4

Makes everything for you to get the best out of your adventure!

I went on a 4 day Soussusvlei and Swakopmund tour and it was absolutely amazing. The contact with Indigo Safaris, in my case Michele, was excellent and she did absolutely everything to make the trip as memorable as I wished for.
When in Swakopmund I suggest you do the 4X4 wheel on the sand dunes in Sandwich Harbour which is the Namibia you´ve probably seen on pictures, where the dunes meets the ocean. Don´t miss this!
Travelling from Swakopmund to Sossusvlei was an adventure itself with the changing landscape along the road.
Also the guide we had, Kennedy, was great and a very good and safe driver.
I definitely recommend this tour and Indigo Safaris!

Linda Kvilten
Sweden

Namibia Etosha Safari Self-Drive

We used Indigo Safaris to book a self-drive safari in Namibia. Michelle was incredibly efficient and responded quickly finding accommodation and supporting with our agenda. Nothing was too much trouble and the organisation was excellent. Everything went smoothly and we had a great time. The value for money was excellent and it took the stress out of our holiday. I'd highly recommend!

Karen Head
High-quality service and excellent experience!

Namibia Northern Self-Drive Safari – 12 Days

A truly unforgettable trip. All due to the organisation by Indigo safari. Thank you we will be using them again.

David Samms
Excellent

Samantha Scott Classic Namibia Adventure – Private Self-drive

Our holiday was phenomenal and Michele was fabulous. Her attention to detail, responsiveness and understanding of what we wanted from the trip was fantastic, helping us with additional suggestions and ideas to make things even better.

Unfortunately we needed to postpone our holiday due to a family bereavement and she was so accommodating and adaptable with the changes, making sure every detail was perfect. We also experienced some initial difficulties when we arrived (nothing to do with Indigo Safaris?) and Michele was able to support us with some additional changes that needed to be made.

If you'd like a stress-free, amazing travel experience then Indigo Safaris is your place!

Samantha Scott
Absolutely fabulous service - made our holiday perfect