Home / All Tours / Namibia – 13-day Big Game Tracking Safari – Private Self-drive

Namibia – 13-day Big Game Tracking Safari – Private Self-drive

13 days / 12 nights
Windhoek • Etosha South • Grootberg • Purros • Palmwag • Twyfelfontein • Okonjima Nature Reserve

Country

Namibia

Duration

13 days

Style

Private Self-Drive

Type

City Breaks, Classic Wildlife Safaris, Desert and Salt Pan Safaris

Highlights

Windhoek

Etosha South

Grootberg

+4 destinations

Rated 4.9/5

Namibia – 13-day Big Game Tracking Safari – Private Self-drive

From $5,725

Includes

4x4 Toyota Fortuner hire car, automatic, including unlimited kilometers

12 nights lodge accommodation on board basis as mentioned

Activities as mentioned

Excludes

Flights

Fuel

Meals not mentioned

Drinks - included at Okahirongo Elephant Camp

Activities not listed as included

Park fees

Gratuities - we recommend US$ 10 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.

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.

+11

Day 1

Day Notes:

At arrival at Windhoek airport you will be met by a car rental representative and taken to the near depot to pick up your hire car. After signing the contract and your briefing, drive to Olive Grove Guesthouse for your first night.

Pick-up your car
Self Drive from Hosea Kutako International Airport [WDH] to Olive Grove Guesthouse
Check-in to Olive Grove Guesthouse

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.

Okaukuejo Resort

Day 2 - 4

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.

Day 2

Day Notes:

After breakfast start your adventure with your drive to Etosha National Park. Enter the park through the southern Andersson Gate and make your way on your first safari drive to Okaukuejo Camp, famous for its busy water whole.

Driving time: ~4 hours

Check-out from Olive Grove Guesthouse
Self Drive from Olive Grove Guesthouse to Okaukuejo Resort
Check-in to Okaukuejo Resort
Self-Drive Game Viewing

Day 3

Day Notes:

Enjoy a safari drive with your own vehicle.

Self-Drive Game Viewing
Guided night game drive

Grootberg, Namibia

Resting majestically in the heart of Namibia's Damaraland region, The Grootberg Plateau showcases stunning natural landscapes characterised by deep canyons, dramatic rock formations, and expansive vistas. The renowned Grootberg Pass winds through mountains, offering spellbinding views. On the drive, one may come across the Himba people, known for centuries-old livestock farming practices. Encounters along the Grootberg Pass may include purchasing handmade jewellery while supporting the community with donations. Despite its rugged terrain, Grootberg hosts diverse wildlife, including black rhinos, giraffes, and desert elephants, adapted to harsh desert conditions. Additional activities include walking trails, birdwatching, and Damara Cultural Tours. End the day with a 4x4 drive atop the flat plains of the Grootberg Plateau that leads to a jaw-dropping viewpoint and watch the sunset.

Grootberg Lodge

Day 4 - 6

14 Twin and 2 family rock and thatch chalets gaze out over the Klip River Valley, where Black Eagles hunt just below your private deck. Two family units provide enough space for parents and two children to share comfortably.

+23

Day 4

Day Notes:

Today you will drive from Okaukuejo Camp through the west of the park where you will leave the park through Galton Gate and make your way to Grootberg Lodge. In the afternoon go on a walk on the plateau and enjoy the stunning views before dinner.

Activities offered at an extra cost:

Elephant Tracking in the Conservancy Half Day
Damara Cultural Visit Half Day
Scenic Sundowner Drive on Plateau
Moringa Guided Walk (2 - 3 hours)

Driving time: ~6 hours including game viewing

Check-out from Okaukuejo Resort
Self Drive from Okaukuejo Resort to Grootberg Lodge
Check-in to Grootberg Lodge
Go on a plateau walk

Day 5

Day Notes:

Enjoy an almost full day of Rhino Tracking in the Klip River Valley.

Rhino Tracking on Foot

Purros, Namibia

Situated in the wild north western Kunene region in Namibia, the Purros area, also known as ‘Puros’, features arid semi-desert terrain characterised by a blend of undulating hills, wooded river valleys and vast plains covered in sparse savannah, dotted with acacia and tamarisk trees. This remote area is a 4X4 enthusiast's dream, lying deep in the heart of the Kaokoland wilderness. It is home to an array of unique desert adapted wildlife such as elephant, lion, black rhino and giraffe. Visitors can stay overnight at several lodges and camps and enjoy numerous activities including: game drives, Himba cultural tours or guided tours of a local village.

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary

Day 6 - 8

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge is situated in the Purros Conservancy in Kaokoland, one of the last truly wild areas in the North West of Namibia and it features beautiful mountain landscapes and rugged tranquility. Activities include game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, tracking the renowned desert adapted elephants, walks and visits to the local Himba village.

+6

Day 6

Day Notes:

After a leisurely breakfast or another activity in the morning, leave to Okahirongo Elephant Lodge in the heart of the Kokoveld, where the landscapes are like on a different planet. Join your first shared activity from here in the afternoon.

Driving time: ~4 hours

Check-out from Grootberg Lodge
Self Drive from Grootberg Lodge to Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary
Check-in to Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary
Shared afternoon activity

Day 7

Day Notes:

Included activities from Okahirongo are:

Scenic drives
Himba village visits
Clay Castle visit
Stargazing

Daily shared activities

Palmwag, Namibia

Palmwag is a nature reserve idyllically located along a palm-lined tributary of the Uniab River, halfway between Swakopmund and Etosha, providing an ideal base from which to see the sights of the Kunene region or embark on one of the many local hiking trails. Water is scarce in this area, so the river’s presence often lures elephants closer to the camps. The reserve is notable for its unusual species of palm tree, the hyphaene petersiana, and for being home to the largest population of southwestern black rhinos in Africa. Animal lovers can also get a peek at leopard, lion, cheetah, mountain zebra, Angolan giraffe, springbok, kudu, and African bush elephant.

Etendeka Mountain Camp

Day 8 - 10

In the foothills of the Grootberg massif, set amidst magnificent scenery and the ancient Etendeka lavas of northern Damaraland, the ten en-suite Meru tents have been refitted with luxury mattresses and 100% cotton linen. Necessary comforts have not been overlooked with the bathrooms also benefiting from a makeover, while the traditional, open-air bucket shower still holds pride of place.

+49

Day 8

Day Notes:

After a leisurely breakfast you will get into your own car again and drive south to Palmwag Lodge, from where you will be taken on a nature drive transfer to Etendeka Mountain Camp. The hour and a half drive through the Etendeka Mountain Camp concession to the lodge is a highlight and sets the tone for the rest of your experience. This wilderness landscape is harsh, untouched, remote and breathtaking. Your introduction to these ancient rocky plains in the foothills of the Grootberg massif is an unforgettable guided nature transfer. No private vehicles are permitted, it's 4x4 terrain so leave your vehicle at Palmwag Lodge and get ready for the journey to one of Kaokoveld’s most pristine nature camps.

Driving time: ~4 hours plus transfer

Check-out from Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary
Self Drive from Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary to Missing Point
Transfer from Missing Point to Etendeka Mountain Camp
Guided Nature Transfer Drive
Check-in to Etendeka Mountain Camp

Day 9

Day Notes:

Included activities from Etendeka area:

Guided nature walks
Nature drives

Shared morning and afternoon walks and drives

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.

Mowani Mountain Camp

Day 10 - 12

Mowani Mountain Camp offers luxury tented accommodation with magnificent desert views. Open air en-suite bathrooms and private decks give you great views of Damaraland and the reliability of nearby Twyfelfontein with its San engravings and paintings is contrasted by the elusive desert adapted elephants.

+12

Day 10

Day Notes:

After breakfast you will be taken back to Palmwag Lodge from where you will drive to Twyfelfontein to stay at Mowani Mountain Camp for 2 nights. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in this beautiful environment before you enjoy more activities tomorrow.

Driving time: ~4 hours

Check-out from Etendeka Mountain Camp
Transfer from Etendeka Mountain Camp to Missing Point
Scenic transfer drive
Self Drive from Missing Point to Mowani Mountain Camp
Check-in to Mowani Mountain Camp
Afternoon at leisure

Day 11

Day Notes:

Included activities are:

Guided Nature Drives

Usually departs at 06h30 and will go out for +/- 4 – 6 hours to explore the surrounding area and search for animal life such as the desert-adapted elephants. Drinks & snacks are included.

Twyfelfontein, Burnt Mountain and Organ Pipes

This usually departs at 15h00 and will last for +/- 2 hours taking in the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein to explore the rock engravings, along with seeing Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes.

Guided Nature Drive
Twyfelfontein, Burnt Mountain and Organ Pipes

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 Plains Camp

Day 12 - 13

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.

+19

Day 12

Day Notes:

Drive to your last stop - Okonjima Nature Reserve. Here you will enjoy an afternoon leopard tracking activity.

Driving time: ~4 hours

Check-out from Mowani Mountain Camp
Self Drive from Mowani Mountain Camp to Okonjima Plains Camp
Check-in to Okonjima Plains Camp
Leopard Tracking Activity

Day 13

Check-out from Okonjima Plains Camp
Self Drive from Okonjima Plains Camp to Hosea Kutako International Airport [WDH]

End of Itinerary

Destinations

Namibia

Day 1

Windhoek

Situated in Central Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek serves as the capital of the country.

Namibia

Day 2-3

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.

Namibia

Day 4-5

Grootberg

Namibia

Day 6-7

Purros

Namibia

Day 8-9

Palmwag

Namibia

Day 10-11

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.

Namibia

Day 12

Okonjima Nature Reserve

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

Accommodations

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.

Etosha South

Day 2-4

Okaukuejo Resort

Okaukuejo Resort is located within the Etosha National Park in Namibia.

Grootberg

Day 4-6

Grootberg Lodge

14 Twin and 2 family rock and thatch chalets gaze out over the Klip River Valley, where Black Eagles hunt just below your private deck.

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary

Purros

Day 6-8

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge is situated in the Purros Conservancy in Kaokoland, one of the last truly wild areas in the North West of Namibia and it features beautiful mountain landscapes and rugged tranquility.

Palmwag

Day 8-10

Etendeka Mountain Camp

In the foothills of the Grootberg massif, set amidst magnificent scenery and the ancient Etendeka lavas of northern Damaraland, the ten en-suite Meru tents have been refitted with luxury mattresses and 100% cotton linen.

Twyfelfontein

Day 10-12

Mowani Mountain Camp

Mowani Mountain Camp offers luxury tented accommodation with magnificent desert views.

Okonjima Nature Reserve

Day 12-13

Okonjima Plains Camp

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

April - June & 16 November - 14 December 2025

Per person sharing: NAD 98,695
Single traveller: NAD 110,685
Solo traveller: NAD 128,320
Child, age 8 -12 years, sharing with adults: NAD 41,700

July - 15 November & 15 December 2025 - 6 January 2026

Per person sharing: NAD 116,890
Single traveller: NAD 150,835
Solo traveller: NAD 171,890
Child, age 8 -12 years, sharing with adults: NAD 53,015

Namibia – 13-day Big Game Tracking Safari – Private Self-drive

Namibia – 13-day Big Game Tracking Safari – Private Self-drive

Includes

Excludes

Itinerary

Windhoek, Namibia

Olive Grove Guesthouse

Day 1

Etosha South, Namibia

Okaukuejo Resort

Day 2

Day 3

Grootberg, Namibia

Grootberg Lodge

Day 4

Day 5

Purros, Namibia

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary

Day 6

Day 7

Palmwag, Namibia

Etendeka Mountain Camp

Day 8

Day 9

Twyfelfontein, Namibia

Mowani Mountain Camp

Day 10

Day 11

Okonjima Nature Reserve, Namibia

Okonjima Plains Camp

Day 12

Day 13

End of Itinerary

Destinations

Accommodations

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