We arrange personalised self-drive tours, select safaris, and vehicle hires, as well as fine lodges and other accommodation.

CAMPING COLLAGE

Desert, mountains, dunes, and coast

An 13-night, 14-day self-drive camping trip (with some lodge accommodation) through the central areas of Namibia

For this trip, it is advisable to hire a fully equipped 4X4 vehicle in Windhoek. 'Fully equipped' means equipped with everything that you need for camping, from a roof tent to a dish cloth, and from cutlery to basic tools.

Day 1: Stay at a guest house such as Casa Piccolo or Olive Grove in Windhoek while you take delivery of your vehicle, make preparations for your trip, and enjoy some of the attractions of Namibia’s capital city.

Day 2: Camp at the Spitzkoppe, a community-run area with basic facilities that is about 180 kms north-east of Swakopmund. ‘Basic' means that you take everything that you need with you, including water. Here, amongst the huge boulders, you can find a site that is completely secluded from the world, including fellow campers. The Spitzkoppe are sharp-pointed granite mountains that rise precipitously from the surrounding desert plains. You can hire a local guide to take you to rock paintings and to take you on climbs up the granite slopes, from which there are breathtaking views over the desert. Later, you will be overwhelmed by the brilliant display of stars in the night sky.

Days 3 & 4: Take a break from camping by staying in a guest house or hotel in Swakopmund. We recommend Sea Breeze Guest House. Although you can camp in Swakopmund, the damp, foggy climate can be uncomfortable for outdoor living.

Day 5: Camp at Bloedkoppies in the Namib Desert, about 150 kms east of Swakopmund. This is a basic camping area, where each site is equipped with only a garbage can, concrete tables and stools, a pit toilet, and a barbeque fixture. You will enjoy the experience of solitude and space amongst the fantastic shapes of the granite boulders and rocky slopes. Here you can walk freely across the expanse of the desert and climb the slopes to watch the changing colours of the desert plains as the sun goes down.

Days 6 & 7: Camp at Sesriem, the gateway to Sosssuvlei. The camp ground is well equipped, with modern ablutions and a swimming pool. Spend the day driving and walking amongst the famous dunes. As the sun goes down, experience the amazing colour transformations on the mountains, dunes, and plains around you.

Days 8 and 9: Stay at a guest farm near the Naukluft Mountains, such as Ababis, Blasskranz or Bullspoort, and take a day hike with a guide to introduce you to this interesting area.

Days 9, 10 & 11: Camp at Kudusrus in the Naukluft Mountains. This is a comparatively well equipped camp ground, with running water and modern ablutions. Enjoy the day walks and hikes, the perennial streams and clear rock pools – a great pleasure in such a dry climate – and the spectacular scenery. Walkers frequently see kudu, smaller antelope, and even the elusive klipspringer. This is a haven for the mountain zebra, so there is also a good chance of sighting these rare animals. When you leave the camp site, ensure that all your foodstuffs are locked in your vehicle, to secure them from the intrusions of the ubiquitous and intelligent baboons of the Naukluft!

Days 12 & 13: Camp at a site in the 'red dunes' area of the Kalahari Desert near Mariental, about 270 kms south of Windhoek. Enjoy the colours of the golden grass against the red sand, marvel at the huge nests of the sociable weavers, and view the animals that frequent this unique stretch of country. This is a comfortable camp site, attached to a lodge.

Day 14: Return to Windhoek