Offroad-Reisen Namibia, Etoscha Nationalpark

OFFROAD-TRAVEL · NAMIBIA 

Namibia Self-Drive Safari in 4x4

Namibia Self-Drive Safari in a 4x4 rental car: This journey takes you to the wild northwestern part of Namibia, from Windhoek via Outjo and Ruacana to the Kunene, further to the Epupa Falls and into Kaokoland.


How long? 18 Days
When? Summer, Autumn
Price € 2,799 / Person

The Journey

4x4 self-drive safari through Namibia

A Namibia self-drive safari combines the freedom of a 4WD journey in Namibia with the safety of experienced guidance. You drive your 4x4 vehicle yourself, but you're not alone on the road – especially in the Kaokoland Namibia, at Van Zyl's Pass and in Damaraland, this is a great advantage.

The guide knows the route, assists with difficult passages, and takes care of the organization of the daily stages. This way, you experience this Namibia 4x4 tour with vast landscapes, solitary tracks, wilderness camps, and campfire evenings – from Epupa over Puros and Hoanib to Brandberg and Spitzkoppe.

Expedition main image

Key Highlights of the Trip

Key Highlights of the Trip

01 Experience Van Zyl's Pass
01
Experience Van Zyl's Pass
Master one of the most famous 4x4 passages in Namibia – the Van Zyl's Pass Namibia – with rocky sections, narrow tracks, and wide views over the Kaokoveld. A challenge for experienced self-drivers.
02 Wild Kaokoland
02
Wild Kaokoland
As a self-driving off-road traveler in Namibia, you discover remote trails, vast landscapes, and true wilderness in the northwest of Namibia—far away from paved roads and the usual tourist routes of the country.
03 Epupa Falls
03
Epupa Falls
Experience the waterfalls at Kunene, surrounded by rocks and palm trees. With your rented Namibia 4x4 vehicle, you can comfortably and safely reach this remote location in the far north.
04 Puros, Hoarusib, Hoanib
04
Puros, Hoarusib, Hoanib
Drive through dry riverbeds and sandy passages where, with a bit of luck, you may see desert elephants. On this Namibia safari with a guide, you are never on your own.
05 Damaraland and Spitzkoppe
05
Damaraland and Spitzkoppe
Discover distinctive rock landscapes at Brandberg, vast plains, and the Spitzkoppe – highlights of every Namibia round trip by 4x4 and some of the most impressive natural backdrops of the country.
Days 1–18
Offroad-Reisen Namibia Van Zyl Panoramablick Wüsten-elefanten

From Windhoek to Outjo

After taking over your Toyota Land Cruiser and a thorough vehicle briefing, your guided Namibia 4x4 safari begins. The first stage takes you over well-developed roads from Windhoek to Outjo. This way, you can familiarize yourself with the four-wheel drive vehicle and driving within the group at a relaxed pace. In the afternoon, you will set up your roof tent for the first time. During the shared dinner at the lodge, you will get to know your travel group and the German-speaking tour guide better.


Overnight: Camping
Meals: not included
Driving distance: approx. 330 km

Offroad-Reisen Botswana Chobe Maun Delta

Outjo – Ruacana on the Kunene

Today your Namibia self-drive safari takes you far into the north of the country. On lightly trafficked paved roads, you drive about 480 kilometers from Outjo to Ruacana. On the banks of the Kunene, the natural border between Namibia and Angola, you reach the next campsite. In the evening, dinner is cooked together by the campfire – the perfect introduction to the coming days in Namibia's wilderness.


Overnight stay: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Driving distance: approx. 480 km

Offroad-Reisen Namibia Kaokoveld Heimat Abgeschiedenheit

First off-road stage to the Epupa Falls

Along the Kunene, the route changes: The tar road becomes a varied natural track that leads through the mountainous landscape in the far north of Namibia. Behind Swartbooisdrift, you will encounter the first sandy river crossings. Here you will learn when to engage the four-wheel drive and adjust the tire pressure. The tour guide will accompany you via radio and assist you during the first off-road sections. In the afternoon, you will reach the Epupa Waterfalls and set up your camp between palm trees right by the river.


Overnight stay: Camping
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Travel distance: approx. 140 km

Offroad-Reisen Botswana Chobe Elefantenherden Camping

Epupa Falls and Culture of the Ovahimba

A complete day is available for you to explore the Epupa Falls and the Kunene Valley. On an optional tour with a local guide, you can visit a settlement of the Ovahimba and gain insight into their traditional way of life. Short hikes lead to various viewpoints around the waterfalls. Especially in the late afternoon, the landscape of water, rocks, and palm trees offers impressive photo opportunities.


Overnight stay: Camping
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Travel distance: local trips, approx. 50 km

Through Kaokoland to Etanga

From the Epupa Falls, the 4x4 journey leads through the settlement area of the Ovahimba to Opuwo. In the last larger town before the remote stages, food, water, and fuel are replenished. The reserve tanks must also be filled, as the next reliable refueling option is about 1,140 kilometers away. After that, you leave the paved roads and drive over sandy tracks towards Etanga. In a dry riverbed, the group sets up the first wilderness camp of the trip.


Accommodation: Wilderness camp
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Travel distance: approx. 270 km

Offroad-Reisen Afrika Bulawayo Kruger-Nationalpark Safari-Highlight

Off-road adventure at Van Zyl's Pass

Beyond Etanga begins one of the most challenging stages of your Namibia off-road journey. Narrow tracks, steep ramps, loose stones, and high rock steps lead to the legendary Van Zyl’s Pass. The difficult sections will be reviewed together in advance. Through radio, you will receive individual instructions on the suitable driving line and the safe use of the four-wheel drive. After about 80 intense kilometers, you will reach the wilderness camp above the Marienfluss plain.


Accommodation: Wilderness Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Driving distance: approx. 80 km

Marienfluss Plain and Hartmann Valley

After departing from Van Zyl’s Pass, the route leads over fast sand tracks through the wide Marienfluss plain. At a water point, the supplies are replenished before a steep ascent towards Hartmann Valley follows. Old tracks lead through an almost uninhabited landscape to an extraordinary campsite about 300 meters above the valley.


Accommodation: Wilderness camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Travel distance: approx. 120 km

Offroad-Reisen Afrika Maun Makgadikgadi Flamingos

Dunes and Wilderness in Kaokoland

Today you explore the remote Hartmann Valley and one of the northernmost dune areas of Namibia. After a practical introduction, you can improve your skills in driving in deep dune sand. With a bit of luck, you might spot Oryx antelopes, springboks, or mountain zebras. Afterwards, the Namibia 4x4 tour leads south along old tracks. The exact location for the wilderness camp will be selected based on route and conditions.


Accommodation: Wilderness camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Driving distance: approx. 130 km

Through the Namib to the Munutum Dry River

After breakfast in the solitude of the desert, you continue your journey through western Kaokoland. The route passes by striking inselbergs and through an area with old as well as newer signs of human use. After crossing a field of shifting sand dunes, you reach the historical navigation marker "Green Drum". The next campsite is set up by the Munutum dry river.


Overnight stay: Wilderness camp
Catering: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Driving distance: approx. 80 km

Tour expert

Questions about the tour itinerary?

Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.

Jan Joubert Pass and Khumib Dry River

The off-road route takes you to the Jan Joubert Pass via the historical landmarks “Blue Drum” and “Red Drum.” With low gear and a controlled pace, you conquer the rocky ascent. Afterwards, the Otjiha Plain opens up, where ostriches, springboks, and occasionally giraffes can often be observed. The wilderness camp is created on the banks of the Khumib dry river.


Accommodation: Wilderness camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Driving distance: approx. 140 km

Erlebnis-Reisen Afrika

Through Kaokoland to Puros

After several days away from settlements, today's stage leads over an impressive plateau towards Puros. Then you reach the Hoarusib, whose riverbed contains water in places, attracting numerous wildlife. Right by the river lies today's campsite. After the wilderness nights, shower and sanitary facilities are available again here.


Overnight stay: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Distance: approx. 130 km

Deadvlei in Namibia with dead trees, white clay pan and red sand dunes

Hoarusib Gorge and Hoanib Dry River

You follow the Hoarusib westward and drive your Toyota Land Cruiser through a green gorge surrounded by steep rock walls. Soft ground and several water passages require a carefully chosen driving path. After that, it goes over a plateau to the Hoanib, one of the most well-known dry rivers in Namibia. The camp is located above the riverbed and offers a wide view of the landscape.


Overnight stay: Wilderness camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Driving distance: approx. 100 km

Desert Elephants and Sesfontein

The drive through the Hoanib Riverbed offers particularly good opportunities to observe Namibia's desert elephants. Giraffes, Oryx antelopes, springboks, baboons, and ostriches also live in this remote region. In the afternoon, you reach Sesfontein. Depending on availability, fuel and fresh food can be replenished here. Overnight stays are at a campsite with shower and toilet.


Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Distance: approx. 110 km

From Kaokoland to the Huab Wilderness

Today you leave the Kaokoland and reach the Damaraland. The route leads to the dry rivers Huab and Aba Huab, which provide important refuges for desert elephants with their large trees. From a viewpoint, you enjoy the view over the vast landscape. Afterwards, the group looks for a suitable place for the wilderness camp.


Overnight stay: wilderness camp
Catering: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Travel distance: approx. 230 km

Aba Huab and Damaraland

Continue your guided 4x4 safari westwards through the riverbed of the Aba Huab. In "Desolation Valley," you can expect wet sections, dense vegetation, and narrow off-road paths. The Brandberg appears on the horizon, at 2,573 meters the highest mountain in Namibia. At the natural waterhole Gai-As, you will look for animal tracks. With a bit of luck, even black rhinos can be spotted in this region.


Overnight stay: Wilderness camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Distance to drive: approx. 330 km

Ugab Dry River and Brandberg

Rocky descents and narrow passages lead into the riverbed of the Ugab. The impressive rock formations along the route also make this section geologically particularly interesting. Depending on the condition of the riverbed, heavily folded rock layers can be observed in the riverbanks. West of the Brandberg, the group reaches the Messum River and sets up the last wilderness camp of the trip.


Accommodation: Wilderness camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Travel distance: approx. 90 km

Offroad-Reisen Botswana Krokodile Ghanzi Zelten

From Brandberg to Spitzkoppe

The route leads over small pistes through the settlement area of the Damara to Uis. There the vehicles are refueled and the supplies for the last meals are replenished. Afterwards, you drive along a well-developed gravel road to Spitzkoppe. Between the distinctive granite boulders, the last camp is set up. In the afternoon, you can explore rock paintings, natural rock arches, and viewpoints. After sunset, the low light pollution offers excellent conditions for night and star photography.


Overnight stay: Camping
Catering: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Travel distance: approx. 160 km

Spitzkoppe – Windhoek and Departure

After the camp is dismantled, there is time for a short drive through the rock area of Spitzkoppe. The final stage then leads over about 35 kilometers of gravel road and approximately 250 kilometers of asphalt back to Windhoek. Arrival is scheduled for no later than 16:00. After returning the rental car, the transfer to the airport takes place, where your 18-day Namibia self-drive safari ends.


Catering: Breakfast
Driving distance: approx. 290 km

Want a detailed description of all tour days?

Our expert will walk you through the full itinerary and answer all your questions.

PRICE

from

€ 2,799 / person

Price Options

per person plus rental car and fuel € 2,799

Trip includes

  • Basic driving skills and a valid driver's license are required. The trip is also suitable for 4x4 beginners, but you should be willing to tackle demanding off-road routes.
  • The tour takes you over challenging off-road routes, especially the Van Zyl's Pass, which requires driving skill. Before the tour begins, you will receive off-road driving training, and an experienced guide will assist you with difficult driving situations along the way.
  • We recommend that you take out comprehensive travel and vehicle insurance that also covers off-road activities.
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