Namibia – Discover the Wild, the Remote, and the Authentic
Where Wild Landscapes Meet Wild Encounters
Caprivi, Etosha, Kaokoland (Kunene), Spitzkoppe & Sossusvlei – Ju/’Hoansi San Tribe & Himba Tribe
Namibia’s Ultimate 3-Week Guided Self-Drive Safari Camping Adventure
Guided by myself, Toine IJsseldijk
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Namibia’s most breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures, where adventure meets authenticity. This journey is designed for adventurers who crave authenticity, the freedom of the open road, the thrill of (wild) camping, and the magic of connecting with untouched landscapes, iconic wildlife, and ancient cultures.
Dates:
> 20 August – 8 September 2026
> October 2026
Dates may be adjusted to cater to your availability.
Why choose this Safari?
Private & Personalized: Enjoy the exclusivity of a private guided adventure, ensuring a tailored experience.
Self-Drive Freedom: Your journey, your pace. Navigate Namibia’s vast wilderness in your own 4×4, with an expert guide leading the way.
Wild Camping Under the Stars: Sleep in remote locations, where the sounds of lions, hippos, hyenas, and nocturnal creatures become your nighttime symphony.
Diverse & Spectacular Scenery: From the lush Caprivi Strip to rugged mountains and towering dunes, every day unveils a new masterpiece of nature — each with its own unique wildlife.
Wildlife-Focused Exploration: Track Namibia’s most iconic and elusive species, from desert-adapted elephants to rare black rhinos.
Cultural Immersion: Experience the ancient traditions of the San people, Africa’s original bushmen, and the striking Himba tribe, whose way of life has endured for centuries.
Highlights of Your Expedition
Namibia’s Most Scenic & Wildlife-Rich Destinations
Kavango River & Mahango Game Reserve: Glide along the waterways at dawn, where hippos, crocodiles, and rare birds come to life in the golden light.
Damaraland & Kaokoland: Explore surreal landscapes teeming with desert-adapted wildlife.
Hoanib & Huab River Beds: Wild camp in these dry riverbeds, prime territory for tracking Namibia’s legendary desert-dwelling elephants and lions.
Spitzkoppe: Marvel at granite peaks and arches, while spotting klipspringers and rock hyrax.
Sossusvlei: Witness the world’s tallest sand dunes at sunrise, where oryx and desert-adapted creatures roam.
Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters
Etosha National Park: Spend days exploring waterholes, where lions, elephants, rhinos, and cheetahs gather in one of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles.
Desert-Adapted Wildlife: Seek out Namibia’s unique wildlife, including the elusive brown hyena, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, and the critically endangered black rhino.
The Big Five: Although not guaranteed, we do go for it: African lion, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo and rhinoceros.
Immersive Cultural Encounters
Ju’/Hoansi San Tribe: The San became famous due to the 1980 movie “The Gods Must be Crazy”. Although times have changed, the San people have not forgotten their heritage. Learn ancient survival and tracking skills and hear stories passed down through generations.
Himba Tribe: Spend time in a truly traditional and authentic hamlet, where the Himba’s ochre-covered beauty and pastoral lifestyle offer a glimpse into a timeless world.
Why This Trip stands out
Wildlife-Centric Itinerary: Designed for those who want to go beyond the usual sightings and delve deep into Namibia’s wild heart.
Authentic Cultural Immersion: Together with an aspiring Himba guide and friend we visit a truly authentic and rarely visited Himba Tribe community, for a full day and night immersive experience that will touch your heart.
Expert Guide: I know where and how to find wildlife, and how to read the land for unforgettable encounters.
Sustainable Travel: We prioritize eco-friendly practices and support local communities.
A Closer Look at Each Destination
(Click on a destination for some photos of previous trips)
Ju/'Hoansi San Tribe
Etosha National Park
Himba Tribe - Opuwo
Kaokoland & Purros
Hoanib Riverbed
Aba-Huab Riverbed
Spitzkoppe
Sossusvlei & Deadvlei
Cost of this Trip
Number of Cars: | Number of Participants: | Price per Person: |
|---|---|---|
You share a Car with me | 1 (sharing car with me) | USD 6,910 |
1 Car. You Self-Drive | 1 (in your private car) | USD 9,530 |
1 Car. You Self-Drive | 2 (sharing 1 car) | USD 5,340 |
1 Car. You Self-Drive | 3 (sharing 1 car) | USD 4,700 |
2 Cars. You Self-Drive | 4 (sharing 2 cars) | USD 3,770 |
3 Cars. You Self-Drive | 6 (sharing 3 cars) | USD 3,170 |
Note: I accompany you throughout the trip, in my own car. You have complete freedom to determine your pace and stops. If you come alone on this trip, you have the choice to have your own car and self-drive, or join me in my car. Then you drive yourself, I drive, or we take turns driving, as you wish.
INCLUDED:
Vehicle & Equipment
Rental of a fully equipped 4×4 car.
Car insurance with standard cover (upgrade to full cover possible, at additional cost).
Unlimited milage.
GPS Navigation.
Roof Top Tent with bedding.
Complete camping equipment.
Accommodation
Hotel / AirBnB in Windhoek on first and last day.
All camping sites, pre-booked (except for wild camping).
Activities
Sunrise river cruise on the Kavango River (Mahango Game Reserve).
Visit to the Ju’/Hoansi San Tribe, with overnight camping.
Visit to a Himba Tribe hamlet, with overnight camping.
Guidance & Support
24/7 emergency phone support.
Detailed route notes, maps, and GPS waypoints.
Meet-end-greet at the airport.
Suggested activities and sightseeing stops.
Windhoek airport pickup / drop-off at start and end of the trip.
myself, Toine IJsseldijk, as your personal guide.
Park & Conservation Fees
Entrance fees for national parks and reserves (Etosha, Namib-Naukluft, Mahango Game Reserve, Hoanib and Huab riverbed).
Community conservancy levies.
NOT INCLUDED:
Flights.
Fuel: you pay for all fuel used during the trip (including the guide’s vehicle).
Optional activities.
Meals and food supplies.
Travel Insurance.
Premium car rental insurance cover (zero excess, tires, windshield).
Any personal beverages, except water and tea / coffee.
Gratuities.
Tips for park or camping ground staff.
Ready to Answer the Call of the Wild?
Book your Private Guided Self-Drive Safari Camping Trip to Namibia and write your own chapter in the story of Africa.
Limited Availability – Reserve your spot now, or inquire for more details!
Stop dreaming, stop saying “One day…” Make it happen, in 2026!
I look forward to sharing my passion for Namibia.
Toine IJsseldijk
Detailed Itinerary
Note: this itinerary can be adjusted based on personal preferences. It can also be shortened, or extended.
Day 1: Arrival in Windhoek (AirBnb or hotel)
Day 2: Windhoek – Grootfontein (campsite with facilities)
Day 3: Grootfontein – Divundu, Kavonga River & Mahango Game Reserve (campsite with facilities)
Day 4: Kavonga River & Mahango Game Reserve (campsite with facilities)
Day 5: Divundu – Ju/’Hoansi San Tribe settlement (campsite with basic facilities)
Day 6: Ju/’Hoansi San Tribe – Etosha National Park (campsite with facilities)
Day 7: Etosha National Park (campsite with facilities)
Day 8: Etosha National Park (campsite with facilities)
Day 9: Etosha National Park (campsite with facilities)
Day 10: Etosha National Park (campsite with facilities)
Day 11: Etosha National Park – Opuwo (campsite with facilities)
Day 12: Opuwo – Himba Tribe hamlet(wild camping)
Day 13: Himba village – Purros (wild camping)
Day 14: Purros – Hoanib river bed (wild camping)
Day 15: Hoanib river bed – Huab river bed (wild camping)
Day 15: Huab river bed (wild camping)
Day 16: Huab river bed – Spitzkoppe (campsite with facilities)
Day 17: Spitzkoppe – Sesriem, Namib Naukluft Park (campsite with facilities)
Day 18: Namib Naukluft Park: Sossusvlei (campsite with facilities)
Day 19: Sesriem, Namib Naukluft Park – Windhoek (AirBnb or hotel)
Day 20: Depart from Windhoek
> A complete day-to-day program and campsite locations is available upon request.
– related trip reports –
visual journeys
Namibia & South Africa - 2024
Namibia - 2019
Namibia & Botswana - 2018
– Gallery –
Namibia Highlights
All photos taken during my last few trips to Namibia. Click on any photo for full screen view and to scroll through the gallery.
You still have Africa on your bucket list but look for something different?
Are you still dreaming of an authentic, original and adventurous safari experience?
Do you like this type of safari adventure, or perhaps a bit more comfort?
Do you not want to organise such a trip all by yourself?
Do you prefer a professional guide (and perhaps driver) to go with you?
Do you want to see more wildlife than others?
Do you prefer more cultural experiences?
Then reach out to me to discuss!