11-Day Northern Namibia Self-Drive Adventure
Overview
This exciting Africa Safari Tour takes you through the beautiful landscapes of northern Namibia and the lush Zambezi Region. The journey combines wildlife viewing, river cruises, birdwatching, cultural experiences, and scenic drives through some of Namibia’s most spectacular destinations.
During this Africa Safari Tour, you will visit the famous Etosha National Park, track leopards at Okonjima Nature Reserve, cruise along the Okavango and Zambezi Rivers, and explore the wildlife-rich national parks of the Caprivi Strip. From dry savannahs and open plains to tropical rivers and wetlands, this safari showcases a completely different side of Namibia.
Perfect for travelers who enjoy freedom and adventure, this self-drive safari allows you to explore at your own pace while enjoying comfortable lodges and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Tour Plan
Your Africa Safari Tour begins when you arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport.
After collecting your rental vehicle and receiving a safari briefing, drive north to the famous Okonjima Nature Reserve. This scenic journey takes approximately three hours.
In the afternoon, join an exciting leopard tracking activity where you can learn about conservation efforts while searching for these elusive predators.
Optional activities include:
- Rhino tracking
- Pangolin tracking
- Guided game drives
Spend the night surrounded by the peaceful Namibian wilderness.
Continue your Africa Safari Tour with a drive to the famous Etosha National Park.
Along the way, you may stop at Tsumeb Arts and Crafts Centre or the Tsumeb Museum.
Stay at Mokuti Etosha Lodge, located near the park entrance.
Over the next two days, explore Etosha National Park independently. Visit popular waterholes and search for lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and many antelope species.
You can also relax at the lodge or enjoy optional activities such as:
- Ontouka Reptile Park visits
- Spa treatments
- Guided game drives
Etosha offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Southern Africa.
Today, your Africa Safari Tour continues northeast toward Namibia’s lush Zambezi Region.
Optional stops along the route include:
- Hoba Meteorite
- Mbunza Living Museum
Arrive at Hakusembe River Lodge on the banks of the Cubango River near the Angola border.
Spend the afternoon relaxing beside the river and enjoying a beautiful sunset boat cruise.
Optional activities include:
- Birdwatching cruises
- Fishing trips
Main Destination: Rundu
Accommodation: Hakusembe River Lodge
Travel deeper into the Zambezi Region to RiverDance Lodge, a beautiful property overlooking the Okavango River.
Your Africa Safari Tour now focuses on river wildlife and nature experiences.
Included activities:
- Sunset boat cruises
- Birdwatching
- Wildlife viewing
On the following day, enjoy a guided safari in Bwabwata National Park.
This important wildlife corridor is home to:
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Hippos
- Crocodiles
- Antelope
- Hundreds of bird species
Optional activities include:
- Cultural village visits
- Nature walks
- Bush spa treatments
Continue your Africa Safari Tour to Kongola before heading to Mudumu National Park.
Stay at Lianshulu Bush Lodge on the banks of the Kwando River.
Activities during your stay include:
- Guided game drives
- Cultural village visits
- Birdwatching
- Wildlife viewing
Mudumu National Park is known for:
- Large elephant herds
- Buffaloes
- Various antelope species
- More than 400 bird species
Optional activities include:
- Boat cruises
- Nature walks
- Night drives
Travel east toward Katima Mulilo and your final destination, Zambezi Mubala Lodge.
A scenic boat transfer takes you to the lodge along the beautiful Zambezi River.
This region is one of the best birdwatching destinations in Southern Africa and is famous for:
- Carmine bee-eaters
- Hippos
- Crocodiles
- River wildlife
- More than 450 bird species
Enjoy:
- Sunset boat cruises
- River safaris
- Scenic river views
- Relaxing lodge facilities
Optional activities include:
- Fishing trips
- Guided birding walks
- Victoria Falls excursions
Main Destination: Katima Mulilo
Accommodation: Zambezi Mubala Lodge
On the final day of your Africa Safari Tour, drive to Katima Mulilo Airport.
After returning your rental vehicle, board your scheduled flight back to Windhoek for your onward journey home.
If you would like to continue exploring Southern Africa, additional safari extensions can be arranged.
