Chongololo Self-drive Safari: Summary
Chongololo Self-drive in a nutshell
From Windhoek, drive south to BüllsPort, a warm farm stay on a genuine ranch in the shadow of the Namib Naukluft mountains. Its trails, mountain bike tracks and horse rides on some of the very best mounts in the country are a great start to your adventure.
Next up is one of our favourite walking experiences in Namibia. Tok Tokkie Trails is a three-day hike through the stunning desert landscapes of the NamibRand, crossing rugged mountains and orange dunes while led by experienced guides who’ll show you unique wildlife with two nights spent camping out on bed rolls under the stars. A very special experience.
Return to a little luxury at Hoodia Desert Lodge which is ideally located to explore the Sossusvlei, Deadvlei and Sesriem Canyon – highlights of any Namibian trip. Continuing north, spend a night at Rostock Ritz whose welcoming hosts can introduce you to the local meerkats.
The bald granite peaks of Spitzkoppe Mountain in Damaraland await, along with some particularly scenic trails, cycling trips and tours to ancient San rock art from the lovely Spitzkoppen Lodge. This is also one of the premier rock-climbing destinations in Namibia. Then find Mowanai Mountain Camp hidden among huge peach boulders, where there’s more ancient heritage to discover at Twyfelfontein – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and herds of desert-adapted elephants.
450,000 hectares of true wilderness are the setting for your next trail. With expert guides from Etendeka, hike through the beautiful Palmwag Concession between comfortable camps set on raised platforms. This remote area is a stronghold for black rhino and giraffe, while big cats also wander the hills.
Turn east to the private Ongava Game Reserve, on the edge of Etosha National Park. In the reserve itself, you can head out on game drives and walks where you can find both black and white rhino, lion, leopard and more. You can also drive into the neighbouring national park to see an incredible diversity of species converge around its waterholes which are scattered around the edge of the vast salt pan.
Mundulea Reserve is the penultimate destination and something of a hidden gem. Passionate owners Bruno and Kate have rewilded the reserve with incredible success, reintroducing all manner of wildlife into its forests which you can encounter on a strictly on-foot only safari from its classic bush camp. End with a night in the Erongo Mountains at the beautiful Ai Aiba Lodge.
At a glance
| Starts: | Windhoek International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 night | Olive Grove - Windhoek, Namibia | Bed & Breakfast |
| 2 nights | BullsPort Lodge & Farm - Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia | Half Board |
| 2 nights | Tok Tokkie Trails - NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia | Full Board & Activities |
| 2 nights | Hoodia Desert Lodge - Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia | Half Board |
| 1 night | Rostock Ritz - Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia | Bed & Breakfast |
| 2 nights | Spitzkoppen Lodge - Damaraland, Namibia | Half Board |
| 2 nights | Mowani Mountain Camp - Damaraland, Namibia | Half Board |
| 2 nights | Etendeka Walking Trail - Damaraland, Namibia | Full Board & Activities |
| 3 nights | Ongava Lodge - Etosha National Park, Namibia | Full Board |
| 3 nights | Mundulea Reserve - Central Highlands, Namibia | Full Board & Activities |
| 1 night | Ai Aiba Lodge - Central Highlands, Namibia | Half Board |
| Ends: | Windhoek International Airport |
Olive Grove
Windhoek, Namibia
BullsPort Lodge & Farm
Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
Tok Tokkie Trails
NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia
Hoodia Desert Lodge
Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
Rostock Ritz
Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
Spitzkoppen Lodge
Damaraland, Namibia
Mowani Mountain Camp
Damaraland, Namibia
Etendeka Walking Trail
Damaraland, Namibia
Ongava Lodge
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Mundulea Reserve
Central Highlands, Namibia
Ai Aiba Lodge
Central Highlands, Namibia
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Chongololo Self-drive Safari.
- Exploring epic landscapes on foot
- Discovering Namibia's biodiversity, history and culture
- Making ancestral connections through ancient San rock art
- Stargazing from bed on a sleep out
- Spotting wildlife on foot and from a 4WD at Ongava
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Chongololo Self-drive Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Horse-riding
Hot air ballooning
Night drive
Quad-biking
Self-guided walking
Sleeping under the stars
Key species to see on the Chongololo Self-drive Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Chongololo Self-drive Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
99% chance
98% chance
96% chance
95% chance
91% chance
50% chance
36% chance
32% chance
26% chance
26% chance
18% chance
15% chance
8% chance
0% chance
Side-trips whilst on this holiday
We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Chongololo Self-drive Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.
Ballooning in the Namib Desert
Half day, including breakfast
Ballooning over the world’s oldest desert is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Enjoy spectacular views as the sun rises over the dune-covered plains and rocky mountains of the Namib Desert. You may even spot the occasional oryx or black-backed jackal punctuating the landscape below.
More about Ballooning
Scenic flights in Namibia
Variable, depending on the flight
Namibia is famed for its stark beauty and boundless desert vistas and there is no better way to soak these in than from the air. A scenic flight gives you a unique perspective on this stunning and varied country, and may even provide a bird’s-eye view of areas that are out of reach to those restricted to terra firma.
More about Scenic flights
Windhoek City Tour
three hour Windhoek City Tour
Windhoek city tours offer a mix of history, culture, and local flavour, showcasing Namibia’s colonial landmarks, vibrant markets, and cuisine.
More about Windhoek City TourPlan and book your trip with Expert Africa
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