Hartebeest Self-drive Safari: Summary
Hartebeest Self-drive in a nutshell
After your first night in Windhoek, the bald granite peaks of Damaraland's Spitzkoppe Mountains await. Scenic hiking trails, cycling routes and ancient San rock art are waiting to be discovered from Spitzkoppen Lodge.
Turning north your next stop is the remote Ozondjou Trails. From here a guide from NGO Elephant-Human Relations Aid (EHRA) will take you to meet the local community and explain how they're working to mitigate human wildlife conflict in the region. You'll also spend a full day with an EHRA guide in search of desert-adapted elephants that roam here.
Next up is a privileged and authentic cultural encounter at Khowarib. Wearing bright red ochre on their skin, the Himba are a fascinating tribe. Visiting them with a guide, you'll have the chance to learn a little about their nomadic lifestyle in the harsh conditions of Namibia's north-west.
Leaving Damaraland behind, the focus shifts from Namibia's people to its wildlife. The Etosha Heights and Onguma reserves offer some superb sightings in their own right and a full day driving across the iconic Etosha National Park to get from one to the other is a real bonus.
Having had your fill of wildlife, it is time to visit another, very different area and tribe, the San Bushmen of the Kalahari. Spend three days living in a San village where you'll do everything they do, be it foraging, hunting or bead making - rest assured whatever you do it will be a transformative and enlightening experience giving you a rare insight into one of the oldest cultures on earth.
Your final stop en route is Ghaub Guest Farm where you can choose to relax or perhaps enjoy a visit to one of the local attractions such as the Dragon's Breath Cave or the Hoba meteorite.
At a glance
| Starts: | Windhoek International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 night | Villa Violet - Windhoek, Namibia | Bed & Breakfast |
| 2 nights | Spitzkoppen Lodge - Damaraland, Namibia | Half Board |
| 2 nights | Ozondjou Trails - Damaraland, Namibia | Full Board & Activities |
| 2 nights | Khowarib Lodge - Damaraland, Namibia | Half Board |
| 2 nights | Mountain Lodge - Etosha National Park, Namibia | Half Board |
| 2 nights | Onguma Bush Camp - Etosha National Park, Namibia | Half Board |
| 3 nights | Nhoma Camp - Bushmanland, Namibia | Full Board & Activities |
| 1 night | Ghaub Guest Farm - Central Highlands, Namibia | Half Board |
| 1 night | Villa Violet - Windhoek, Namibia | Bed & Breakfast |
| Ends: | Windhoek International Airport |
Villa Violet
Windhoek, Namibia
Spitzkoppen Lodge
Damaraland, Namibia
Ozondjou Trails
Damaraland, Namibia
Khowarib Lodge
Damaraland, Namibia
Mountain Lodge
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Onguma Bush Camp
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Nhoma Camp
Bushmanland, Namibia
Ghaub Guest Farm
Central Highlands, Namibia
Villa Violet
Windhoek, Namibia
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Hartebeest Self-drive Safari.
- Visit ancient rock art on hiking trails around the Spitzkoppe
- Track desert-adapted elephants with EHRA
- Visit a traditional Himba village from Khowarib
- Spot some of Namibia's most iconic species in Etosha
- Spend three days learning about the Bushmen and their way of life
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Hartebeest Self-drive Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Self-guided walking
Key species to see on the Hartebeest Self-drive Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Hartebeest Self-drive Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
95% chance
87% chance
61% chance
57% chance
51% chance
38% chance
34% chance
21% chance
20% chance
10% chance
0% chance
Side-trips whilst on this trip
We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Hartebeest Self-drive Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.
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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