Northern Namibia Camping Adventure

From Windhoek, the drive to Okonjima in the Waterberg takes up to four hours. The road is almost all paved and the drive is comfortable.

On the way: Stop at Okahandja, which has Namibia's largest wood carvers' market.

When you're there: Set up camp and relax; Okonjima is the home of the AfriCat Foundation, which is a big cat conservation programme that offers leopard tracking and close interaction with cheetahs.

Accommodation: Okonjima Lodge Main Camp - Campsite

Start early to be in Etosha National Park by lunchtime. The drive is another comfortable four-hour journey on paved roads to the eastern gate of Etosha.

On the way: Stop at Lake Otjikoto, a collapsed under-ground lake that contains a unique species of fish; little towns along the way make useful rest stops.

When you're there: Set camp and enjoy lunch in the shady campsite; late afternoon game drive; walk to the floodlit waterhole after dinner.

Accommodation: Namutoni Campsite

Drive through Etosha National Park to Okaukuejo - the southern-most camp in Etosha.

On the way: A full day's game driving, stopping at waterholes along the way; lunch and a swim at Halali.

When you're there: The waterhole at Okaukuejo often sees elephant, lion, zebra and several species of antelope; black rhino favour it as well, making this one of the best game-viewing sites in the Park.

Accommodation: Okaukuejo Campsite

A comfortable three-hour drive south to Kamanjab and the start of your Himba experience in Kaokoland.

On the way: Stop in Kamanjab for the whereabouts of the semi-nomadic Himbas' village

When you're there: Set up camp and take a leisurely lunch; in the afternoon you are invited to the Oase Village to meet the people. A guide will interpret their lifestyle and translate questions for you. Learn about their marriage customs, traditional food and the holy fire.

Accommodation: Oase-Himba Village

A short drive made long by the fascinating stops along the way as you travel south into the beautiful Damaraland region.

On the way: Two short guided tours, one of the Petrified Forest and the other at Twyfelfontein, one of the most important Bushman rock art sights in southern Africa; stop at Khorixas to stretch your legs and top up on liquids.

When you're there: Camp under the protection of the Brandberg Mountain, Bushman spiritual site and highest peak in Namibia; guided hike into the mountain to discover more rock art and the White Lady petroglyph, estimated to be over 20,000 years old.

Accommodation: Brandberg Mountain Campsite

Another short drive with an interesting diversion as you head to Swakopmund via the Skeleton Coast and Cape Cross.

On the way: Stop at Uis and bargain for semi-precious stones at the informal market; travel through Damara scenery and the gravel plains of the Namib Desert; visit Cape Cross seal colony, the largest breeding colony in the world - with a stench to match; drive along the Skeleton Coast to Swakopmund.

When you're there: Explore Swakopmund during the afternoon, with its craft markets, galleries, cafés and the beach; enjoy dinner in one of the many excellent restaurants with seafood and red meat featuring everywhere.

Among the many adventure activities in Swakopmund, we recommend paragaliding over the dunes; quad biking, which is an exciting way to experience the sand dunes; sand-boarding; land-yachting; skydiving; kite-surfing; and surfing. The eco-marine cruise on the Walvis Bay lagoon is fascinating if a little tame by comparison.

Accommodation: Swakopmund Chalets

Leave Swakopmund for Windhoek after lunch - plenty of time to explore the town and partake in the activities available.

On the way: Stop in Usakos or Karibib for a break and watch the Namib Desert become mountainous highlands.

When you're there: Your guide will deliver you to your accommodation in Windhoek and the end of a fascinating exploration of northern Namibia.