The Sossusvlei area with the giant sand dunes was to me the most spectacular part of our trip. Visting the Himba villages was also interesting. Etosha is a must. Alas we weren't able to see the flamingoes, we always missed them by a few days.

There's not much to Windhoek so suggest move on to next destination a.s.a.p.

At that time of year as soon as the sun goes down it gets very chilly.

The flamingoes are wonderful, the coastal area is very misty that time of year to but recommend Swakopmund, Erongo region, Darmaraland, Brandberg, as well.

At the moment the roads are bad in some areas due to recent rains, with a 4x4 you will be able to cross damaged roads easily, sit up higher & go off road tracking desert elephants & over mountains to see rare plants or rock art.

I would be interested to hear what you have found, as we too would like to do a self drive in Namibia (October / November). Two ideas we are considering are :
http://www.rhinoafrica.com/namibia/tours/best-of-namibia-chobe-safari
http://www.discover-namibia-safari.net/namibia_botswana_vicfalls_selfdrive_accommodated.html

We are just in the infancy of our planning, so cannot comment on the above operators, but I like the sound of the itinerary.

Would like to hear what you are considering.

I posted some ideas that may of interest on this recent thread, http://www.fodors.com/community/africa-the-middle-east/suggest-tour-companies-and-itineraries-for-namibia-south-africa.cfm

Happy planning,


Pol

Thanks so much Treepol - a great thread. I have printed it out to digest at leisure. Really appreciate it.

Some of our favourite self-drive destinations in Namibia include:

Fish River Canyon - nearby Cañon Mtn Camp is a fun place to stay in a beautiful setting - Cañon Lodge is a little more upmarket. Visit the canyon as early as possible, before the crowds arrive and while the light is at its best.

http://www.gondwana-collection.com/home/accommodation/canyonmountaincamp/

Eagle's Nest Lodge in Aus - amazing cabins in a stunning location - one of our favourite places in all of southern and eastern Africa. We travel out of our way to stay there!

http://www.klein-aus-vista.com/en/Eagles_Nest_Chalets.html

Etosha, although we haven't been since 2004, when it was far more affordable

Vingerklip - a good place to stay when traveling between Swakopmund and Etosha

http://www.vingerklip.com.na/

Beach Lodge in Swakopmund - a wonderful lodge right on the ocean with an excellent restaurant - it is where the locals eat

http://www.beachlodge.com.na/

The dunes at Sesriem - we most recently (2011) stayed at Sossus Dune Lodge and, while certainly not cheap, the rooms/tents are lovely, the service impeccable, and the meals excellent - ask for a tent with a view of the dunes (as opposed to the canyon). The lodge is inside the Namib-Naukluft Park gates, so guests can come and go from the dunes at any time (ie. be there for sunset and sunrise) whereas if you stay outside the park you are restricted to the gate times. Do the balloon ride - expensive, but worth every penny.

http://www.nwr.com.na/sossus_dune_lodge.html

http://www.balloon-safaris.com/

Hike Big Daddy (the dune) at dawn and, from there, go down the dune to Dead Vlei - one of the most beautiful places in the world.

The drive along the C14 from Sesriem/the dunes across the Namib Desert to the coast/Walvis Bay/Swakopmund (traveling in either direction) is one of our favourite drives - stunningly bleak and beautiful (desert)!

While staying in Swakopmund or Walvis Bay, do the Sandwich Harbour Tour with Turnstone Tours - amazing! Book ahead - they are very popular.

http://www.turnstone-tours.com/day-tours.htm

Self-drive the Welwitschia Drive - pack a lunch and spend the day - there is much to see.

http://www.namibia-travel-guide.com/bradt_guide.asp?bradt=649

Okonjima - stay at the Bush Camp if you can afford it - great encounters with cheetah and leopards and amazing tents!!

http://www.okonjima.com/

This should get you started! Happy reading! CR