Visiting Namibia is a journey through a land of stark contrasts—where vast deserts meet rugged coastlines and wildlife roams free in some of the world’s most untouched landscapes. This 10-day itinerary takes you on a remarkable journey through Namibia’s highlights, including towering dunes, prehistoric rock art, thrilling safaris, and luxurious stays in the heart of nature. Here’s your ultimate guide to 10 epic days in Namibia.
Day 1: Arrival in Windhoek
Your adventure begins as you arrive in Windhoek. Transfer from the airport to your accommodation and relax after some long travel days. From the US, it took two and a half days to get there. But trust me, it’s worth it
Accommodation: Galton House, Windhoek
Activities: Arrive at hotel and relax
Day 2: Journey to Sossusvlei
Your Namibia journey truly begins today. In the morning, set out on a 5 hour drive towards Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert, taking in the sights and spotting wildlife along the way. Sossusvlei is famous for its massive red dunes, and your journey there will offer plenty of breathtaking views. Settle into your luxury accomodation for the night. We stayed at a luxury tented chalet, Dead Valley Lodge. The place blends seamlessly into the desert landscape.
We did this adventure as a small group tour. Meeting new people from around the world is a wonderful experience.
Accommodation: Dead Valley Lodge, Luxury Tented Chalet
Activity: Begin safari
Transfer: Transfer to Sossusvlei
Day 3: Explore Sossusvlei & Sesriem Canyon
Rise early for a morning excursion to the iconic Namib-Naukluft National Park, home to some of the tallest sand dunes in the world. It is one of the most breathtaking views on Earth. Note: If you stay inside the park, you get earlier access then people staying outside the park. This helps to beat the crowds for some epic photo ops.
After exploring the dunes, enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of a tree. Spend the afternoon at the chalet relaxing. Visit to Sesriem Canyon or Elim Dune at sunset for some great views. Then, be sure to check out the wonderful buffet style dinner at the lodge.
Accommodation: Dead Valley Lodge
Activities: Namib-Naukluft National Park, visits to Sesriem Canyon or Elim Dune
Day 4: Swakopmund’s Coastal Charm
Leave the desert behind and continue your journey towards Swakopmund, a charming seaside town known for its German colonial architecture and adventure activities. Check into your hotel, we stayed at The Delight Swakopmund. Indulge in a dinner at The Tug, a local favorite seafood restaurant that is partially an actual tug boat. Don’t miss the oysters. They are amazing.
Accommodation: The Delight Swakopmund
Activity: Dinner at The Tug
Day 5: Walvis Bay & Sandwich Harbor Dunes
Start your day with a boat excursion around Walvis Bay, where you’ll savor fresh oysters and other local treats. View the lighthouse, a large seal colony, flamingos, pelicans, and if you’re lucky, humpback whales. In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling Sandwich Harbor dune excursion, where the towering dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean, offering spectacular photo opportunities.
Accommodation: The Delight Swakopmund
Activities: Boat excursion at Walvis Bay, Sandwich Harbor dune tour
Day 6: Damaraland Adventure
Today, venture northeast to the rugged and remote region of Damaraland. I highly recommend staying at the beautiful Camp Kipwe, set against a backdrop of granite boulders and sweeping desert views. The food at this location is wonderful. The property is truly unique. Don’t forget to check out the pool built right into the rocks.
Accommodation: Camp Kipwe
Activity: Scenic transfer to Damaraland
Day 7: Desert Elephants & Ancient Rock Art
Start your day with an exhilarating 4-wheel drive in search of desert elephants, an iconic symbol of survival in this arid environment. Afterward, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Twyfelfontein, where you’ll marvel at prehistoric rock engravings created by the San people thousands of years ago.
Accommodation: Camp Kipwe
Activities: Desert elephant tracking, visit to Twyfelfontein
Day 8: Ongava Private Game Reserve
Your Namibia journey continues as you head to the famed Etosha National Park and check into the luxurious Ongava Tented Camp. After settling in, enjoy an afternoon game viewing activity in Ongava’s private reserve, where you might encounter lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes and more.
We experienced elephants and even a lion right at the camp.
Accommodation: Ongava Tented Camp
Activity: Afternoon game drive in Ongava Private Reserve
Day 9: Etosha National Park & Ongava Game Reserve
Spend the entire day immersed in game viewing activities in Etosha National Park, where you can expect to see large herds of zebra, elephants, and giraffes. Return to Ongava for a sunset game drive and a walk with the rhinos (with a trained nature guide), followed by a memorable evening watching wildlife at the camp’s waterhole. We were visited by giraffes, elephants, a mother rhino with her calf, and even a hyena.
Accommodation: Ongava Tented Camp
Activities: Game drive in Etosha, sunset game drive and rhino walk
Day 10: Farewell in Windhoek
On your final day, transfer back to Windhoek. En route, stop at the AfriCat Day Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores. After a meaningful visit, continue to Windhoek for your last dinner with the group.
Accommodation: Galton House
Activity: Visit to AfriCat’s Day Center, final dinner in Windhoek
The End of Your Namibian Journey
Namibia is a country of epic landscapes, incredible wildlife, and unforgettable experiences. Over these 10 days, you’ll witness the country’s most spectacular sights, from the red dunes of Sossusvlei to the game-rich plains of Etosha. This itinerary offers a perfect blend of adventure, luxury, and cultural immersion, making your journey through Namibia a once-in-a-lifetime experience with new friends.
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