Namibia Itinerary
Namibia, a land of captivating contrasts, boasts vast stretches of desert landscapes, rugged mountains, and surreal coastlines. Its crown jewel, the hauntingly beautiful Namib Desert, home to the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei, mesmerizes with its otherworldly allure. From the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park to the German colonial charm of Swakopmund, Namibia offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility. Prepare to be enchanted by its diverse cultures, warm hospitality, and the breathtaking spectacle of star-studded night skies, making Namibia a soul-stirring destination for any traveler.
Welcome to Namibia
Summary of itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive at Windhoek International Airport. You will be met by your guide and transferred to your lodge.
Day 2 – Take the scenic drive to Sesriem, Sossusvlei.
Day 3 – Experience the wonders of the oldest desert in the world. Marvel at the red sand dunes reaching almost 1000 feet tall with a walk to Deadvlei.
Day 4 – Drive to Swakopmund.
Day 5 – Go with local experts into the dunes to learn more about the fauna and flora that survives barren landscape.
Day 6 – We will head up the coast to a seal colony and along the Brandtburg mountains to Twyfelfontein.
Day 7 – Explore the multitude of bushman art (petroglyphs) and look for desert elephants.
Day 8 – We will drive to Etosha National Park with alate afternoon game drive.
Day 9 – We will explore Etosha seeking out her wildlife.
Day 10 – After a morning drive, we head to Okonjima. Evening game drive at Okonjima.
Day 11 – After breakfast we will drive to Okonjima Nature Reserve, home of the Africat foundation.
Day 12 – Today we will head to Windhoek to fly out.
DAY 1
Windhoek
You will be met by your local safari guide. After a short orientation you will be transferred to your lodging in Windhoek. Settle in for a little relaxation or visit some of the historical sights of the city.
Windhoek is the capital of Namibia, and is surrounded by the Khomas Highland, Auas mountains and Eros mountains at the epicenter of this desert country. The countries only fully -fledged city, Windhoek is the heart of modern Namibia – the cultural, economic, political, social and travel hub where it all happens.
Accommodations: Haus Schwerinsburg Guest House
DAY 2
Sossusvlei
After a leisurely breakfast we will tackle the scenic drive Southwest to Sossusvlei.
Sossusvlei is a perfect specimen of Nambia’s unspoilt desert beauty. Deadvle is a salt and clay pan situated at its heart in the largest conservation area in Africa, the Namib-Naukluft National Park. This photogenic area is famous for its large, red sand dunes, which are some of the tallest sand dunes in the world and is one of Namibia’s most visited attractions.
Accommodations: Hoodia Desert Lodge
DAY 3
Sossusvlei
After breakfast and before sunrise you will embark on a photographic and educational journey with a professional lodge guide in a 4X4 Safari Vehicle through the enchanted red dunes of Sossusvlei. You will have the opportunity to hike up some of the tallest dunes in the world, reaching as high as 1000 Ft and into Deadvlei self. Sossusvlei is a salt and clay pan surrounded by high red dunes, located in the southern part of the Namib Desert, in the Namib-Naukluft National Park.
A Coffee and Tea Break in Sossusvlei area with seasonal Fruits and homemade cookies and later before midday, drive back to “Elim Dune” for a generous “Out of Africa” picnic lunch under one of the majestic Camel Thorn Trees. (An elegant set up with table, chairs, tablecloth, cutlery, wine cooler, glasses, hand wash basin, freshly prepared cold food and various beverages like wine, beer, soft drinks and water)
Finally visit Sesriem Canyon and return to the lodge in the late afternoon.
Accommodations: Hoodia Desert Lodge
DAY 4
Swakopmund
After a leisurely breakfast we will drive from Sossusvlei to Walvis Bay, a unique route which meanders through the Namib desert. Heading North, passing the Tropic of Capricorn, through Walvis Bay, Namibia’s largest port and on to Swakopmund, the perfect stopover between the desert and the Skeleton Coast.
Accommodations: Swakopmund Sands
DAY 5
Swakopmund
This morning we will join a local expert and head into the dunes in our 4x4 vehicle. For the next few hours, we will be educated in the ways of desert life. The fauna and flora that survives in an otherwise seeming barren landscape.
In the afternoon we can explore the town of Swakopmund, a vestige of old colonial Germany or seek out the masses of Flamingoes in the Walvis Bay Harbor.
Accommodations: Swakopmund Sands
DAY 6
Damaraland
Heading North this morning we will follow the coast up to Cape Cross, home of one of the largest breeding colonies of Cape Fur Seals. Turning East along the Brandburg Mountains and ending in the heart of Damaraland, the home to the ancient Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Accommodations: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge.
DAY 7
Twyfelfontein
After breakfast we will explore the multitude of petroglyphs (rock engravings) of Twyfelfontein. Some exploration of the dry river beds should produce some desert elephants, specially adapted to survive in desert conditions or a traditional village of the local tribes people.
Accommodations: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge.
DAY 8
Etosha National Park
Today we head East to Etosha National Park, Namibia’s most renowned game viewing area. Making our way to Okaukoujo, one of Etosha’s main camps. This accommodation is perfectly situated on a premier waterhole. You can sit on your balcony, sip a wine and watch the multitudes of animals come down to drink.
Accommodations: Okaukoujo waterhole chalet
DAY 9
Etosha National Park
With another full day in Etosha we can have a morning and afternoon drive with a bit of leisure time in the heat of the day.
Etosha means ‘great white place’ in the local Ovanbo dialect. The park’s main characteristic is a salt pan so large it can be seen from space. Etosha boasts numerous waterholes, both natural springs, fountains and others fed by man-made bore holes. Some of the camps in the park offer the unique experience of floodlit waterholes for night-time game viewing. Overall, these various waterholes tend to offer the park’s best opportunities for both big and small game sightings, especially during the dry winter months, when more animals are drawn out of hiding to drink at the water’s edge.
Accommodations: Okaukoujo waterhole chalet
DAY 10
Etosha National Park
After breakfast we will make our way to the East through Etosha to Onguma Safari Camps.
Onguma Safari Camps is situated on the eastern border of Etosha National Park. Offering great game viewing with a touch of romance and tranquility. We will end the days game viewing with sundowners in the bush.
Accommodations: Onguma the Fort
DAY 11
Etosha National Park
Onguma, with its Moroccan-Afro design offers the most unique sunset views over Etosha. The day’s activities will depend on your personal choices, game drives in open safari vehicles, spa treatments or just lounging at the pool with cocktails.
Accommodations: Onguma the Fort
DAY 12
Windhoek
After a leisurely breakfast we will embark on the long road back to Windhoek. I have added a night here to take the pressure off a long drive and flying straight home but one can simply fly from Onguma too. And catch a flight home the same day.
Accommodations: Haus Schwerinsburg Guest House
DAY 13
End of Tour
Our flight times will determine our schedule today.
Your guide will transfer you to Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek) in time for your flights.
Meet your guides
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Kim Malcolm
FOUNDER, MALCOLM TRAVEL PARTNERS
Read more about Kim here.
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Gavin Sims
Gavin has been guiding since 1998, and has more than a decade of experience with safaris and walking trails in Big Five territory. He’s passionate about birding, wildlife, culture, and cuisine.