Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean ocean and Namib desert, Namibia boasts both landscapes and wildlife of world-class diversity. Book this 10 Days Safari In Namibia from Windhoek and experience the best of the country with a local guide by your side. Marvel at the dramatic desert landscapes of Swakopmund and Sossusvlei and uncover fascinating peaks, petrified forests and culture in Damaraland.
Slow down in Swakopmund, a laidback beachside town and set out in search of animals in the massive Etosha National Park. From otherworldly landscapes to remarkable wildlife encounters, this is an adventure you won’t forget.
Itinerary Summary
Day 1: Windhoek
Day 2: Sesriem
Day 3: Sesriem
Day 4: Swakopmund
Day 5: Swakopmund
Day 6: Damaraland
Day 7: Damaraland
Day 8: Etosha National Park
Day 9: Etosha National Park
Day 10: Windhoek
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Windhoek
Welcome to Namibia! Your adventure starts in the capital city, Windhoek, known for colonial German architecture and a relaxed atmosphere. On arrival, you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If you arrive early, you can opt to head out for a leisurely walk around town to admire the architecture of the Tintenpalast and Christuskirche buildings, or stop by a local market to peruse handmade crafts.
Day 2: Sesriem
After breakfast, drive south to Sesriem, your gateway to the Sossusvlei Dunes, Deadvlei, and Sesriem Canyon. Arrive at your accommodation for the next two nights, situated next to the Namib-Naukluft National Park.
Take in the superb views, which you can enjoy from your very own private patio. Enjoy lunch at the lodge’s restaurant, with the breathtaking landscape stretching far in each direction, then spend the afternoon relaxing next to the sparkling pool.
Later on, go out on a guided four-wheel drive nature drive to explore the unique flora and fauna of the desert. Stop for a drink to take it all in as the sun sets, then return to the lodge for dinner and relax.
Day 3: Sesriem
After an early breakfast, visit to Sossusvlei, which lies at the end of an ancient riverbed. This is a great chance for unsurpassed views of the surrounding area. Climb to the top of Dune 45 for rewarding you with a spectacular perspective of the surreal desert landscape.
From there, Deadvlei, a clay pan that lends itself to many iconic images. When you see the skeleton trees against a vibrant orange backdrop of dunes, you will soon understand what all the fuss is about. The pan is bounded by some of the highest dunes on the planet, ‘Big Daddy’ or ‘Crazy Dune’ average about 350 metres in height.
In the afternoon go to Sesriem Gorge, a tranquil natural corridor that you can walk through and explore. Return to the lodge for the evening.
Day 4: Swakopmund
Proceed your journey to the beachside town of Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast. Have a stopover in the small settlement of Solitaire. Dotted with abandoned trucks, cars, petrol pumps and cacti, it is the only place between Walvis Bay and Sossusvlei to feature a petrol station, post office, general store, and bakery.
Enjoy a piece of the local apple pie which has earned itself quite a reputation. Proceed your drive past moon valley, named for its eerie lunar-like appearance, and the Tropic of Capricorn. Walvis Bay is the hibernation area for numerous migratory birds, most notably the pink flamingos. If in season you may take quick detour to see these elegant birds.
On arrival in Swakopmund take some time for lunch, then take walk to get a feel for this interesting township with a German-Namibian atmosphere.
Day 5: Swakopmund
The day is yours to enjoy this gorgeous coastal town as you want. Your accommodation suitably situated within walking distance of the town, where you can enjoy a walk on the beach, open air markets or the local museum.
You may wish to take an optional trip north to Cape Cross, a breeding site for Cape fur seals. There can be in excess of 100,000 seals there at any given time, making for quite the spectacle. Explore the coastline and attempt to document these beautiful creatures with a photo or two, and visit the large cross that is located nearby, left by Diego Cao, the first European to arrive on Namibian soil in 1485.
Day 6: Damaraland
Depart Atlantic Ocean coastline and take a scenic drive towards the Namib Desert, along a portion of the Skeleton Coast. Take in the beautiful, varied and colourful landscapes that stream past en route; mountains, sand dunes, ocean waves and, shipwrecks.
Proceed to Damaraland. Home to the highest peak in Namibia, ancient rock paintings and petrified forests, the harshly beautiful and sparsely populated Damaraland is a land of astonishing contrasts.
Depending on the time of year, you might see the desert adapted elephants that roam the area. Your accommodation during your time here features a centrepiece swimming pool fringed by beautiful chalets, each with a private garden.
End your day with a walk to a viewing platform to take in truly remarkable views of the surrounding Mopane woodland. The best spot to enjoy a drink as the sun goes down.
Day 7: Damaraland
After breakfast this morning, visit Twyfelfontein Heritage Site and the Petrified Forest with expert local guides to gain insight on these wonders.
Twyfelfontein has one of southern Africa’s largest concentrations of ancient rock engraving and is a captivating insight into the past. The Petrified Forest looks back into nature’s history, where 280-million-year-old fossilised tree trunks lie.
Proceed to the Living Museum of the Damara, which aims to reconstruct and preserve the ‘lost culture’ of the Damara people. Your guide will tell you all about this fascinating traditional culture that is, along with the Bushmen, the oldest in Namibia. In afternoon, you will return the lodge, with the rest of the day free to relax by the pool with a book.
Day 8: Etosha National Park
Depart Damaraland and travel towards Etosha National Park. Upon arrival, the afternoon will be free to rest at the lodge. You can cool off in the pool, read a book, or enjoy a sundowner.
Be sure to charge your camera tonight as tomorrow will be a full day of wildlife viewing in Etosha. This is one of Africa’s premier game-viewing destinations; viewing animals in the national park is easy due to the man-made waterholes and the large, sparsely vegetated pans. The bushland neighbouring the pans is difficult to see through, but there are enough clearings, pans and waterholes to allow for sightings.
Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching, so there are large herds of elephants, antelope and other herbivores.
Day 9: Etosha National Park
Wake up early for a morning 4×4 game drive in Etosha. Keep a keen eye on the landscape for black rhino, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, roan antelope, black-faced impala and the tiny Damara dik-dik. Etosha National Park is also home to over 340 bird species.
Return to the cam for relaxation, lunch and a swim, a welcome break from the midday sun. In afternoon, set out again for a game drive in search of any wildlife you may have missed on the morning outing. Return to the lodge and reflect on the day’s adventures over dinner.
Day 10: Windhoek
After breakfast this morning, you will return to Windhoek. Your adventure comes to an end on arrival. If you would like to extend your stay, additional accommodation can be booked in advance.
