Day 1: Arrive in Windhoek A residential area in Windhoek
Welcome to Namibia! Upon reaching Hosea Kutako International Airport, visitors pick up a rental car and proceed to their hotel in the nation's capital, Windhoek, a great base to begin a road trip adventure. This tidy and modern city has a western flair that blends nicely with the colors, sounds, and tempos of urban Africa. African safari vacations in Namibia often begin with a stay in the capital city to explore its unique attractions.
If daylight hours permit, visitors can learn about the end of apartheid at the Independence Memorial Museum, a free activity with a vast collection of paintings, displays, and artifacts that tell the story of the path to racial freedom. While there, visitors can also visit the National Museum of Namibia, located next door in an old German fort dating back to the 19th century, featuring fascinating displays about Namibia's Indigenous San rock paintings. Safari holidays in Namibia provide opportunities to learn about the country's history and culture.
Another great activity in Windhoek is the Namibia Craft Center, a clean and safe covered market with dozens of independent vendors selling the work of thousands of artists around the country. Visitors can find a range of items from African drums and woodcarvings to elegant Swakara garments and Namibian gemstones. In addition to the stalls, there's also a bookstore, an art gallery, and a popular café that focuses on local ingredients for breakfast and lunch. Safari tours in Namibia often include visits to local markets and craft centers.
For dinner, visitors can choose between cuisine options such as Taiwanese, Italian, Portuguese, African, Chinese, French, and German.
Day 2: Drive from Windhoek to the Namib Desert
After breakfast in Windhoek, visitors begin the drive to the Namib Desert (211 miles/340 km), one of the oldest and largest deserts in the world. The Namib stretches far and wide, covering large swathes of land in Namibia and parts of South Africa and Angola. The distinct arid climate supports a diverse number of plants and animals, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. African safari adventures in Namibia often include exploring the stunning landscapes of the Namib Desert.
Visitors make their way to the Sesriem area, a small settlement close to the southern end of the Naukluft Mountains. Along the way, they drive over the Khomas Hochland highland region as they head west toward the great escarpment. They then descend this escarpment via Namibia's highest mountain pass, Spreetshoogte, to enter Sesriem in the central region of Namibia. Safari vacations in Namibia provide the chance to witness the country's diverse landscapes and natural wonders.
Day 3: Tour the Sossusvlei Desert Sesriem Canyon and the Tsauchab River
Visitors take part in an early morning excursion that travels along the path of the ancient Tsauchab River into the Namib Sand Sea. The adventure highlights the Sossusvlei Desert, including Dune 45 and Dead Vlei, all surrounded by red dunes in the southern part of the Namib Desert. African safari tours in Namibia often include visits to the iconic Sossusvlei dunes.
The word Sossusvlei is of Nama descent, which, directly translated, means "a place with many endings." Visitors who come to Namibia often say that this is the most stunning part of the desert, with monumentally high dunes (as high as 1,066 feet/325 m) and the shadows of their sinuous crests that continually change as the daylight waxes and wanes. The warm tints of the sand, ranging from pale apricot to brick orange and deep red, contrast vividly with the dazzling white surfaces of the deflationary clay pans at some of their bases. Safari holidays in Sossusvlei provide a unique and awe-inspiring experience.
In the afternoon, visitors have time to enjoy the landscapes and views around Sesriem Canyon, carved into the Tsauchab River over millions of years, resulting in a narrow gorge of just over a half-mile in length. At the foot of the gorge, which plunges over 100 feet (30 m), are pools that replenish after a good rain. Sesriem derives its name from the time when early pioneers tied six lengths of rawhide thongs ("Ses Rieme") together to draw water from these pools. Safari adventures in Namibia offer the chance to explore the country's geological wonders.
Following the excursion, visitors return to their base in Sesriem for the night.
Day 4: Drive from Sesriem to Swakopmund Swakopmund
Visitors make the drive to Swakopmund (224 mi/360 km), a coastal city facing the Atlantic Ocean. As they depart the Namib Desert from Sesriem, they continue north along the eastern boundary of Namib Naukluft Park, passing through the small settlement of Solitaire and onward via the Gaub and Kuiseb canyons. African safari vacations in Namibia often include visits to the country's charming coastal towns.
Visitors continue across the gravel plains of the Namib Desert toward Swakopmund, the country's largest coastal town. If time permits, they may choose to travel to Swakopmund via the erosional feature of Moon Valley and see Namibia's ancient plant species, called the Welwitschia mirabilis, which is endemic to the Namib Desert. Safari tours in Namibia provide opportunities to witness unique flora and fauna.
Once in Swakopmund, visitors take note of the German architecture. Known for its Old World charm and relaxed atmosphere, Swakopmund was founded in 1892 during the period of Namibia's German colonial rule, when it served as the territory's main harbor.
This popular destination for Namibians seeking respite from the heat of the interior offers beaches, walkways, and colonial landmarks, including the Swakopmund Lighthouse and an old sea wall called the Mole. Next to the lighthouse is the Swakopmund Museum, housing documents on Namibian history. The elegant Swakopmund Railway Station, now a hotel, also dates to the colonial era and is worth a look. Safari holidays in Swakopmund provide a blend of history, culture, and relaxation.
For food and drink, Swakopmund offers a good selection of restaurants and coffee shops that often include traditional German fare, cakes, and pastries.
Day 5: Explore Swakopmund & Walvis Bay Sand dunes
Visitors have the entire day to explore Swakopmund and the nearby picturesque coastal town of Walvis Bay at their own pace. Though Walvis Bay doesn't have the same charming German architecture as Swakopmund (thanks to the British occupation), it features a new waterfront development, great food options, and beautiful sand dunes that jut up against the Atlantic. African safari adventures in Namibia often include visits to these coastal towns for a change of scenery.
Visitors can sign up for unique experiences in the area, such as the Dolphin Cruise that sets sail from Walvis Bay Harbour. This is ideal for travelers who'd like to get up close to dolphins, Cape fur seals, and flamingo colonies. Additionally, there are more desert day-trip excursions to choose from, like quad biking or dune boarding. Safari tours in Namibia offer a range of exciting activities to suit different interests.
Day 6: Drive from Swakopmund to Dry landscapes in Twyfelfontein
Visitors make an early departure from Swakopmund and head to Twyfelfontein (279 miles/449 km). They first head northbound through the National West Coast Recreational Area toward the small fishing town of Henties Bay. If time allows, they can stop in Cape Cross to visit the Cape fur seal colony, which is also the place where the first European set foot on the coast of Namibia in 1486. African safari vacations in Namibia often include opportunities to witness unique wildlife.
Shortly after Henties Bay, visitors continue east, crossing the gravel plains to the abandoned mining town of Uis. They proceed north toward former Damaraland (now Erongo) in the Kunene Region, passing Brandberg Mountain, Namibia's highest at 8,442 feet (2,573 m), renowned for famous tribal artworks, including The White Lady rock painting. Safari holidays in Namibia provide a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage.
Visitors eventually reach the UNESCO World Heritage site of Twyfelfontein, where they can visit one of the richest areas of rock engravings and San (Bushmen) tribes' paintings in Namibia, as well as the geological formations of the Burnt Mountain and the dolomite columns known as the Organ Pipes. Also of note in the area is the Doros Crater. Safari tours in Twyfelfontein offer the chance to explore ancient rock art and unique geological features.
The flora and fauna of Damaraland include plants such as welwitschia, moringa, and a variety of Commiphora species, and animals such as the desert-adapted elephant, giraffe, springbok, oryx, and ostrich, which live in total harmony with the community and the communal farming activities of the Uibasen Twyfelfontein Conservancy. While here, visitors can join a guided nature drive in the dry Aba Huab riverbed, marvel at the rich vegetation, and possibly see the desert-adapted elephant. Safari adventures in Namibia provide opportunities to witness the country's unique wildlife adapted to harsh desert conditions.
Day 7: Drive from Twyfelfontein to Etosha National Park
Visitors depart Twyfelfontein and make their way toward the renowned Etosha National Park (202 mi/325 km). Along the way, they can stop and walk around a protected petrified forest, with approximately 50 examples of petrified trees dating back some 260 million years. African safari vacations in Namibia often include visits to the country's national parks and nature reserves.
In the afternoon, visitors arrive at their lodge situated just outside the park (meals included). Depending on the time of lunch and getting settled, there may be daylight hours left to get into the park and explore a bit with the guide and tour vehicle. Keep in mind that the park and its resorts' gates strictly open at sunrise and close at sunset. Safari holidays in Etosha National Park provide ample opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Day 8: Explore Etosha National Park
Look for giraffes and elephants (among others) in Etosha National Park After breakfast, visitors have the entire day to spend in Etosha National Park. Before setting out on the adventure, they consult with the guide and an animal sightings book to determine the current movement of animals in the area in order to optimize the game-viewing experience. Detailed maps of the park are also available at each resort curio shop and filling station. African safari tours in Etosha offer the chance to witness an incredible diversity of wildlife.
Etosha National Park has over 114 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 21 types of vegetation. The most common plains game species encountered include Burchell's zebra, springbok, black-faced impala, blue wildebeest, gemsbok (South African oryx), giraffe, and red hartebeest. The park also boasts healthy populations of lions, elephants, and black rhinos. Safari adventures in Namibia often include sightings of these iconic African animals.
In the heart of the park is the Etosha pan, meaning "place of dry water," an extensive flat depression of about 3,107 square feet (947 m). This great white expanse is a place of shimmering mirages; seeing large herds of game in this setting makes Etosha a unique experience in Africa. Safari vacations in Etosha National Park provide unforgettable memories of wildlife encounters in a stunning landscape.
Day 9: Drive from Etosha National Park to Okonjima Nature Reserve
After breakfast at the lodge outside Etosha National Park, visitors drive south to the Okonjima Private Game Reserve (144 mi/232 km). This beautiful area is at the heart of Namibia and is surrounded by the sandstone Omboroko Mountains. The landscape is home to an array of indigenous African wildlife and birds, making it the perfect place to take photos. African safari adventures in Namibia often include visits to private game reserves for a more intimate wildlife experience.
Upon arrival at Okonjima, visitors enjoy a relaxing lunch and then pick between guided activities in the game reserve offered by the camp. Safari holidays in Okonjima Nature Reserve provide opportunities to learn about wildlife conservation efforts and participate in guided activities.
Day 10: Drive to Windhoek, Depart The historic railway station building in Okahandja
It's time to say goodbye to Namibia! Depending on the time of the flight, visitors might have time to participate in an early morning activity at the reserve before making the return trip to Windhoek (161.5 mi/259 km). African safari vacations in Namibia come to an end, leaving lasting memories of incredible landscapes and wildlife encounters.
The route passes through the small town of Okahandja, one of Namibia's oldest established settlements and also the administrative center of the Herero people. Many of the former Herero leaders are buried here, and there's even an annual procession through town to their graves to commemorate those who died during the wars against the Nama and Germans. While here, visitors can consider a visit to the open-air woodcarving market and the Herero Grave Complex. Safari tours in Namibia often include opportunities to learn about the country's cultural heritage and history.
Visitors then continue the drive to Windhoek International Airport to return the rental car and catch their departure flight. Safe travels!
