Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Namibia and transfer to the charming coastal town of Swakopmund, where German colonial architecture meets the Atlantic Ocean. Settle in and explore the relaxed seaside atmosphere.
Morning
Arrival and transfer to Swakopmund
Most travelers arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport near
Windhoek, then take a scenic 4-hour drive west to Swakopmund. The landscape transitions from highland plateau to desert as you approach the coast. Alternatively, fly directly to Walvis Bay and drive 30 minutes north to Swakopmund.
4-5 hours including airport formalities
$80-120 for private transfer or rental car pickup
Pre-book your rental car for best rates and availability, especially during peak season
Lunch
A waterfront restaurant along the promenade
Fresh seafood and German-influenced fare
Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore Swakopmund town center
Stroll through Swakopmund's colonial-era streets, visiting the distinctive lighthouse and browsing local craft markets. The town's German architecture creates a surreal contrast against the desert backdrop. Visit curio shops for local crafts and get oriented with the town's relaxed atmosphere.
2-3 hours
$0-20 for shopping
Evening
Sunset walk along the beach and dinner
Enjoy fresh oysters and local seafood at a beachfront restaurant, watching the sun set over the Atlantic
Where to Stay Tonight
Swakopmund town center (Guesthouse or boutique hotel within walking distance of restaurants)
Central location allows easy exploration on foot and proximity to restaurants and tour operators
Stock up on snacks and water at the local supermarket for upcoming desert drives where services are limited
Day 1 Budget: $140-200
Experience the adrenaline side of Namibia with sandboarding and quad biking in the Namib Desert, or opt for a scenic desert tour to explore the unique desert ecosystem.
Morning
Desert explorers adventure centre activities
Join a half-day adventure tour featuring sandboarding down massive dunes and quad biking through the desert landscape. The Desert explorers adventure centre offers thrilling experiences suitable for various skill levels. Feel the rush of sliding down steep sand faces, with expert guides providing instruction and safety equipment.
3-4 hours
$60-90
Book at least one day in advance; morning tours offer cooler temperatures and better conditions
Lunch
A casual cafe in central Swakopmund
Light meals, sandwiches, and local specialties
Budget
Afternoon
Visit Walvis Bay Waterfront
Drive 30 minutes south to explore the Walvis Bay Waterfront, Namibia's only deep-sea harbor. The waterfront offers scenic views of the lagoon, which attracts thousands of flamingos. Watch pelicans and seals along the harbor, and browse the small craft market. The area is excellent for birdwatching with over 150 species recorded.
2-3 hours
$10-15 for fuel
Evening
Relaxed dinner and evening stroll
Try a traditional German-style restaurant serving schnitzel and local game meats, followed by a walk along Swakopmund's illuminated jetty
Where to Stay Tonight
Swakopmund town center (Same accommodation as Day 1)
Two nights in Swakopmund allows unpacking and easier exploration of the area
Flamingos are most numerous at Walvis Bay lagoon during summer months (November-March), but can be seen year-round
Day 2 Budget: $120-170
Journey north along the dramatic Skeleton Coast to witness one of Africa's largest Cape fur seal colonies, then explore the haunting beauty of shipwreck-strewn beaches.
Morning
Cape Cross Seal Reserve
Drive 120km north to Cape Cross Seal Reserve, home to up to 100,000 Cape fur seals during breeding season. The sight and sound of thousands of seals is overwhelming and unforgettable. Walk along designated boardwalks to observe pups, bulls, and cows in their natural habitat. The smell is intense but the experience is extraordinary.
3-4 hours including drive
$8-10 entrance fee plus fuel
Arrive early morning to avoid tour buses and experience cooler temperatures
Lunch
Packed lunch from Swakopmund or picnic at Cape Cross
Sandwiches and snacks
Budget
Afternoon
Explore Skeleton Coast and
Zeila Shipwreck Namibia
Continue north to view the
Zeila Shipwreck Namibia, a rusting fishing trawler that ran aground in 2008. The skeletal remains create a haunting scene against the barren coastline. This area exemplifies the treacherous Skeleton Coast, named for the many ships wrecked along its foggy, current-swept shores. The stark beauty is photogenic and atmospheric.
2-3 hours
$15-20 for fuel
Evening
Return to Swakopmund for dinner
Enjoy a hearty meal at a local steakhouse specializing in Namibian game meat like kudu or oryx
Where to Stay Tonight
Swakopmund town center (Same accommodation as previous nights)
Final night in Swakopmund before heading inland to the desert
Bring a scarf or mask for Cape Cross as the ammonia smell from seal colonies can be overwhelming; it's strongest during midday heat
Day 3 Budget: $110-160
Embark on one of Namibia's most scenic drives, traveling through the Namib-Naukluft National Park to reach the iconic dune fields of Sossusvlei.
Morning
Scenic drive through Namib-Naukluft National Park
Depart early for the 350km drive to Sossusvlei, entering the vast Namib-Naukluft National Park. Stop at the small settlement of Solitaire for fuel and famous apple pie at the quirky desert outpost. The landscape transforms from gravel plains to increasingly dramatic desert scenery as you approach the dune fields.
5-6 hours with stops
$30-40 for fuel
Lunch
Solitaire bakery and general dealer
Famous apple pie and light meals
Budget
Afternoon
Visit Elim Dune and sunset viewing
After checking into your accommodation, visit the nearby Elim Dune for your first encounter with Namibia's famous red dunes. This easily accessible dune offers a gentle introduction to dune climbing and spectacular sunset views. The red sand glows brilliantly in late afternoon light, creating perfect photography conditions.
2-3 hours
Included in park fees
Evening
Dinner at lodge and stargazing
Dine at your accommodation and enjoy the incredibly dark skies for stargazing; Namibia has some of the clearest night skies on Earth
Where to Stay Tonight
Sesriem area near Sossusvlei (Desert lodge or campsite near the park entrance)
Staying near Sesriem gate allows early morning entry to Sossusvlei before day visitors arrive
Fill up with fuel in Swakopmund and again at Solitaire; there are no fuel stations between Solitaire and Sesriem
Day 4 Budget: $150-210
Rise before dawn to experience the magical light on Namibia's most famous dunes, including Dune 45, Big Daddy, and the surreal landscape of Deadvlei.
Morning
Dune 45 Viewpoint, Deadvlei, and Big Daddy Dune
Enter the park before sunrise to photograph Dune 45 Viewpoint in golden morning light. Continue to the parking area and take a 4x4 shuttle to Deadvlei, where 900-year-old dead camel thorn trees stand in a white clay pan surrounded by towering red dunes. For the adventurous, climb Big Daddy Dune, the tallest dune in the area at over 300 meters, for breathtaking views.
5-6 hours
$15-20 park entry plus $10 shuttle
Enter the park at sunrise for best light and fewer crowds; gates open one hour before sunrise
Lunch
Packed breakfast and lunch from your lodge
Picnic in the desert
Budget
Afternoon
Rest and explore Sesriem Canyon
After the early morning adventure, return to your lodge to rest during the heat of the day. In late afternoon, visit Sesriem Canyon, a small but scenic gorge carved by the Tsauchab River. Walk along the canyon floor, which holds water year-round in some sections, creating a cool microclimate.
1-2 hours
Included in park entry
Evening
Sundowner drinks and dinner
Enjoy drinks overlooking the desert landscape at your lodge, sharing stories of the day's dune adventures
Where to Stay Tonight
Sesriem area near Sossusvlei (Same accommodation as Day 4)
Second night allows a more relaxed experience without rushing through the highlights
Climbing Big Daddy is challenging; start early when sand is firmer and temperatures cooler, and bring at least 2 liters of water per person
Day 5 Budget: $140-190
Travel through the scenic Khomas Hochland region to Namibia's capital city, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
Morning
Scenic drive through desert and highlands
Depart Sossusvlei and drive approximately 300km northeast toward
Windhoek. The route takes you through increasingly green highlands as you gain elevation. Watch for wildlife including oryx, springbok, and ostriches along the roadside. Stop at scenic viewpoints to appreciate the dramatic landscape transitions.
4-5 hours
$30-40 for fuel
Lunch
A roadside restaurant in a small town en route
Traditional Namibian and continental dishes
Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore
Windhoek and visit TransNamib Museum
Arrive in
Windhoek and visit the TransNamib Museum to learn about Namibia's railway history and colonial past. The museum houses vintage locomotives and railway memorabilia. Afterward, explore Independence Avenue, the city's main street, with its mix of modern shops and German colonial architecture.
2-3 hours
$3-5 museum entry
Evening
Try a restaurant in the Klein
Windhoek area serving contemporary Namibian cuisine with local ingredients and game meats
Where to Stay Tonight
Windhoek city center or Klein Windhoek (Mid-range hotel or guesthouse)
Central location provides easy access to restaurants and services before heading north
Windhoek's craft beer scene is growing; several breweries offer tastings of locally-made beers in the evening
Day 6 Budget: $120-170
Journey to the renowned Okonjima Nature Reserve, home to the AfriCat Foundation, for close encounters with leopards, cheetahs, and other predators.
Morning
Drive to Okonjima Nature Reserve
Travel 200km north to Okonjima Nature Reserve, arriving in time for lunch and afternoon activities. The drive takes you through commercial farmland and acacia savanna. Okonjima is home to the AfriCat Foundation, dedicated to the conservation of Namibia's large carnivores, particularly leopards and cheetahs.
2.5-3 hours
$20-30 for fuel
Book accommodation and activities at Okonjima well in advance as this popular reserve fills up quickly
Lunch
Restaurant at your Okonjima lodge
International and local cuisine
Mid-range
Afternoon
Leopard or cheetah tracking at Okonjima Nature Reserve
Join an expert guide for leopard or cheetah tracking on the reserve. Using radio telemetry, guides locate these magnificent cats, allowing close-up viewing and photography. Learn about AfriCat's conservation work, including rehabilitation and research programs. The reserve offers excellent opportunities to observe these normally elusive predators.
3-4 hours
$40-60 for activity
Activities are typically included with accommodation packages; book the full package for best value
Evening
Night drive and dinner
Join an optional night drive to spot nocturnal species, followed by dinner at the lodge with fellow wildlife enthusiasts
Where to Stay Tonight
Okonjima Nature Reserve (Wildlife lodge within the reserve)
Staying on the reserve provides access to exclusive activities and supports conservation efforts
Okonjima's leopards are habituated to vehicles but still wild; bring a good camera with telephoto lens for incredible photo opportunities
Day 7 Budget: $180-280
Continue north to one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations, arriving at Etosha National Park for your first afternoon game drive.
Morning
Morning activity at Okonjima and drive to Etosha
Enjoy a final morning activity at Okonjima, perhaps a bushwalk or visit to the AfriCat Visitor Centre. Then drive approximately 250km north to Etosha National Park, entering through the southern Andersson Gate. The landscape becomes increasingly flat and open as you approach Namibia's premier wildlife reserve.
4-5 hours including activity and drive
$30-40 for fuel plus park entry $8 per person
Lunch
Restaurant at Okaukuejo rest camp inside Etosha
Simple buffet and à la carte options
Mid-range
Afternoon
First game drive in Etosha National Park
Begin exploring Etosha National Park with an afternoon self-drive safari. The park's network of roads connects numerous waterholes where wildlife congregates, especially during dry season. Look for elephants, giraffes, zebras, springbok, and predators. The famous Etosha pan, a vast salt flat, dominates the landscape.
3-4 hours
Included in park entry
Evening
Waterhole viewing and dinner
Watch the floodlit waterhole at Okaukuejo camp after dark, famous for elephant and rhino sightings, then dine at the camp restaurant
Where to Stay Tonight
Okaukuejo rest camp, Etosha National Park (National park rest camp with bungalows or camping)
Okaukuejo's central location and famous waterhole make it ideal for first-time Etosha visitors
Okaukuejo's floodlit waterhole is one of Namibia's best wildlife viewing spots; bring binoculars and patience for rhino sightings
Day 8 Budget: $130-180
Spend a full day exploring Etosha's diverse habitats and waterholes, maximizing your chances of encountering the park's incredible wildlife diversity.
Morning
Early morning game drive in Etosha National Park
Depart at sunrise for prime wildlife viewing when animals are most active. Drive the network of roads between waterholes, scanning for lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the park's large elephant population. Etosha is home to over 100 mammal species and 340 bird species. Morning light provides excellent photography conditions.
4-5 hours
Included in park entry
Lunch
Picnic at designated area or return to camp
Packed lunch or camp restaurant
Budget
Afternoon
Continue game viewing at Etosha National Park waterholes
After resting during midday heat, resume game driving in late afternoon. Visit different waterholes as animals return to drink. Etosha's open terrain allows excellent visibility for spotting wildlife. The park is particularly known for its black rhino population, best seen at dawn or dusk at waterholes.
3-4 hours
Included in park entry
Evening
Waterhole watching and dinner
Spend the evening at Okaukuejo waterhole watching wildlife come to drink under floodlights, a uniquely Etosha experience
Where to Stay Tonight
Okaukuejo rest camp, Etosha National Park (Same accommodation as Day 8)
Two nights allows thorough exploration of the western section of the park
Download a waterhole map and mark which ones are productive; return to successful spots at different times of day
Day 9 Budget: $110-150
Drive across Etosha to the eastern section, game viewing along the way, and experience different landscapes and wildlife concentrations.
Morning
Cross-park game drive to eastern Etosha
Drive slowly eastward through Etosha National Park, stopping at waterholes along the route including Halali area. The 140km journey offers continuous wildlife viewing opportunities. The landscape varies from mopane woodland to open grassland. This leisurely drive typically yields excellent sightings as you're covering new territory.
5-6 hours with game viewing stops
Included in park entry
Lunch
Halali rest camp restaurant
Camp meals and snacks
Mid-range
Afternoon
Game viewing in eastern Etosha National Park
Explore the eastern section around Namutoni, which features different vegetation and often different wildlife sightings than the west. The area around Namutoni has numerous productive waterholes including Klein Namutoni and Kalkheuwel. The historic Namutoni Fort provides a distinctive landmark.
3-4 hours
Included in park entry
Evening
Sunset at camp and dinner
Enjoy sunset views from Namutoni camp and dine at the restaurant, sharing wildlife sightings with other safari-goers
Where to Stay Tonight
Namutoni rest camp, Etosha National Park (National park rest camp)
Namutoni's location in eastern Etosha provides access to different areas and the historic fort adds character
The waterhole at Namutoni camp is less famous than Okaukuejo but can be equally productive and less crowded
Day 10 Budget: $110-150
Maximize your final morning in Etosha before visiting a traditional Himba village to learn about one of Namibia's most distinctive cultures.
Morning
Final morning game drive in Etosha National Park
Rise early for a last game drive in eastern Etosha, focusing on waterholes you haven't yet visited. The early morning hours offer the best chance for predator sightings and active wildlife. Make the most of your final hours in this remarkable park before beginning the journey north.
3-4 hours
Included in park entry
Lunch
Packed lunch or early meal at Namutoni
Light meal before departing
Budget
Afternoon
Visit Omapaha Etosha Himba Village
Exit Etosha and visit Omapaha Etosha Himba Village to learn about Himba culture. The semi-nomadic Himba people maintain traditional lifestyles, and respectful village visits offer insight into their customs, distinctive red ochre body decoration, and pastoral traditions. Engage with community members and learn about their unique way of life.
2-3 hours
$15-25 village visit fee
Arrange visits through your accommodation or tour operators to ensure cultural sensitivity and fair compensation to the community
Evening
Drive to accommodation and dinner
Stay at a lodge near Etosha's northern region with dinner included, reflecting on your safari experiences
Where to Stay Tonight
Area north of Etosha (Lodge or guesthouse outside the park)
Positioning for either return journey south or optional northern extensions
When visiting Himba villages, always ask permission before photographing people; a small tip for photos is customary and appreciated
Day 11 Budget: $140-190
Begin the return journey south with a stop at the dramatic Waterberg Plateau, a massive red sandstone formation rising from the plains.
Morning
Drive south toward Waterberg Plateau National Park
Depart early for the approximately 300km drive south through central Namibia. The route takes you through small towns and commercial farmland. Stop for fuel and supplies in Otjiwarongo, a pleasant agricultural town. Continue to Waterberg Plateau National Park, arriving by midday.
4-5 hours
$40-50 for fuel
Lunch
Restaurant in Otjiwarongo or at Waterberg rest camp
Simple Namibian fare
Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore Waterberg Plateau National Park
Hike one of the trails at the base of the Waterberg Plateau National Park, a 50km-long sandstone plateau rising 200 meters above the surrounding plains. The plateau's unique ecosystem supports species including sable antelope, roan antelope, and both black and white rhino. The red cliffs are particularly photogenic in afternoon light.
2-3 hours
$8-10 park entry
Evening
Sunset viewing and dinner
Watch the sunset illuminate the red sandstone cliffs, then enjoy dinner at your lodge with views of the plateau
Where to Stay Tonight
Waterberg Plateau area (Lodge near the plateau)
Breaking the journey south allows appreciation of this geological wonder without rushing
The Waterberg was the site of a significant 1904 battle; a small museum near the rest camp provides historical context
Day 12 Budget: $130-180
Complete the journey back to the
Windhoek area with a relaxing afternoon at a nature reserve, perfect for unwinding before your final day.
Morning
Drive to
Windhoek area via Avis Dam Nature Reserve
Drive approximately 250km south, stopping at Avis Dam Nature Reserve just outside
Windhoek. This small reserve offers easy walking trails around a dam and opportunities to spot antelope, birds, and other wildlife. It's a peaceful spot for stretching your legs after days of driving and provides a gentle transition back to civilization.
4-5 hours including stop
$30-40 for fuel plus $3-5 reserve entry
Lunch
Picnic at Avis Dam or restaurant in
Windhoek suburbs
Light meal
Budget
Afternoon
Leisure time and souvenir shopping
Check into your
Windhoek accommodation and enjoy free time. Visit craft markets for last-minute souvenirs including local art, jewelry, and textiles. The Namibia Craft Centre offers quality handmade items with proceeds supporting local artisans. Alternatively, simply relax at your accommodation and organize photos from your journey.
2-3 hours
$50-100 for souvenirs
Evening
Celebrate your Namibian adventure with a special dinner at an upscale restaurant featuring Namibian cuisine and wines
Where to Stay Tonight
Windhoek near airport (Hotel or guesthouse convenient to airport)
Airport-adjacent location simplifies early morning departure on Day 14
Many lodges and restaurants accept credit cards, but have some Namibian dollars for craft markets and small vendors
Day 13 Budget: $150-220
Final morning in Namibia with time for last-minute activities before your departure flight, taking memories of incredible landscapes and wildlife encounters.
Morning
Leisure morning and airport transfer
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a relaxed breakfast and final moments in Namibia. If time permits, take a brief drive around
Windhoek's residential areas or visit a final craft market. Transfer to Hosea Kutako International Airport, allowing at least 2 hours before international flights. Return your rental car if self-driving.
2-3 hours
$20-30 for transfer if not driving
Lunch
Airport restaurant or early meal in
Windhoek
International
Mid-range
Afternoon
Departure
Depart Namibia with memories of ancient deserts, incredible wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and the warm hospitality of this remarkable country. Most international flights depart in afternoon or evening, allowing a relaxed morning.
N/A
N/A
Evening
In transit
Reflect on your Namibian adventure during your flight home
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day
Arrive at the airport early as it's 45km from
Windhoek city center; allow extra time for rental car return and processing
Day 14 Budget: $50-100