The Ultimate Week in Namibia
From Ancient Deserts to Wildlife Wonders
Trip Overview
This seven-day adventure captures Namibia's most spectacular landscapes and wildlife encounters. Journey from the world's oldest desert to one of Africa's premier wildlife reserves, experiencing towering red dunes, shipwreck-strewn coastlines, and abundant wildlife. This itinerary balances early morning game drives with afternoon explorations of surreal desert landscapes. You'll witness the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei, encounter thousands of seals at Cape Cross, and track elephants and lions in Etosha National Park. The pace is active but manageable, with long drives broken up by stunning scenery and photographic opportunities. Each day offers unique experiences that showcase why Namibia is one of Africa's most visually stunning destinations.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival & Capital Introduction
Where to Stay Tonight
Windhoek city center (Mid-range guesthouse or boutique hotel)
Central location allows easy city exploration and convenient early departure toward the desert tomorrow
Journey to the Ancient Desert
Where to Stay Tonight
Near Sesriem gate, Namib-Naukluft National Park (Desert lodge or camping with facilities)
Proximity to park gate is essential for pre-dawn access to Sossusvlei tomorrow
Sossusvlei's Surreal Landscapes
Where to Stay Tonight
Near Sesriem, Namib-Naukluft National Park (Desert lodge or permanent tented camp)
Second night allows for thorough exploration of the area without rushing
Coastal Contrasts & Shipwrecks
Where to Stay Tonight
Swakopmund town center (Guesthouse or beachfront hotel)
Central location provides access to restaurants, shops, and tomorrow's coastal adventures
Skeleton Coast & Desert Adventures
Where to Stay Tonight
Swakopmund town center (Same accommodation as previous night)
Two nights allows thorough exploration without repacking
Journey to Wildlife Paradise
Where to Stay Tonight
Inside Etosha National Park or just outside southern gates (Rest camp bungalow or safari lodge)
Staying inside the park maximizes game viewing time and provides access to floodlit waterholes
Final Safari & Departure
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (Departure day)
End of itinerary
Practical Information
Getting Around
A 4x4 rental vehicle is essential for this itinerary, particularly for accessing Sossusvlei and navigating Etosha's gravel roads. Self-driving gives you flexibility and is the most practical option for this route. Book a reliable 4x4 with good clearance, GPS, and spare tires. Distances are vast - expect 4-6 hour drives between major destinations. Roads are generally well-maintained but gravel roads require slower speeds. Fuel up whenever possible as stations are sparse. International driving permits are required along with your home license.
Book Ahead
Book accommodations inside Etosha National Park 6-12 months ahead as they fill quickly. Desert lodges near Sossusvlei should be reserved 3-6 months in advance. Rental 4x4 vehicles should be booked early for better rates. Marine activities in Walvis Bay benefit from 48-hour advance booking. All other attractions allow walk-in access.
Packing Essentials
Layered clothing for temperature extremes, warm jacket for cold mornings, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), binoculars for wildlife viewing, camera with extra batteries and memory cards, plastic bags for protecting gear from sand, comfortable hiking boots, reusable water bottles, basic first aid kit, and offline maps downloaded to phone
Total Budget
$1,330-1,880 for 7 days (excluding international flights)
Customize Your Trip
Budget Version
Camp instead of staying in lodges, reducing accommodation costs by 50%. Self-cater meals by shopping at supermarkets in Windhoek and Swakopmund. Skip paid adventure activities like sandboarding and boat tours. Stay outside Etosha rather than inside the park. Use 2WD vehicle where possible and take shuttles at Sossusvlei. This reduces daily costs to $100-140 per day while still experiencing all major highlights.
Luxury Upgrade
Stay at exclusive desert lodges in NamibRand Nature Reserve with private guided drives and hot air balloon safaris over the dunes. Book luxury lodges inside Etosha with private game drives and expert guides. Add scenic flights over the Skeleton Coast and Sossusvlei. Include a night at Okonjima Nature Reserve for leopard tracking. Enjoy fine dining experiences and spa treatments. Consider flying between destinations to minimize driving. Budget $500-800 per day.
Family-Friendly
Base in Swakopmund for 3 nights to reduce packing and unpacking with children. Choose family-friendly lodges with pools and shorter activity options. Skip the challenging Big Daddy Dune climb in favor of easier Elim Dune. Add interactive activities like sandboarding and seal watching that engage children. Book larger accommodation units with kitchen facilities. In Etosha, focus on waterholes near camps rather than long drives. Consider joining guided tours with naturalists who can educate children about wildlife.
Book Activities for Your Trip
Tours, tickets, and experiences in Namibia