Thrilling 13-Day Namibia Safari Itinerary Guide

A Detailed 13-Day Namibia Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Windhoek

Distance approx. 50 km; driving time approx. 1 hour

Your plane must land at Windhoek International Airport by noon local time. A chauffeur will collect you and transport you to the Elegant Guesthouse. You will have the opportunity to freshen yourself after checking in, and then you will meet your guide for a brief city tour of Windhoek. Many interesting places to visit include Tintenpalast (the House of Parliament) and Christ Church. After a delicious dinner at one of Windhoek’s many fine eateries (at your own cost), you’ll retire for the night at the Elegant Guesthouse.

Day 2: Windhoek – Kalahari

Distance approx. 280 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours

You will leave Windhoek after a briefing and your bags have been loaded into the safari vehicle. As you make your way south towards Mariental, keep going until you come to the Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch. It’s like an oasis in the middle of the brilliant red sand dunes, just on the verge of the southern Kalahari. Relax and take in the breathtaking scenery as you immerse yourself in the peaceful desert environment.

An unforgettable sunset drive, which is available as an extra activity, will be waiting for you in the late afternoon. Take in the golden light of the setting sun as you explore the Kalahari at the end of the day. You will learn more about the intriguing Kalahari landscape and animals with the help of a local guide.

A sumptuous three-course dinner is waiting for you when you get back to the lodge, and then you can retire to your chalet.

Day 3: Kalahari – Namib Desert

Distance approx. 300 km; driving time approx. 4-5 hours

The sunrise over the Kalahari will be a breathtaking sight for those who rise early. Relish a cup of coffee while perched on a dune and witness the sunrise’s dazzling colour palette. On the other hand, you have the choice to sleep in or join one of the optional morning lodge activities like a horseback ride, a walk with Bushmen, or a picturesque drive. No matter what you do first thing in the morning, fuelling yourself with a substantial meal will set you up for success.

Your travel continues later in the morning towards Sesriem via Mariental and Maltahöhe. The Elegant Desert Camp is your starting point for day trips to the Namib Desert’s enormous star dunes at Sossusvlei. Sit back, relax, and soak in the tranquillity of your poolside or terrace setting. We will have dinner and spend the night in the Elegant Desert Camp.

Day 4: Exploring Sossusvlei

Distance approx. 200 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours

The Sossusvlei area may be accessed through the Namib Naukluft Park gates, which open around daybreak. Climbing one of the dunes offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding area, but only if you get there early and are in good enough shape. The 4×4 vehicle will take you to the Sossusvlei, a parched clay basin that gets wet only after very rainy years. Afterwards, you’ll keep going until you reach the Sesriem Canyon, which the Tsauchab River carved out millions of years ago. The Elegant Desert Camp awaits your return after an exciting morning. Take a moment to appreciate the splendour of your environment. It is worthwhile to relax and take in the sunset scenery as the day winds down: In the pitch-black expanse of space, countless stars shimmer and sparkle. In addition, you have the option to bring your bed out onto your private terrace and spend the night beneath the open sky if you find this hypnotic sight too much to bear.

Day 5: Namib Desert – Swakopmund

Distance approx. 400 km; driving time approx. 6 hours

You will be travelling to the Atlantic Ocean today. But first, you’ll have to make your way up the Welwitschia Drive, which takes you past the Bloedkoppie. As you make your way to various vantage spots, you’ll be able to take in breathtaking views of the lunar landscape. We cordially encourage you to disembark from the vehicle and take in the breathtaking scenery of craggy mountains. There is something beautiful and eerie about it. Afterwards, you’ll come to Swakopmund, a town tucked away between the Namib Desert and the ocean. To get to know this town that has been profoundly impacted by Germany, a short city tour is a great idea. When night falls, dine at one of the several eateries. Expenses (at your own expense) in Swakopmund—the seafood is not to be missed! Staying at Organic Stay Guesthouse, which is only a five-minute walk from the Atlantic Ocean, will be your home for two nights.

Day 6: Swakopmund

You are free for the entire day following breakfast. Go for a walk along the promenade or peruse the stores in town. Visit Cape Cross, go on a catamaran sail, go on a desert safari, or book a scenic fly in a tiny plane to retrace the steps of the “Little Five” (all of which are optional). There are many of eateries to choose from, so you can have dinner with your fellow tourists at night (at your own expense). Come spend the night at the Organic Stay Guesthouse.

Day 7: Swakopmund – Erongo Mountains

Distance approx. 270 km; driving time approx. 4-5 hours

Your return to the interior begins with your departure from Swakopmund in the wee hours of the morning. The 700 million-year-old Spitzkoppe welcomes you with granite dome-like peaks 1,730 meters high that are visible from afar. As a group, you and your guide will investigate the fascinating granite rock formations dotting this breathtaking environment. Your next stop will be a San Living Museum when you keep forward to the Erongo Mountains region. This is a great place to learn about the history and customs of one of the oldest Namibian tribes. Joining a San person on a bush walk is a great way to see their real, ancient rock drawings and learn about their hunter-gatherer lifestyle. The Otjohotozu Guest Farm is a short drive away from that point. After you check in, you’ll have some free time to relax and get ready for your guided sundowner drive. During the trip, you’ll see stunning landscapes and get fascinating facts about the local wildlife and ecology. Stay the night on the guest farm and savour a hearty dinner.

Day 8: Erongo Mountains – Twyfelfontein

Distance approx. 250 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours

Tomorrow is going to be just as thrilling. Today, your route will be north-westerly. Twyfelfontein, home to the world-renowned rock carvings, should be your initial destination. Anticipate learning more about these priceless artefacts from Namibia’s cultural past, which date back at least two thousand years. Damara Living Museum is the next stop. More about the Damara culture, including their arts and crafts, dances, and songs, as well as their way of life from hundreds of years ago, will be revealed to you. You proceed to the picturesque Malansrus Tented Camp throughout the afternoon. Unwind and experience complete comfort!

Day 9: Desert Elephant Tracking

In pursuit of the endangered desert elephants, you will set out for the parched Huab riverbed after breakfast. As you travel across Damaraland, take in the breathtaking scenery and get a feel for the local culture. Compared to their relatives in Etosha National Park, desert-adapted elephants are somewhat smaller, but you never know, you might encounter one if you’re lucky. Back at Malansrus Tented Camp you go thereafter. As you drift off to sleep, you can anticipate another mouth-watering meal while listening to the natural world around you.

Day 10: Twyfelfontein – Etosha National Park

Distance approx. 350 km; driving time approx. 4 hours

One of the most well-known national parks in Southern Africa, Etosha National Park was established in 1907 and is the destination of today’s excursion. Game watching primarily takes place at waterholes frequented by elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and several antelope species. If you’re lucky, you could even see some big cats like lions and leopards. After a long day of thrilling sightings, you depart Etosha in the late afternoon through the Anderson Gate. It’s a short journey to your overnight destination, Etosha Village. After a long day on the safari, unwind with a refreshing drink at the bar and a delicious dinner.

Day 11: Etosha National Park

In the morning, after a healthy meal, you’ll be ready to watch more games. Keep an eye out for herds of zebras, impalas, gnus, and oryx as you wander the Etosha plains. Your journey takes you across Etosha’s most striking feature, the enormous salt pan, which occupies nearly a quarter of the park’s total area. Expect even more thrilling wildlife encounters at the numerous waterholes that dot the route. After a day of seeing the park, you’ll head to the Mushara Bush Camp for an overnight stay in a permanent luxury tent with an attached bathroom.

Day 12: Etosha National Park – Waterberg

Distance approx. 350 km; driving time approx. 4-5 hours

The day begins bright and early once more, and following breakfast, you will set out on your final game drive in Etosha National Park. Every day on safari is unique and full of surprises; you can spot animals you haven’t seen in a while. Your journey now continues southward, away from the Etosha region.From a distance, you can make out the Waterberg and its rocky, crimson cliffs. Your lodging, the Waterberg Guest Farm, is situated at the base of the Small Waterberg Mountain. You have the option to either settle in by the pool and relish in the tranquillity of nature, or embark on a walk to discover the stunning surrounds, depending on when you arrive. Come to the Waterberg Guest Farm to stay the night.

Day 13: Waterberg – Windhoek

Distance approx. 300 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours

Your 13-day Namibia Safari begins today as you return to its origin. Between the hours of 2 and 3, you will return to Windhoek. If you have time, you should stop into Windhoek’s Namibian Craft Centre to purchase some baskets, accessories, jewellery, and souvenirs made by local artisans. Those who have purchased all the necessary mementos can relax at the next café and see the residents of Windhoek going about their daily lives. Your guide will then transport you to Windhoek’s airport or a lodge of your choosing, depending on your specific itinerary. At this point, you will need to bid farewell, and hopefully, until we meet again!

End of the 13-Day Namibia Safari Itinerary

Inclusions

• transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
• professional, English-speaking guide
• 12 nights’ stay in lodges, camps or guest farms
• meals according to the itinerary
• activities as per itinerary
• all national park fees

Exclusions

• flights (international and domestic)
• meals not indicated in the itinerary
• alcoholic and soft drinks
• optional activities
• tips
• personal expenses, visa fees, travel insurance