Ultimate 21-Day Namibia Private Safari Itinerary Guide

A Detailed 21-Day Namibia Private Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Windhoek

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

Your transfer driver will be waiting to greet you as you land at Windhoek International Airport and whisk you away to your hotel in Namibia. Take it easy as you make your way to the nation you’ll be visiting for the next three weeks. The first stop on this 21-day Namibia vacation begins in Windhoek, where you’ll meet your guide for a city tour of the capital. Stops along the way will include the Christ Church, the parliament building (also known as the “ink palace”), And Independence Avenue. Enjoy supper at one of Windhoek’s many fine eateries before calling it a night (at your own expense). Staying at The Elegant Guesthouse is your plan for the night.

Day 2: Windhoek – Kalahari

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

Your journey to Namibia begins after breakfast. You head south out of Windhoek toward the Kalahari. In its entirety, this transboundary desert constitutes the planet’s largest continuous sand surface. Variegated flora, including acacias, bushes, and grass, covers the Kalahari dunes. As the day progresses, you’ll make your way to your overnight destination, which is set within the picturesque red dunes. Take in the Kalahari sunset’s kaleidoscope of colours. A stay at the Gondwana Kalahari Anib Lodge is in your future.

Day 3: Kalahari – Keetmanshoop

Distance approx. 270 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours

You have the option of going for a solo walk first thing in the morning or signing up for a guided walk with an experienced local (optional). The next stop is Keetmanshoop. After a short nap at the guesthouse, you’ll be ready to explore the Quiver Tree Forest and Giants’ Playground in the afternoon. With its golden bark and yellow blooms, the almost three thousand ancient quiver trees sparkle in the evening sun. Go out to a restaurant in Keetmanshoop for dinner (at your own cost). Check into the Quiver Inn Guesthouse for the night.

Day 4: Keetmanshoop – Naute Dam – Fish River Canyon

Distance approx. 430 km; driving time approx. 6-7 hours

You will continue your trek to the Fish River Canyon after breakfast. You begin your exploration of the world’s second-largest canyon—at 160 kilometres in length and 27 kilometres in width—at the lookout points in Gondwana Canyon Park, located on the canyon’s eastern edge. Various viewpoints offer amazing views. Returning to Naute Dam, you can stop for lunch at the Naute Kristall Distillery. Here you may get a tour of the distillery and, if you’re interested, try some gin or brandy. You reach the canyon’s western flank in the early afternoon. Located on the canyon’s edge, Fish River Lodge will serve as your overnight residence. Let yourself be captivated by the breathtaking vistas and take in the breathtaking natural beauty.

Day 5-6: Fish River Canyon – Aus

Distance on day 5: approx. 290 km; driving time approx. 4-5 hours
Distance on day 6: approx. 250 km; driving time approx. 3 hours

Take in the breathtaking canyon vistas one more time before trudging on bumpy roads to Australia. If you’re lucky, you might see some wild horses near Garub in the afternoon; nobody knows for sure where they came from. The Desert Horse Inn, located on Klein Aus Vista farm, is where you’ll be spending the next two nights. Luderitz, a seaside village with a monolithic church and Goerke House, is a great stop for a day trip that will teach you about the colonial past. Kolmanskop is the site of another expedition; it was the residence and workplace of 400 people during the diamond rush. As the desert sands gradually engulf it, it has transformed into an outdoor museum with an air of mystery.

Day 7: Aus – NamibRand Nature Reserve

Distance approx. 250 km; driving time approx. 4-5 hours

The scenic Tiras Mountains region will be your destination today as you travel along the D707, widely regarded as one of the country’s most magnificent roadways. There will be plenty of opportunities to pause for photos amidst the stunning desert scenery. The Greenfire Desert Lodge will be your destination by mid-afternoon. Relax and take in the serene, private setting. You get in your car and drive out on a scenic drive across breathtaking landscape as the sun sets. Before heading back to the lodge, take in the breathtaking sunset. Sit back, relax, and take in the breathtaking night sky from the patio after supper.

Day 8: NamibRand Nature Reserve – Naukluft Mountains

Distance approx. 250 km; driving time approx. 4-5 hours

As the sun rises in the morning, it casts a beautiful golden light that colours everything around you. The Naukluft Mountains are your destination for today’s trek northward. Now, the environment is dominated by mountain peaks up to 2000 meters in height, as well as by deep gorges and rough cliffs. Arm yourself for a stroll! The trail follows a little river before arriving at a naturally occurring, pristine rock pool—ideal for a picnic and a swim! Get back to the car and chill with a refreshing drink before making your way to the posh Desert Lodge. Your day of contrasts is coming to a close here, between the Namib Desert dunes and the Naukluft Mountains.

Day 9: Exploring Sossusvlei

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

Embarking on your journey into the world’s oldest desert, the Namib Desert, will be scheduled before sunrise. Climb one of the massive dunes—the hot climb through the soft sand pays off with a breathtaking panorama of the apparently unending sea of dunes. Two of the sites you’ll be seeing are Deadvlei and Sossusvlei, a clay pan encircled by dunes. Impressive colour contrasts include rust-red dunes, dark camel thorn plants, white clay soil, and a clear blue sky. The Sesriem Canyon will also be explored by you. Part of this 30-meter-deep canyon can be walked in the dry season. Light and shadow create an exquisite dance, especially along the small sections. During the afternoon, you’ll make your way back to Elegant Desert Lodge. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing and taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Day 10-11: Namib Desert – Swakopmund

Distance on day 10: approx. 400 km; driving time approx. 6 hours

The rough terrain of the Kuiseb Pass and the Gaub Pass await you today as you head north-west. Deviate from the main route and traverse the northern, less travelled section of Namib Naukluft Park on a less used road. The Welwitschia Drive awaits you, flanked by the venerable plants of the same name. Pause at the Goanikontes Oasis on the banks of the Swakop River to take in the strange-looking Moon Landscape with its craggy rocks. The afternoon finds you at Swakopmund. You may learn more about this picturesque seaside town on a guided tour. After breakfast, you’re free to explore town at your own pace or sign up for an optional activity like a boat trip or a desert safari in search of the Little Five. Try out one of the many eateries in town as you and your other tourists have supper (at your own cost). Organic Stay Guesthouse is where you’ll be spending the next two nights.

Day 12: Swakopmund – Erongo Mountains

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

Amidst the numerous shipwrecks along this Atlantic coast, you set out this morning to visit the Zeila wreck. After pausing for photos, you’ll head inland, away from the water. Spitzkoppe is where you’re headed next. Discover the wonders of these enormous granite rock formations adorned with prehistoric rock art. The next stop on your adventure is the Omandumba Bush Camp, which is situated at the base of the majestic Erongo Mountains. In wild and romantic surroundings, you may look forward to a comfortable stay by the nature.

Day 13: Erongo Mountains

I am excited to go hiking in the stunning Erongo Mountains today. Ancient rock art dating back thousands of years attests to the fact that this region was once home to the indigenous San people of Namibia. Visiting a living museum is a fascinating way to learn about their history and culture. You can learn about the San’s hunter-gatherer culture and marvel at their intriguing rock art while strolling with them. On your walk, don’t forget to take in the breathtaking surroundings; you won’t be disappointed. There will be plenty of downtime once you return to the camp. The Omandumba Bush Camp will be your home for one more night.

Day 14: Erongo Mountains – Ugab Valley

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

First thing in the morning is a delicious breakfast, and then you’re off to the north. Off the beaten path, your guide leads you across expansive fields. Along the route, you won’t come across many other tourists. The reality is that animals will cross your way from time to time. Ascending the terraces brings you to the Ugab Valley. Explore the mysterious Vingerklip, a rock formation that looks like a finger, and see it for yourself. The picturesque Vingerklip Lodge is yours to enjoy from late afternoon.

Day 15: Ugab Valley – Twyfelfontein – Grootberg

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

You set out early in the morning and head west-west. Travel to Twyfelfontein, a site of many rock engravings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cultural artefacts of Namibia are truly priceless. Damara Living Museum is the next stop. Discover the art, music, and dance of the ancient Damara people as you get insight into their daily lives and the traditions they upheld. The next stop is at the Grootberg Lodge, which is perched precariously on a plateau and offers breathtaking views. Take it easy and marvel at the breathtaking panorama of the Klip River Valley.

Day 16: Grootberg, Elephant Tracking

Accompanied by an experienced tracker, you search for the rare desert elephants. Go on an exhilarating safari through breathtaking scenery while learning about the Damaraland’s native plants and animals. The somewhat smaller desert elephants can be located with some persistence and good fortune on the part of your tracker. You will then be able to spend the afternoon at your own pace upon your return to the resort. Grootberg Lodge is where you’ll stay for one more night.

Day 17: Grootberg – Etosha Area

Distance approx. 180 km; driving time approx. 3 hours

To change things up, how about starting the day gently? Having a lie-in and taking in the breathtaking views from your room is the perfect way to start your stay. In the morning, there is the option to participate in a guided walk. As you explore the plateau and its vegetation, your knowledgeable guide will point you the elusive plateau dwellers. When the sun comes up, it’s time to get moving. Before continuing on to your next lodging, which is situated in the heart of the private Hobatere Concession, you stop for a brief shopping spree at Kamanjab. Numerous large game animals call this over 8,000-hectare wildlife reserve, which borders Etosha National Park, home. The drive to the resort, if you’re lucky, will be filled with wildlife sightings, setting the tone for an unforgettable stay in the Etosha region. You spend the night at Hobatere Lodge and have dinner there.

Day 18: Etosha National Park

Your day will get underway bright and early as you pass through the Galton Gate into the world-renowned Etosha National Park. One of the most visited national parks in Southern Africa is going to be a “safari” playground for the next several days. You move eastward at a leisurely pace. Make sure to keep an eye out for lions, leopards, antelopes, rhinos, giraffes, and elephants as you travel. The fascinating world of animals is something your guide will gladly share their extensive knowledge of with you. You should head south of the park to the Anderson Gate as the sun starts to set. Your hotel is at a short distance from the gate. Relax and enjoy a long, hot shower while you get settled in. Stay at Etosha Village for dinner and the night.

Day 19: Etosha National Park

After another game drive, today’s schedule consists of a full breakfast. On a safari, you may expect to experience nature in a way that no other day has. Keep an eye out for zebras, impalas, oryx, and wildebeest as they frolic across the plains, and wonder at the endless eastward expanse of the Etosha Pan. To get a closer look at the animals drinking, stop by a few of the waterholes. After a brief journey from Etosha National Park, you arrive at Mushara Bush Camp in the late afternoon, where you will spend the night.

Day 20: Etosha Area – Waterberg Plateau

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

You deserve a more leisurely morning after getting up early for the previous two days. The morning at camp and your delicious breakfast are waiting for you. Your travel heads south today. The Waterberg is easily identifiable from a distance due to its sheer, red rocks. The private wilderness preserve Waterberg Wilderness will be your destination by mid-afternoon. Take in the stunning vistas stretching from the verdant valley to the red sandstone cliffs of the Waterberg, hike along one of the designated paths or (optionally) go on the Rhino Drive. The Waterberg Valley Lodge will be your home for the night.

Day 21: Waterberg Plateau – Windhoek

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

It is optional to walk up to the plateau after a delicious breakfast. An spectacular view awaits at the top of the somewhat steamy climb! The next step is to return to Windhoek, the starting point of your exciting tour. Between the hours of 3 and 4, your guide will personally transport you to either the airport or a Windhoek lodging of your choosing, where you will be said goodbye. Until next time, totsiens!

End of the 21-Day Namibia Private Safari Itinerary

Inclusions

• transport in a tour vehicle
• professional guide
• 20 nights’ stay in lodges, camps, and guesthouses (depending on availability, accommodation of a similar standard will be booked)
• 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