10-Day Namibian Highlights Tour

Day 1: Windhoek – Kalahari Desert

Guests are picked up from their accommodation in Windhoek or at the airport for the leg of the journey. Just before Mariental, we drive east into the Kalahari Desert to overnight at Kalahari Anib Lodge. The stylish, spacious, and refreshing lodge is imbued with the spirit of the Kalahari with its burnished sand, ostrich eggshell light, and camelthorn trees.

Accommodation: Kalahari Anib Lodge

Meals: Dinner

Optional extra activity: Sundowner Dune Drive

Day 2: Kalahari – Namib Desert

After a good night’s sleep and a full breakfast, it is time for a taste of the ancient Namib Desert. The route takes you past the majestic Namib Naukluft Mountains near Büllsport before reaching the Namib with its combination of spectacular desert scenery and majestic mountains. Namib Desert Lodge is set below an impressive ridge of fossilized dunes, formed 20 million years ago.

Accommodation: Namib Desert Lodge

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3: Sossusvlei

An early start to the day awaits. Much of the day is spent climbing the highest dunes in the world. Big Daddy offers a strenuous climb, but the view along the crest is completely worth it. Upon descent, the whispering sands of the Namib lead to the ancient camelthorn trees of Dead Vlei – one of the most photographed areas in Sossusvlei. Exploration continues into the rugged Sesriem Canyon before returning to the lodge.

Enjoy a sunset dune drive where the crimson horizon can be appreciated from the crest of the fossilized dunes and some of the best scenery in the Gondwana Namib Park can be viewed.

Accommodation: Namib Desert Lodge

Meals: Brunch & Dinner

Day 4: Swakopmund

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at Namib Desert Lodge before the journey through the fascinating desert landscape to Swakopmund. The first stop is the desert outpost of Solitaire, famous for its apple pie. The route crosses the Tropic of Capricorn, marking the sun’s turning point at 23˚ south on its annual journey through the heavens, before meandering through the Gaub and Kuiseb canyons. The cool and often misty town of Swakopmund, which lies between the crashing Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert, balances the day’s journey perfectly.

Old German architecture, wide streets, and a plethora of restaurants, coffee, and curio shops make this coastal town a joy to explore. The Delight Hotel is a fresh breeze in the desert, providing a delightful home for your stay in Swakopmund.

Accommodation: The Delight

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Swakopmund

A highlight of a stay at The Delight is its scrumptious breakfast spread. Pour yourself a glass of champagne and freshly squeezed orange juice and savor Walvis Bay oysters before heading off to explore the town. Or choose an activity or excursion. Swakopmund is the adventure capital of Namibia and excursions range from Living Desert tours, kayaking in the Walvis Bay lagoon, and dolphin cruises to sandboarding, quad-biking, and skydiving. Take your pick, or just relax, ending the day in one of Swakopmund’s popular restaurants.

Accommodation: The Delight

Meals: Breakfast

There is a wide range of optional extra activities

Day 6: Swakopmund to Damaraland

After your day of fun and exploration, we continue northwards to Henties Bay along the coast before veering inland towards Uis and the Brandberg massif. As you near the Ugab River, look out for the striking Herero women with their colorful stalls. The next stop is the Petrified Forest, a testament to the Earth’s intriguing geological history.

Your overnight stop, Damara Mopane Lodge, is 30km east of Khorixas. Built in a semi-circular labyrinth design with a turquoise pool at its center, the lodge is a lovely surprise. Each chalet has its very own garden with fresh vegetables, sunflowers, and the occasional scarecrow peeking out. Stroll up the koppie in the late afternoon to watch the sunset and appreciate the expansive view over the mopane woodland before the inviting aromas of dinner call you back to the lodge.

Accommodation: Damara Mopane Lodge

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7: Damaraland

Rock art is on the agenda today with a visit to Twyfelfontein, home to a treasure trove of ancient rock engravings. The area was once visited by groups of hunters and gatherers, who congregated at the rock pools in the dry season. Their shamans beseeched the gods for rain, healing for their people and luck for the hunt, hammering their prayers into the sandstone rock.

The desert environment has preserved these engravings for thousands of years. Other geological stops include the Organ Pipes and the Burnt Mountain. For some local culture, you’ll visit the Damara Living Museum. Do not miss the afternoon walk to the sunset deck for a sundowner drink and an exceptional view of the landscape.

Accommodation: Damara Mopane Lodge

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8: Damaraland to Etosha National Park

Today we travel into the heart of the country, Etosha National Park, via Outjo, making it in time for an afternoon game drive in the park. After departing Damara Mopane, you’ll visit a Himba village, before continuing to the Etosha National Park. Experience the bounty of this wildlife haven before returning to Etosha Safari Camp for supper. This relaxed and down-to-earth camp has a quirky restaurant based on the shebeens (taverns) of old. Musicians strum guitars in the courtyard and sing local tunes while the guests relish the good fare. Tap your toes and sing along at this lively, fun venue before returning by starlight to your comfortable room and the peace of an Etosha night.

Accommodation: Etosha Safari Camp

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 9: Etosha National Park

Explore Etosha and its many waterholes where the wildlife gathers to slake its thirst. Every season has its beauty in this special conservation area. The full-day drive gives you the chance to view the array of sleek African wildlife in its natural surroundings. Return in the afternoon to the friendliness of Etosha Safari Camp for your last night of the tour.

Accommodation: Etosha Safari Camp

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10: Etosha National Park to Windhoek

Breakfast is enjoyed at the camp before the drive southwards back to Windhoek, via Okahandja’s popular woodcarver’s market. Your guide will drop you off at your chosen accommodation in the capital city, Windhoek.

Meals: Breakfast

Additional Information:

Should the group require a guide in a different language, a supplement will be charged.

Tour Details

Windhoek Departures: first and third Monday of every month

Child Policy: no children under the age of 10 years

Minimum number of travelers: 1 (4 adults on non-scheduled departures)

Maximum number of travelers: 7 persons per vehicle (larger groups on request)

Departure from Windhoek: 08:00 AM, it is highly recommended to have a pre-night in Windhoek to join the tour on time.

Arrival in Windhoek: after 03:00 PM, it is highly recommended to have a post-night in Windhoek