11-Day Namibia Highlights

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1:

  Arrival in Windhoek – Drive to Sossusvlei

  Your Namibian adventure begins as you arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek. After clearing customs, you’ll collect your 4x4 rental vehicle — your companion for the incredible self-drive journey ahead. Depart the capital city and head southwest toward Sossusvlei, located in the heart of the Namib Desert. As you traverse one of Africa’s most striking landscapes, you’ll pass through vast, open savannahs, dry riverbeds, and mountain ranges. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as oryx, springbok, and ostriches, often seen wandering close to the road. Arrive at your lodge in Sossusvlei by late afternoon. After check-in, take time to unwind and breathe in the silent beauty of the desert. As evening falls, enjoy the dramatic sunset washing the towering red dunes in golden light. Optional dinner is available at the lodge beneath a brilliant canopy of stars. Overnight: Sossusvlei Lodge Meals Included: None

• day 2:

  Sossusvlei & Deadvlei Excursion

  Rise early to experience one of the most iconic scenes in Namibia — sunrise over the Sossusvlei dunes. Your morning begins with a guided excursion into the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Start by climbing Dune 45, a spectacular dune perfectly positioned to capture the first rays of sun. Continue to Deadvlei, a white clay pan that’s home to eerie, blackened camelthorn trees, some over 900 years old. Surrounded by towering orange dunes, Deadvlei offers one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth. For the adventurous, a hike up Big Daddy, one of the tallest dunes in the world, promises awe-inspiring views over the dune sea. On your return, explore Sesriem Canyon, a natural gorge formed by water erosion over millions of years. The shaded, narrow passages are perfect for a short walk and great photography. Return to the lodge for a relaxed afternoon. You may opt to enjoy a sundowner drive, a scenic nature walk, or simply rest by the pool. Enjoy a hearty dinner at the lodge as the desert cools and the stars return to the Namibian sky. Overnight: Sossusvlei Lodge Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

• day 3:

  Sossusvlei – Drive to Swakopmund

  After breakfast, depart Sossusvlei and travel north toward the Atlantic Coast. Your journey takes you through the rugged and expansive Namib-Naukluft National Park, home to otherworldly vistas and desert-adapted flora and fauna. Drive through the Gaub and Kuiseb Passes, where you’ll be surrounded by dramatic canyons and ancient rock formations. As you reach the coast, the air becomes cooler and the terrain transforms. Arrive in Swakopmund, a seaside town blending German colonial charm with African coastal culture. Explore its palm-lined streets, vibrant market stalls, and sandy beaches. You may choose to visit the Swakopmund Museum, stroll the Mole Promenade, or simply unwind at a beach café. Swakopmund offers excellent seafood, fresh Atlantic oysters, and a relaxed coastal vibe. Overnight: Swakopmund Hotel Meals Included: Breakfast

• day 4:

  Marine & Dune Adventure – Walvis Bay & Sandwich Harbour

  After breakfast, prepare for an unforgettable full-day adventure combining sea and sand. Your day begins with a marine cruise in Walvis Bay Lagoon, where you’ll glide across calm waters in search of marine wildlife. Playful dolphins often race alongside the boat, while seals may even hop aboard to say hello. You’ll also spot pelicans, flamingos, and cormorants in this rich ecosystem. Continue on to the next phase — a 4x4 adventure into the towering dunes of Sandwich Harbour. This is one of the few places on Earth where massive sand dunes drop directly into the ocean. Your experienced guide will take you on thrilling dune drives, stopping at scenic viewpoints for photographs and insight into the unique geology and ecology of this dramatic environment. Return to Swakopmund in the late afternoon for a relaxed evening. Overnight: Swakopmund Hotel Meals Included: Breakfast

• day 5:

  Swakopmund – Drive to Spitzkoppe

  Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before checking out and heading inland toward the dramatic granite peaks of Spitzkoppe, also known as the “Matterhorn of Namibia.” This otherworldly landscape is dotted with giant boulders and ancient rock formations rising sharply from the desert floor. Check into your scenic lodge nestled among the boulders. In the afternoon, join a guided Bushman’s Paradise Tour. This short hike leads to one of Namibia’s most important San rock art sites, where you’ll see ancient drawings and learn about the spiritual and cultural significance of this sacred site. In the evening, take a self-guided walk to the iconic Rock Arch and marvel at the fiery hues of sunset casting shadows over the land. As night falls, Spitzkoppe becomes a stargazer’s dream, offering uninterrupted views of the Milky Way. Overnight: Spitzkoppen Lodge Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

• day 6:

  Spitzkoppe – Drive to Damaraland

  After breakfast, continue your self-drive journey north toward Damaraland, a rugged and remote region known for its dramatic landscapes and ancient heritage. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and spend the early afternoon at leisure. In the late afternoon, embark on an Ephemeral River Drive led by a local guide. These dry riverbeds are lifelines for desert-adapted wildlife, including elephants, oryx, and giraffes. The landscapes here are rich with contrasts — rocky outcrops, grassy plains, and distant mountains. Return to your lodge to enjoy dinner under the open sky. Overnight: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

• day 7:

  Explore Twyfelfontein’s Ancient Rock Art

  Fuel up with breakfast before heading out on a guided cultural exploration of Damaraland’s most remarkable archaeological sites. Your day begins with a visit to Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over 2,500 petroglyphs — rock engravings left by the San people thousands of years ago. Continue to explore two striking geological formations: Burnt Mountain, where minerals and erosion give the hill a glowing, colorful appearance during sunrise and sunset. Organ Pipes, a formation of tall, hexagonal basalt columns resembling the pipes of a giant organ. These natural and cultural wonders offer a deep sense of Namibia’s history and timeless beauty. Return to your lodge in the evening for a relaxed dinner and overnight stay. Overnight: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

• day 8:

  Damaraland – Journey to Etosha National Park

  After a hearty breakfast, set off for Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife destinations. Drive eastward through scenic valleys and acacia-studded landscapes. Upon arrival at Etosha Village, check in and enjoy a delicious lunch. Spend your afternoon unwinding in the natural surroundings or take an optional sunset game drive. Dinner is served at the lodge, where the sounds of the African bush create a magical atmosphere. Overnight: Etosha Village Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• day 9:

  Full-Day Game Viewing in Etosha

  After breakfast, depart for a full-day safari inside Etosha National Park, a vast reserve spanning over 22,000 square kilometers. The park’s centerpiece, the Etosha Pan, is a shimmering salt flat visible from space, and it draws large numbers of wildlife to its network of waterholes. Drive through various ecosystems — from mopane woodland to open grassland — in search of Namibia’s iconic wildlife: Lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, zebras, and giraffes Over 300 bird species, including ostriches and secretary birds Etosha’s waterholes are excellent for up-close wildlife sightings, especially in the dry season when animals gather to drink. After a thrilling day of wildlife encounters, return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation. Overnight: Etosha Village Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• day 10:

  Etosha – Return to Windhoek

  Begin your final morning in Etosha with an optional early game drive. After breakfast, check out and begin the return journey to Windhoek, passing through scenic countryside and traditional villages. Upon arrival, check in at the Windhoek Country Club Resort, a tranquil base for your final night. Spend the afternoon at leisure — shop for local crafts, explore the city’s architecture, or enjoy a quiet drink at the hotel. Overnight: Windhoek Country Club Resort Meals Included: Breakfast

• day 11:

  Departure from Windhoek

  After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to Namibia. Drive to Hosea Kutako International Airport, return your rental vehicle, and check in for your departure flight.