13 Day Namibia Explorer: Discover Deserts, Wildlife & Coastal Towns

Day 1: Kalahari Desert: Embrace the Kalahari’s Majesty, Namibia

Our adventure begins as we depart Windhoek and delve into the vast Kalahari Desert, the Earth’s largest sand sea. Witness the mesmerizing interplay of deep red dunes and endless plains dotted with acacia trees and shrubs. Opt for an optional nature drive to encounter the desert’s uniquely adapted wildlife.

Accommodation: Intu Afrika Collection
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activity: Dune drive in the Kalahari Desert

Day 2: Fish River Canyon: Grandiose Display, Namibia

Traveling southward through arid plains, we reach the unique Garas Quiver Tree Forest. These ancient trees stand sentinel amidst a landscape of dolerite boulders, creating an otherworldly vista. Continue to our lodge near the awe-inspiring Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon globally. Explore the area on foot or join an optional guided nature drive to witness the dramatic scenery firsthand.

Accommodation: Canyon Village
Meals: Breakfast
Highlight: Visit the Garas Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground
Optional Activity: Explore area on foot or guided nature drive

Day 3: Lüderitz and the Wild Horses of Namib, Namibia

Stand at the rim of the magnificent Fish River Canyon and marvel at its sheer scale. We then proceed towards Lüderitz, stopping at the Naute Kristall Cellar and Distillery for a taste of their unique liquors (optional) or a refreshing coffee break. En route, keep your eyes peeled for the elusive wild horses of the Namib Desert grazing freely near Garub. Enjoy a scenic coastal drive along the Große Bucht before settling into our guesthouse in Lüderitz.

Accommodation: Obelix Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Highlights: Visit Fish River Canyon viewpoint, Travel past the Naute dam, Wild Horses of the Namib Desert
Optional Activity: Visiting the Naute Kristall Distillery towards Lüderitz,

Day 4: Namib Desert: Kolmanskop’s Haunting Beauty and Namib Desert Delights, Namibia

Unearth the captivating history of Kolmanskop, a deserted diamond-mining town frozen in time. Explore this haunting yet photogenic reminder of Namibia’s diamond rush. We then traverse vast plains, stopping for a delectable lunch (included in the Superior tour) before continuing towards our lodge situated near Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. The afternoon will be at your leisure.

Accommodation: The Elegant Desert Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Highlights: Visit Kolmanskop Ghost Town, Travel across vast open plains of the southern Namib Desert and Tiras Mountains to the central Namib Desert

Day 5: Namib Desert – Sossusvlei’s Breathtaking Dunes and Sesriem Canyon

Rise with the dawn as we enter the Namib Naukluft National Park. Witness the first rays of sunlight paint the majestic dunes in a breathtaking display of apricot, red, and orange hues. Be captivated by the surreal Deadvlei, a stark landscape surrounded by some of the highest dunes on Earth. Climb one of these giants for panoramic desert vistas. Afterward, explore Sesriem Canyon, a life-giving natural wonder amidst the arid desert.

Accommodation: The Elegant Desert Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Highlights: Excursion to Sossusvlei, visit the surreal Dead Vlei on foot followed by a stop at the Sesriem Canyon

Day 6: Swakopmund’s Coastal Charm, Namibia

Our journey continues towards Swakopmund, a charming coastal town boasting palm-lined streets and a vibrant seaside promenade. En route, we pass through Solitaire, a tiny settlement on the edge of the Namib Naukluft National Park, offering a true middle-of-nowhere experience. Reach Walvis Bay, a harbour town renowned for its vast lagoon, a haven for migratory birds. Finally, arrive in Swakopmund, a delightful blend of German architecture and African rhythms, where you can relax or partake in exciting adventures (optional).

Accommodation: Hansa Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Highlights: Scenic drive through Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons, visit RAMSAR Walvis Bay lagoon

Day 7: Swakopmund : Explore at Your Pace, Namibia

Spend a leisurely day in Swakopmund, fondly nicknamed Namibia’s “playground.” Savor coffee and pastries at a charming cafe, delve deeper into the Namib Desert on a day tour, or soar above the dunes on a scenic flight (optional). Alternatively, unleash your inner thrill-seeker with skydiving, quad biking, or sandboarding. Explore the town’s quaint architecture, museums, and lively beachfront.

Accommodation: Hansa Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Damaraland’s Rugged Beauty, Namibia

Today, we venture through Uis, passing by Namibia’s highest peak, Brandberg, and arrive in Damaraland, a sparsely populated region renowned for its geological diversity. This harsh environment is home to elusive desert elephants, black rhinos, and various antelope species. Settle into our lodge for the afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation: Ondjamba Hills
Meals: Breakfast
Highlights: Depart the Atlantic coastline and head land inwards traveling past the Brandberg towards the scenic Damaraland

Day 9: Damaraland / Brandberg :Unveiling Treasures, Namibia

Embark on an early morning nature drive through the untouched wilderness of the Otjimboyo Concession. Witness the majestic Brandberg bathed in the golden light of sunrise. Descend into the dry Ugab Riverbed, keeping an eye out for the elusive desert elephant. Enjoy a picnic lunch under a majestic camelthorn tree. Explore the meandering river, a potential haven for these fascinating creatures.

Accommodation: Ondjamba Hills
Meals: Breakfast
Highlights: Scenic nature drive through a private concession to the Brandberg and along the ephemeral Ugab river in search of the elusive desert elephants, enjoying a picnic lunch en-route

Day 10: Twyfelfontein’s Ancient Art and Etosha’s Wildlife Paradise, Namibia

In the cooler morning hours, embark on a captivating journey to Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness a treasure trove of rock paintings and engravings created by Bushman communities over 6,000 years ago. Delve into the fascinating lifestyle of the Damara people at the Living. After our adventure-filled day, we check into our lodge bordering Etosha National Park and can unwind by the pool.

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.