Day 1: Arrive in Windhoek – Namibia’s Capital Welcome

Land at Hosea Kutako International Airport and transfer to your charming guesthouse in Windhoek. Depending on your arrival time, explore local sights like the Christuskirche or Independence Memorial Museum. Enjoy a relaxing evening dinner in town.

Day 2: Drive to Sossusvlei – Enter the Namib Desert

Head south toward the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The scenic drive showcases changing terrain as you arrive near Sesriem. Check into a welcoming desert lodge. Enjoy a sunset from nearby dunes and rest up for an early start tomorrow.

Day 3: Explore Sossusvlei & Deadvlei – Sand Dunes & Salt Pans

Wake before dawn for a guided excursion to see the sun rise over the famed red dunes. Walk among ancient camelthorn trees in Deadvlei and visit the Sesriem Canyon. Return to the lodge for a cool-off swim and optional afternoon desert walk or scenic sundowner.

Day 4: To Swakopmund – Dunes to Sea

Travel northwest via Solitaire and the Gaub and Kuiseb passes to Swakopmund, Namibia’s coastal playground. Arrive by late afternoon and settle into your cozy guesthouse or lodge. Explore the waterfront, markets, or book an optional oceanfront dinner.

Day 5: Swakopmund Activities – Ocean, Sand, and Adventure

Enjoy a free day of optional tours: dolphin and seal cruises, sandboarding, quad biking, or a scenic flight over the Skeleton Coast. For a slower pace, stroll the beach promenade or visit the local aquarium. Overnight in Swakopmund.

Day 6: Drive to Damaraland – Ancient Landscapes

Depart the coast and venture into the rocky terrain of Damaraland. Visit the Living Museum of the Damara or Petrified Forest en route. Stay at a lovely lodge surrounded by rugged hills. Enjoy sunset views and dinner under the stars.

Day 7: Twyfelfontein & Desert Wildlife Safari

After breakfast, visit the Twyfelfontein rock engravings and the nearby Organ Pipes. In the afternoon, take a game drive in search of desert elephants and wildlife that thrive in this arid land. Learn about conservation in this remote area.

Day 8: Drive to Etosha – Wildlife Bound

Journey to southern Etosha National Park. Your lodge just outside the park offers easy access to the gate. Rest by the pool or join a guided game drive in the late afternoon, with your first chance to spot big game.

Day 9: Etosha Game Drive – Waterholes & Salt Pans

Spend a full day on safari inside Etosha. You’ll visit famous waterholes and cross the massive salt pan, with chances to spot lions, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and antelope. Return to the lodge for a campfire dinner.

Day 10: Eastern Etosha – More Game Viewing

Move to the eastern section of Etosha to explore different ecosystems and new wildlife zones. Enjoy another round of exciting game drives, perhaps catching predators on the move or herds at waterholes. Overnight in a comfortable lodge near Namutoni.

Day 11: Travel to Okonjima – Cheetahs & Conservation

Drive south to Okonjima Nature Reserve, home of the AfriCat Foundation. Enjoy a guided afternoon activity such as cheetah tracking on foot or a leopard viewing drive. Stay at a midrange bush lodge surrounded by acacia woodlands.

Day 12: Return to Windhoek – Departure Day

After breakfast and a final short activity or nature walk, begin your return journey to Windhoek. Arrive by mid-afternoon in time for your international flight or one more night in town (optional).