If you are short on time but still want to see the main highlights of Namibia, this 6-day Namibia guided safari is perfect for you. The tour starts in Windhoek with your first night at a wildlife sanctuary. From there, you will travel to Sossusvlei to explore the famous red dunes, then continue to Swakopmund, a town known for its adventure, nature, and coastal charm. The tour ends back in Windhoek, with an option to add an extension to Etosha National Park.
Day 1: Hosea Kutako International Airport to Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary
Welcome to Namibia! Your guide will meet you at Hosea Kutako International Airport, holding a sign with your name. After loading your luggage, you will drive about 45 minutes to your first lodge near the airport. If you are lucky, you may spot some wildlife on the way.
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a sundowner game drive on the nearby Zannier Reserve, where you could see rhinos, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, leopards, ostriches, warthogs, and many bird species.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at the lodge while discussing your first sightings and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary to Sossusvlei
After breakfast at 8:00 a.m., your journey to Sossusvlei begins. You will make several stops along the way to take photos and admire the beautiful desert scenery. Enjoy a coffee break at a lookout point before continuing your drive.
If time allows, stop at Solitaire for a taste of the famous Namibian “apple pie.” The drive takes about 4 to 5 hours. You will arrive at your lodge near Sesriem Gate in time to enjoy the sunset.
Sossusvlei lies in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the largest conservation area in Africa and home to some of the world’s tallest sand dunes.
Day 3: Sossusvlei
Wake up before sunrise for your visit to Sossusvlei. After a quick cup of tea or coffee, wait for the park gates to open at sunrise. The early morning light creates beautiful colors across the red dunes.
You will spend the morning exploring the area, with time to climb the dunes or walk to Deadvlei, a white clay pan surrounded by high red dunes and dotted with ancient trees.
Enjoy a picnic breakfast among the dunes before returning to the lodge for lunch and free time. In the late afternoon, you may join a sundowner drive offered by the lodge.
Day 4: Sossusvlei to Swakopmund
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning. Those interested can take an optional hot air balloon flight over the desert (available at extra cost).
Later, begin your drive to Swakopmund, stopping along the way for coffee and photos of the changing desert scenery. You will arrive in the late afternoon, check into your hotel, and have time to unwind before meeting for sundowner drinks and dinner at one of Swakopmund’s top restaurants.
Day 5: Swakopmund and Walvis Bay
After breakfast, you will be picked up for your Living Desert Adventure, an educational tour that reveals the small desert creatures that survive in this dry environment.
You will return to the hotel around 1:00 p.m. After lunch, head to Walvis Bay to visit the lagoon, home to thousands of flamingos and other waterbirds. Later, drive back to Swakopmund to enjoy your final sunset and dinner in town.
Optional activities in Swakopmund include scenic flights, quad biking, fat bike tours, horse riding, skydiving, and catamaran cruises. Ask your guide if you wish to book any of these.
Day 6: Departure
After breakfast and some last-minute shopping, drive back to Windhoek, where you will be dropped off at Hosea Kutako International Airport for your flight home.
Your Namibia guided safari can also be extended to include Etosha National Park or the Caprivi Strip. Please ask for details if you wish to add an extension.
