This 7-day Namibia guided safari starts and ends in Windhoek. The tour has been designed for travelers who want to explore Namibia’s top three highlights. You will visit the world’s oldest desert, the Namib, climb the tallest sand dunes at Sossusvlei, explore Walvis Bay and Swakopmund on the Atlantic coast, and finish with a memorable wildlife experience in Etosha National Park.
Day 1: Windhoek to Namib Desert
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel or guesthouse between 09:00 and 09:30 a.m., departing at 10:00 a.m. toward Sossusvlei through the scenic Spreetshoogte Pass. You will stop at the viewpoint to admire the vast view of the Namib Desert.
Lunch will be at Solitaire Oasis before reaching your lodge or campsite between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. The afternoon is usually very hot, so you can relax by the pool before dinner. An early rest is recommended as you will have an early start tomorrow.
Day 2: Dune 45 and Sossusvlei Desert Experience
Today begins early to catch the soft morning light over the desert. After passing through Sesriem, continue toward Sossusvlei, where high red sand dunes rise along both sides of the road. These dunes are among the tallest in the world and create one of Namibia’s most iconic landscapes.
Start by climbing Dune 45 to enjoy the panoramic view, then proceed to Deadvlei, where ancient trees stand in a white clay pan surrounded by dunes. You can also climb Big Mama Dune for more views.
Return to camp to relax by the pool during the heat of the day. In the afternoon, visit Sesriem Canyon before returning to the camp for dinner and rest.
Day 3: Swakopmund
After breakfast, drive northwest through the changing desert landscapes of Namib-Naukluft National Park, passing the Ghaub and Kuiseb Canyons via Kuiseb Pass. You will reach the coast at Walvis Bay, then continue north to Swakopmund, a pleasant seaside town with a cool coastal breeze.
You can spend your afternoon exploring the town on foot or relaxing by the waterfront. Dinner will be at a local restaurant. Accommodation for one night in Swakopmund.
Day 4: Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, and Himba Village
This morning, travel to Walvis Bay for a half-day Sandwich Harbour tour. Check in at 8:00 a.m. at the waterfront, where your local guide will brief you before departure. After the activity, drive north through Damaraland, enjoying the scenic views and having lunch en route. You will pass Brandberg Mountain, Namibia’s highest peak, before arriving at Oppi Koppi Rest Camp in the late afternoon.
After settling in, meet your guide for a visit to a Himba village, accompanied by a local translator. Learn about the Himba people’s traditions and way of life. Return to your lodge for dinner and rest.
Day 5: Kamanjab to Etosha National Park
After breakfast, drive to Etosha National Park, with lunch en route. You will arrive in the late afternoon. After check-in, join your guide for a game drive in a private vehicle to visit the park’s waterholes.
You may spot elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and several species of antelope. If you are lucky, you could also see predators such as lions or leopards. Return to your accommodation, where your guide will prepare dinner over an open fire. Relax and enjoy the evening watching wildlife at the waterhole.
Day 6: Etosha National Park
Spend the day exploring Etosha National Park. You will visit several waterholes and stop at the famous Etosha Pan, also called “the place of dry water.” This vast salt flat covers about 5,000 square kilometers and is home to large herds of wildlife.
Enjoy lunch en route before continuing your game drive in search of more animals, including the “Big Five.” Return to the lodge in the evening to freshen up for dinner, followed by an optional night drive. Spend the rest of the night relaxing at your lodge.
Day 7: Etosha to Windhoek
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Windhoek, passing through several small towns along the way. Stop in Okahandja, home to Namibia’s largest wood-carving market, for some souvenir shopping.
You will arrive in Windhoek around 4:30 p.m., where you will be dropped off at your accommodation, marking the end of your Namibia guided safari.
