This 6-day Namibia guided safari is perfect for travelers who want to explore two of Namibia’s top attractions in a short time – the Namib Desert and Etosha National Park. The tour takes you through the dunes of Sossusvlei, one of the most famous landscapes in the world, before heading north to Etosha for an incredible wildlife experience. You will have the chance to see the Big Five and many other animals in their natural habitat.
Day 1: Windhoek to Sossusvlei
This morning, People Safaris will collect you from your accommodation in Windhoek, or directly from Hosea Kutako International Airport if you are arriving that day. You will depart at 10:00 a.m. in your safari vehicle with your private guide. The drive takes you southwest through the scenic Khomas Hochland highlands and down the Great Escarpment into the Namib Desert.
You will stop along the way for a picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint. Arrive at Namib Desert Lodge in the mid-afternoon, where you will stay for two nights while exploring the area. If time allows, your guide can take you to visit Sesriem Canyon or Elim Dune, or you may simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. After a long day, freshen up, have dinner, and rest for the night.
Day 2: Sossusvlei Dunes
After an early wake-up call, meet your guide for tea, coffee, and rusks before setting off for your Sossusvlei excursion inside the Namib-Naukluft Park. Leaving early gives you the best chance to photograph the dunes while the light is soft and the shadows highlight their shapes.
Climb Big Daddy Dune, explore Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, and admire the wide desert landscape. After the morning activities, enjoy a picnic brunch under the shade of a camelthorn tree. You will return to the lodge in the early afternoon for a late lunch.
If you did not visit Sesriem Canyon on the first day, you can do so later in the afternoon. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.
Day 3: Sossusvlei to Swakopmund
After breakfast, begin your drive northwest through the beautiful and ever-changing desert scenery of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. You will pass through the Ghaub and Kuiseb Canyons via Kuiseb Pass before reaching the coastal town of Walvis Bay, then continue north to Swakopmund.
Enjoy the cooler coastal climate and seaside atmosphere. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or explore the town on foot. You may also ask your guide to recommend optional activities available at your own cost. In the evening, have dinner at a local restaurant and relax at your hotel.
Day 4: Swakopmund to Etosha National Park (South)
After breakfast, enjoy an optional morning activity in Walvis Bay, such as a Sandwich Harbour tour, which starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends around 12:30 p.m. After the tour, meet your guide at the waterfront and begin your journey north toward Etosha National Park. Lunch will be served en route.
You will arrive in the late afternoon, check in at your lodge, and then head out on an afternoon game drive in a private vehicle. Visit several waterholes where you may spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, or even lions.
After your game drive, return to the lodge, freshen up, and enjoy dinner. You can spend the evening relaxing in the main area, watching animals that come to the nearby waterhole.
Day 5: Etosha National Park (East)
Spend the full day exploring Etosha National Park as you travel eastward toward Namutoni Camp. You will visit several waterholes and stop at the vast Etosha Pan, known as the “place of dry water.” This flat, shimmering salt pan covers about 5,000 square kilometers and is home to large herds of game.
Stop at Halali Camp for lunch before continuing your drive to Namutoni. In the afternoon, relax at the pool or waterhole before joining an evening game drive. Wildlife sightings may include springboks, zebras, giraffes, gemsboks, elephants, and lions.
Later, enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sunset from the tower of the historic German fort at Namutoni before dinner.
Day 6: Etosha to Windhoek
After a final morning game drive, take some last photos of Etosha’s wildlife before departing for Windhoek. The drive passes through rural areas and small towns, including Okahandja, where you will stop at Namibia’s largest wood-carving market. The market offers a variety of locally made crafts and souvenirs.
You will arrive in Windhoek by around 4:00 p.m. and be dropped off at your accommodation. For travelers catching international flights, it is best to inform your guide in advance so you can depart early enough for your flight.
