10 Day Ultimate Namibia Adventure Tour (Camping)

Day 1

Windhoek – Okonjima Nature Reserve, Namibia

We begin our journey from Windhoek in the early morning, departing at around 08:30. The exact time will be confirmed when you make your reservation. Heading north, we travel toward Okonjima, located approximately 40 km before reaching Otjiwarongo. En-route, we’ll make a brief stop in Okahandja to refuel and pick up some snacks. Upon arrival at Okonjima, you’ll embark on an informative tour to explore their rehabilitation program and observe the cheetahs up close. This special place is home to the AfriCat Foundation, an organization dedicated to the long-term conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores in their natural environment, with a particular focus on cheetahs. Most of the animals at Okonjima are rescues undergoing rehabilitation, with the goal of eventual release back into the wild. Later in the evening, we return to our campsite to settle in, set up camp, and prepare a well-earned dinner.

Accommodation: Omboroko Campsite or similar
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: AfriCat Foundation afternoon tour

Day 2

Okonjima Nature Reserve – Eastern Etosha National Park, Namibia

We set off early this morning, heading towards the renowned Etosha National Park. Upon reaching Namutoni, located within the park, we’ll establish our campsite and take time to explore the area. Amenities at Namutoni include a curio shop, a refreshing swimming pool, and a viewing deck that overlooks the King Nehale Waterhole. Later in the afternoon, when temperatures begin to cool, we’ll venture out on our first game drive. Wildlife sightings are typically rewarding, with frequent encounters involving springboks, zebras, impalas, giraffes, gemsboks, and a wide variety of birds. With a bit of luck, we may also witness elephants and lions up close. Etosha National Park boasts an impressive diversity of life, including over 100 species of mammals, 340 bird species, and 110 reptile species. The larger animals found here range from lions, elephants, and leopards to giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, springboks, and elands. During the dry season, wildlife congregates around the park’s many waterholes, offering prime opportunities for game viewing. The park’s vegetation is a mix of mopane woodlands and open grassy plains, all surrounding its most striking feature, the Etosha Pan. This vast, white depression was once a lake, now transformed into a dry, salty clay pan that occasionally fills with water after heavy rains. When it does, it attracts thousands of wading birds, including vibrant flocks of flamingos. Natural springs along the rim of the pan also draw a rich variety of wildlife and birdlife throughout the year.

Accommodation: Namutoni Campsite or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Late afternoon game drive with your guide

Day 3

Eastern Etosha National Park East – Southern Etosha National Park, Namibia

Today is dedicated to tracking wildlife and pausing at various waterholes as we journey through the reserve toward our next overnight stop. One of the day’s highlights will be the Etosha Pan, aptly named “the place of dry water.” This vast, flat expanse stretches over 5,000 km² and offers a surreal experience as herds of game appear to drift across shimmering mirages. We’ll break midday at Halali, the central camp, for lunch. During the stop, you’ll have time to visit the waterhole, take a dip in the pool, or browse the camp shop. Afterward, we continue toward the southern reaches of the park to reach our evening rest spot at Okaukuejo, where you’ll find facilities including a swimming pool and shop.

Accommodation: Okaukuejo or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Etosha National Park Game Drive

Day 4

Etosha National Park – Palmwag, Namibia

We exit the park and begin our journey into the rugged desert mountains of the Kaokoveld, one of southern Africa’s last true wilderness areas and home to the Himba people. At Kamanjab, we’ll have the special opportunity to visit a Himba village and gain insight into their fascinating culture. You’ll learn about their unique traditions surrounding marriage, daily life, cuisine, and have the chance to see the sacred “holy fire.” From there, we continue into the heart of Damaraland, affectionately known by locals as the valley of a thousand hills. It’s not unusual to spot desert-adapted elephants in this dramatic landscape. Our campsite is tucked amongst towering granite boulders and shaded by mopane trees. A splash pool offers a welcome retreat, and the surrounding area provides excellent chances to catch a glimpse of those elusive desert giants.

Accommodation: Hoada Campsite or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Otjikandera Himba Village excursion

Day 5

Palmwag – Brandberg, Namibia

Our journey continues today as we make our way through the breathtaking Grootberg Pass and into Damaraland, one of Namibia’s most stunning desert landscapes. Along the way, we’ll explore the petrified forest before heading to Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for housing one of Africa’s largest and most significant collections of ancient rock art. Following lunch, we travel to our campsite nestled near the majestic Brandberg mountain, a sacred site for the Bushmen and the tallest peak in Namibia. Tonight, we rest beneath the towering presence of this monumental granite giant.

Accommodation: Brandberg White Lady Campsite or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Petrified Forest, Twyfelfontein Rock Art

Day 6 - 7

Brandberg – Swakopmund, Namibia

We begin with an early morning departure, taking advantage of the cool desert air. We will embark on a guided hike to view the famous White Lady rock paintings. This scenic walk takes approximately 1 to 2 hours, be sure to bring a hat and at least one litre of water for your comfort. From Brandberg, we make our way westward, stopping in the quaint town of Uis. Once a bustling mining settlement, Uis is now well known as a fantastic spot to purchase Namibia’s renowned semi-precious stones, including rough amethyst and tourmaline, often at excellent prices. Continuing our journey to the coast, we head north to Cape Cross, home to one of the world’s largest Cape fur seal colonies. Here, you’ll have a chance to witness thousands of seals in their natural environment, an unforgettable wildlife spectacle. By late afternoon, we arrive in Swakopmund, where you’ll settle into a peaceful bed and breakfast for two nights. Your guide will suggest a group dinner at one of Swakopmund’s top restaurants (seafood is highly recommended!). Participation is optional and the meal is at your own expense. The following day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Swakopmund offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. Explore the town’s palm-lined streets, German colonial architecture, curio markets, sandy beaches, and a range of cultural attractions like the local museum and the National Marine Aquarium. If you’re looking for more excitement, your guide can help you choose from a wide array of optional activities such as desert quad biking, sandboarding, skydiving, scenic or micro-light flights over the dunes, fishing trips, boat cruises with oysters and champagne, and more. Please note that all optional activities are subject to availability and are at your own expense. Lunch and dinner today are also on your own account, giving you the freedom to explore Swakopmund’s vibrant culinary scene at your own pace.

Accommodation: Amanpuri Travellers Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Brandberg White Lady Hike, Cape Cross Seal Colony

Day 8 - 9

Swakopmund – Sesriem, Namibia

Our adventure continues as we journey about 25 miles south to Walvis Bay, where the morning is spent exploring its expansive marine lagoon, home to an abundance of birdlife, including flocks of flamingos. The peaceful waters and vibrant avian activity provide a striking contrast to the arid landscapes we’ve seen so far. Leaving the coast behind, we head inland, climbing through the dramatic Gaub and Kuiseb passes. The road winds through canyon floors and ascends steeply to reveal sweeping vistas from the top. As we move further inland, the scenery shifts again, open savannah and farmland giving way to the towering red dunes of the Namib Desert. We stop at the quirky roadside town of Solitaire, known for vintage car relics and desert charm, before arriving at our campsite in the late afternoon. Nestled at the edge of the dunes, this location offers a front-row seat to the changing desert light. As the sun dips, we enjoy a short sunset excursion to Elim Dune. The desert atmosphere comes alive with the clicks of geckos and the distant howl of jackals under a starry sky. Dinner is served with views of the glowing mountains.

Another early start lets us witness the desert awakening in the soft morning light. Passing through Sesriem, we continue toward the heart of the Namib, Sossusvlei, where towering dunes line both sides of the road. We stop at the famous Dune 45, a 170-meter-high star dune. A climb to the top rewards us with panoramic desert views. After breakfast, we head out for a morning desert walk, with chances of spotting gemsbok, springbok, black-backed jackal, and ostrich. We then visit Dead Vlei and Sossusvlei, where white clay pans, ancient camelthorn trees, and orange dunes create one of Namibia’s most photogenic scenes. For the adventurous, a climb up Big Daddy, the area’s highest dune at 325 meters, offers breathtaking views. After lunch and a bit of rest at camp, we enjoy a short afternoon trip to Sesriem Canyon, carved by the Tsauchab River. The canyon provides a peaceful and scenic contrast to the surrounding dunes, an ideal end to our desert experience.

Accommodation: Sesriem Campsite or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Walvis Bay Lagoon, Elim Dune, Dune 45, Big Daddy, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, Sesriem Canyon

Day 10

Sesriem – Windhoek, Namibia

Following breakfast, we journey back to civilization, winding through the picturesque landscapes of the Khomas Hochland mountain range. Along the way, there will be an opportunity to enjoy one final lunch together as a group. We expect to reach the city by approximately 14h30 in the afternoon, where you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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.