13 Day Namibia Explorer: Discover Deserts, Wildlife & Coastal Towns (Accommodated)

Day 1: Windhoek – Kalahari Desert, Namibia

Our adventure begins as we depart Windhoek and delve into the vast Kalahari Desert, the Earth’s largest sand sea. Witness the mesmerizing interplay of deep red dunes and endless plains dotted with acacia trees and shrubs. Opt for an optional nature drive to encounter the desert’s uniquely adapted wildlife.

Accommodation: Intu Afrika Collection or similar
Meals: No meals included on this day
Optional Activity: Dune drive in the Kalahari Desert

Day 2: Kalahari Desert – Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Travelling southward through arid plains, we reach the unique Garas Quiver Tree Forest. These ancient trees stand sentinel amidst a landscape of dolerite boulders, creating an otherworldly vista. Continue to our lodge near the awe-inspiring Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon globally. Explore the area on foot or join an optional guided nature drive to witness the dramatic scenery firsthand.

Accommodation: Canyon Village or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlight: Visit the Garas Quiver Tree Forest & Giants Playground
Optional Activity: Guided Nature Drive

Day 3: Fish River Canyon – Lüderitz, Namibia

Stand at the rim of the magnificent Fish River Canyon and marvel at its sheer scale. We then proceed towards Lüderitz, stopping at the Naute Kristall Cellar and Distillery for a taste of their unique liquors (optional) or a refreshing coffee break. En-route, keep your eyes peeled for the elusive wild horses of the Namib Desert grazing freely near Garub. Enjoy a scenic coastal drive along the Große Bucht before settling into our guesthouse in Lüderitz.

Accommodation: Lüderitz Nest Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlights: Visit Fish River Canyon Viewpoint, Wild Horses of the Namib Desert
Optional Activity: Visiting the Naute Kristall Distillery towards Lüderitz,

Day 4: Lüderitz – Kolmanskop – Namib Desert, Namibia

Unearth the captivating history of Kolmanskop, a deserted diamond-mining town frozen in time. Explore this haunting yet photogenic reminder of Namibia’s diamond rush. We then traverse vast plains, stopping for a delectable lunch (included in the Superior tour) before continuing towards our lodge situated near Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. The afternoon will be at your leisure.

Accommodation: The Elegant Desert Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlights: Visit Kolmanskop Ghost Town

Day 5: Namib Desert – Sossusvlei & Deadvlei – Sesriem Canyon, Namibia

Rise with the dawn as we enter the Namib Naukluft National Park. Witness the first rays of sunlight paint the majestic dunes in a breathtaking display of apricot, red, and orange hues. Be captivated by the surreal Deadvlei, a stark landscape surrounded by some of the highest dunes on Earth. Climb one of these giants for panoramic desert vistas. Afterward, explore Sesriem Canyon, a life-giving natural wonder amidst the arid desert.

Accommodation: The Elegant Desert Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlights: Excursion to Sossusvlei, Deadvlei and Sesriem Canyon

Day 6: Namib Desert – Swakopmund, Namibia

Our journey continues towards Swakopmund, a charming coastal town boasting palm-lined streets and a vibrant seaside promenade. En route, we pass through Solitaire, a tiny settlement on the edge of the Namib Naukluft National Park, offering a true middle-of-nowhere experience. Reach Walvis Bay, a harbour town renowned for its vast lagoon, a haven for migratory birds. Finally, arrive in Swakopmund, a delightful blend of German architecture and African rhythms, where you can relax or partake in exciting adventures (optional).

Accommodation: Hansa Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlights: Visit Walvis Bay Lagoon

Day 7: Swakopmund, Namibia

Spend a leisurely day in Swakopmund, fondly nicknamed Namibia’s “playground.” Savour coffee and pastries at a charming cafe, delve deeper into the Namib Desert on a day tour, or soar above the dunes on a scenic flight (optional). Alternatively, unleash your inner thrill-seeker with skydiving, quad biking, or sandboarding. Explore the town’s quaint architecture, museums, and lively beachfront.

Accommodation: Hansa Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Quad biking, sky diving, sand boarding and many more

Day 8: Swakopmund – Damaraland, Namibia

Today, we venture through Uis, passing by Namibia’s highest peak, Brandberg, and arrive in Damaraland, a sparsely populated region renowned for its geological diversity. This harsh environment is home to elusive desert elephants, black rhinos, and various antelope species. Settle into our lodge for the afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation: Ondjamba Hills or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Damaraland – Brandberg, Namibia

Embark on an early morning nature drive through the untouched wilderness of the Otjimboyo Concession. Witness the majestic Brandberg bathed in the golden light of sunrise. Descend into the dry Ugab Riverbed, keeping an eye out for the elusive desert elephant. Enjoy a picnic lunch under a majestic camelthorn tree. Explore the meandering river, a potential haven for these fascinating creatures.

Accommodation: Ondjamba Hills or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
Included Highlights: Scenic nature drive along Brandberg and Ugab River in search of the elusive desert elephants

Day 10: Damaraland – Twyfelfontein – Etosha National Park Area, Namibia

In the cooler morning hours, embark on a captivating journey to Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness a treasure trove of rock paintings and engravings created by Bushman communities over 6,000 years ago. Delve into the fascinating lifestyle of the Damara people at the Living. After our adventure-filled day, we check into our lodge bordering Etosha National Park and can unwind by the pool.

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.