Endless expanses, sky-high dunes and a seemingly endless sea of sand – this is the Namibia Desert, the oldest desert in the world. However, Namibia offers more than just desert. Endless savannahs and steppes as well as tropical green areas create a change from the dunes. Go on safaris in the national parks and discover the German history of Windhoek.
This is an example of one of our tours and should serve as a source of inspiration. Of course, the itinerary including the destinations can be adapted and we will be happy to work out a round trip for you that is tailored to your interests and budget. According to Countryaah.com, Namibia is a country located in Southern Africa.
Best travel time: Ideally from March to October.
Duration of the trip : This trip lasts 16 days. In general, we recommend planning at least 10 days for a round trip in Namibia in order to get to know the country and its people away from the tourist hotspots.
Price: on request. Varies depending on whether the trip is carried out as a self-drive tour or as a guided round trip.
Travel planning: Combine this trip with South Africa or Botswana.
Tip: Namibia is also ideal as a self-drive destination. Explore the country at your own pace.
Day 1: Arrival in Windhoek
Arrival in Windhoek. You will be picked up at the airport and taken to your hotel. Then a city tour through Windhoek awaits you.
Namibia’s capital lies in a valley basin, surrounded by the Aus Mountains to the southeast, and the Grand Duke Mountains to the south of the city. As the fulcrum of the country, economically, culturally and politically, but also as a university town, there is a lot to discover in and around Windhoek. The city stands for the interaction and coexistence of different cultures. Numerous shops that are written in German, restaurants, accommodation and schools where German is spoken make you think back to the days of the German Colony. The elegant architecture of Windhoek also shows traces of Germany.
Day 2: Windhoek – Kalahari Desert
Today you start your round trip towards the Kalahari Desert. The Kalahari is a sandy desert made up of mostly fine powdery red sand. It extends from the Northern Cape Province in South Africa through Namibia and Botswana to Angola and Zambia on to Chad, where it then merges into the Sahara desert. The largest part of the Kalahari is mainly determined by special dune and desert grasses, but also by tall acacia trees, which with their long roots reach the deep, but abundant water veins. Animals such as springbok, oryx and ostrich live on the dunes and in the valleys, also known as “roads”, as well as jackals, spoonbills, jumping hare and porcupine.
Day 3: Kalahari Desert – Fish River Canyon
In the morning continue to the Fish River Canyon. The landscape is dominated by dunes and rock formations. On the way you will make a stop at the fascinating quiver tree forest near Keetmanshoop. Finally arrived you will visit the second largest canyon in the world. Enjoy the breathtaking view that is offered to you.
Day 4: Fish River Canyon – Lüderitz
Your round trip continues to Lüderitz. On the way you will visit the town of Aus and the ghost town of Kolmanskop. Here you can still see the traces of the past diamond fever in Namibia.
Lüderitz was the first German settlement in the former German South West Africa. The city exudes its own charm with numerous Art Nouveau buildings. Discover the city on your own.
Day 5: Lüderitz – Namib Desert
In the early morning you travel to the Namib Desert. In no other place in the world can you enjoy such an impressive play of colors as that of the Sossusvlei (translated: “dead end”). Reflected by the strong rays of the sun, the up to 400 m high, rust-colored dunes appear even more impressive in contrast to the clay-colored plains at the foot of the desert. The main focus is on the Dune 45, Big Daddy, Deadvlei, Hiddenvlei and the Sesriem Canyon, whereby the region holds countless, breathtaking treasures. A highlight of every Namibia tour.
Day 6: Namib Desert
You stay in the Namib Desert and visit the NamibRand Nature Reserve today. It is a private nature reserve that was established to protect and preserve the incomparable ecosystem and wildlife of the southwestern Namib Desert. With an area of 215,000 hectares, it is probably the largest private nature reserve in southern Africa. The reserve borders the Namib-Naukluft National Park in the west and the Nubib Mountains in the east. Almost all facets of a desert are represented in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, sand and gravel plains and savannah sections alternate with mountain ranges, island mountains and overgrown dune belts. Discover what the nature reserve has to offer on a safari.
Day 7: Namib Desert – Swakopmund
Today you leave the endless expanse and drive to Swakopmund. The small town in Namibia, embedded between the sea and sand dunes, is reminiscent of the time of the German colony thanks to the very well-preserved centuries-old buildings. In the past, Swakopmund’s harbor served as Namibia’s main transshipment point; today, people take a leisurely stroll along the coast, enjoy excellent food and drink. For the more adventurous, excursions to sandboarding, skydiving and quad biking are offered. Gourmets will get their money’s worth on a boat trip with dolphin watching and lunch on board consisting of oysters.
Day 8: Swakopmund
Take a break from your round trip in Swakopmund before continuing to Spitzkoppe tomorrow.
Day 9: Swakopmund – Spitzkoppe – Erongoberge
In the morning you travel further into the Erongoberge. The Erongo Nature Reserve includes the Erongo Mountains and the edge step and convinces with their ecological diversity. Leopards and hyenas are found in large numbers in the Erongo region. You can watch them wonderfully during a safari. In addition, rock paintings and engravings are a reminder of the prehistoric settlements in the region.
On the way you stop at the Spitzkoppe. The Spitzkoppe, also known as Namibia’s Matterhorn, is a group of rounded granite peaks. The Spitzkoppe is a very popular destination for enthusiastic mountaineers. The entire region offers many popular photo subjects, because thanks to the play of colors of the desert and steppe landscape in harmony with the colors of the mountains, dreamy pictures are created.
Day 10: Erongoberge – Damaraland
You continue through the mountains to Twyfelfontein. This was considered a place of worship and shaman rituals among the Khoisan population groups. Twyfelfontein was named a national monument in 1952 with its countless rock engravings and paintings, and in 2007 it was named Namibia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is primarily of geological interest. The volcanic activity has resulted in spectacular rock formations that can be admired at the Organ Pipes, Doros Crater, Petrified Forest and Burnt Mountains, among others.
Day 11: Damaraland – Palmwag Region
Today another safari awaits you in Namibia. From Damaraland you travel to the Palmwag region. This has the second largest population of predators after the Etosha National Park with over 100 lions, leopards and cheetahs, brown and spotted hyenas. Apart from the predators, you will also encounter the traditional inhabitants of the savannah, such as the black rhinoceros, elephants, mountain zebras, giraffes, oryx, springboks, kudu and countless species of birds. During hikes of various lengths you can learn a lot about the flora and fauna of the region and get adventurously close to the fauna of the Palmwag region.
Day 12: Palmwag Region – Kaokoland
In the morning you travel further towards Kaokoland. Here you will visit a traditional Himba village. Immerse yourself in the culture, way of life and traditions of the nomads of Namibia.
Day 13: Kaokoland – Etosha National Park
You continue with wildlife observation in the Etosha National Park. Discover the different areas of the national park during a safari. Black rhinos, impalas, elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions and springboks can be observed. Numerous species of birds delight every bird fanatic on Dolomite Hill.
The region, located south of the Etosha salt pan, is characterized primarily by numerous shrubs and the rather flat, stony savannah landscape.
Day 14: Etosha National Park
Use another day to explore the Etosha National Park and its flora and fauna on a safari.
Day 15: Etosha National Park – Windhoek
Today you travel back to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. On the way, visit the mining town of Tsumeb and the wood carving market in Okahandja.
Enjoy the last day of your great Namibia tour and let your vacation end with a relaxing dinner in Windhoek.
Day 16: Windhoek – journey home
Even the best vacation comes to an end. Today it is time to say goodbye to Namibia. Transfer to the airport and return home.
