Namibia 10 Day Itinerary

This Namibia 10 day itinerary is the perfect way to experience this incredibly diverse and scenic country.

During my own recent visit to Namibia I was blown away by the abundance of wildlife and unique landscapes. This trip was truly filled with experiences I’ll never forget.

Many of my favorite moments were spent overlooking watering holes watching the giraffes and elephants coming and going. There’s just something special about seeing these animals in the wild for the first time that I can’t explain.

If you’ve ever dreamed of an African wildlife experience unlike any other, Namibia is for you.

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Table of Contents

How to Get to Namibia

To get to Namibia, most people will find it easiest to fly into the Windhoek airport. Windhoek is the capital of Namibia, and is where the country’s Hosea Kutako International Airport is located.

You can find direct flights to Windhoek from either Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Flights will average around $100 to $200 USD depending on availability and season. The flight times are about 2 hours or 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Windhoek is a very small airport with just one terminal. Once you get through customs and immigration you can exit the airport quickly.

That being said, the line for immigration can take a very long time. I suggest sitting at the front of the plane so you can get in line quickly.

I ended up waiting about 2 hours to get through immigration during my visit and it was just our plane that was waiting in line. So trust me, hustle to get to immigration once you step off the plane.

Best Time to Visit Namibia

The best time to visit Namibia is generally from July to October. This is when you’ll have the least rainfall and most mild temperatures.

The months of June, July and August receive the least rainfall of the year. Namibia receives the most rainfall from January to March, so I would avoid traveling during these months.

Keep in mind that many of the roads in Namibia are dirt roads, so the less muddy the better.

Average temperatures from June to August range from mid 40s on the low end to low 70s on the high end. You’ll experience the highest temperatures from November to February with highs in the mid 80s.

Peak season for travel in Namibia is from June to September.

10 Days in Namibia

This 10 days in Namibia itinerary is essentially designed as a Namibia road trip. This Namibia road trip itinerary begins and ends in Windhoek but takes you all around the country.

You should know that Namibia is a large country, so driving distances between destinations are long, often times at least several hours.

Due to the long driving distances, the itinerary includes stays of two to three nights in each destination to cut down on driving and give you more time to explore and relax.

The roads in Namibia are either paved or unpaved, but all are mostly flat and very safe. If driving on your own with a rental car, you’ll encounter many other travelers doing the same.

One of the most important Namibia travel tips to keep in mind is to remember that you’re traveling in Africa.

Travel in Africa comes with its inconveniences at times including break downs, closed shops and gas stations, lack of hot water in some places, and minimal options for dining, among many other things.

Be prepared to encounter some inconveniences or bumps in the road, and you should be just fine. Namibia is an incredible country, and worth any minor hiccups you experience along the way.

Over all, Namibia is a very safe and friendly country, so relax and have a great time.

Day 1: Windhoek

While there are some things to do in Windhoek you might find interesting, you are mostly here just as a start and end point to your road trip around Namibia.

I suggest booking a hotel in Windhoek for your first and last night in the country. I include hotel recommendations just below.

You can also use your time in Windhoek to pick up your rental car, fill up on gas, get a local SIM card, and shop for food and supplies for your trip.

If you do have time to explore the city consider booking a Windhoek city tour.

Whether you opt for the guided tour or exploring on your own, I recommend visiting Christus Kirche, the Independence Memorial Museum, Parliament Gardens, and Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary.

Distance to next destination: 5 hours 30 minutes (525 Km or 326 miles)

Where to stay in Windhoek

Day 2: Etosha East

Due to the driving distance, you’ll want to depart Windhoek early to arrive at your lodging in time for sunset.

This was one of my favorite stops in Namibia. Our group did a one night stay at Emanya Lodge, which is located just east of Etosha National Park.

This was the perfect base the night before entering Etosha National Park as it was just a few minutes drive to the park entrance.

If you’re planning to do a game drive in the next morning inside Etosha, it is helpful to be close to the park entrance the night before.

Even better though, is that this lodge has a watering hole that attracts all sorts of animals. This was my first southern Africa watering hole experience, so I was beyond excited to see all the animals there.

I was especially happy to see the zebras pictured above. There’s something so special about seeing these animals in the wild for the first time.

Where to stay near Etosha East

Day 3: Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is a must see destination on a 10 day Namibia road trip. In fact, this is one of the country’s most important places to experience.

If you have a car you can explore the park on your own. If not, you can book a full or half day Etosha game drive.

Etosha National Park covers over 8,500 square miles and is one of the best places in Namibia to spot wildlife on a safari.

Wildlife you can see in Etosha National Park includes, but is not limited to, the following: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, wildebeest, cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, springboks, kudus, gemsboks and elands.

As you drive around the park, you will see many springbok and zebra. These guys are literally everywhere. But keep an eye out for the more elusive animals include leopards, lions, cheetahs, and giraffes.

Maybe giraffes are not that elusive, but they were my clear favorite. They’re so majestic looking and just cute. I was thrilled every time I saw one.

Where to stay in Etosha National Park

Okaukuejo Resort

Day 4: Etosha National Park

If you have the time and the interest in seeing the wildlife here, I would stay one more night in Etosha so you can do another game drive.

Note that Etosha National Park closes at sunset, so you cannot do night time game drives here.

However, the watering holes at night are incredible.

If possible, make time to be at the Okaukuejo Resort watering hole in the evening. This is when you’ll see the most action as the wildlife are most active at night.

Getting to see the wildlife at this watering hole was one of the most incredible experiences. You don’t want to miss this. Plus, how cute are those giraffe and rhino reflections in the water.

Distance to next destination: 6 hours (519 Km or 322 miles)

Where to stay in Etosha National Park

Okaukuejo Resort

Day 5: Swakopmund

Your final destination on this day is Swakopmund, which is a beautiful coastal city where the vast Namib Desert meets the Atlantic Ocean. However, there are things to see along the way to break up your drive.

About 5 hours south of Etosha is Spitzkoppe. Here you can stop to see ancient cave paintings and a unique landscape of bald granite peaks.

The landscape here is stunning and the perfect place to hike around and explore. It’s also a great place for pictures.

After leaving Spitzkoppe, you’ll drive two additional hours to reach Swakopmund. If possible, try to plan your day to arrive by sunset.

This way you can enjoy a walk on the beach to take on those gorgeous ocean views before dinner.

Where to stay in Swakopmund

Beach Lodge Swakopmund

Day 6: Swakopmund

The next day, plan to get up early to enjoy all the adventurous activities you can find in Swakopmund. There’s so much to see here you won’t run out of things to do.

Some of your options include quad biking over the dunes, skydiving, sand boarding, hiking, and horseback riding.

You can also visit Namibia’s famous Sandwich Harbor, which includes epic ocean views, traversing the dunes in a 4×4, and ending with a champagne toast.

I personally opted for the quad bike tour and spent the afternoon flying up and down the local sand dunes.

Before you leave Swakopmund, I also recommend making a quick drive south to Walvis Bay to see the Flamingoes.

Distance to next destination: 6 hours (519 Km or 322 miles)

Where to stay in Swakopmund

Beach Lodge Swakopmund

Day 7: Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei is another can’t miss spot on a 10 day road trip around Namibia.

Sossusvlei is home to one of the most unique landscapes I’ve ever experienced. This is where you’ll find Namibia’s famous Deadvlei and Dune 45, both of which are located inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

Deadvlei is a white clay pan dotted with dead Acacia trees. This landscape makes for an incredible photo opportunity, especially when the sun rises and creates light beams over the surrounding red sand dunes.

Dune 45 stands over Deadvlei and is famous for it’s location and it’s picturesque, symmetrical shape. The dune gets its name because it is located 45 kilometers from the Sesriem gate at Namib-Naukluft National Park.

It is important to note that the outer gates of Namib-Naukluft National Park open at sunrise and close at sunset.

There is also an inner set of gates, which open one hour before sunrise and close one hour after sunset. In order to access these gates before sunrise, you must already be staying inside the National Park.

You should also know that the drive from the inner park gates to Deadvlei is about 55 minutes. It will also be very cold in the morning, so dress in layers. Trust me on this!

The lodge I recommend below, Dead Valley Lodge, is inside the National Park, thus giving you earlier access to the park before other visitors.

Where to stay in Sossusvlei

Dead Valley Lodge – This is one of the best places I’ve ever stayed at. It’s worth the price and the convenience of being so close to Deadvlei.

Day 8: Sossusvlei

Since this is your first full day in Sossusvlei, use this day to visit Deadvlei and Dune 45. In order to have the full experience, you’ll want to wake up in time to get ready and have breakfast before driving to the inner gates of the park.

Check in advance to identify the sunrise time for the date of your visit. In July, sunrise in Namibia is around 7:30 a.m.

This means you’ll want to be at the park inner gates by 6:30 a.m. So plan your morning, including your wake up time, with this in mind.

Once you arrive at Deadvlei you can either hike Dune 45 or make the trek through the sand into Deadvlei.

I personally opted to trek into Deadvlei. It was about a 20 minute walk. Since you’re trekking through the sand it’s quite the workout, but doable for most travelers.

Once i arrived at Deadvlei I spent about three hours there exploring, taking photos, and just enjoying the views.

I also climbed about halfway up Dune 45 to take in the views. I have a fear of heights that I have not yet conquered, so I was happy to be half way up before making my way back to the ground.

Where to stay in Sossusvlei

Dead Valley Lodge – This is one of the best places I’ve ever stayed at. It’s worth the price and the convenience of being so close to Deadvlei.

Day 9: Sossusvlei

During your last day in Sossusvlei you can further explore Namib Naukluft National Park.

I also recommend making the short drive to Sesriem Canyon. This is the second most popular tourist attraction in the area, after Deadvlei.

Sesriem Canyon was carved over time by the Tsauchab River. The sedimentary rock canyon is 1 kilometer deep and varies in width with some spots as narrow as just 2 meters (6.5 feet) wide.

The canyon makes a beautiful spot to hike through and take pictures.

In the evenings, be sure to step outside to stargaze. The night sky here is absolutely incredible. Those into astrophotography will be delighted to photograph the stars here.

Distance to next destination: 4 hours 15 min. (327 Km or 203 miles)

Where to stay in Sossusvlei

Dead Valley Lodge – This is one of the best places I’ve ever stayed at. It’s worth the price and the convenience of being so close to Deadvlei.

Day 10: Windhoek

This is your last full day in Namibia. Due to the driving distances between destinations, and the nature of travel on the African continent, it is recommended you book your last night in Windhoek.

If you arrive early, you can explore the city on this day with a guided tour. You can also just go see the sights on your own.

Another option would be to just relax at the hotel of your choice before tomorrow’s long flight home.

Keep in mind, most flights departing from Windhoek will be headed to either Cape Town or Johannesburg in South Africa.

Where to stay in Windhoek

If you have additional time to spend in Namibia, I would consider adding Skeleton Coast National Park and Cape Cross Seal Colony in the north, and Fish River Canyon, in the south, to your itinerary.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Namibia 10 Day Itinerary and that I’ve inspired you to plan a visit of your own. As always, thanks for reading.