Namibia in 10 Days
Namibia
Overview
One of Africa's best self-drive routes: from Windhoek south to Sossusvlei's towering red dunes and Deadvlei's white clay pan, west to the German-colonial coastal town of Swakopmund, then north to Etosha National Park's floodlit waterholes for some of Southern Africa's most reliable wildlife-watching. Roads are excellent gravel and tar throughout, but distances are considerable — this is a genuine road trip.
- Duration
- 10 days
- Pace
- Balanced
- Transport
- Rental car
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- US$2,400–US$3,100
Route
Highlights
- Sunrise climb of Big Daddy dune at Sossusvlei
- Deadvlei's ancient dead trees against white clay and red dunes
- Desert activities around Swakopmund — dune boarding, quad biking
- Floodlit waterhole game-viewing in Etosha
Worth knowing
- Long driving days between regions — this is not a relaxed pace
- Gravel roads require careful, slower driving than tar
- Etosha's best game-viewing months (dry season, May-Oct) draw the biggest crowds
Day by day
Day 1
WindhoekMain activities
- Arrive, settle in
- Independence Memorial Museum
Optional additions
- Katutura market
Pick up your rental car (4x4 recommended) on arrival.
Day 2
Windhoek → SossusvleiMain activities
- Drive south (~5h)
- Sunset at the dunes
Day 3
SossusvleiMain activities
- Sunrise climb of Big Daddy dune
- Deadvlei clay pan
Optional additions
- Sesriem Canyon
Day 4
Sossusvlei → SwakopmundMain activities
- Drive west (~5h)
- Settle into the coastal town
Day 5
SwakopmundMain activities
- Dune boarding or quad biking
Optional additions
- Walvis Bay dolphin and seal cruise
Day 6
Swakopmund → EtoshaMain activities
- Drive north (~6h)
- Evening at a floodlit waterhole
Day 7
Etosha National ParkMain activities
- Full day game drive
Day 8
Etosha National ParkMain activities
- Further game drives, different waterholes
Day 9
Etosha → WindhoekMain activities
- Drive back south (~5.5h)
Day 10
WindhoekMain activities
- Final souvenir shopping
- Departure
Alternatives
Drop Swakopmund and drive directly from Sossusvlei to Etosha.
Add the Fish River Canyon and Skeleton Coast for a fuller loop of the country.