10 days in Namibia — 3 travel itineraries

Astoundingly photogenic across its diverse landscapes, Namibia promises adventure at every turn. From the ancient Namib desert that runs the entirety of the country’s coastline, to the eastern Kalahari and northern game reserves, it’s nigh impossible to not fall under its spell. Not sure how to focus your trip? Keep reading — each 10 day itinerary in Namibia shared below will help you make the most of your time in this extraordinary country.

Is 10 days enough for Namibia?

The answer to that question depends on what you want to see and do. While 10 days isn’t long enough to explore every area in depth, it's certainly enough time to enjoy a diversity of experiences.

That’s the case whether you fancy going it alone on a self-drive safari, or like the sound of having a local expert take care of planning and booking your customised trip. 

Not sure where to start? Each 10-day itinerary in Namibia shared below will set you up for a trip of a lifetime.

Itinerary #1: ultimate self-drive in Namibia

Covering the ancient Namib desert, national parks and cultural experiences, this 10-day self-drive trip will have you exploring Namibia in epic style.

On day one, you’ll collect your hire car in Windhoek and bed down in a boutique hotel for the night.

The road-trip adventure kicks off on day two, when you’ll leave the capital for Sossusvlei. Located in Namib-Naukluft National Park, this is one of Namibia’s most iconic attractions,

Taking around five hours, the (bumpy!) drive will see you traverse iconic burnt orange landscapes. Come night-fall, take a short guided walk to see scorpions illuminated by UV light. 

On day three, enjoy a half-day trip to the highest dunes on earth in the Namib Sand Sea UNESCO site before returning to the wheel on day four, when you’ll drive through the desert to Swakopmund.

With a drive-time of 5.5 hours, you could stop off at Walvis Bay en route. Located on the coast of Namibia, this significant port town is renowned for its rich marine life — take a boat trip to see dolphins. Bird-lovers: note Walvis Bay lagoon is one of the most important wetlands in Africa.

Swakopmund itself is one of Namibia's most popular tourist destinations. Known for its German colonial-era architecture, it’s also a hotspot for adventure sports. Take your pick from kayaking, sand-boarding, sky-diving and quad-biking.

On day five, you’ll drive from Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe. Often referred to as the "Matterhorn of Africa," the Spitzkoppe range is a group of extraordinary granite peaks that are estimated to be 700 million to 120 million years old.

Take a guided tour to see some of the area’s ancient rock art, or else head off on a hiking or rock-climbing adventure.

Day six could see you take a cultural excursion to meet the Himba people before driving from Spitzkoppe to Etosha National Park, which you’ll explore in full on day seven.

Covering over 22,000 square km, and known for the massive Etosha Pan, this is one of Africa's most significant wildlife sanctuaries. Take a safari to see 340+ species of bird, large herds of African elephants, lions, rhinos, and much more.

On day eight, drive from Etosha to the Waterberg Plateau. Rising dramatically above the surrounding plains to a height of 200+ metres, this is an important sanctuary for several endangered species, including black and white rhinoceros.

Day nine will see you drive back to Windhoek, ready to depart on day ten. Book this trip.

Itinerary overview

Read on for an overview of this 10 day Namibia itinerary.

Day 1

• Arrive in Windhoek and collect your car; stay overnight.

Day 2

• Drive to Sossusvlei; night-time nature walk to see scorpions.

Day 3

• Half-day trip to the world’s highest dunes in the Namib Sand Sea UNESCO site.

Day 4

• Drive to Swakopmund; stop-off at Walvis Bay; enjoy adventure sports.

Day 5

• Drive from Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe.

Day 6

• Half-day cultural excursion to meet the Himba people; drive from Spitzkoppe to Etosha.

Day 7

• Visit Etosha National Park.

Day 8

• Drive from Etosha to the Waterberg Plateau.

Day 9

• Drive to Windhoek.

Day 10

• Depart Namibia.

Book this trip.

Itinerary #2: classic Namibia explorer

On arrival in Windhoek, spend day one of this diverse trip exploring the city. You could consider taking a foodie’s tasting tour, or else a guided trip that focusses on history.

Day two will see you transfer to Namib-Naukluft National Park for two days of adventure. Alongside seeing the famous Sossusvlei salt pan, don’t miss Deadvlei. 

Known for its surreal landscape of white clay floors, dead camel thorn trees, it’s home to some of the highest sand dunes in the world, including the towering Big Daddy dune. 

Another must-see sight is Sesriem Canyon — a massive natural gorge carved by the Tsauchab River.

Swakopmund awaits on day three, when you could kickstart your two-night stay with a dolphin-watching trip, or else go quad-biking or sand-boarding. 

On day four, take a trip from Swakopmund to Walvis Bay to see its famed flamingo population before moving to Damaraland on day five.

A region of vast desert plains, towering mountains, and unique rock formations, the UNESCO-designated Twyfelfontein rock engravings are a must-see highlight of any visit to Damaraland. 

We also recommend going on safari to see the region’s desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos.

More wildlife wonders are in store for the rest of you trip — you’ll spend days six to ten exploring Etosha National Park before heading back to Windhoek.

Itinerary overview

Read on for an overview of this 10 day Namibia itinerary.

Day 1

• Explore Windhoek.

Day 2

• Namib-Naukluft National Park.

Day 3

• Swakopmund: dolphin-watching trip, quad-biking or sand-boarding. 

Day 4

• Swakopmund: take a trip to Walvis Bay.

Day 5

• Damaraland: Twyfelfontein rock engravings; safari to see desert-adapted wildlife. 

Day 6

• Etosha National Park.

Day 7

• Etosha National Park.

Day 8

• Etosha National Park.

Day 9

• Etosha National Park.

Day 10

• Return to Windhoek.

Itinerary #3: off the beaten track

Though this 10 day itinerary in Namibia covers some key attractions, it also takes you further off the beaten track.

On arrival in Windhoek on day one, get a feel for the city and take a trip to the Daan Viljoen Game Reserve

Despite its proximity to the city, it provides a surprisingly wild experience. Here you’ll get to see a variety of game, including species such as kudu, oryx, springbok, eland, blue wildebeest, giraffe, and Hartmann's mountain zebra.

On day two, head to Caprivi Strip for a couple of days. Don’t miss booking a boat safari on the Okavango River, and line up an early morning bird watching trip for day three.

Kaokoland will be your base for the next few nights. On day four, enjoy an immersive excursion to a Himba village. Local guides will provide insights into the culture and lifestyle of these semi-nomadic pastoralists.

Wildlife is on the cards for day five when you could take a safari to see the region’s desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos.

Adventure in Brandberg beckons on day six, courtesy of hiking Namibia's highest peak to see the White Lady rock painting. Located in the Tsisab Ravine on the mountain's north face, this ancient artwork is estimated to be 2000 to 4000 years old.

Travel to Twyfelfontein on day seven. Alongside seeing the UNESCO-listed Twyfelfontein rock engravings, take time to walk secluded trails and visit the petrified forest. Some of the huge trees are estimated to be around 260 million years old. 

Next up, spend day eight in the Hoanib Valley to watch wildlife on an early-morning or evening game drive. For a different perspective, book a flight excursion over the valley and Skeleton Coast.

Devote day nine to exploring a duo of very different — but equally as fascinating — towns. Namely, Lüderitz and Kolmanskop.

Known for its German colonial architecture, the coastal town of Lüderitz offers a unique insight into Namibia's maritime history. Meanwhile, nearby Kolmanskop — a ghost town swallowed by the desert — stands as a haunting reminder of the diamond rush era.

On day ten, head back to Windhoek to relax and shop before your departure.

Want more inspiration? Discover ten unforgettable things to do in Namibia.

Itinerary overview

Read on for an overview of this 10 day Namibia itinerary.

Day 1

• Arrive in Windhoek; take a trip to the Daan Viljoen Game Reserve.

Day 2

• Caprivi Strip: boat safari on the Okavango River.

Day 3

• Caprivi Strip: bird watching trip.

Day 4

• Kaokoland: visit a Himba village. 

Day 5

• Kaokoland: safari to see desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos.

Day 6

• Brandberg: hike to see the White Lady rock painting.

Day 7

• Twyfelfontein: see rock engravings; walk trails; visit the petrified forest.

Day 8

• Hoanib Valley wildlife-watching.

Day 9

• Explore Lüderitz and Kolmanskop.

Day 10

• Return to Windhoek ready for your departure.

Inspired to visit Namibia? Read up on some of the best things to do in Namibia, and get The Rough Guide to Namibia to help plan your trip. 

Not a fan of planning? No problem! Browse our customisable Namibia itineraries. With a local expert on hand to handle planning, you'll be free to focus on counting down the days to your trip of a lifetime.

Planning to explore Africa further? Check out our South Africa itineraries.