If you’re looking for a mix of incredible landscapes, wildlife, and unique culture, Namibia is perfect. It’s one of Africa’s hidden gems and still feels off the beaten path. In this 7-day itinerary, I’ll guide you to the country’s highlights, without feeling too rushed. You’ll get to see deserts, safari parks, coastal towns, and more. Let’s get started!
Day 1: Windhoek
Fly into Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, and settle in. It’s a quiet and relaxed city, giving you time to adjust after your flight. Spend the day walking its streets or relaxing at a local café.
What to See:
- Christuskirche (Christ Church): This German Lutheran church is an iconic structure in Windhoek, with beautiful stained-glass windows and a relaxing surrounding garden.
- Independence Memorial Museum: Learn more about Namibia’s fight for independence here. The views from the top offer a solid overview of the city as well.
- National Botanical Garden: If you enjoy green spaces, this garden gives you insights into Namibia’s unique plants and offers a peaceful break.
Take it easy in the afternoon, as you’ll have a lot of travel ahead. Grab a meal at Joe’s Beer House, a famous German-Namibian pub, and call it a day.
Day 2: Sossusvlei (Namib Desert)
Head south early in the morning for a trip to Sossusvlei. This is where you’ll find some of the world’s tallest sand dunes in the Namib Desert. It’s a long drive (about 5 hours), but the landscapes along the way are stunning. Spend the night near the park to be prepared for an early start on Day 3.
Where to Stay:
- There are campsites and lodges just outside the park entrance. Most travelers stay in Sesriem, a small town nearby.
Once you arrive, relax and watch the sun go down behind the dunes. The colors are insane.
Day 3: Exploring Sossusvlei
Wake up before sunrise to catch the golden light illuminating the orange dunes of Sossusvlei. If you’re up for it, climb Dune 45, one of the most famous dunes in the region. It’s a great spot for photos.
Once you’re back down, head deeper into the park to visit Deadvlei. This is a salt pan dotted with ancient, dead trees. The surreal scenery here is unforgettable.
What to Do:
- Climb Dune 45: It’s a steep climb, but totally worth it for views of the glowing orange dunes at sunrise.
- Explore Deadvlei: Walk around the salt pan and marvel at the contrast between the trees, white clay ground, and red dunes.
In the afternoon, hike around Sesriem Canyon, a small but scenic canyon near the entrance to Sossusvlei.
Day 4: Swakopmund
Today, prepare for a long drive (about 5 hours) north to the coastal town of Swakopmund. The desert meets the sea here, offering a totally different vibe from the dry interior.
This is your chance to experience some adventure activities. Whether you want to go sandboarding, skydiving, or quad biking, Swakopmund has it all. If you prefer something calmer, go for a walk along the beach or take a stroll through the town to explore the old German colonial buildings.
Activity Ideas:
- Sandboarding: If you’re a thrill-seeker, try surfing the sand dunes on a board.
- Swakopmund Museum: Learn about Namibia’s history and culture.
- Enjoy the Beach: Take a calm walk and snap some photos of Namibia’s coastline.
Swakopmund also has great restaurants. Be sure to try The Tug for incredible seafood with a view of the ocean.
Day 5: Walvis Bay & Cape Cross
Today drive down to Walvis Bay, just 30 minutes from Swakopmund. The town is famous for its large seal colonies, pelicans, and flamingos.
After seeing the bay, drive north to Cape Cross (about 90 minutes) to experience one of the biggest seal colonies in the world.
What to Do:
- Visit the Walvis Bay Lagoon: This is the best place to see flamingos and pelicans. It’s particularly stunning in the early morning or evening light.
- Cape Cross Seal Reserve: Thousands of seals gather here, making for a unique and noisy experience.
If you have time, go for a kayaking tour in Walvis Bay for an up-close view of the seals and dolphins.
Day 6: Etosha National Park (Safari Time!)
It’s time to go on safari! Drive to Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s best places to go game viewing. The drive from Swakopmund is long (about 7 hours), but totally worth it.
Once you arrive, settle into your accommodation inside the park, and go for an afternoon game drive. Etosha is famous for its salt pan, which attracts animals like elephants, lions, rhinos, and more. Spend your afternoon spotting wildlife or just relaxing. Stay overnight inside the park.
Where to Stay:
- Stay in one of the park-run camps like Okaukuejo Camp or Halali Camp. These are simple but comfortable, and they often have waterholes where animals come to drink.
What to See:
- Etosha Pan: The massive salt pan is the park’s focal point and attracts a huge number of animals during the dry season.
- Go on a Game Drive: You’ll see lions, elephants, rhinos, and possibly leopards. Bring binoculars!
Day 7: Etosha National Park (Full-Day Safari)
On your last day in Namibia, focus entirely on exploring Etosha National Park. Get up early (around 6 AM) for a morning game drive since you’ll have the best chance of seeing predators in action. Drive yourself or join a guided safari. Either way, the park is full of well-placed waterholes where animals come to drink.
In the afternoon, take it slow. Relax at your lodge or enjoy more animal sightings right from your camp’s waterhole. Chances are you’ll see elephants, rhinos, or giraffes come for a drink before sunset.
Don’t Miss:
- Okondeka Waterhole: One of the best places to spot lions and other large predators.
- Namutoni: Near the park’s eastern end, this old German fort is worth checking out.
In the evening, watch your final sunset in Namibia and toast to an amazing week.
Conclusion
This 7-day trip through Namibia gives you a taste of the country’s remarkable diversity. From the towering dunes at Sossusvlei to the beaches of Swakopmund and the wildlife of Etosha National Park, Namibia offers adventure at every turn. Although the drives between locations are long, they’re scenic and give you a real sense of the wide-open space and beauty of the country. Have fun and stay safe!
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