An example itinerary for a holiday to Namibia
This example itinerary is perfect for those who want to discover the best of Namibia. Whether you’re going as a couple, on your honeymoon or with friends this African country is simply incredible. Below is just a taster, let us tailor make the perfect itinerary for you.
Read on to find out more.
VISIT: Windhoek - Day 1 to 2
All around you will see European influences, from the homely Konditoreis on every corner to the striking Germanic castles that are scattered on the skyline, this is Windhoek, Namibia’s well-groomed capital city. In the centre of the country (quite literally), these leafy streets are an ideal stopover after a long journey; spend an afternoon shopping for curios in the airy Post Street Mall or wander through Zoo Park and enjoy your pastry in the shade of the trees. This is relaxed city-life, where days here are pleasant, stress-free and always fun.
STAY: Olive Grove
This friendly guesthouse is located in the leafy suburb of Klein Windhoek, complete with a large shaded terrace, open-plan kitchen, small plunge pool and a wellness treatment room. It shares the same views of the olive grove and city skyline, as its neighbour, the Olive Exclusive. The food and wine list are fantastic. The staff are attentive and welcoming, providing a welcoming start to your Namibian adventure.
DISCOVER: Sossusvlei - Day 2 to 4
The iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei are one of the most strikingly handsome sights on earth and watching the sun rise over them is one of those experiences that you never forget. As the light creeps slowly above the horizon, it catches the tips of the great red dunes, casting magnificent shadows on the desert floor. Located in the the largest conservation area in Africa is Namib-Naukluft Park, where the great dunes seem to rise up magically from the dry pan.
Spend the day walking up to to epic views, or take a drive and watch oryx and zebra making their way below the towering walls of sand. At night, the Milky Way above Sossusvlei is brighter than anywhere else in Africa.
STAY: Little Kulala Lodge
Little Kulala is a stylish and glamorous retreat situated in the 210-square-kilometre private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, with its own access gate to the Namib-Naukluft National Park and Sossusvlei. Backed by the Naukluft Mountains, the lodge has views out to the the world-renowned soaring dunes of the Namib Desert in the distance.
Despite the red-clay exterior – inside, all is designed for your comfort, from the reliable wi-fi service to the remarkable wine cellar and 11 spacious kulala (kulala means ‘to sleep’) chalets.
EXPLORE: Swakopmund - Day 4 to 6
Swakopmund is a coastal city and popular beach resort in the Namib desert and is a mecca for extreme sports. The influence of Swakopmund’s German colonial history is visible in the architecture and overall “Gemütlichkeit” of the town. For the adrenaline junkies, you’ll find an abundance of adventure sports on offer — from quadbiking to sandboarding to skydiving, as well as horseback riding and surfing opportunities.
STAY: Strand Hotel
Situated right on the peninsula in Swakopmund, where the Namib dunes melt into the Atlantic, the Strand hotel’s location is hard to beat. The interiors are a blend of trendy metropolitan hotel combined with a light and breezy seaside ambiance. And there’s even a brewery on site where you’ll find locally crafted beer, epic sunsets, a lovely spa and seafood by the boatload at this sparkling Swakopmund gem.
ENJOY: Damaraland - Day 6 to 8
Damaraland might just be the most scenic area of this amazing country. This is Africa at its unlimited, rugged best; a place where flat-topped lava mountains and eerie petrified trees cast shadows across the blood red terrain and where colossal granite boulders, covered in hundreds of ancient drawings, stand like sentinels. Here you will find herds of mountain zebra and gemsbok, black rhino and the remarkable desert elephants.
The best part, although parts of the land have been designated ‘concession areas’ tourism is still limited, making a visit to this unspoiled corner even more spectacular.
STAY: Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani Mountain Camp, can be found tucked among the giant ochre rocks, in Damaraland. The lodge’s organic design has earned it an architectural eco-design award, and the interior combines elegance, earthiness and tranquility. The accommodation here is peaceful, spacious and comfortable, the food is great, the game drives are rewarding and the views are epic.
EXPLORE: Skeleton Coast - Day 8 to 11
Skeleton Coast’s ghostly north shore from the window of a light aircraft is, quite simply, mind-blowing. Looking down you’ll see enormous bleached whalebones and crumbling shipwrecks. But look deeper and you’ll also discover tiny plants flourishing in the sand, giraffe and springbok along the coastal riverbeds and the remarkable desert elephants.
If you’re looking for somewhere utterly remote with a good dose of epic wildlife and astounding scenery, then the Skeleton Coast National Park is the place for you.
STAY: Skeleton Coast Shipwreck Lodge
Think wind-swept dunes, dramatic beaches and icy Atlantic seas, renowned for driving many a ship ashore – that’s the inspiration for Shipwreck Lodge. Rising eerily from the dunes, the cabins are modelled on the relics from times past and whilst simple from the outside, the interiors are plush, cosy and offer the perfect respite from the harsh surroundings.
You’ll see a wide variety of wildlife from seal and flamingo colonies to hyenas scouring the shoreline as well as desert-adapted lion and elephant. There is also an excellent selection of activities – quad biking, beachcombing and dune sundowners.
DISCOVER: Etosha - Day 11 to 13
Etosha National Park is a safari wonderland, characterised by an expansive, glittering salt pan the size of Holland, making it a photographer’s dream. Wildlife congregates around the few waterholes in the south, making game viewing delightful and very easy – simply stop the vehicle and wait for the animals to arrive. During the rains, the pan transforms into a luscious lagoon, attracting flamingo and pelican in their droves.
This is one of the continent’s wildlife-viewing hotspots, where mesmerising sightings against a startlingly beautiful landscape are a given.
STAY: Little Ongava
Ongava, is a sizable private reserve on the southern border of Etosha Park. It makes the most of this proximity and provides what the park cannot: exclusivity, luxury and flexibility. Little Ongava combines the best of Etosha, with top class service and a personalized guided experience in a much less restrictive environment. Here you can combine world class accommodation with great game viewing and a visit to the Etosha Pan and its springs that attracts vast amounts of wildlife in the dry season.