Windhoek
Windhoek tours and airport transfers in Namibia's capital. See the city, plan your arrival and start your tour with a driver-guide.
Namibia Unveiled: 10 Day Namibia Tour
Duration: 10 days, 9 nights
10 days, 9 nights. Private or small group, with your own driver-guide.
Ten days takes you from Windhoek to the red dunes of Sossusvlei, the Atlantic coast at Swakopmund, the rock engravings and dry river valleys of Damaraland, and a full day in Etosha National Park. You travel in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide, and we book the lodges, meals and park entries.
At a glance
Highlights
- Climb a dune at Sossusvlei at sunrise, then walk across the clay pan to Deadvlei.
- Spend an afternoon in Swakopmund with a Walvis Bay cruise or sandboarding (optional).
- See the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, the Organ Pipes and the Petrified Forest.
- Search for desert-adapted elephants in the dry river valleys of Damaraland.
- Spend a full day at the waterholes in Etosha National Park, with a picnic lunch.
- Spend time with a local community in Damaraland through a vetted partner (Damara or Himba, set in your quote).
- Eat a Namibian dinner with local wine.
Route
Stops in order
- Windhoek
- Sossusvlei (Sesriem)
- Swakopmund
- Damaraland (Twyfelfontein)
- Etosha (Okaukuejo)
- Windhoek
Day by day
Day 1
Windhoek
We meet you at the airport and drive you to your lodge. There is time for a short orientation of the city.
Day 2
Windhoek to the Namib Desert
Drive through the Khomas Hochland, stop at Sesriem Canyon and watch the sun set over the dunes.
Day 3
Sossusvlei
Be at the dunes at sunrise, then walk to Deadvlei. An optional scenic flight is available.
- Scenic flight (optional)
Day 4
Namib Desert to Swakopmund
Drive via Solitaire and through the Gaub and Kuiseb landscapes to the Atlantic coast.
Day 5
Swakopmund
Take a Walvis Bay cruise or try sandboarding (both optional), or walk the town at your own pace.
- Walvis Bay cruise (optional)
- Sandboarding (optional)
Day 6
Swakopmund to Damaraland
Visit the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, the Organ Pipes and the Petrified Forest.
Day 7
Damaraland to Etosha
Early in the morning, search for desert-adapted elephants in the dry river valleys with your guide. Sightings can't be promised. Then drive to Etosha, with a game drive at the waterholes in the afternoon.
Day 8
Etosha National Park
A full day of game drives, with a picnic lunch. An optional night drive is available.
- Etosha night drive (optional)
Day 9
Etosha to Windhoek
A morning game drive, then the drive back to Windhoek. If time allows, stop at Waterberg or Okonjima (optional). Farewell dinner.
- Waterberg or Okonjima stop (optional)
Day 10
Windhoek
Breakfast, then a private transfer to the airport.
Where you stay
You choose one level for the whole tour; the route stays the same.
- Sossusvlei
- Namib Desert Lodge, Sossus Oasis
- Swakopmund
- Hotel Al Mer or similar
- Damaraland
- Doro Nawas, Aba-Huab
- Etosha
- Etosha Safari Camp, Onguma Treetop
| Stop | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Sossusvlei | Namib Desert Lodge, Sossus Oasis | Sossus Dune Lodge, Little Kulala |
| Swakopmund | Hotel Al Mer or similar | The Strand Hotel or similar |
| Damaraland | Doro Nawas, Aba-Huab | Camp Kipwe, Grootberg Lodge |
| Etosha | Etosha Safari Camp, Onguma Treetop | Ongava Tented Camp, Okaukuejo luxury rooms |
Windhoek nights are at a guesthouse or hotel of the same level. Lodge names depend on availability and are confirmed in your quote.
Included and not included
Included
- 9 nights' accommodation in twin or double rooms. A single supplement is available on request.
- Breakfast daily, 3 lunches (one is a picnic in Etosha) and 6 dinners, including welcome and farewell dinners.
- A private 4x4 safari vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide for the whole tour.
- Fuel, park road fees and airport transfers within the tour dates.
- Entry to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, with early access.
- Entry to Twyfelfontein, the Organ Pipes and the Petrified Forest.
- Entry to Etosha National Park and full-day guided game drives.
- Bottled water and light snacks in the vehicle each day.
Not included
- International flights and visa fees.
- Travel insurance, which is compulsory (medical, cancellation and baggage).
- Optional activities: scenic flight over Sossusvlei, Walvis Bay cruise, sandboarding or quad biking, Etosha night drive, extra cultural visits.
- Premium drinks, tips and personal items.
- Any meal not listed above.
Prices and seasons
We quote each tour for your dates, group size and lodge level.
The price depends on
- dates
- season
- lodge level
- group size
Seasons
- High season: July to October
- Low season: November to June
Children and single travellers
Children aged 12 and under sharing a room with two adults can get a reduced rate, confirmed in your quote.
A single supplement is available on request. Confirmed in your quote.
Request a quoteGood to know
- Distances are long and some roads are gravel. Most days include a long drive, with stops for views, photos and rest.
- Sunrise at Sossusvlei means an early start (before 06:00). The desert is cold at dawn and hot by midday.
- Wildlife viewing depends on the season and the day. The dry season, July to October, is usually best at the waterholes.
- Fitness: the dune climb is optional and can be done at your own pace. Tell us about any mobility needs when you request a quote and we'll plan around them.
A deposit confirms your booking and the balance is due before you travel. Your quote states the amounts and dates, and the cancellation scale. Full terms are on the Terms and conditions page.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a private tour or a group tour?
Both. You can travel privately with your own party, or as a small group of up to 8 guests. Dates are set with you, not fixed in advance.
Can I change the route or the lodges?
Yes. Tell us what you want and we'll adjust the plan and the quote. See Tailor-made Namibia tours.
Will I see elephants?
The search for desert-adapted elephants happens in the dry river valleys of Damaraland. Sightings depend on where the animals are on the day, and we can't promise one.
Who is my guide?
An English-speaking driver-guide travels with you for the whole tour.
What time of year is best?
The tour runs all year. July to October is the dry season, when animals gather at the Etosha waterholes. Read more on our Namibia weather and best time to visit page.
Do I need a visa?
Visa rules depend on your passport and change from time to time. Check our Namibia visa page and the official Namibian source before you travel.
Places on this tour
Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert
Guided Sossusvlei tours in the Namib Desert. Climb the dunes at sunrise and walk to Deadvlei with your own driver-guide. Request a quote.
Swakopmund and Walvis Bay
Guided Swakopmund tours on Namibia's coast. Walvis Bay cruise, dunes, sandboarding and a German-style seaside town. Request a quote.
Damaraland
Guided Damaraland tours in Namibia. See the Twyfelfontein rock engravings and search for desert-adapted elephants. Request a quote.
Etosha National Park
Guided Etosha safari tours in Namibia. Spend a full day at the waterholes with your own driver-guide. See our 10 day tour or plan your own.
Plan your trip
Next step
Tell us your dates, the number of guests and the lodge level you prefer, and we'll send a quote.