9 Day Best of Namibia Safari
Discover Namibia's most iconic landscapes and wildlife with a top nature guide on this expertly planned 9-day safari. From the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei and the wild Atlantic shores of Swakopmund to the rugged beauty of Damaraland and the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha National Park, this small-group tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Namibia. Prefer a private trip? We can tailor the itinerary to suit your interests.
Highlights
- Small group departures (max 7 guests) with expert Namibian guide
- Climb iconic red dunes in the Namib Desert at sunrise
- Optional kayaking with seals and dolphins off the Skeleton Coast
- Visit ancient Twyfelfontein rock engravings (UNESCO site)
- Search for desert-adapted elephants in Damaraland
- Game drives in Etosha National Park and a private game reserve
- Flexible private departures available
The 9 Day Best of Namibia Safari is ideal for first-time visitors looking for a guided tour of Namibia's most spectacular and varied regions. This scheduled small group trip combines dramatic desert scenery, quaint coastal towns, rare desert-adapted wildlife, and world-class game viewing in Etosha. You'll travel in comfort with a dedicated, highly experienced nature guide who brings Namibia's landscapes and wildlife to life.
Private departures can also be arranged for couples, families, or friends wanting a more flexible and personalised experience. These are customisable and can depart on any date (subject to availability).
Scheduled group departures are guaranteed with a minimum of one guest and a maximum of seven. Tours depart on Tuesdays and some Saturdays.
- Day 1–2: Windhoek to Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert
- Day 3–4: Swakopmund and Walvis Bay (Skeleton Coast)
- Day 5–6: Damaraland’s desert-adapted wildlife and landscapes
- Day 7–8: Etosha National Park and a private game reserve
- Day 9: Return to Windhoek
Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland & Etosha in One Seamless Journey
Explore Namibia's Iconic Landscapes with an Expert Guide – Small Group or Private.
Day-by-Day Safari Details
Day 1: Windhoek to Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei
Depart Windhoek with your guide and head southwest through the Khomas Hochland and down into the vast Namib Desert. Stop for a picnic lunch en route before arriving at your desert lodge. In the afternoon, explore the Sesriem Canyon or enjoy the views from the lodge.
- Overnight accommodation
- Lunch, dinner and excursions with your guide
Day 2: Sossusvlei & Namib-Naukluft National Park
Dead Vlei
An early start takes you into the dunes before sunrise, when the light is best for photography. Your guide will explain how this ancient desert ecosystem functions. Explore iconic sites like Dune 45, Dead Vlei and Sossusvlei. A late lunch is followed by an afternoon of leisure at camp.
- Overnight accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and excursions with your guide
Day 3: Sossusvlei to Swakopmund (via Walvis Bay)
Welcome to Swakopmund
Optional pre-dawn hot air balloon safari (must be pre-booked). Then head north via the Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons to the coastal town of Swakopmund, stopping in Walvis Bay to view flamingos and other birdlife. Enjoy a seafood dinner at a popular local restaurant.
- Overnight accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Optional sunrise hot air balloon safari over Namib-Naukluft and Sossusvlei dunes in the morning before departing for Swakopmund must be pre-booked and involves an additional cost.
Day 4: Kayaking or Boat Cruise in Walvis Bay
The pelicans of Walvis Bay
This morning offers an unforgettable experience paddling among Cape fur seals and dolphins. If you prefer, opt for a motorised cruise with oysters and sparkling wine. Later, explore Swakopmund or book optional activities like quad biking, scenic flights, or skydiving.
- Overnight accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5: Swakopmund to Damaraland
The prehistoric Twyfelfontein rock engravings (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Travel northeast into the rugged beauty of Damaraland. En route, see the Brandberg and stop at local landmarks like Twyfelfontein, Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes. Your camp is tucked among giant boulders in a scenic desert setting.
- Overnight accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and excursions with your guide
Day 6: Desert-Adapted Wildlife Safari in Damaraland
Desert-adapted Damaraland elephant
Go in search of desert-adapted elephants on a 4x4 game drive through ephemeral riverbeds. Depending on timing, visit ancient rock engravings or enjoy a nature walk around camp. Damaraland is home to fascinating geology and unique desert wildlife.
- Overnight accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and excursions with your guide
Day 7: Damaraland to Etosha National Park
Etosha wildlife
Set off to a private game reserve bordering Etosha National Park, home to over 100 mammal species. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park, stopping en route to camp to spend time at waterholes, where animals gather in large numbers.
- Overnight accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and game drive in Etosha National Park
Day 8: Private Etosha Game Reserve Safari
Private game reserve wildlife experience
Morning and afternoon open safari vehicle game drives in a private game reserve, searching for lions, elephants, and possibly endangered rhinos.
- Overnight accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Morning and afternoon game drives
Day 9: Etosha to Windhoek
Your return journey to Windhoek via Outjo, Otjiwarongo and Okahandja includes lunch. Ask us to arrange overnight accommodation in Windhoek (highly recommended) at an additional cost if your departure flight leaves before 19h00.
- Breakfast and lunch
This tour usually departs from Windhoek on Tuesdays and finishes in Windhoek the following Wednesday, except for the selected Wednesday and Saturday departure dates below:
Selected Wednesday & Saturday departure dates in 2026
08.04.2026 / 11.04.2026 / 18.04.2026 / 16.05.2026 / 13.06.2026 / 20.06.2026 / 27.06.2026 / 04.07.2026 / 11.07.2026 / 18.07.2026 / 25.07.2026 / 01.08.2026 / 08.08.2026 / 22.08.2026 / 29.08.2026 / 19.09.2026 / 24.10.2026 / 07.11.2026 / 19.12.2026
Includes
- Accommodation as stated
- Three meals daily
- Entrance fees and excursions as described
- Excursions and game drives as stated
- Sea kayaking OR catamaran boat cruise in Swakopmund
- Transportation in a luxury air-conditioned safari vehicle
- Mineral water provided on the vehicle
- Services of a registered, experienced, English-speaking nature and safari guide
- Welcome pack
Excludes
- Breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 9
- Hot air ballooning at Sossusvlei
- Any entrance fees and excursions not included in the itinerary
- Any items of a personal nature (telephone expenses, curios, medicines, etc)
- All beverages (except mineral water consumed on board the safari vehicle)
- Laundry (service available at lodges at extra cost)
- Gratuities
- International flights to Namibia and airport taxes
- Return airport transfers to and from Windhoek International Airport
- Pre- and post-safari accommodation in Windhoek
- Visa fees and airport taxes
- Bank charges
Scheduled Tour Departures
This trip departs and ends at Windhoek on the following dates. If you know which dates suit you, go ahead and make a selection below. If none of these dates suit you, please do contact us to request a custom departure at an additional cost on the date of your choice, subject to availability.
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