7-Day Namibia Desert, Coast and Etosha Safari with Sossusvlei

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Discover towering red dunes and ancient clay pans in Sossusvlei
• 02 Experience coastal wildlife at the Cape Cross Seal Colony
• 03 Explore Swakopmund's distinctive seaside atmosphere and attractions
• 04 Observe diverse wildlife during game drives in Etosha National Park

Discover Namibia's most iconic landscapes on this 7-day journey through the Namib Desert, Swakopmund, and Etosha National Park. Travel from Windhoek across dramatic mountain ranges to Sossusvlei's towering red dunes and ancient clay pans. Experience the Atlantic coastline, encounter thousands of seals at Cape Cross, and explore Etosha's wildlife-rich plains and waterholes. This immersive tour offers unforgettable desert scenery, coastal charm, and exceptional safari experiences across Namibia's top destinations.

Travel from Windhoek across dramatic mountain ranges to Sossusvlei's towering red dunes and ancient clay pans.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park, Deadvlei, Sossusvlei, Namib-Naukluft National Park

Languages English, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Windhoek to Weldevrede via the Khomas Highlands

• Collection takes place at 09h00 from anywhere within Windhoek.
• Depart the city and travel through the scenic Eros Mountains and the Khomas Hochland Range.
• Descend from the central plateau as the landscape changes into grassy desert savannah.
• Stop at Solitaire for fuel and an optional afternoon tea break.
• Continue to the lodge near the Namib-Naukluft National Park.
• Learn about Sossusvlei, home to iconic red sand dunes rising to nearly 400 metres.
• Discover that these dunes are among the highest in the world and glow dramatically in morning and evening light.
• Observe desert wildlife such as oryx, springbok, ostrich, and reptiles found in the area.
• Hear about Deadvlei, Big Daddy dune, and the photographic appeal of the region.

2

Day 02

Early Morning Sossusvlei and Deadvlei Excursion

• Depart very early in the morning for a guided Sossusvlei excursion.
• Leave the lodge before sunrise to be among the first vehicles entering the national park.
• Drive from Sesriem deeper into the desert area.
• Experience excellent photography opportunities created by the early morning desert light.
• Arrive at the 4x4 parking area and continue exploration on foot.
• Walk around Deadvlei and Sossusvlei and observe the striking white clay pans and surrounding dunes.

3

Day 03

From the Namib Desert to Swakopmund

• Travel from the desert interior towards the Atlantic Swakopmund coast, showcasing Namibia's dramatic contrasts.
• Cross the Tropic of Capricorn during the journey.
• Traverse the Gaub Pass and the Kuiseb Pass.
• Descend into the dry riverbed at the base of the Kuiseb Canyon.
• Climb out of the canyon while viewing expansive desert landscapes.
• Stop at Walvis Bay to view flamingos and other birdlife in the lagoon areas.
• Continue to Swakopmund and settle in for the night.
• Learn about Swakopmund's shops, open-air curio market, beach, museum, and National Marine Aquarium.

4

Day 04

Cape Cross Seal Colony and Free Time in Swakopmund

• Travel north of Swakopmund for an excursion to the Cape Cross Seal Colony.
• Observe thousands of Cape fur seals at close range in their natural habitat.
• Return to Swakopmund for free time.
• Explore the seaside town independently, including the beach, shops, museum, curio market, and aquarium.
• Receive information about optional activities available in Swakopmund, including boat cruises, scenic flights, fishing, quad biking, sandboarding, skydiving, and other adventure experiences.

5

Day 05

Swakopmund to Etosha National Park

• Depart Swakopmund after breakfast and continue north towards Etosha National Park.
• Enter one of Africa's most significant wildlife reserves.
• Learn about Etosha National Park's diverse ecosystems and landscapes.
• Discover that the park is home to more than 100 mammal species, 340 bird species, and 110 reptile species.
• Spot wildlife such as elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, hyena, springbok, and eland.
• Learn about the Etosha Pan, a vast white salt pan that was once a lake.
• Understand how seasonal rains attract flamingos and other wading birds.
• Visit waterholes that draw large concentrations of wildlife.
• Hear about the famous floodlit waterhole at Okaukuejo Resort and its wildlife viewing opportunities.

6

Day 06

Full-Day Game Viewing in Etosha

• Depart early in the morning for a game drive with breakfast packs provided.
• Stop briefly for breakfast before continuing the safari experience.
• Drive from waterhole to waterhole in search of wildlife, especially during the dry season.
• Observe predator and prey species gathering at shared water sources.
• Learn why Etosha's waterholes are vital for animal behaviour observation and wildlife photography.
• Spend the day maximising opportunities for exceptional wildlife sightings.

7

Day 07

Etosha National Park to Windhoek

• Depart Etosha National Park after breakfast.
• Travel south back towards Windhoek.
• Conclude the tour upon arrival in Windhoek, marking the end of the journey.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Transportation and fuel
• Accommodation and meals (breakfast and dinner)
• National park entrance fee
• Tour guide for the entire tour
• Transfer to and from the airport
• Pick-up in Windhoek and guests' transfer to the lodge or hotel after the tour

What's Not Included

• Scheduled flights or bus tickets to and from Namibia
• Individually extended accommodation
• All lunches and additional transfers
• Compulsory insurance
• Water and drinks
• Alcoholic beverages
• Optional activities and attractions
• Snacks
• Gratuities and tips
• Trip extensions
• Personal shopping
• Visa to Namibia

What to bring

• Good-quality pair of sunglasses
• Good-quality water bottle
• Comfortable T-shirts and two long-sleeved shirts
• Shorts, skirts, trousers, and slacks
• Tracksuit, as it can be a little cold and windy at night
• Comfortable walking shoes and good-quality socks
• Swimming costume
• Binoculars, camera, and film
• Personal toiletries
• A good flashlight or torch
• Visa on arrival, passport, money, etc. It is recommended to take US$ or Euro in small notes and exchange at the airport on arrival. Money can also be withdrawn at the ATM at the airport. The guide will recommend how much to exchange along the route, and international credit cards are accepted in most towns.
• Basic medical kit to include malaria prophylactics (Malarone recommended - talk to your doctor), anti-histamine cream, aspirins, Elastoplast, antiseptic cream or powder, moisturizing or suntan lotion, and insect repellent

Know before you go

• Travel advice: Namibia is a safe and stable country with modern infrastructure and facilities, and one of the cleanest and neatest African capitals. However, travellers should remain alert and keep a close watch over their belongings.
• Namibia is an excellent holiday destination due to the favourable currency, allowing international travellers to enjoy luxury accommodation and transport at a lower cost.
• Most parts of Namibia are malaria-free. However, travellers heading north of Windhoek and towards the Caprivi should consult a doctor regarding anti-malaria medication.
• Currency: Banking hours at most commercial banks are Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 15h30 and Saturday from 08h00 to 11h00.
• ATMs are available throughout major city centres and shopping complexes.
• The local currency is the Namibian Dollar, and exchange rates may vary daily.
• Foreign currencies such as USD are widely accepted.
• Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, and American Express are accepted by most restaurants, shops, and hotels.
• Proof of identity may be requested, and travellers should carry a passport or photo identification.
• Credit cards are not accepted at petrol stations.
• Safety: Consult your tour guide or hotel staff regarding any potentially unsafe areas along your travel route.
• Avoid deserted areas, particularly at night, and ensure vehicles are locked and parked in well-lit, busy areas.
• Dress modestly and avoid wearing excessive jewellery.
• Concealed travel wallets are recommended.
• Stopping for hitchhikers is not recommended.
• Photography:
• Ask permission before photographing people as a sign of courtesy.
• The use of drones is not permitted in conservation areas due to wildlife and anti-poaching regulations.
• Passports and visa requirements: Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of travel.
• Passports must have at least two blank pages.
• Travellers visiting neighbouring countries and returning to Namibia should apply for multiple-entry visas.
• From 1 April 2025, travellers from European and Asian countries are required to apply for a visa on arrival.
• The visa on arrival fee is N$1600 and can be paid by credit card.
• What the experts say: Namibia experiences high temperatures, with summer highs reaching 40°C and winter temperatures around 25°C.
• Keep a record of passport numbers, airline tickets, and travellers cheques.
• Do not leave baggage or luggage unattended.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Windhoek, Namibia

Tour start

Windhoek, Namibia

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.