2 weeks in Namibia

Day 1-2 – Overnight flight from the UK – Windhoek

After your international flight, you will usually arrive in Windhoek in the morning. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation, which will take around 45 minutes. On your journey, you will get your first glimpse of Namibia’s open and arid landscapes, winding through wide stretches of savannah grasslands until you start to see the distant mountain ranges that surround Windhoek. You will spend your first night in a small, charming hotel set in serene gardens where you will be given a walking route to the local area. If you’re in the mood for exploring, the route takes you past colonial buildings and traditional coffee shops, but if you’d rather rest and recover from your flight, of course, you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings by the pool and settle into Namibia.

Day 4 – Exploring the dunes and wine-tasting

If you want to experience the Sossusvlei at its best, make sure you are at the entrance before sunrise. It is an early rise, but the morning sun painting the desert in a deep red glow creates an incredible visual effect that’s well worth the effort.  You won’t see the sunrise from the top of the dunes, however, the sunlight on the dunes is a magical sight. Explore the towering dunes, some of which are the tallest in the world, as their colours switch from deep red and orange to light pink and experience the striking contrast against the central white clay plan. Between the dunes lies the area named Deadvlei, famous for its bizarrely shaped trees that have been dead for over 900 years but are unable to decompose due to the extreme dryness of the desert. This surreal sight creates a hauntingly beautiful landscape which is one of the most photographed places in the world.

After experiencing the dramatic landscapes of the Sossusvlei, it’s time to relax with a good glass of wine…tonight, you’ll be staying on a wine farm. First, it’s time for a tour of the wine cellar, with lots of tasting opportunities of course! Wine tasting here is a celebration of Namibian hospitality and food, often pairing the drinks with local dishes or snacks.

Day 6 – Kayaking with seals

This morning you’ll be heading out onto the water in search of the huge colony of seals located just off the coast. There are around 15,000 of these playful mammals, so spotting them is almost guaranteed. Seals are curious creatures and they will often swim up to your kayak to greet you but don’t be alarmed they’re well used to interactions with humans and your experienced guide is there to keep you safe with minimal disturbance to the wildlife. In addition to seals, there’s a chance you may also spot dolphins and seabirds and, during migration season, you may even be lucky enough to encounter whales.

Swakopmund is truly the place to be for outdoor activities in Namibia. If you fancy another adventurous excursion, we have some optional tours at the bottom of this page. Join a catamaran dolphin tour, try sandboarding through the dunes or explore a local township and visit a lively market.

Day 8 – Elephant trekking

Today have an early breakfast, before heading off in search of the African desert elephant. These magnificent creatures travel enormous distances in search of food and water and they can be difficult to find in this vast landscape. Therefore, we will arrange for two rangers to go ahead of you and track the elephants, while you take a game drive through the desert where there is plenty of other wildlife to observe. Once the trackers locate the elephants, you will leave the 4×4 and go into the bushes on foot with the rangers, this way you can observe the elephants in their natural environment without disturbing them. When the tension rises and the leaves rustle, your breath catches… From a few meters away you see and hear these impressive animals. Sightings are never guaranteed, but there is always a high chance. You will explore the local farms and villages and learn more about the local people and their way of life, before enjoying a tasty lunch and heading back to your accommodation.

Days 10-11 – Safari in Etosha National Park

It’s worth setting your alarm early this morning, to catch the first light, when most of the animals are at their most active. You have two full days to search for the big 4, so take it slow and explore the unpaved roads, looking out for any movement in the bushes. If you’re travelling during the dry season (our autumn), large herds of game gather at the waterhole and if you’re lucky you will witness an incredible moment where all species come together (although most animals make way for the elephants to show themselves, just to be on the safe side).

At the end of day three, you will check out of your camp in the national park and head to the east of the park, where you will stay in a beautiful safari lodge just outside Etosha National Park. The lodge is smaller than the previous nights, and family-run which makes for a more homely, intimate atmosphere for your final night in this region.

Day 13 – Hiking in Waterberg Plateau National Park

Today get ready and lace up your hiking boots, drive to the entrance of Waterberg Camp NWR (the gateway to the national park) and pay your entrance fee. You will be given a map and some route suggestions, before heading out to explore the unique landscapes and diverse wildlife. There is also the option to book a game drive at the reception, where you may see giraffes, gemsbok, leopards and rhinos. If you want to keep exploring further, you can also visit the plateau in an organised game drive, however, the chance of spotting wildlife is lower due to the dense vegetation.

After the morning’s excitement, it’s time to leave Otjiwarongo and head back to Windhoek, which is around a 3-hour drive, passing the old missionary town of Okahandja – a great place to stop. The shoppers among us can indulge in the handicraft markets south of the main road, where the locals proudly show off their wood carvings.