The Ultimate 10 Day Namibia Road Trip Itinerary

Looking for an epic 10-day Namibia trip itinerary that you’ll be talking about for decades? Then you won’t want to miss this post.

We put together this insane Namibia itinerary for our trip and it ended up being one of my favorite trips I’ve EVER DONE—and that’s from the perspective of someone who’s traveled to over 50 countries!

Namibia is beyond magical. It’s full of jaw-dropping landscapes, some of the kindest people I’ve met on my travels, and it promises remote adventure that makes this trip one-of-a-kind.

Fun fact: Namibia has one of the lowest population densities in the world, so you can enjoy many unspoiled views all to yourself.

In this post I’ll be walking you through an incredible 10 day Namibia itinerary that includes highlights like the dramatic coastal dunes of Sandwich Harbor, going on a Namibian safari, a ghost town buried in sand, and the iconic clay plan forest of Deadvlei.

I’ll also be including suggestions for other places to add to your itinerary if you have more time to explore!

Don’t have time to read the full post? Here’s my quick guide: 10 Day Namibia Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Windhoek

Arrive into Hosea Kutako International Airport and stay overnight in Windhoek to rest up and grab your rental car.

1. Windhoek Luxury Suites ($)
2. Hilton Windhoek ($$)
3. Olive Grove Guesthouse ($$)
4. Weinberg Boutique Hotel ($$$)

Day 2 – 3: Swakopmund

Head to the coastal city of Swakopmund which is an ideal base for exploring nearby Walvis Bay, the stunning flamingo lagoons, and the iconic seaside sand dunes of Sandwich Harbor.

• Hansa Hotel Swakopmund ($)
• The Secret Garden Guesthouse ($)
• Fancy Fritz B&B ($$)
• Brigadoon Boutique Guesthouse ($$)
• Strand Hotel ($$$)

Day 4-5: Sossusvlei

Next, make your way to the most iconic destination in Namibia where salt pans are surrounded by towering red sand dunes. Here you’ll spend a couple days hiking and exploring around the world’s oldest desert landscapes and spot wildlife along the way.

Accommodation inside the park:

1. Sesriem Campsite ($)
2. Sesriem Oshana Campsite ($)
3. Sossus Dune Lodge ($$)
4. Dead Valley Lodge ($$)

Accommodation outside the park:

1. Desert Quiver Camp ($)
2. Sossus Oasis Campsite ($)
3. Sossusvlei Desert Lodge – ($$)
4. Desert Hills Lodge ($$)
5. Desert Whisper Lodge ($$$$$)

Day 6-7: Luderitz

Continuing on, we’re heading to a coastal town in the Southern part of Namibia called Luderitz which is the best base for visiting the ghost town of Kolmanskop.

1. Cormorant House ($)
2. Shark Island Guesthouse ($)
3. Alte Villa Boutique Hotel ($$)
4. Luderitz Nest Hotel ($$$)

Day 8-10: Safari in the Kalahari Desert

The last stop on this itinerary will bring you back towards Windhoek to end your epic Namibia adventure with a safari in the stunning Kalahari Desert. You can either go super luxe or find more budget-friendly options, but this is the perfect opportunity to relax, book a massage, and take in the incredible wildlife sightings.

1. Immanuel Wilderness Lodge ($)
2. River Crossing Lodge ($)
3. Gocheganas Lodge ($$)
4. Our Habitas ($$$)
5. Zannier Omaanda ($$$$)
6. Gmundner Lodge ($$$$$)

Ultimate 10-Day Namibia Itinerary

What to Expect From This 10-Day Namibia Itinerary

This is a self-drive Namibia itinerary that focuses on the highlights of Southern Namibia, with stand-out experiences including Sandwich Harbor, Sossusvlei, Kolmanskop and experiencing a safari in the Kalahari desert.

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Important Note

This itinerary requires A LOT of driving. And that’s not because I just love to torture you with hours upon hours in the car. In Namibia, there’s just no way around it as destinations are extremely spread out and roads aren’t the best which means it’s slower going. If money is no object, there are many airstrips at various locales for small flights between destinations, but we can’t all be so lucky. So be at peace with the fact that you’ll be spending a lot of time in the car—but don’t worry because the epic landscapes you’ll see along the way will keep you more than entertained!

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With that said, this itinerary is almost identical to the one I recently did with my husband. However, I’ve made a few tweaks to improve the experience even more for you based on what we learned and what makes the most sense to do in 10 days! I actually reversed the order of the itinerary for you as I think this way is better, but know that you can follow it in the opposite order as well.

If you’re excited to explore the Southern region of Namibia, I think this itinerary is a perfect mix of jaw-dropping landscapes, thrilling adventure, fascinating history and epic wildlife encounters.

Here’s a quick map of the route we’ll be going on:

Live Like it’s the Weekend Note: About three days into our Namibia trip I quickly realized I could spend a month here seeing all that there is to see, and there’s already so much I want to do next time we head back. If you have more time exploring Namibia, here are a list of incredible places worth adding to your Namibia itinerary: Etosha National Park, Damaraland, Spitzkoppe, Fish River Canyon, Quiver Tree Forest, and Skeleton Coast National Park.

Helpful Tips For Your Namibia Road Trip

Visa Requirements and Entry Regulations

As of April 1, 2025, the Namibian government is requiring U.S. citizens to obtain a visa before entering. This page has a handy fact sheet with helpful visa information for all nationalities.

Travel Insurance

Sometimes I get lazy and skip buying travel insurance, but this is one place you definitely don’t want to do that. Namibia is a rugged location and certain areas are quite remote, so you want to make sure you’re covered should anything happen.

I’ve used World Nomads for years and love their flexible coverage options and customer service who have been wonderfully helpful in the past. You can grab a quote here.

Best Time to Visit Namibia

The best time to visit Namibia is typically between May and September when it’s not so hot. This is Namibia’s winter and their dry season, which makes the country more advantageous for wildlife encounters.

August is the busiest month, so if you want to avoid crowds and peak season prices, I’d avoid this time.

With that said, we visited at the beginning of wet season in early December and had an absolutely wonderful time and enjoyed fewer tourists. Keep in mind, if you travel to Namibia further into the wet season, you’re likely to see the typically warm-toned landscapes around Namibia turn bright green!

If you’re camping: You definitely don’t want to visit between December and February when it’s very hot. May and June is more moderate for camping.

Renting a Car in Namibia

Self-driving through Namibia is the best and most affordable way to see the country, so renting a car is a must. Sure, you could book a guided tour for your entire trip, but you’ll have less flexibility and probably won’t be able to go everywhere you want to go.

Do You Need a 4×4 in Namibia?

We debated over this topic for hours before choosing our rental car and the truth is we only really needed the 4WD one time driving the final stretch of sand to Deadvlei at Sossusvlei (there is also a shuttle you can take to avoid this).

With that said, you absolutely want to be comfortable in your vehicle and not cut corners on cost as the roads in Namibia are bumpy and many are unpaved. We rented a Suzuki Jimny and were quite unhappy. Next time we travel to Namibia we will 1000% be renting a Toyota Hilux or Toyota Fortuner (and whether or not we’d use the 4WD, the most comfortable cars for Namibia are 4WD anyways).

Book ASAP:

Good rental cars get booked up FAST in Namibia, so if you want a comfortable car at the best price, I highly recommend booking as soon as you can. Here is my favorite site for rental car bookings.

Where to Rent a Car:

My go-to company around the world is Discover Cars as they allow you to compare prices from different rental agencies and have transparent pricing up-front. If you rent with them, I would choose either a Toyota Hilux or Fortuner—don’t cut corners on your rental car, trust me on this one! And opt for Discover Car’s full coverage.

Two other popular local companies to rent from in Namibia are Namibia Car Rental and Namibia2Go.

Extra Gas Tanks:

I thought this was just an in-case-of-emergencies type thing when we first picked up our car, but turns out these are absolutely necessary! You can drive 5-6 hours or more without seeing a single gas station or shop in this country, it’s wild. You will need these on this itinerary, so make sure they’re always filled up.

Know How to Change a Tire:

Popped tires are common in Namibia due to all the gravel roads, so make sure you’re comfortable changing a tire.

Planning Your Drives

Since driving is a major part of this itinerary, make sure to download offline Google Maps before you begin and always have your extra gas tanks filled. Also, it’s recommended to avoid driving at night here as there are many animals that cross the roads at night.

I’ve planned this itinerary to give you plenty of time to drive during the daytime.

Keep in mind there will be very few facilities (if any) along some of these stretches. Pack the baby wipes and be prepared to squat on the side of the road if the urge strikes!

Staying Connected

Namibia is a little tough when it comes to staying connected, as we found that all our favorite eSIM providers don’t actually offer eSIMs for Namibia OR they are ridiculously overpriced.

Keep in mind that if you have an iPhone 14 or later models, you don’t have a physical SIM card slot and will need to procure an eSIM beforehand, or go sans internet. Luckily, my husband always travels with an old iPhone as an emergency backup, so we were able to buy a local SIM card right at the airport and input it into the old phone for data.

If you have a phone with a SIM card slot, grabbing a physical SIM right at the airport is your best bet for staying connected.

Packing Essentials

Must-have packing essentials for this 10 day Namibia itinerary include: Sunscreen, hat, water, hiking shoes, and camera gear are a must as you’ll undoubtedly be inspired to capture Namibia’s stunning landscapes. If you want any hope of capturing wildlife on safari up close, you’ll want to purchase or rent a long camera lens like this one.

I’d also recommend packing many white clothes and lighter colors to help you stay cool in the Namibian sun.

Lastly, don’t forget a few road trip essentials like snacks, extra water (there are very few places to buy water along the way), a cable for your phone, and some wet wipes.

Language and Communication

We were pleasantly surprised to find that communication in English throughout Namibia was quite easy. There is a lot of South African influence here, so most everyone speaks English and it’s the official language. However, there are many local languages and dialects spoken throughout the country.

Currency in Namibia

The currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar or NAD and it’s equal to the South African Rand.

Safety in Namibia

I felt very safe during our whole Namibia trip, but I wouldn’t recommend driving at night to err on the side of caution. There is also little lightning on roads and many animals are known to cross at night, which puts you at greater risk for car accidents.

Namibia Road Trip Itinerary Day by Day

Day 1: Arrive in Windhoek

You’ll be flying into Hosea Kutako International Airport to start this itinerary. The airport is about 40 minutes outside of downtown Windhoek, which is the largest city in Namibia and the country’s capital. It’s pretty easy to catch a cab from the airport, which is what I’d recommend. Or you can download their local ride-sharing app called LEFA and call a car if you have service.

Unless you’re flying from within Africa, you’ve likely had a long day of travel, so you’ll want to book a simple hotel in Windhoek to decompress, grab your rental car and get rest before the long days of driving Namibia requires to get between destinations.

Where to Stay in Windhoek

We booked one night at the Hilton Windhoek ($$) which was comfortable, affordable and has a nice rooftop deck and bar if you get in early enough to catch sunset over the city.

Other top hotel recommendations:

• Windhoek Luxury Suites ($)
• Olive Grove Guesthouse ($$)
• Weinberg Boutique Hotel ($$$)

Picking Up Your Rental Car

If you’re self driving, you’ll want to pick up your rental car as soon as you arrive if possible. I strongly advise renting a 4×4 that’s comfortable. If you cut corners on cost anywhere in Namibia, don’t let it be your rental car as you’ll be spending about 30 hours + in it during this trip!

I’ve used Discover Cars in many countries and continue to be impressed by their service and ability to compare prices on different vehicles and rental agencies. If you choose to book with Discover Cars, make sure to select full coverage and rent something like a Toyota Hilux or Toyota Fortuner to make your trip comfortable as the majority of roads on this itinerary are dirt or gravel.

If you prefer to rent through a local agency, two popular options are Namibia Car Rental and Namibia2Go.

Exploring the Capital

While Windhoek is the capital, the cities here are not really the highlight of a trip to Namibia. I would personally use Windhoek as a jumping off point and not much more as you’ll want to rest up for the trip ahead.

With that said, if you have the time, here are a few places to explore in Windhoek:

• Christuskirche
• Independence Memorial Museum
• Learn about indigeneous ways of living on a bushman walk
• Visit Voigtland Guesthouse for high tea with giraffes (30 mins from Windhoek)
• Take a game drive from Windhoek at the N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary
• Go on a cheetah walk from Windhoek at the N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary

PS—you’ll be doing game drives at the end of this itinerary, so stay tuned for that!

Day 2: Travel to Swakopmund

Drive Time: Approximately 4 hours

On your first full day in Namibia (day two), you’ll wake up after a good night’s rest, grab your rental car if you haven’t already and head straight to Swakopmund.

Swakopmund is a smaller city on the coast that boasts some charming architecture (thanks to German colonial influences), an incredible array of adventure activities, and some of the better restaurants we found in Namibia.

It’s also next door to Walvis Bay which is another popular area to visit on the coast. While there are exciting things to do in Walvis Bay, I prefer Swakopmund as a base to stay overnight in personally as it’s less industrial.

Where to Stay in Swakopmund

Overall the accommodation options are pretty basic throughout Swakopmund. I did some digging and found this adorable and design-centric guest house, Fancy Fritz B&B, and it was such a good find! The owners are an amazing young couple with a wealth of knowledge about Namibia and I can’t recommend their place enough.

If the Fancy Fritz is all booked up, you can also stay at their sister property, Fritz Manor.

Here are a few other options I’d recommend checking out in Swakopmund:

• Hansa Hotel Swakopmund ($)
• The Secret Garden Guesthouse ($)
• Brigadoon Boutique Guesthouse ($$)
• Strand Hotel ($$$)

What to do in Swakopmund

Depending on how much time you have after arriving in Swakopmund, you can either choose to chill for the evening and go over for a lovely dinner reservation at the oceanfront Tug restaurant, or you can fill your time with an activity from the list of things to do in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay that I’ve included on day three.

PS —the Tug is a must; it’s located inside a tug boat, serves up delicious seafood, and they even offer pick-ups and drop-offs around town at your accommodation!

Day 3: Swakopmund and Walvis Bay

On day three you’ll have a full day to explore Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Without a doubt, the #1 thing you can’t miss while you’re in this part of Namibia is a tour of Sandwich Harbor. This was one of our absolute highlights of our entire Namibia trip.

Sandwich Harbor is a unique section of massive sand dunes that directly meets the ocean on the Namibia coast—and it’s one of the few places in the world like this! As part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, it’s a protected area and requires a guided tour to visit past a particular section of the dunes.

Trust me, you’d want a guide anyway as driving across these towering dunes is not for the faint of heart. Not to mention, you have to time a trip to Sandwich Harbor properly depending on the tides.

If you’re into epic photographic landscapes, adrenaline rushes, and unique marine and bird-life spottings then you can’t miss this place.

We were lucky enough to even catch a mama seal on the beach who had just given birth to her young pup. It was one of the most special moments to witness!

Best Tours to Book to Sandwich Harbor

• We booked our tour with SandWaves, who specialize in small group tours and who are a wonderful experienced company. They don’t allow for immediate bookings on their site, so you’ll have to email them to reserve a tour.
• If you prefer to reserve immediately, this is a top-rated half-day tour that will take you to Sandwich Harbor with stops at the pink salt lake, Walvis Bay flamingo lagoon and through the Kuiseb River delta.
• If you only care about visiting Sandwich Harbor, this sunset tour is a must for the best photography opportunities atop the dunes.

Other Things to do in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay

• Go on an adrenaline-inducing quad biking and sandboarding tour
• Book a luxury catamaran tour to spots dolphins and whales
• Visit the flamingoes at Walvis Bay Lagoon
• Take a day trip to the Cape Cross Seal Colony
• Go skydiving
• Explore the local colonial architecture of Swakopmund
• Take an educational Living Dunes tour to spot desert wildlife like lizards, snakes and beetles
• Visit the Crystal Museum in Swakopmund
• Go kayaking with seals at Pelican Point
• Stroll the coastal trails of Swakopmund
• Go on a unique bike tour across the sand dunes
• Take a day trip to Spitzkoppe and the Moon Landscape

Where to Eat in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay

• Tug Restaurant
• Ocean Cellar
• Kucki’s Pub
• Aldstadt Restaurant
• Brewer & Butcher
• Anchors Waterfront Restaurant
• The Raft

Day 4-5: Sossusvlei

Driving Time from Swakopmund to Sossusvlei: 5 hours

On day four, you’ll begin the journey to what is arguably Namibia’s most iconic destination: Sossusvlei. This stunning area of Namibia is where deep orange and red sand dunes unfold into dry salt and clay pans filled with 900 year-old dead camel thorn trees that have refused to decompose fully. Trust me, it’s quite a sight to see.

Sossusvlei is protected in Namib Naukluft National Park and is home to some of the tallest sand dunes in the entire world!

The town of Sesriem is the gateway to Sossusvlei, so make sure to plug this into your google maps before you make the drive.

As one of the most epic places to visit in Namibia, this stop is a must for your Namibia road trip itinerary. Especially as a photographer, this is one of my favorite places we visited and there are no words to describe the magic of watching the light change across the dunes from sunrise to sunset.

Below I’ll get into more details of how best to spend your time in Sossusvlei. It’s pretty easy to see all the highlights in a day, but we’ve accounted for two nights here so you can see as much as possible. Of course, if you have more time you can always extend your stay and take it slow.

Travel Tip: Don’t miss the tiny town of Solitaire along the drive from Swakopmund to Sesriem. It’s one of the smallest towns in the world and boasts quirky charm, plus a “famous apple pie” recipe. I didn’t personally find the apple pie to be that good, but considering this drive is pretty sparse on amenities, it’s a welcome pit stop.

Where to Stay in Sossusvlei

The most important thing you need to know about booking accommodation at Sossusvlei is that you have one of two options: 1) Stay overnight inside Namib Naukluft National Park or 2) Book a hotel outside of the park.

Why does this matter? Well, the park has a strict gated entry and anyone staying outside of the park grounds is bound by specific entry and exit times. The outside gates open right at sunrise and close before sunset, and the top sights in Sossusvlei are located about 45 minutes to an hour past the gates, meaning you’ll have to account for this drive time.

Staying inside the park:

Inside the park, you’ll find a collection of government run campsites and hotels on offer. In my experience, none of these seem bookable on the typical sites like Booking.com or Hotels.com, so you’ll need to go through a bit of a clunkier booking process.

• Pros of staying inside the park: You’ll be able to witness sunrise and sunset in Sossusvlei and get the best photos with the most beautiful lighting, plus you’ll have more places to yourself with fewer visitors at these times. You’ll also cut down on your driving time each day.
• Cons of staying inside the park: Fewer accommodation options and most of them book out very early, so you really need to plan ahead.

Where to stay inside the park:

• Sesriem Campsite ($)
• Sesriem Oshana Campsite ($)
• Sossus Dune Lodge ($$)
• Dead Valley Lodge ($$)

Staying outside the park:

There are several accommodation options right outside the gates which are still pretty convenient to getting in and out of the park, however you definitely want to pay attention to the location of where you book because some hotels can add over 40 minutes of driving just to get to the gate and from there it’s another hour of driving in the park just to get to the most famous spot, Deadvlei.

• Pros of staying outside the park: You’ll find a much wider range of accommodations that can be booked more last minute. I personally also preferred the options outside the park for design and amenities.
• Cons of staying outside the park: Increased driving times, and you’ll be bound to the entry gate’s strict timelines so you’ll need to plan your itinerary wisely (trust me they don’t mess around with this—we had one woman even tell us that tourists have been thrown in jail for not exiting on time, which sounds like scare tactics, but who knows)!

Where to stay outside the park:

We stayed at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge which is the closest hotel to the entry gates, offering the shortest drive possible while still saying outside the park gates. Overall we had a good experience here and appreciated their large breakfast and dinner buffets as well as animal spottings straight from our room and dinner patio. For additional top-rated options, check out:

• Desert Quiver Camp ($) – 6 minutes to park gates
• Sossus Oasis Campsite ($) – 3 minutes to park gates
• Sossusvlei Desert Lodge – ($$) – 1 minute to park gates
• Desert Hills Lodge ($$) – 30 minutes to park gates
• Desert Whisper Lodge ($$$$$) – 49 minutes to park gates

If I had to do it again: I’d probably choose to stay inside the park so I wouldn’t have to worry about the entry/exit times and get the best photos, but I’m also a photographer so my priorities might be different than yours! We still had a wonderful experience staying outside the park and got great photos (as you’ll see in this post!) nonetheless.

Best Things to Do in Sossusvlei

• Hike to the white clay pan of Deadvlei (this is the #1 thing to do in Sossusvlei—don’t miss this one!)
• Climb Dune 45 for sunrise or sunset photos
• Hike to the top of Big Daddy, Sossusvlei’s highest dune
• Explore Sesriem Canyon
• Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the desert
• Enjoy stargazing here as it’s one of the world’s top designated Dark Sky Reserves
• Explore other popular dunes including Dune 40 and Elim Dune
• Take a scenic flight over the majestic dunes

Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Sossusvlei

• Entering Park Gates: There are two gates to get into Sossusvlei, the main outer gate (Sesriem Gate) and the inner gate. The inner gates open earlier and close later for guests staying inside the park, while the outer gates open at sunrise and close before sunset. Make sure to verify the exact time with the gate attendant when you enter to plan your day accordingly.
• Daily Permits Required: You will need to purchase a permit as you enter the park. We paid about 150 NAD per person to enter each day.
• Driving times: Deadvlei is about an hour drive past the entry gates and Dune 45 takes about 45 minutes to get to.
• Timing Your Visit: It’s not recommended to visit Sossusvlei in the middle of the day as temperatures are too hot, so plan your explorations in the park for either early morning or late afternoon/evening.
• What to Pack: Plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen and a hat for hot desert conditions. Pro tip for the ladies: Wear a white outfit for photos as the white really stands out against the stunning warm hues of the dunes!
• Getting to Deadvlei: There is one single paved road that leads through Sossusvlei, and only the last stretch of 15 minutes or so is unpaved on the way to Deadvlei. It is all sand, so it’s recommended to have a 4×4 if you plan to self-drive past the parking area. Another option is to park your car and then take the regular shuttles to and from Deadvlei.
• Photography Tip: Pack a long lens like this one if you have one for the best shots of wildlife and the epic dunes from the main road!

How to Plan Your Two Nights in Sossusvlei

Arrival Day: You’ll likely arrive in the afternoon or evening from Swakopmund. I’d take this evening to check into your hotel, decompress from the long day of driving and pick up some snacks from the local Sesriem gas station (biltong was our constant go-to!), as there aren’t places to pick up food inside the park.

If you’re feeling super energized, you could pop into the park quickly in the late afternoon to explore Sesriem Canyon or Elim Dune which are both close to the park entrance. If staying inside the park, you can watch the sunset from inside the park as well.

Full Day: On your full day in Sossusvlei, start the morning by heading straight to Deadvlei first thing and climb its neighboring dune, Big Daddy, which is the tallest dune in Sossusvlei. By mid-morning you’ll want to head back to your car for some respite from the heat or head back to your hotel to relax and swim until things cool off.

Along the drive back is a great opportunity to make quick pit stops at any other dunes that are calling to you (Dune 45 is a popular one). Later in the day, head back into the park to hike more of the dunes or hike through Sesriem Canyon.

Departure Day: This is a great morning to book a sunrise hot air balloon tour or head back into the park at sunrise to see any final sights you haven’t explored yet. The rest of the day will be dedicated to driving to Luderitz, so you can take the early morning to continue exploring if need be.

Day 6-7: Luderitz and Kolmanskop

Driving Time from Sesriem to Luderitz: 6 hours. Important note: There are zero gas stations on this route, so make sure you are filled up and have extra gas tanks filled.

On day six, you’ll clock one of your longest driving days of the itinerary from Sesriem to the coastal town of Luderitz, and then on day seven you’ll explore the ghost town of Kolmanskop and the surrounding area.

I’ll be honest, Luderitz itself was not my favorite stop in Namibia, however it’s home to one of the coolest sites in the entire country: the ghost town of Kolmanskop. So for me it was worth it to take the trek down.

What makes Kolmanskop so unique is that it used to be the richest town in the world during the diamond boom, yet in the years since its fall from grace, the town has become half buried in sand. This makes for an especially eery feel—and not to mention, really cool photos!

Visiting Kolmanskop had been on my bucket list for years and it truly is one of the most unique and bizarre things you might ever do.

However, if Kolmanskop itself doesn’t excite you, then it’s probably not worth it to make the trip all the way down to Luderitz as it’s a long drive! If you do decide to make the adventure down, I don’t think you’ll regret it.

Optional Swap:

If you want to skip Kolmanskop or simply have more time in your itinerary, I’d recommend booking two nights at Zannier Sonop. This is one of the most unique hotels in the world, built sustainably amidst an outcropping of boulders in one of the most remote places in the world. It’s the perfect place to unwind and spend a couple days immersed in nature and not much else!

Read my full Zannier Sonop hotel review here.

Where to Stay in Luderitz

There aren’t really fancy options to stay in Luderitz, so we kept it pretty basic and simple with a stay at the Cormorant House ($), which is right on the water and feels more like an Airbnb with a kitchenette. Other suggested places to stay in Luderitz:

• Shark Island Guesthouse ($)
• Alte Villa Boutique Hotel ($$)
• Luderitz Nest Hotel ($$$)

History of Kolmanskop

To be honest, I knew nothing about the history of Kolmanskop (or Kolmanskuppe) before visiting and only was interested in coming here due to the dramatic buildings buried in sand (a photographer’s dream!). However, we were pleasantly surprised to find out how fascinating the history of Kolmanskop actually is!

In fact, this town used to be the richest town in the world during the early 1900s when approximately 5 million carats of diamonds were found here! At its peak, Kolmanskop had about 350 residents, but the town only lasted for 50 years as people eventually left due to issues importing water to the town.

Kolmanskop runs regular tours in English and German daily and I highly recommend sitting in on a tour as it gives a whole new layer of meaning to a visit here.

Tips for Visiting the Ghost Town of Kolmanskop

• What to See at Kolmanskop: There are 32 total buildings to explore, a gallery, museum, souvenir shop and cafe.
• Timing Your Visit: Kolmanskop is open daily from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM for normal ticket holders. I would try to avoid visiting on a Sunday as the coffee shop, gallery and boutique are all closed this day. If you want to escape the crowds and get the best light for photos, it’s best to go for sunrise or sunset (I recommend sunrise). However, in order to do this you need to purchase a special photography permit ticket which allows you access outside normal ticketed hours.
• Types of Tickets: There are two different ticket options for Kolmanskop, photography permit tickets OR a standard ticket. Photography permits allow you to visit Kolmanskop outside of the regular gate hours.
• How to Purchase Photography Tickets: If you choose the photography ticket and want to visit for sunrise, you’ll need to purchase it the day before as the gates aren’t selling tickets at sunrise. We purchased ours at the Desert Deli Cafe and they typically close at 5 PM, FYI! Other blog posts are sending people to Luderitz Safari and Tours for photography tickets and that information is outdated, so don’t go there! If you arrive into town before 1 pm the day before, you can also grab your photography permit for the following day at the Kolmanskop gate.
• Book the Guided Tour: Guided tours are available to the public Monday through Saturday at 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM, as well as on Sundays and public holidays at 10:00 AM. I don’t typically love to do guided tours everywhere I visit, but this is one place you should absolutely do so. It’s quite short (45 minutes) and super informative.
• Facilities at Kolmanskop: The visitor center here is quite robust with a museum, bathrooms and a deli /coffee shop, which had surprisingly good food and pastries compared to other places we ate in Namibia.
• Not permitted at Kolmanskop: Drones and night photography are not allowed at the ghost town.

Other Things to Do in and Around Luderitz

• Take a catamaran tour to visit the penguins at Halifax Island
• Eat dinner at Barrels Pub and order the Eisbein (aka pork leg)
• Visit the unique Felsenkirche church that’s built atop the rocks
• Witness the wild horses at Garub Pan lookout off B4
• Grab breakfast at the Desert Deli Cafe
• Spot flamingoes and sprinbok at Agate Beach
• Visit the Luderitz Museum to learn about the town’s German colonial history
• Stroll downtown’s colorful Berg Street

Day 8-10: Safari in the Kalahari Desert

Driving Time from Luderitz back to Windhoek: 8 hours

After many, many hours spent driving in the car, the best way to finish off any Namibia itinerary is with a luxurious safari experience! You’ll be driving back towards Windhoek for this, which makes the perfect ending point since you’ll be flying back out of Hosea Kutako International Airport.

Namibia is known for having some of the most unique and stunning safari lodges in the world, so if you can swing the budget I highly recommend treating yourself to cap off your trip with a bang.

Plus, while you’ve likely seen animals like ostrich, springbok and oryx throughout this itinerary so far, you don’t want to leave Namibia without seeing more epic wildlife like elephants, lions and giraffes.

Your body will also be dying for a luxurious Namibian massage after sitting in the car for so long, I can almost guarantee it.

My husband and I actually started AND ended our trip at safari lodges which was divine, but that’s definitely not necessary so I’ve only included one two-night safari in this itinerary. However, I’ll give you all my top suggestions!

Choosing Your Safari Experience

Most of the luxury safari lodges in the Kalahari desert operate on an all-inclusive basis where guided game drives are included in your stay (typically at sunrise and sunset to avoid the heat of mid-day).

In the morning they’ll typically include a snack and coffee and in the evenings they’ll offer “sundowners”, aka Africa’s version of a cocktail at sunset.

In Namibia, you can find most of the same animals you’d find in big safari destinations like Botswana and Kenya including elephants, lions, giraffes, wildebeest, rhinos, etc.

However, different safari lodges will have access to different animals, so you’ll want to check what type of wildlife they have on their reserve ahead of time so you don’t wind up disappointed. It’s also important to make sure that whatever lodge you choose is dedicated to sustainable safari practices and conservation of the land and animals.

When guests aren’t on game drives, these luxury lodges typically provide extensive multi-course meals, spa offerings, jaw-dropping pools to lounge at and other activities on offer.

When is the Best Time to Go on Safari in Namibia

Namibia’s winter and dry season (May through September) is the best time for spotting wildlife as water sources are more scarce so animals tend to congregate at more predictable watering holes. It’s also less hot during the day, so animals become more active rather than hiding out in the shade.

We decided to travel to Namibia in December and participated in two game drives. While we saw a ton of different species throughout those game drives, I was definitely a little bummed that we missed seeing a few key animals like lions, giraffes and cheetahs.

You can never guarantee what you’ll see, but if the safari aspect of your trip is what you’re most excited for, you probably want to consider traveling in Namibia’s dry season.

Best Luxury Safari Lodges in the Kalahari Desert

• Zannier Omaanda ($$$$): For the ultimate luxury stay paired with incredible wildlife spotting opportunities, Zannier Omaanda is the top of the top. We stayed here and loved everything from the multi-course meals, spacious and authentically-designed suites with private patios looking out onto the savannah, and the infinity pool with epic views. This is a five-star stay with the chance to see all the heavy-hitters: lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffe, zebra and much more. Read my detailed Zannier Omaanda hotel review here.
• Gmundner Lodge ($$$$$): While Gmundner Lodge doesn’t have as many animals on their reserve as Omaanda (no lions or elephants here), it was one of my favorite hotels I’ve EVER STAYED AT. So if you’re looking for the most luxurious stay with insane food, top-notch service, and massive suites that are meticulously curated with safari nostalgia, then you’ll want to stay here. Regular game drives are included, but there is an option to pay extra to do game drives at a nearby reserve where you can spot additional wildlife like lions and elephants. Read my detailed Gmundner Lodge hotel review here.
• Our Habitas ($$$): While I haven’t stayed at Our Habitas in Namibia, I’ve stayed at their properties in other locations and their attention to design, service and sustainability is always incredible. This Michelin guide recommended lodge will wow you with their wellness programming and proximity to epic wildlife throughout their 51,000 hectacre property like lions, rhino, giraffe, cheetah, elephants and more.

On a budget? If a luxury safari just isn’t in the cards, there are a few great options for wildlife spotting on a budget:

• River Crossing Lodge ($): Here, guests can stay in more simple chalets perched on a hill in between morning or afternoon game drives to spot animals like oryx, kudu and giraffes, or the occasional leopard or cheetah.
• Gocheganas Lodge ($$): This more mid-range lodge is home to 25 different species of wildlife and offers the opportunity to see animals like rhinos, cheetah, jackal, zebra and giraffes.

Bonus Option: If you want the luxury experience of a game drive at Zannier Omaanda but don’t want to stay there, you can opt to stay in Windhoek and just book a game drive day-trip instead.

If You Have More Time in Namibia

About three days into our 10 day Namibia itinerary I was already dreaming up a trip back, once I kept learning about more and more places we wanted to visit. I know this is a 10-day itinerary, but it’s really not enough time! You could easily spend a month in Namibia. So, if you’re lucky enough to have more time for your visit, definitely consider adding a few more places to your itinerary.

Additional Spots to Visit in Namibia

• Damaraland
• Spitzkoppe
• Quiver Tree Forest
• Etosha National Park
• Fish River Canyon
• Epupa Falls
• Skeleton Coast National Park

Namibia Trip Itinerary FAQ

Is Namibia worth visiting

Absolutely, no questions asked. It’s one of my favorite trips I’ve ever done and I plan to go back again and again. In Namibia you have access to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world, epic photographic opportunities and wildlife adventures.

How many days is enough in Namibia?

The trickiest part about visiting Namibia is that no time ever feels long enough. We visited for 12 days and I wish the trip had been twice as long. Even then, we wouldn’t have been able to see it all. You can see a lot in 10 days, but if you can swing two full weeks, even better!

Is 10 days enough for Namibia?

For those who want to see some of the top highlights of Namibia including a more accessible safari experience, 10 days is totally doable. However, I’d recommend two weeks or more if you can swing it.

Is it expensive to go to Namibia?

Namibia can be very expensive if you decide to stay at the top luxury hotels and lodges, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, I was quite surprised to find how affordable Namibia could be. If you want to do Namibia on a budget, I’d recommend visiting in shoulder season and camping wherever possible.

How long does it take to drive around Namibia?

Destinations are very spread out in Namibia—we’re talking around 4-8 hours of driving between major sites. You’ll definitely want to be prepared to be in the car a lot to travel around Namibia, however the landscapes are so stunning here that it never really gets boring!

Is Namibia a good destination for families?

I can’t speak from experience, but I think this would be a more challenging itinerary with young kids given the long hours of driving and lack of facilities/ amenities along the way. With that said, I’ve seen people do it and make it work, you’d probably just want to take it much slower.

I hope this 10 day Namibia itinerary guide helped you plan an epic trip of your own. If you have additional questions, drop a comment below!

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