Many first-time visitors to Namibia in South Africa, will have a bucket-list of places they want to see. This 10-day Namibia itinerary is perfect as it includes all the main highlights, including prolific wildlife, red sand dunes, and unique landscapes.
Namibia’s wide-open roads and dramatic scenery makes it an ideal destination for a road trip.
During this itinerary, you will drive through renowned Etosha National Park in search of roaming elephants and snoozing lions. You’ll take on ‘Big Daddy‘, as you admire the towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert, and see how cheetahs are saved at Okonjima Nature Reserve.
Traverse the gravel roads perfect for adventurous road trippers and discover Namibia’s natural beauty for yourself.
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10 DAY NAMIBIA ITINERARY: A SELF DRIVING ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
While driving in Namibia is easy and fun, your Namibia trip can involve a lot of driving. The distances involved between each ‘Namibia must see’ sights are sometimes lengthy.
Your Namibia visit cannot cover every single attraction. However, you can experience the main Namibia highlights including Etosha, Swakopmund and Sossusvlei, with 10 days in Namibia.
This Namibia Itinerary is based on our own custom-made road trip in Namibia, travelling in a 4×4 rental and staying in hotels/lodges.
NAMIBIA SELF DRIVE ITINERARY MAP
** DRIVE TIMES & DISTANCES ARE APPROXIMATE BASED ON GOOGLE MAPS**
How to use this map: Click on the top right-hand corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab, or the star to save to your Google Maps. Click on the left of the map to display the list of locations.
START – ARRIVE AT WINDHOEK AND PICK UP YOUR RENTAL VEHICLE
Your 10-day Namibia itinerary begins on arrival into Hosea Kutako International Airport. Depending on when your flight arrives, we recommend staying near the capital, Windhoek.
You will be given full instructions by your rental company on driving on Namibian roads, and how to change a tyre if required.
Windhoek is also a great place to pick up water and snacks for your trip from the local supermarket.
Overnight Details:
- Accommodation: Olive Grove Guesthouse
- Driving Distance: 50km | 40minutes, via B6
DAY 1 – WINDHOEK TO SOSSUSVLEI
Distance: 400km | 4hours 50minutes (via C24, D1261, D1275 and C19)
Stops: Solitaire
Highlight: Stunning views from Spreetshoogte Pass, and sunset at Dune 45
Accommodation: Sossus Dune Lodge
Leave early today as you a reasonable drive from Windhoek to Sossusvlei. Your drive takes you over the scenic Sreetshoogte Pass, to the gateway of Namib Naukluft National Park. Along the pass, you will traverse the winding road, from the high central plains in central Namibia, into the Namib Desert, one of the world’s oldest deserts.
Keep an eye out for wildlife along this scenic desolate drive. If lucks on your side you may see oryx, ostrich, baboons, and springbok.
Stop 1 | Solitaire
This middle-of-nowhere pitstop is a great place to stretch your legs, top up with fuel and supplies, and sample the legendary apple pie from the bakery. And yes, it is delicious!
Take some photos of the rusting vintage cars and check out the quirky wooden counters in the General Dealer.
From the Sesriem Gate, it is a short 10-minute drive to your overnight accommodation, Sossus Dune Lodge, which is within the Namib Naukluft National Park.
As a guest, you can benefit from being able to reach Sossusvlei before sunrise and stay after sunset.
On arrival at your accommodation, freshen up, book the sunrise tour for the morning, then head out to climb Dune 45 for sunset.
Stop 2 | Dune 45 (46km/38minutes)
Easily accessed from an off-road parking area, this 85-metre-tall sand dune is a great first climb in Sossusvlei. Check out our article on how to explore Sossusvlei Namibia which includes climbing Dune 45 for sunset.
After watching the spectacular African sky change to reds and yellows, head back to the lodge for dinner.
DAY 2 – SOSSUSVLEI TO SWAKOPMUND
Distance: 360km | 5hours (via C14)
Stops: Sesriem Canyon
Highlight: Climbing Big Daddy Dune, Sesriem Canyon and views from Kuiseb Pass
Accommodation: Swakopmund Luxury Suites
Top Tip: Solitaire is the only place to buy fuel, between Sesriem and Walvis Bay
Day 2 of your 10 day Namibia itinerary starts at about 4.30am, by taking a tour to catch the early morning sunrays as you climb Big Daddy Dune, standing at 380 metres high.
This area is characterized by towering red sand dunes, some of which are among the highest in the world. They are the best of Namibia. An iconic sight as they shift in the wind and change colour in the morning or afternoon light.
Exploring the dunes and wandering around the desolate but eerily beautiful Deadvlei pan, is an unforgettable Namibia experience.
Enjoy the spectacular sight, before enjoying a leisurely breakfast and heading back to the lodge to collect your luggage.
STOPS ALONG THE WAY
Stop 1 | Sesriem Canyon (2.3km/4minutes)
At about 30 meters deep, and 1 km long, Sesriem Canyon is a natural canyon carved by the Tsauchab River in the local sedimentary rock, and a good place to explore.
Your main journey today takes you back across the Namib Naukluft National park, and to the lively town of Swakopmund on the Atlantic Coast. Drive back to Solitaire, top up with fuel, grab more apple pie, and head west on the C14.
Travel through a landscape of dry riverbeds and canyons as you drive past the ‘Tropic of Capricorn’ sign. As you climb to Kuiseb Pass, along one of the highest roads in Namibia, stop and admire the flat desert plains below, and the sheer scale of this landscape.
Continue through Walvis Bay, famous for its flamingos and pelicans, to the holiday resort of Swakopmund. Check into your overnight accommodation at Swakopmund Luxury Suites.
Wander around this lively old German town, with a wide choice of cafes and things to do. Climb up the Woermann Tower, visit the museum, and wander down to The Mole, where there’s a lovely stretch of sandy beach.
End day two of your Namibia road trip with dinner at The Tug Restaurant, situated on the shoreline with unforgettable panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
DAY 3 – KAYAKING + SANDWICH BAY COMBO TOUR
Distance: 37km | 35minutes each way (via B2)
Highlight: Kayaking with seals, and spectacular scenery
Accommodation: Swakopmund Luxury Suites
Begin today with a short 35-minute drive to Walvis Bay Harbour, where you will join the Pelican Point Kayak and Sandwich Harbour 4×4 combo tour. The morning is spent kayaking with seals at Pelican Point.
Leaving the waterfront in a 4×4 vehicle, you will pass local salt mines, and flamingos before arriving at Pelican Point. Don your lifejacket, and kayak among friendly seals on the tidal lagoon.
Afterwards, enjoy tea, coffee, and sandwiches before travelling back to Walvis Bay waterfront. You will have plenty of time to grab lunch before joining the afternoon Sandwich Harbour 4×4 tour, which leaves at around 1 pm.
Be driven over undulating golden sand dunes nestled beside the Atlantic Ocean, by your experienced driver. Aside from the stunning scenery, you will also learn about this barren environment, and how life survives. After stopping for refreshments, you will return to Walvis Bay.
By combining the two half-day activities, you will get a discount on both tours. However, if the cost is prohibitive, join just one of the tours, as you’ll still have a great day.
Return to Swakopmund for a second night at Swakopmund Luxury Suites.
DAY 4 – SWAKOPMUND TO SPITZKOPPE
Distance: 180km | 2.5hours (via C34, D1918 and D3716)
Stops: Henties Bay
Highlight: Road to Spitzkoppe
Accommodation: Spitzkoppen Lodge
Today’s drive is quite short as you head into Southern Damaraland to explore the great mountains of Spitzkoppe. The drive up to Henties Bay is along the C34, a road made of salt, gypsum, and gravel, which has no loose surface.
You will pass a shipwrecked boat (Zeila Shipwreck), one of many that now call the Skeleton Coast home. This is a barren and desolate landscape. The road runs parallel to the ocean, the sea on one side, and continual sand or gravel on the other.
Stop 1 | Henties Bay (72km/55minutes)
This rapidly growing windswept town with its brightly coloured bungalows, looks slightly eerie in the morning mist. It’s a good pitstop for fuel, snacks, and coffee.
Stop 2 | Cape Cross Seal Reserve (61km | 45minutes)
An optional detour is to an easily accessible cape fur seal colony. Up to 100,000 seals can be seen bobbing around on land or in the water, which is quite a sight. Be warned though, the smell is overpowering to say the least. Open 10am-5pm
Once you head inland from Henties Bay, the landscape becomes sparse and flat for most of the journey. Earning its nickname ‘Matterhorn of Africa’, the mighty 1,728m Spitzkoppe, along with a small cluster of mountains, rise majestically from the flat desert floor.
For those wanting to camp amongst the bald granite peaks, you can stay at Spitzkoppe Campsites. We stayed in one of two rooms, at the campsite which was incredible and memorable.
However, you can now stay in luxury at stylish Spitzkoppen Lodge, on the northern periphery of the Inselberg. Check in to your accommodation before exploring the imposing peaks, boulders, and famous Rock Arch.
Complete a near perfect day with dinner at the lodge, whose dining area has a westerly view to watch sunset.
DAY 5 – SPITZKOPPE TO VINGERKLIP
Distance: 320km | 4.5hours (via D1930, D2359, C35, C39 and D2743)
Stops: Brandberg
Highlight: Ancient cave paintings at Brandberg
Accommodation: Vingerklip Lodge
Tip: Fuel, food and drinks can be found in Uis
On day 5 of your 10-day Namibia Itinerary, head to Brandberg Massif, Namibia’s highest mountain. One of Namibia top 10 attractions is to view one of the world’s richest galleries of rock art.
Stop 1 | Brandberg (130km | 2hours)
Park in the parking area at the end of D2359. A compulsory 2 hour guided walk leads you to the White Lady of Brandberg painting, which is thought to be about 2,000 years old. The walk takes 1.5-2hours and costs N$100 per person.
Continue your trip itinerary through beautiful scenery, to a striking pinnacle of rock, known as ‘rock finger’ or ‘finger of God’.
Surrounded by flat-topped mountains, this striking natural obelisk balances vertically on its own.
Check into the stylish Vingerklip Lodge, located a mere 1km from the rock itself, and either follow one of the trails to get a closer look of Vingerklip, or relax by the pool.
If you want the ultimate viewing point for sunset, do as we did, and book a stay in Heaven’s Gate bungalow, with dinner at the adjacent Eagle’s Nest Restaurant.
DAY 6 – VINGERKLIPPE TO ETOSHA
Distance: 190km | 2hours (via C39 and C38)
Highlight: The incredible and prolific wildlife at Etosha
Accommodation: Etosha Safari Lodge
Any Namibia road trip itinerary must include at least one day in stunning Etosha National Park. Enroute, make a stop at the small town of Outjo to top up on fuel, snacks, and enjoy coffee, and cake at either ‘The Farmhouse’ or Outjo Bakery.
Continue to your accommodation for the night, then head out for an amazing afternoon of wildlife spotting. Plan your route through the park to make sure you have a rewarding safari experience.
Spotting animals can be mostly down to luck, but sitting awhile at several waterholes usually brings some sightings. The best part is that you will often spot animals on the road, passing from one area to another.
Spend the evening relaxing by the pool, followed by dinner.
DAY 7 & 8 – ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Distance: 12 minutes Etosha Safari camp to Anderson Gate Etosha National Park (Southern Entrance)
Stops: Okaukuejo Camp, Halali Camp
Highlight: Sitting at waterholes and watching animals come and go.
Accommodation: Onguma The Fort
The next two days of your 10-day Namibia Itinerary are spent entirely in Etosha National Park. Designed for the independent traveller in mind, Etosha is a prime safari destination, and road-tripping from one waterhole to another, is a great adventure.
In the dry season when the rains end, a plethora of animals stroll to and from the waterholes to drink, including elephants, giraffe, springbok, zebra, oryx, lions, and rhinos.
You can read about our own exhilarating Namibia self-drive safari experience, which paints a truly magical scene.
DAY 9 – ETOSHA TO OKONJIMA
Distance: 406km | 5hours (via B1, D2433, D2440 & B1) to Okonjima Plains Camp Stops: Cheetah Conservation Fund Highlight: Safari drive to spot cheetahs and leopards. Accommodation: Okonjima Plains Camp or Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp
Get an early start this morning then drive to Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), where you can witness cheetah conservation in action. Located near Ojiwarongo, the centre welcomes guests 365 days a year, and is a great place to learn about their work saving the cheetah and its ecosystem.
Join a cheetah drive with a CCF guide into one of the expansive enclosures at the Visitor Centre to meet some non-releasable Cheetahs. This is a great opportunity to learn about the centre’s work, and to watch the cheetahs up close. The drive is 1 hour and includes a tour of the centre.
Cheetah Drive: Daily – every hour from 9:30 am (last departure 3:30 pm) | Cost: N$ 665.00
Enjoy some refreshments in the cheetah café and browse the gift shop for gifts and souvenirs. All revenue from the gift shop is reinvested in CCF’s projects, programmes, and operations.
Continue your journey to Okonjima Nature Reserve, and book into your accommodation.
The sprawling 22 000ha reserve is home to Namibia’s largest concentration of leopards. Okonjima is a family-run reserve and was founded in 1991. Its mission is conservation, and trying to ensure the survival of Namibia’s predators in their natural habitat. It undertakes research and environmental education projects and is also home to the AfriCat foundation.
The lodge runs several activities in the mornings and afternoons, including a leopard tracking drive and a cheetah walking tour. Be sure to arrive in time for the afternoon drive, which begins at 3.30pm.
Okonjima Activities:
- Morning activities: (seasonal times): Departure 06:00/06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM.
- Afternoon activities: (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30/16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM.
- Price: N$730 per person per drive. Make bookings prior to your visit at the Lodge.
Enjoy a relaxing dinner before heading to bed.
DAY 10 – OKONJIMA AND DEPARTURE
Distance: 263km | 3hours (via B1) to Hosea Kutako Airport from Okonjima
Highlight: A morning drive
Accommodation: The Weinberg Windhoek if early flight the next day.
Enjoy a morning drive, and a delicious breakfast. Depending on the time of your flight home, relax by the pool, read a book, or just chill out in the large inviting communal area.
To finish your 10-day Namibia itinerary, check out, and head straight to Hosea Kutako International Airport.
FINISH AT WINDHOEK
If you have an early flight the following morning, stay the night at The Weinberg Windhoek, which is 42 km/35 minutes from the airport. Book a room with a balcony and enjoy the last evening of your trip in style.
GETTING TO NAMIBIA
Most international flights arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport, a 40-minute drive from the capital, Windhoek. While you can drive from Cape Town, you will be charged a hefty cross-border charge.
GETTING AROUND NAMIBIA
The best, and most efficient way to get around Namibia is by self-driving. Whilst navigating the roads is easy, distances are long, and travelling is slow. Read up on the rules of the road, and the speed limits on each type of road.
- Tarred roads: 120 km/h | Gravel roads | 80 km/h | Urban areas | 50-60 km/h
- Major Highways (“B”) are tarred and in good condition, with a speed limit of 120 km/hour.
- Secondary roads (“C”or”D”) are mainly untarred, gravel or dirt roads, with a speed limit of 80 km per hour, although 60 km/hour is considered a safer speed.
Don’t be put off from driving yourself on a road trip to Namibia, as it really is easier than you think. Follow our top tips which take you through a step-by-step guide to enable you to start planning.
WHICH TYPE OF VEHICLE TO CHOOSE FOR YOUR NAMIBIA TRIP?
We suggest hiring a 4×4 for the extra clearance which helps navigate the roads safely, and the improved traction on gravel, and sand. Whilst it will be more expensive to hire, the safety, speed, and comfort are worth the extra cost.
To follow this itinerary, we suggest renting and collecting your hire vehicle on arrival into Hosea Kutako International Airport.
Renting a car can be complicated with so many rental companies to consider. We use DiscoverCars.com who have access to vehicles from all major rental companies. You can easily filter your preferences and get a quote immediately.
BEST TIME FOR A ROAD TRIP TO NAMIBIA
Etosha has two distinct seasons. The dry season runs from June to October and is the best time for wildlife viewing as animals are forced to congregate around the waterholes for water.
The wet season runs from November to May, and although the grass is green, and lush, the animals do not have to use the waterholes, hence sightings are more difficult.
We suggest timing your self-drive to Namibia in September or October. This is also peak season, so it is important to book accommodation at least 9 months in advance to avoid disappointment.
We hope you enjoyed our 10 Day Namibia Itinerary and are inspired to plan your own trip to the country. Namibia is totally underrated as a destination, and perfect for independent travel. If you have any questions, please ask in the comments below.
MORE POSTS ON NAMIBIA
We have several interesting and helpful articles for you to read:
- How To Self Drive Namibia Confidently
- How to Visit Sossusvlei Namibia
- Treat Yourself To A Self Drive Etosha Safari In Namibia
- An Exhilarating Namibia Self Drive Safari In Etosha National Park
- The Best Places to Visit in Namibia
- Visiting Namibia: Everything You Need to Know
- Climbing Big Daddy Dune
- Fun Things To Do in Namibia
And click here to find guides to other destinations.
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