A trip toNamibia
Local travel distance per day in km.Pan drag left and right to see all data.
Day 1
WindhoekâžžWindhoek
Travel time: 0 hr| Travel distance: 0 km
Morning
- Arrive at Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport.
- Pick-up rental car for the road trip adventure.
- Check-in at a comfortable city center hotel.
Afternoon
- Explore Windhoek by heading to the vibrant Post Street Mall.
- Take a walk around the Christuskirche, an iconic historical landmark.
- Visit the local craft markets for some unique souvenirs.
- Have a laid-back lunch with Namibian cuisine at a nearby café.
Evening
- Enjoy a relaxing welcome dinner at Joe's Beerhouse.
- Return to accommodation for rest and planning next day's activities.
Accomodation
- Klein Windhoek Guesthouse
Day 2
WindhoekâžžSesriem
Travel time: 5 hr| Travel distance: 296 km
Morning
- Early departure from Windhoek, driving south-west towards Sesriem.
- Stop at Rehoboth for a coffee break and quick stroll.
- Pass through the breathtaking landscapes as you drive through the Naukluft Mountains.
Afternoon
- Arrive at Sesriem, entry point to the Namib-Naukluft National Park.
- Visit the Sesriem Canyon, a natural canyon carved by the Tsauchab River.
- Grab a light lunch at a local eatery before heading out for more exploration.
- Drive to Elim Dune for sunset photography and stunning views.
Evening
- Check into the lodge near Sesriem.
- Dinner under the stars followed by relaxation and stargazing.
Accomodation
- Desert Camp
Day 3
SesriemâžžSesriem
Travel time: 0 hr| Travel distance: 0 km
Morning
- Pre-dawn departure to catch the sunrise at Dune 45 in Sossusvlei.
- Climb Dune 45 for panoramic views of the surrounding desert.
- Enjoy breakfast amidst the dunes.
Afternoon
- Drive to the surreal Deadvlei, a clay pan with dead acacia trees.
- Visit the tallest dune, Big Daddy, and attempt the climb for thrilling views.
- Relax and have lunch at Sossusvlei Lodge Restaurant, option to swim if available.
- Explore Sesriem Canyon further if time allows.
Evening
- Return to accommodation to freshen up.
- Attend a traditional Namibian braai (barbecue) at the lodge.
- Rest early for the next day's journey.
Accomodation
- Desert Camp
Day 4
SesriemâžžSwakopmund
Travel time: 4 hr| Travel distance: 344 km
Morning
- Depart Sesriem early towards Swakopmund, passing through Solitaire.
- Breakfast stop at Solitaire for their famous apple pie.
- Drive across the Namib Desert landscape.
Afternoon
- Arrive in Swakopmund, a quaint seaside town with German heritage.
- Explore the Swakopmund Jetty and beachfront area.
- Stop for a fresh seafood lunch at Tug Restaurant with ocean views.
- Visit the National Marine Aquarium to learn about marine life.
Evening
- Walk through the charming streets of Swakopmund.
- Dinner at Kücki's Pub, a local favorite with hearty meals.
- Overnight at a cozy seaside guesthouse.
Accomodation
- The Delight Swakopmund
Day 5
SwakopmundâžžSwakopmund
Travel time: 0 hr| Travel distance: 0 km
Morning
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the guesthouse.
- Visit the Swakopmund Museum for a comprehensive overview of local history.
- Take a living desert tour discovering the unique wildlife.
Afternoon
- Lunch at a beachside restaurant.
- Explore the art of sandboarding in the dunes outside town.
- Visit the Crystal Gallery to see the world's largest quartz crystal cluster.
- Try quad biking on the sand dunes for an adrenaline rush.
Evening
- Stroll along the beach during sunset.
- Dinner at the Wreck Restaurant, a fine dining experience with ocean views.
Accomodation
- The Delight Swakopmund
Day 6
SwakopmundâžžDamaraland
Travel time: 6 hr| Travel distance: 430 km
Morning
- Depart Swakopmund, heading north to Damaraland.
- Stop at the small coastal town of Henties Bay for a coffee break.
- Continue traveling through the contrasting landscape of granite formations.
Afternoon
- Reach the Brandberg mountain area.
- Visit the White Lady rock painting in the Tsisab gorge.
- Enjoy a packed lunch with a spectacular mountain backdrop.
- Explore the rugged savanna terrain for wildlife such as elephants and rhinos.
Evening
- Check into a lodge at Damaraland.
- Dinner at the lodge's restaurant showcasing local dishes.
- Relax with a nightcap under the starry sky.
Accomodation
- Brandberg White Lady Lodge
Day 7
DamaralandâžžEtosha National Park
Travel time: 5 hr| Travel distance: 325 km
Morning
- Early breakfast at the lodge before setting off to Etosha National Park.
- Stop briefly at the Petrified Forest en route.
- Visit the Twyfelfontein for some of the best ancient rock engravings.
Afternoon
- Arrive at Etosha National Park by the Anderson Gate.
- Go for an exciting afternoon game drive around the park.
- Observe elephants, giraffes, and rhinos at the waterholes.
- Have a picnic lunch at one of the park's designated picnic areas.
Evening
- Check into a rest camp inside Etosha National Park.
- Enjoy a self-catered dinner with provisions from the camp store.
- Relax and share stories with fellow travelers.
Accomodation
- Okaukuejo Camp
Day 8
Etosha National ParkâžžEtosha National Park
Travel time: 0 hr| Travel distance: 0 km
Morning
- Rise early for a morning game drive to capture wildlife at their most active.
- Visit the park's numerous waterholes such as Okaukuejo and Halali.
- Take a detour through the vast bushland areas.
Afternoon
- Return to camp for a relaxing brunch.
- Take a mid-day rest or explore the camp's pool area for leisure.
- Continue another game drive focusing on areas like the Etosha Pan.
Evening
- Head to a waterhole for evening safari viewing.
- Dinner at the camp's restaurant featuring local cuisine.
- Enjoy a night safari if available to see nocturnal animals.
Accomodation
- Okaukuejo Camp
Day 9
Etosha National ParkâžžOtjiwarongo
Travel time: 4 hr| Travel distance: 222 km
Morning
- Bid farewell to Etosha after breakfast.
- Drive south towards Otjiwarongo stopping at scenic spots along the way.
- Visit the Cheetah Conservation Fund near Otjiwarongo for an educational tour.
Afternoon
- Lunch at a café in Otjiwarongo.
- Explore the educational center at the Conservation Fund.
- Take a guided bush walk with conservationists.
- Learn about the cheetah’s behavior and their role in the ecosystem.
Evening
- Check into a charming guesthouse in Otjiwarongo.
- Dinner at a local restaurant serving hearty meals.
- Enjoy a walk around the town to experience local life.
Accomodation
- Okonjima Plains Camp
Day 10
OtjiwarongoâžžWaterberg Plateau
Travel time: 3 hr| Travel distance: 250 km
Morning
- Depart Otjiwarongo, heading to Waterberg Plateau.
- Arrive at Waterberg and soak in the gorgeous views from the plateau.
- Breakfast picnic at the entrance of Waterberg National Park.
Afternoon
- Hike one of the trails within Waterberg Plateau Park.
- Spot various flora and fauna endemic to this mountainous region.
- Lunch near the plateau's base for a panoramic vista of the area.
- Visit the Waterberg Wilderness skills training center.
Evening
- Check into accommodation near Waterberg for the night.
- Dinner at the guest lodge featuring local ingredients.
- Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the plateau's calm atmosphere.
Accomodation
- Waterberg Plateau Lodge
Day 11
Waterberg PlateauâžžWindhoek
Travel time: 3 hr| Travel distance: 285 km
Morning
- Enjoy breakfast with stunning views of the Waterberg cliffs.
- Depart Waterberg Plateau for Windhoek.
- Stop for breakfast and views of countryside landscapes along the way.
Afternoon
- Arrive in Windhoek around lunchtime.
- Revisit the city sights such as the Gibeon Meteorites.
- Lunch at a city café to quickly recharge.
- Visit the Namibia Craft Centre to find unique handcrafted goods.
Evening
- Check into previously booked accommodation in Windhoek.
- Dinner at The Stellenbosch Wine Bar & Bistro for good wine and dining.
- An optional evening stroll through the city streets.
Accomodation
- Klein Windhoek Guesthouse
Day 12
WindhoekâžžKalahari Desert
Travel time: 3 hr| Travel distance: 258 km
Morning
- Leave Windhoek for a trip to Kalahari Desert after an early breakfast.
- Drive through the scenic Kalahari highlands.
- Stop at a rest stop for coffee and photos.
Afternoon
- Arrive at the lodge within the Kalahari.
- Take a guided nature walk to observe the desert wildlife and plants.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by the lodge.
- Participate in a San cultural experience learning survival skills.
Evening
- Return for sunset drinks overlooking the dunes.
- Dinner at the lodge's restaurant, reflecting on the day.
- Stargaze in the expansive desert sky, picking out constellations.
Accomodation
- Zebra Kalahari Lodge & Spa
Day 13
Kalahari DesertâžžMariental
Travel time: 1 hr| Travel distance: 75 km
Morning
- Sunrise walk on the dunes for morning wildlife activity.
- Breakfast at the lodge with stunning panoramic views.
- Drive towards Mariental, exploring the Kalahari scenery along the way.
Afternoon
- Arrive in Mariental for a stop at the local river and parks.
- Explore Hardap Dam, the largest in Namibia, for birdwatching.
- Lunch at a Mariental café.
- Visit the Hardap Recreational Resort for afternoon leisure.
Evening
- Check into accommodation in Mariental.
- Dinner at the guest lodge or nearby restaurant.
- Relax evening in preparation for heading back north to Windhoek.
Accomodation
- Bastion Farmyard
Day 14
MarientalâžžKeetmanshoop
Travel time: 4 hr| Travel distance: 145 km
Morning
- Depart Mariental, heading southwest to Keetmanshoop after breakfast.
- Arrive at Keetmanshoop.
- Explore the iconic Quiver Tree Forest for striking photography.
Afternoon
- Visit the nearby Giant's Playground boulder formations.
- Enjoy lunch while enjoying surreal vistas.
- Travel to Fish River Canyon for an incredible view.
- Hike one of the trails around the vast canyon area.
Evening
- Check into accommodation in Keetmanshoop.
- Dinner at a local restaurant.
- Reflect on the next day’s journey over a relaxing drink.
Accomodation
- Quivertree Forest Restcamp
Day 15
KeetmanshoopâžžWindhoek
Travel time: 6 hr| Travel distance: 495 km
Morning
- Check out of the guesthouse and start the drive back north to Windhoek.
- Take breaks along the way for photos and refreshments.
- Stop for breakfast in a small village along the way.
Afternoon
- Arrive back in Windhoek for last-minute souvenir shopping.
- Lunch at a local city restaurant.
- Drop-off the rental car at the designated spot.
Evening
- Conclude the trip with a farewell dinner at a popular restaurant.
- Stay overnight at your chosen city hotel for your last night in Namibia.
Accomodation
- Klein Windhoek Guesthouse
The January climate in Namibia ranges from warm to hot during the daytime, with cooler evenings in certain areas such as the desert. Typical temperatures can reach up to 35°C in desert locations during the afternoon.
January can be considered part of the peak tourist season in Namibia since it's the rainy season, especially in the north, making it a vibrant time for wildlife viewing. It might get busy at major tourist attractions.
- Carry plenty of water, especially in desert regions, to stay hydrated.
- Binoculars are highly recommended for wildlife spotting in Etosha National Park and other reserves.
- Book accommodations well ahead of time, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Consider malaria prophylaxis for certain regions in Namibia, particularly if you plan to visit the northern parks like Etosha.
- Road conditions can vary greatly. Make sure your rental car is suitable for off-road driving, particularly in remote areas.
Showing forecasted weather for the upcoming 16 days in Namibia.