Day 1 – Arrival in Windhoek
- Arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport
- Pick up rental car (SUV recommended)
- Check into guesthouse in Klein Windhoek or city center
- Visit Christuskirche & Independence Museum
- Dinner recommendation: Joe’s Beerhouse (local game meat)
Overnight: Windhoek
Day 2 – Windhoek → Sossusvlei (Sesriem)
Drive: 5–6 hrs (via Rehoboth & Solitaire)
- Scenic drive into the Namib Desert
- Stop at Solitaire for apple pie
- Arrive at lodge near Sesriem Gate
- Late afternoon dune viewpoint or relax by pool
Overnight: Sesriem area
Day 3 – Sossusvlei & Deadvlei
- Enter park at sunrise (very important for heat & photos)
- Climb Dune 45 or Big Daddy
- Walk through Deadvlei (white clay pan + dead camelthorn trees)
- Visit Sesriem Canyon
- Afternoon rest (very hot mid-day)
Overnight: Sesriem
Day 4 – Sossusvlei → Swakopmund
Drive: 5–6 hrs via Gaub & Kuiseb Pass
- Cross Tropic of Capricorn marker
- Arrive in cooler coastal climate
- Walk jetty & German colonial streets
Overnight: Swakopmund
Day 5 – Swakopmund Adventure Day
Choose 1–2 activities:
- Sandwich Harbour 4×4 tour
- Dolphin cruise (Walvis Bay)
- Sandboarding
- Scenic flight over desert & Skeleton Coast
Relax at beachfront café in evening.
Day 6 – Swakopmund → Etosha National Park
Drive: 6–7 hrs
- Optional stop at Spitzkoppe (short detour)
- Enter Etosha via Anderson Gate
- Evening at Okaukuejo waterhole
Overnight: Inside park (Okaukuejo preferred)
Day 7 – Etosha Safari (West/Central)
- Early morning game drive
- Focus on waterholes (Okondeka, Gemsbokvlakte)
- Expect elephants, giraffes, lions
- Midday rest at camp
Day 8 – Etosha Safari (East)
- Drive toward Halali or Namutoni
- Explore Etosha Pan viewpoints
- Rhino sightings more common near Halali
Day 9 – Etosha → Windhoek
Drive: 4–5 hrs
- Optional stop at craft markets
- Relax final evening in Windhoek