The ULTIMATE 10-Day Namibia Itinerary – Everything You Need To Know

Looking for the ultimate 10-day Namibia Itinerary? You’ve come to the right place! 

From the iconic fiery red dunes of the Namib Desert to the unique rugged beauty of Damaraland and the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha National Park Namibia is very unique.

It’s the kind of country that will make you feel like you’ve left planet Earth and stepped onto Mars. 

Namibia is every adventure seeker’s dream come true, promising an unforgettable journey through some of Africa’s most stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems. 

Whether you love taking pictures of beautiful landscapes, watching animals in their natural habitat, or are interested in feeling the deafening silence of one of the remotest places on earth, Namibia has something special for you. 

On a 10-day tour of Namibia, you’ll get to learn about Namibia’s interesting culture by discovering the history of its people, going on exciting game drives, hiking in scenic areas, and camping in the most peaceful desert whilst you witness the clearest night skies of your life! 

To be honest, I’m still not over this 10-day tour of Namibia. Firstly, I started this trip as a solo female traveller in Namibia and ended my trip with lots of new friends. 

Secondly, getting the opportunity to witness all these truly unique landscapes was such a magical experience and it’s left me with so many special memories and for that I will be forever thankful. 

So, what’s included in a 10-day Namibia itinerary? 

Read on below to find out! 

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Guided tour VS self-drive

Unfortunately, Namibia’s public transport system isn’t well set up for tourists yet, meaning that you only have 2 choices regarding how you want to explore Namibia on a 10-day itinerary. 

This is either by arranging your own self-drive 4×4 experience or booking a guided tour.

As a solo female traveller in Namibia (who also hates driving), I opted for a guided tour. 

Not only was this the most cost-effective option (solo travelling in Namibia isn’t the cheapest) but, the drives in Namibia are long, and you will often spend hours without any cell phone reception.

Being on a guided tour gave me the peace of mind that I would be looked after and safe if anything were to go wrong. 

Looking for more African inspiration? Check out my other guides here.

About this 10-day Namibia itinerary

This 10-day Namibia itinerary was formed from the exact route I took on my own trip to Namibia with Chameleon Safaris on their “Canyons, Dunes, and Wildlife” tour.

They have created an awesome itinerary that gives the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, mixed with seeing all of the must-see spots in Namibia.

In short, your 10-day Namibia itinerary will look something like this:

• Days 1 – Arriving in Windhoek 
• Days 2&3 – Etosha National Park 
• Day 4 – Etosha to Swakopmund via Damaraland  
• Day 5 – Swakopmund 
• Day 6 – Sossusvlei 
• Day 7 – Klein Aus Vista
• Day 8 – Kolmanskopp and Luderitz 
• Day 9 – Fish River Canyon & Quiver Tree National Park 
• Day 10 – Drive back to Windhoek

Day 1 – Arriving in Windhoek

Your 10-day Namibia Itinerary will start by arriving in Windhoek and getting yourself acquainted with the area.

How to Get to Windhoek Centre

Windhoek Airport is a short 40-minute drive from the city centre. A taxi shuttle from the airport should cost you around 300-500 NAD.

If you are staying at Chameleon Backpackers (see below) you will be able to arrange a shuttle service directly through them. Alternatively, you can book a shuttle with the Tok Tokkie Shuttle Service.

Where to stay in Windhoek

Chameleon Backpackers is one of the best places to stay in Windhoek. The atmosphere is great, they offer free breakfast with your booking and they also have a pool! 

Also to note that Chameleon Backpackers isn’t exclusively for backpackers and solo travellers in Namibia. It’s a place where groups and families can come too with their wide range of dorms and luxury private rooms. 

I stayed in 3 different places during my time in Windhoek and I can hands down say that Chameleon Backpackers was the best when it came to location, service, room quality and atmosphere.

Things to do in Windhoek

The next 10 days in Namibia are going to be high-energy and jam-packed, so I would personally recommend keeping your exploring around Windhoek to a minimum.

However here are some of the things you can see during your time here. 

• Christuskirche
• Katutura Township Tour
• Oshetu Market
• Visit the Independence Memorial Museum
• Free Walking Tour in Windhoek (offered at Chameleon Backpackers)
• Giraffes at Voigtland Guesthouse

Day 2 – Etosha National Park 

During the day

Day 2 of this 10-day Namibia Itinerary will see you travelling to the famous Etosha National Park to experience a game drive safari.

You will be picked up from your accommodation, given a quick briefing at the Chameleon Safaris tour office and then set off for Etosha. 

The drive from Windhoek to Etosha National Park is approximately 4 hours (you will stop off for snacks and be given lunch on route). 

Once you reach Etosha you will head straight into the park where your safari will begin you will explore the park for at least 3 hours. 

On our particular game drive, we got to see Giraffes, Zebras, Rhinos, Lions and a very rare Cheetah sighting (which even our driver said he had never experienced before). This was my first ever African safari and a very cool experience. 

We also got super lucky to see what we did as I was travelling during the wet season which makes animal sightings notoriously more difficult.

In the afternoon/evening

Once you have finished the safari you will head to your accommodation inside the national park. You will stay at Halali Camp where your guide will cook a delicious BBQ dinner for you. 

The rooms are incredible, and the site comes complete with an onsite restaurant, pool and even a watering hole (which is a hot spot for animals during dry season).

Day 3 – Etosha National Park

During the day

On day 3 of this tour, you will have a 2nd day of exploring Ethosa National Park. 

This will hopefully be another opportunity to see more awesome animals, and maybe some new ones that you didn’t get to see the day before. 

We didn’t get to see as many animals as the day before as it heavily rained the previous evening, but we did get to see the largest herd of Giraffes as well as a Rhino walk right past our car (they usually hide in the bushes).

In the afternoon/evening

On this evening you will stay just outside the national park at Etosha Village. This spot is even more impressive than the day before, with huge rooms and Zebra and Kudu freely roaming the grounds. 

Dinner on this night will be a buffet provided by the accommodation and you will have the opportunity to try Zebra and Oryx steak!

Day 4 – Swakopmund via Damaraland

During the day

Day 4 on this itinerary is a heavy driving day as you make the 5-6 hour journey from Etosha down to Swakopmund.  Along the way, you will get to stop off at the stunning Damaraland and meet the people of the Himba Tribe.

You will get to tour their village and understand more about their way of life. You will also have lunch in Damaraland overlooking some impressive mountain views before completing the journey to Swakopmund.

In the afternoon/evening

You will arrive at Hotel La Mer in Swakopmund in the late afternoon. You can enjoy some free time to explore the city and I highly recommend grabbing a coffee from The Trading Post and heading down to walk by the ocean.

Around 7 the group will grab dinner together at The Tug restaurant.  This is the only time on the tour where you will have to pay an additional cost for your dinner as it is at a restaurant.

However, the food here is awesome and it’s one of the most popular restaurants in all of Namibia so it is worthwhile eating here. You might also be saying goodbye to some people in your group who have booked shorter tours, so this is a good farewell dinner too!

Day 5 – Swakopmund to Sesriem

During the day

On this day you will have a completely free morning to do as you please.You can either explore Swakopmund or go on a 4×4 tour of the Skeleton Coast and Sandwich Harbour (where the world’s oldest desert meets the Atlantic Ocean).

I HIGHLY recommend doing the 4×4 tour. This is an extra expense at N$2400 (US $125) but it is SO worth it and was one of my top highlights of this 10-day Namibia road trip.

You’ll get to see an awesome view of this coastline, ride up and down the dunes in the 4×4 and also go sandboarding. If you’re lucky see some cute seals along the way too.

Prefer to chill and explore Swakopmund? Here are some things you can do:

• Enjoy a coffee at the Trading Post Cafe 
• Walk along the beach 
• Explore Swakopmund museum.

In the afternoon/evening

During the afternoon you will leave Swakopmund and head for Seserim.

On route, you will get to drive through the breathtaking Kuiseb Canyon and also stop by the Tropic of Capricorn (and of course take an iconic tourist picture) before making your way to the campsite.

In the early evening, you will arrive at Oshana Campsite, which is a stunning campsite complete with a nice cool pool and a bar. This evening you will be camping rather than in accommodation.

As soon as you arrive, you’ll set up your tents and then get the chance to head to a stunning sunset spot before enjoying some dinner cooked by your guides.

Day 6 – Sossusvlei

During the day

Day 6 (in my opinion) is the best day on this whole Namibia road trip. 

It’s the day you get to see the famous fiery red sand dunes of Sossusvlei and I promise you it looks 10 times better in real life than any Instagram picture you have seen! 

You’ll start the day very early so that you can make it to the stunning Dune 45 in time for sunrise.

This is a magical experience and I highly recommend hiking as far up the dune as you can (when you feel like you want to stop, keep going, because you won’t regret it). 

After some time on the dune, you’ll head back down where breakfast will be waiting for you.

Then it’s time to get ready for the next adventure, hiking Big Daddy Dune (yes, that’s its real name) and seeing the otherworldly Deadvlei clay pan. Even early in the morning, this hike is tough, as the sun here gets hot very quickly.

I’d recommend having a minimum of 2 litres of water to complete this hike.  Despite the difficulty, it’s worth every single second.

In the afternoon/evening

In the afternoon you’ll head back to the campsite for a much-needed rest (you will be camping at Oshana Campsite again, so you can enjoy your free time here).

In the late afternoon, you will head out again to explore and walk through the Sesriem Canyon before heading back to camp and enjoying another dinner cooked by your guides.

NOTE: You will not be able to do a sunrise hike unless you stay inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The gates to the National Park do not open until sunrise. This is around 6 am from September to March and 6:45 am from April to August. 

Day 7 – Klein Aus Vista

Day 7 on this Namibia road trip Itinerary is another heavy driving day as you head further to the south. 

You’ll travel from the Sossusvlei region to Aus, where you will be staying in the most beautiful accommodation of the whole trip at Klein Aus Vista – Desert Horse Inn . When you arrive you’ll have the choice to do a hike, or to chill.

In the afternoon/evening

Most of the people in my group decided to relax and I have a sneaky suspicion it’s to do with how dreamy the pool area is here.

Day 8 – Kolmanskopp and Luderitz

During the day

Today you’ll get to explore the abandoned diamond mining town of Kolmanskopp. You’ll be taken on a guided tour, before getting a couple of hours to explore for yourself.

This is a super interesting place and I loved admiring all the old buildings filled with sand. 

From Kolmanskopp you’ll make your way to a very windy Diaz Point named after a Portuguese explorer who became the first European mariner to round the southern tip of Africa. You will then get some time to explore the town of Luderitz before having lunch by the ocean.

In the afternoon/evening

You’ll be staying at Klein Aus Vista – Desert Horse Inn again this evening. Much like the day before you’ll have the evening to choose whether to hike or relax by the pool…Can you guess what one I chose?

Day 9  – Fish River Canyon & Quiver Tree National Park 

During the day

The penultimate day of this Namibia Road trip will see you first heading to Fish River Canyon.

This is the second largest canyon in the world (after the Grand Canyon in the USA) but believe me when I say it’s just as impressive. The Canyon dates back over 650 million years and you’ll get to spend some time a lot of time here admiring the impressive views and also have lunch whilst you overlook the canyon.

In the afternoon/evening

You’ll head to your new campsite at Quiver Forest Rest Camp and get set up before heading out of the Quiver Tree forest for sunset.

These trees are unique to this part of Southern Africa, and it’s quite a mindblowing site to witness the sun go down and see the silhouette of these trees in the orange glow of the sunset.

Rumour has it that there are diamonds hidden beneath these trees but it’s one of the great mysteries we’ll never know the truth about.

You’ll then head back to camp for dinner under one of the clearest night skies you’ll ever see. I recommend staying up a little later when the camp is pitch black to keep an eye out for some shooting stars! 

Day 10 – Home time

On the last day of your 10-day Namibia trip, it’s time to say goodbye to the beautiful landscapes as you return to Windhoek.You’ll start the return journey from Quiver Tree to Windhoek, which will take about 5 hours. 

Don’t worry, you’ll be passing some beautiful landscapes along the route and there will be a few stops along the way for breaks and one final lunch stop before you reach Windhoek.

Honest review of the 10-day Namibia Itinerary with Chameleon Safaris

I LOVED my time on this tour. This trip was truly unforgettable and has totally turned me into a group tour convert.

As someone who usually travels solo and who hasn’t done a group tour in over 10 years, this was new territory for me. But it was SO nice not having to worry about where to go or stay and having everything thought out for me. 

Plus, I got to meet some awesome people from all over the world. The tour guides were super friendly and knew their stuff. We got to learn so much about the areas we were travelling through. 

One of our guides even carried a little girl up and down Big Daddy Dune as she started to get tired- If that’s not going above and beyond then I don’t know what is.

We also never went hungry –the guides at Chameleon Safaris are multi-talented as they also double up as chefs! 

Even though we had a lot of early mornings, the tour was well-planned, so we didn’t feel rushed and I really feel like I got to see the whole of this unique country. And on top of all of that, the accommodation we stayed at was much more luxurious than what I was expecting. 

To be honest, I’m not sure what I was expecting, but getting to stay at some of these sites was an absolute dream!  

Overall, this trip was a fantastic experience that showed me the benefits of group travel, especially as a solo traveller in Namibia. I will be booking another group trip in the future.

If you’re looking for a 10-day group tour through Namibia, that not only offers a great itinerary but is super budget-friendly and offers you the opportunity to meet awesome people, then this tour with Chameleon Safaris has to be it.

Top Tips for this 10-day Namibia Itinerary

• Carry lots of water  – The heat can be intense so keep yourself hydrated
• Carry baby wipes and toilet roll – Sometimes there will not be toilets nearby for hours and you may sometimes have to do a “bush wee”
• Be prepared for an “African Massage” – Most of the roads on this route through Namibia are gravel roads, so prepare for a bumpy ride
• Get an early night – There are lots of early starts on this trip so I would recommend heading to bed a little earlier so you feel fresh the next day
• No plastic bags – Plastic bags are not allowed inside the national parks, so make sure to use alternatives 
• Look up at the sky at night – Namibia offers some of the clearest night skies you will ever see so keep your eye out for shooting stars
• Keep your showers short and sweet – Water is precious and scarce in this desert so try not to waste it

Namibia FAQ’s

Who is this 10-day guided tour in Namibia suitable for?

Anyone and everyone. I had couples, younger solo travellers, older solo travellers and even families with young children on my tour bus.

I do think this tour is particularly good for those who want to travel solo to Namibia.I got to meet lots of lovely people and made some great friendships during my time on tour.

How much does a safari in Namibia cost?

This particular 10-day tour of Namibia starts from N$38,500 (US $2,064). 

If you are travelling solo you will have to share a room with another solo traveller of the same sex in your group. If you would prefer to have your own room please let the team know, however this will increase the price of your tour slightly.

Chameleon Safaris also offer tours to suit all budgets, so you can check out some more options here.

How many days do you need in Namibia?

I would say you need 10 days as a minimum amount of time in Namibia.

Is 10 days In Namibia enough?

Namibia is a HUGE country and it takes hours to get anywhere. 

Whilst you could always do with more time, I think 10 days in Namibia is a good amount of time to see the top sites in the country.

The beauty of doing a tour with Chameleon Safaris is that your itinerary is meticulously planned out for you so that you get the most out of your 10 days here.

The drivers also know the roads and routes like the back of their hand, so if there are any issues (like a flat tyre) it’s easily resolved which means no time is wasted.

When should I go to Namibia?

Namibia is a country you can visit all year round.

However, if you want to get the best chance of seeing animals on safari at Etosha National Park then It’s recommended to come between May and September.

Is Namibia a cheap country to visit?

This is a tough question. Whilst the prices are lower than what you can expect to pay in Europe and other Western countries, it’s certainly not as cheap as in places such as Asia.

Here’s what you can expect to pay for food, drinks and tours in Namibia:

• Coffee: N$60 (US $3.20)
• Beer: N$40 (US $2.00) 
• Dinner: N$190-230 (US $10-12) 
• Public Transport N$115-230 (US $6-12)
• Day Trips N$2400 (US $126)

Is Namibia Safe?

Yes, totally safe. I spent 3 weeks in Namibia prior to this trip volunteering in the desert. I felt super safe travelling up and down the country on public transport by myself. Especially as a solo female traveller in Namibia – Everyone wanted to help!

Whilst in the city of Windhoek I exercised the same amount of caution as I would anywhere in the world and didn’t go places after dark or have my expensive belongings on show etc.

Prepare for your 10-day Namibia tour

Enjoy Namibia

In summary, exploring Namibia on a 10-day itinerary will allow you to immerse yourself in its stunning landscapes and rich wildlife. 

From the striking dunes of the Namib Desert to the wilderness of Etosha National Park, Namibia offers beauty and adventure for all.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, animal lover, or simply seeking new experiences, Namibia has something for everyone and promises an incredible experience.

If you have any questions about anything mentioned in this blog post or my experience with Chameleon Safaris, please do not hesitate to reach out.