Highlights
- Fly around Namibia, stopping at national parks and ancient deserts
- Spot lions, leopards, elephants, and more on safari in Etosha National Park
- Soar over the famous red dunes of Sossusvlei in a hot-air balloon
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Windhoek, Visit Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary | Windhoek |
Day 2 | Fly to Etosha National Park, Afternoon Game Drive | Etosha National Park |
Day 3 | Transfer Ongava, Afternoon Game Drive | Etosha National Park |
Day 4 | Fly to Sossusvlei, Sunset Dunes Drive | Sossusvlei |
Day 5 | Sossusvlei Tour with Picnic Lunch | Sossusvlei |
Day 6 | Morning Balloon Safari, Transfer to Windhoek, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Windhoek, Visit Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary
![](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/6f1c6394be8871bc227aa1250010c7fd7432013f/original-94e6acfe9ec2b58ae63dba9e95de774b.jpg)
Welcome to Namibia! This country offers all the wildlife sightseeing adventures you'd expect from Africa—plus some of the continent's most interesting natural landmarks. With the help of air transport (including a hot-air balloon), you'll be able to hit the highlights in a mere six days.
It begins right away with your arrival in Windhoek, the nation's capital. On the ride to your hotel, you'll notice right off that the city has a distinctly European feel, which is due to its German colonial legacy. After checking in, you'll meet your driver and head over to the Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary (known as N/a'an ku sê in the local Juǀʼhoan dialect).
This conservation effort and sanctuary is dedicated spans over 7,907 acres (3,200 ha) of diverse landscapes, including savannas, bushlands, and grasslands. The sanctuary focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating injured, orphaned, and conflict animals, which visitors can observe while touring the area. Common animals at the sanctuary include big cats like lions and leopards, primates like baboons and vervet monkeys, as well as various birds, including raptors like eagles and owls.
Day 2: Fly to Etosha National Park, Afternoon Game Drive
![Lion and his cubs in Etosha](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/3a98da1a3b6822b6a8c30976b1365b05039b342b/big-1fcb437a455b06b77d638f8838978d69.jpg)
Rise and shine! This morning, you'll return to the airport and board a small plane for the one-hour flight north to Etosha National Park. Namibia's premier wildlife sanctuary is Located in the Kunene region and spans 8,600 square miles (22,270 sq km). It's one of Africa's largest national parks, celebrated for its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and shimmering salt pans. The park's wooded savannas and open plains offer excellent wildlife viewing year-round, and it's a prime spot for safaris.
Speaking of which, after dropping off your bags at your accommodation, you'll set out on an afternoon safari game drive. Etosha is one of Namibia's top safari destinations due to its many spring-fed waterholes, which offer supreme wildlife sightings, especially during the dry season when animals congregate around these vital water sources. During the safari, look out for plains game like gazelles and antelopes, as well as big cats, colorful birdlife, and even endangered black rhinos. Return to your lodge after the drive for a delicious bush dinner prepared over an open fire.
Day 3: Transfer to Ongava, Afternoon Game Drive
![Experience Ongava](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/400aa0615ef0fb602b27cbe67c28a3fd900f2ffe/original-2db4379477d014d200de827de193f8aa.jpg)
Day 4: Fly to Sossusvlei, Sunset Dunes Drive
![The striking red dunes of Sossusvlei](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/78b78bf167099f5a8b105168a4926ba9b9827d0b/big-7a5455675722f625dc198f1536c66c59.jpg)
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Return to the airstrip this morning and board a flight south to Sossusvlei. Arguably Namibia's most famous natural attraction, this red desert clay pan is located within Namib-Naukluft National Park. At 19,215 square miles (49,768 sq km), it's the largest conservation area in the country.
Among other wonders, it's home to the iconic red dunes of Namibia, which are a photographer's dream. These distinctive dunes rise up to 1,300 feet (400 m), making them some of the highest in the world. They're particularly attractive around sunrise and sunset.
Upon arrival, you'll transfer to a desert lodge, where you'll spend the night. In the afternoon, you'll meet your driver/guide for a three-hour ride around the dunes and nearby canyons, stopping to do some nature photography. This memorable experience culminates at sunset when the dunes change color in the fading light. Afterward, you'll return to the lodge in time for dinner.
Day 5: Sossusvlei Tour with Picnic Lunch
![](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/a66b366df4c2c2e6f081590d437c6845658e239c/original-f5e64df403005d538c6af629a22fbf3e.jpg)
Day 6: Morning Balloon Safari, Transfer to Windhoek, Depart
![](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/ef004f8d3cfcbe6b6db5e513b4ea217a98b51313/original-3663787bc7c642de597c6a6e7bbfde6e.jpg)