7 days in Namibia — 3 travel itineraries

From the Namib desert that runs along the country’s coastline, to the eastern Kalahari and northern game reserves, Namibia is remarkably photogenic and promises a bounty of culture and adventure at every turn. If you’re not sure what you want from your trip, keep reading. Each 7 day itinerary in Namibia shared below will help you make the most of your time in this extraordinary country.

Is 7 days enough for Namibia?

The answer to that question depends on what you want to see and do. While 7 days isn’t long enough to explore all the country in-depth, it's certainly enough time to enjoy a pretty satisfying range of experiences.

That’s the case whether you’re in the market for an incredible self-drive safari, or like the sound of having a local expert take care of planning and booking your customized trip. 

Not sure where to start? Each 7-day itinerary in Namibia shared below will set you up for a trip of a lifetime.

Itinerary #1: wilderness safaris by flight

If you’re looking to spend more time appreciating the country than getting from A to B, this wilderness safaris by flight itinerary has your name all over it.

After arriving in Windhoek, day one will see you board a morning flight to Sossusvlei. Located in the in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, this is one of Namibia’s most spectacular attractions.

Come the afternoon, enjoy a game drive or guided nature walk, with stargazing magic awaiting after dark.

Day two will see you explore the richness of Namib-Naukluft National Park. Highlights include the UNESCO-designated Namib Sand Sea, Deadvlei and Sesriem Canyon — a massive natural gorge carved by the Tsauchab River.

Feeling adventurous? Climb the towering Big Daddy dune or go quad biking. At dusk, you could take a guided nature walk to see scorpions illuminated by UV light.

On day three, enjoy a drive to Desert Rhino Camp, where you’ll get to see desert-adapted animals, and have the opportunity to see Damaraland’s unique landscapes. We’re talking desert plains, towering mountains, and unique rock formations.

Day four serves something special in the form of a rhino tracking experience. Traveling in a vehicle equipped with Save the Rhino monitors, you’ll be keeping an eye out for desert-adapted black rhinos as you traverse the rolling rocky hills. 

On the morning of day five you’ll have time to take a sunrise nature walk before flying to the Skeleton Coast. That same afternoon, go on a game drive to see desert-adapted elephants and lions.

Wildlife also looms large on day six when you’ll leave your luxury camp early to a wildlife-packed excursion to the northern and eastern Hoanib valleys. Offering more opportunities to see desert-adapted elephants, lions, zebras and rhinos, you’ll also have the chance to see hundreds of bird species. 

On day seven, this action-and-wildlife-packed 7 day itinerary in Namibia will see you enjoy a 4x4 day trip to the rocky Skeleton Coast.

Book this trip.

Itinerary overview

Read on for an overview of this 7 day Namibia itinerary.

Day 1

• Fly from Windhoek to Sossusvleil; go on a game drive; stargaze.

Day 2

• Namib-Naukluft National Park.

Day 3

• Nature drive to Desert Rhino Camp; see Damaraland’s unique landscapes.

Day 4

• Rhino tracking experience.

Day 5

• Fly to the Skeleton Coast; see desert-adapted elephants and lions.

Day 6

• Wildlife-watching in the northern and eastern Hoanib valleys.

Day 7

• 4x4 day trip to the Skeleton Coast.

Book this trip.

Itinerary #2: classic Namibia explorer

On arrival in Windhoek, spend day one exploring the city and/or take a trip to the Daan Viljoen Game Reserve. 

Here you’ll see a variety of game — including kudu, oryx, springbok, eland, blue wildebeest, giraffe, and Hartmann's mountain zebra — in close proximity to the city.

Day two will see you transfer to the Caprivi Strip for a couple of days. Don’t miss booking a boat safari on the Okavango River, and line up an early morning birdwatching trip for day three.

You’ll spend day four in Kaokoland, where we recommend booking an immersive excursion to a Himba village, and taking a guided tour to see desert-adapted wildlife.

Extraordinary landscapes and culture await in Twyfelfontein on day five. Alongside seeing the UNESCO-designated petroglyphs, visit the petrified forest. Some of its trees are estimated to be around 260 million years old

Day six will see you explore two unforgettable towns. Known for its German colonial architecture, the coastal town of Lüderitz offers a unique insight into Namibia's maritime history.

Meanwhile, nearby Kolmanskop — a ghost town swallowed by the desert — stands as a haunting reminder of the diamond rush era.

Come day seven, you’ll return to Windhoek to relax before your departure. Book this trip

Itinerary overview

Read on for an overview of this 7 day Namibia itinerary.

Day 1

• Explore Windhoek; visit Daan Viljoen Game Reserve.

Day 2

• Caprivi Strip: Okavango River boat safari.

Day 3

• Caprivi Strip: bird-watching trip.

Day 4

• Kaokoland visit a Himba village; take tour to see desert-adapted wildlife

Day 5

• Twyfelfontein: visit the ancient rock engravings and petrified forest

Day 6

• Explore Lüderitz and Kolmanskop. 

Day 7

• Return to Windhoek to relax before departure.

Want more trip ideas? Discover ten unforgettable things to do in Namibia and explore our 10-day Namibia itineraries.

Itinerary #3: off the beaten track

Alongside including key destinations from the classic explorer itinerary shared above, this option injects extra adventure and walks on the wild side to add an off-the-beaten-track element.

After arriving in Windhoek on day one, visit the Daan Viljoen Game Reserve for extraordinary wildlife-watching experiences within easy reach of the city. 

Next up, spend day two enjoying a boat safari on the Okavango River, and enjoy an early morning birdwatching trip for day three.

Unforgettable cultural experiences in Kaokoland are on the cards for day four when you could visit a Himba village in the morning. Mix things up by going on a game drive to see desert-adapted wildlife in the afternoon.

Adventure in Brandberg beckons on day five, courtesy of hiking Namibia's highest peak to see the White Lady rock painting. Located in the Tsisab Ravine on the mountain's north face, this is estimated to be 2000 to 4000 years old.

Day six will be spent seeing the UNESCO-designated Twyfelfontein rock engravings, alongside walking the area’s secluded trails and visiting the petrified forest.

Lastly, you’ll return to Windhoek on day seven, ready for your departure. Book this trip

Itinerary overview

Read on for an overview of this 7 day Namibia itinerary.

Day 1

• Explore Windhoek; visit Daan Viljoen Game Reserve.

Day 2

• Caprivi Strip: Okavango River boat safari.

Day 3

• Caprivi Strip: birdwatching trip.

Day 4

• Kaokoland visit a Himba village; take tour to see desert-adapted wildlife

Day 5

• Brandberg: hike to see the White Lady rock painting,

Day 6

• Twyfelfontein: visit the ancient rock engravings and petrified forest.

Day 7

• Return to Windhoek read for your departure.

Inspired to visit Namibia? Read up on some of the best things to do in Namibia, and get The Rough Guide to Namibia to help plan your trip. 

Not a fan of planning? No problem! Browse our customisable Namibia itineraries. With a local expert on hand to handle planning, you'll be free to focus on counting down the days to your trip of a lifetime.

Planning to explore Africa further? Check out our South Africa itineraries.