Namibia heritage and dunes, desert first, in 10 days (9 nights)

10 days · Namibia · windhoek → etosha · best 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

The same main regions in the opposite order, with a heritage angle at each stop. The trip opens with an afternoon in Windhoek. Two nights in a desert camp in the NamibRand near Sossusvlei follow, then two in Swakopmund's colonial centre. Two nights in Damaraland cover the Twyfelfontein rock engravings and the surrounding geology. On the drive north there is a stop at a Himba settlement, and the trip ends with two nights in a private reserve on the edge of Etosha.

The route, stop by stop

1. Windhoek, Namibia · 1 night

Arrive by fly — Transfer from the airport into the city

A first look at the capital's colonial and independence history before heading into the desert.

2. Sossusvlei, Namibia · 2 nights

Arrive by drive — By road from Windhoek to the NamibRand, arriving by lunch

The dunes at dawn and dark-sky stargazing, as a nature break before the cultural stops further north.

3. Swakopmund, Namibia · 2 nights

Arrive by drive — West by road from the desert to the coast

A free day to walk the colonial streets and visit museums, or to join a township tour.

4. Damaraland, Namibia · 2 nights

Arrive by drive — North by road from Swakopmund

The rock engravings and geology around Twyfelfontein, with two nights leaving a full day on the ground.

5. Etosha, Namibia · 2 nights

Arrive by drive — By road to the western edge of Etosha, with a Himba settlement visit on the way

The trip ends with game drives in a private reserve next to the national park.

Experts who can arrange this trip

• The Safari Vibe, who works in Namibia.

More trip ideas · Namibia