Namibia 10-day Itinerary
Namibia
Where to go and what to see in Namibia to get the most from your trip – a 10-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Richard Holmes.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Adventures in the Namib Desert [Quad biking, mountain biking & sandboarding]
Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia
Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Swakopmund has become one of Africa’s adventure playgrounds, and the low-key holiday town of Swakopmund is the best place to score sandy thrills in Namibia. The setting is the nearby, sand-covered dune-filled wilderness of the Namib desert.
Quad bike adventures through the oversized dunes (some of which have enticing names like ‘Big Billy’ or ‘Devils’ Dip’) are top of the list for most visitors and a thrilling way to experience the desert’s unlimited expanse. Tours range from 45 minutes to two hours and cover up to 55kms of desert.
It’s also a great place to try sandboarding, with half-day trips to giant sand dunes that even beginners can be slaloming down in no time.
You can also mountain bike on the dunes and ride on a camel.
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Destination Guide >Price from: £20
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 6+
When: All year around
Duration: 45mins - 2 hours
Getting there & doing it
Swakopmund is a tourist-friendly town with a range of operators offering desert adventures.
Tour operators usually divide the participants into two groups: adrenalin-seekers and sightseers (for a more genteel experience). Make it clear which group you want to be in. Quad bikes are fully automatic and easy to drive, but can be heavy on the steering. Sand boarding requires some fitness.
For both quad biking and sand boarding it’s advisable to wear sturdy shoes and long pants.
Mountain biking is available for ages 7 and up. Quad biking is not suitable for children under 10, and even older children must be with an adult. Any age can go on wildlife tours.
When to do it
Tours run all year round, seven days a week.
Swakopmund is famous for its morning fog, which often only burns off around lunchtime. For the best views, go in the afternoon. Tours get busy during the December holiday season.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Desert Breeze Lodge
Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia[2.4 miles]
This colourful lodge offers a welcome break from the tourist bustle of Swakopmund, with 12 spacious bungalows gazing out over the desert.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
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Desert adventure and desolate coastlines meet game-rich reserves and quirky towns in this unique and atmospheric country.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Skydive over the Namib Desert
Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia[4.7 miles]
One of the best places to skydive in the world, starting from 10,000 feet above unbeatable desert vistas.
Best for ages: 16+ | £150 | 2 hours
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Wildlife safaris in the Namib Desert
Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia[5.4 miles]
Expert-led wildlife tours to discover the extraordinary and unique flora and fauna of the vast Namib Desert.
Best for ages: 4+ | £45 | 4-8 hours
Walvis Bay [boating & kayaking]
Walvis Bay, Erongo Region, Namibia[30.8 miles]
This former whaling town is now a marine ecotourism hotspot. Birdlife is prolific, and close-up encounters with pelicans, flamingos Cape Fur seals, dolphins and penguins are all but guaranteed.
Best for ages: 5+ | £40 | Half-day
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Sandwich Harbour
Namib-Naukluft National Park, Erongo Region, Namibia[78.9 miles]
A pristine and bird-filled wetland of international significance, backed by goliath sand dunes, on Namibia’s most dramatic and breathtakingly beautiful coastline.
Best for ages: 13+ | £75
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Overview >Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Tiger Reef Beach Bar
Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia[0.7 miles]
With Adirondack chairs set just metres from the sea, this rustic beach bar in the mouth of the Swakop River is the best place in Swakopmund for sundowners. Make like the locals and drink beer, not Bellinis.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 1-2 hours
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Experience
The Tug
Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia[0.9 miles]
If you’re not devouring your weight in eisbein at the Brauhaus, beachfront seafood eatery The Tug is the best place to eat in Swakopmund. Phone ahead for a window seat.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 1-2 hours
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Experience
Desert golf at Rossmund
Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia[6.9 miles]
Set in the dry Swakop River, with the Namib Desert as a backdrop, the Rossmund Golf Resort offers an 18-hole par-72 layout with striking views, grassy fairways and wildlife to keep players on their toes.
Best for ages: 8+ | £12 | 2+ hours
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Experience
Cape Cross Seal Colony
Cape Cross, Erongo Region, Namibia[114.1 miles]
One of the largest seal colonies in the world, Cape Cross is a worthwhile day out from Swakopmund, and the lonely 200km round-trip offers fantastic sea and desert panoramas.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 1 day
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