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.
Bucket list experience:
Namib-Naukluft National Park, Erongo Region, Namibia
The natural lagoon at Sandwich Harbour – 55kms south of Walvis Bay and within the Namib-Naukluft National Park – is renowned as one of the best birding locations on the African coast, attracting thousands of migratory fowl in early summer (October-November).
Designated a Ramsar ‘wetland of global importance’, the combination of dunes and lagoon is breathtaking, while the dramatic drive along the coast – with the chance to sight springbok and brown hyena – make this one of the Atlantic coastline’s natural wonders.
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Destination Guide >Operators will collect you from your hotel in Swakopmund or Walvis Bay for this full-day excursion into the deserts south of Walvis Bay. Transport is in comfortable 4WD vehicles, with refreshments and lunch provided.
It’s possible to visit Sandwich Harbour in your own vehicle, but it’s definitely not recommended. You’ll need a permit, and the shifting sands make finding the right route difficult.
Tours run all year round, seven days a week, departing first thing in the morning.
The best time to visit Walvis Bay, and Namibia in general, is the dry season from June to October, but it is a year-round destination with generally pleasant weather. October and November, however, are especially good when the numbers of migratory birds reach their peak.
Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
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.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Walvis Bay
€123 | Rating 4.82 / 5 [41 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Walvis Bay
Z2,200 | Rating 4.97 / 5 [35 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Swakopmund
Z2,250 | Rating 4.91 / 5 [49 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Walvis Bay
Z2,500 | Rating 4.87 / 5 [8 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Our writer’s recommended tour operators to book with
Walvis Bay, Erongo, Namibia
Well-regarded local Walvis Bay tour operator offering affordable kayak tours off Walvis Bay’s Pelican Point, safaris to Sandwich Harbour and combos of both.
Walvis Bay, Erongo, Namibia
Walvis Bay company offering 4×4 excursions to Sandwich Harbour and the Walvis Bay wetlands. Combination tours with marine cruises, kayaking, and birdwatching tours are also available.
Swakopmund, Erongo, Namibia
Swakopmund-based Bruno & Kate Nebe offers high-quality, private bespoke tours to all parts of Namibia, including some of the least accessible but most spectacular parts. Their Sandwich Harbour tours are among the best.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia[79.8 miles]
This colourful lodge offers a welcome break from the tourist bustle of Swakopmund, with 12 spacious bungalows gazing out over the desert.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Namibia
Desert adventure and desolate coastlines meet game-rich reserves and quirky towns in this unique and atmospheric country.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Walvis Bay, Erongo Region, Namibia[48.3 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
Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia[74.6 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
Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia[78.9 miles]
The giant dunes of the vast, sand-filled Namib desert offers some of the world’s best desert activities – quad biking, mountain biking, sandboarding, camel riding, wildlife tours and more.
Best for ages: 6+ | £20 | 45mins - 2 hours
Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia[82 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
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia[78.7 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
Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia[79.4 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
Cape Cross, Erongo Region, Namibia[185.6 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