12-Day Ultimate Namibia Adventure: From Big Cats to Giant Dunes

Embark on a 13‑day guided safari through Namibia’s top highlights: carnivore sanctuaries, Etosha’s waterholes, Damaraland’s UNESCO petroglyphs, desert‑adapted wildlife, coastal charm in Swakopmund, and the world’s highest sand dunes.

🗺️ Tour Overview

Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights |

Group Size: 2–18 pax (camping option: min. 6)

Route: Okonjima → Etosha East → Etosha South → Damaraland → Twyfelfontein → Spitzkoppe → Swakopmund → Sesriem/Sossusvlei → Windhoek

🗓️ Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Okonjima Plains Camp, Okonjima Nature Reserve

Day Itinerary:

Collected 08:00–08:30 from Windhoek. Travel via Okahandja Woodcarvers Market, arriving mid‑afternoon at Okonjima. Relax before an optional late‑afternoon guided AfriCat big‑cat tracking safari.

Activities:

• Okonjima AfriCat Foundation tour (meet cheetah, leopard, hyena)

• Optional evening/night drive

Overnight: Okonjima Plains Camp

Basis: HB

Day 2: Namutoni Resort, Etosha East

Day Itinerary:

Depart early for Namutoni (≈357 km, ~6½ hrs). Arrive by lunch, relax, then head into Etosha East for your first game drive in search of elephants, lions and giraffes.

Activities:

• Late‑afternoon Etosha game drive (open plains & waterholes)

• Optional upgrade to photographic safari vehicle

Overnight: Namutoni Resort

Basis: HB

Day 3: Okaukuejo Resort, Etosha South

Day Itinerary:

Morning transfer to Okaukuejo via Halali (≈240 km). Full‑day game drive with lunch at Halali; visit floodlit waterhole at Okaukuejo after dinner.

Activities:

• Full‑day Etosha South game drive

• Evening waterhole viewing

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Overnight: Okaukuejo Resort

Basis: HB

Day 4: Okaukuejo Resort, Etosha South

Day Itinerary:

Another full‑day of game drives exploring new routes and waterholes, maximizing wildlife sightings in Etosha South.

Activities:

• Morning & afternoon game drives

Overnight: Okaukuejo Resort

Basis: HB

Day 5: Damara Mopane Lodge, Damaraland

Day Itinerary:

Depart Etosha South to Damaraland (≈320 km, ~8 hrs), including a visit to a traditional Himba village and Otjikandero orphanage en route. Arrive in late afternoon for relaxation and stargazing.

Activities:

• Himba Village & Orphanage tour

• Sundowner at lodge

Overnight: Damara Mopane Lodge (Gondwana Collection)

Basis: HB

Day 6: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

Day Itinerary:

Short morning drive to Twyfelfontein (≈123 km). Afternoon at leisure or optional Damara Living Museum cultural program.

Activities (optional)

• Guided hiking (Welwitschia & Commiphora plants)

• Damara Living Museum (Optional: Bushwalk. The Guided hike to see the Welwitschia and Commiphora plants) 

Overnight: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

Basis: HB

Day 7: Twyfelfontein Rock Art Excursion

Day Itinerary:

Full day exploring Twyfelfontein’s UNESCO rock‑engraving sites with a specialist guide.

Activities:

• Guided tour of 17 rock‑art sites (2,500 engravings)

Overnight: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

Basis: HB

Day 8: Spitzkoppe Lodge, Spitzkoppe

Day Itinerary:

Drive to Spitzkoppe (≈237 km, ~7 hrs, road dependent). Afternoon walk to Rock Arch and Bushman Paradise.

Activities:

• Guided granite inselberg walks

• Sunset over Spitzkoppe peaks

Overnight: Spitzkoppe Lodge

Basis: HB

Day 9: The Beach Hotel, Swakopmund

Day Itinerary:

Depart Spitzkoppe for Swakopmund via Cape Cross Seal Colony (≈300 km, ~7 hrs). Evening at leisure—guide can arrange group seafood dinner (own account).

Activities:

• Cape Cross seal viewing

• Beach promenade stroll

Overnight: The Beach Hotel (or similar)

Basis: B&B

Day 10: Free Day in Swakopmund

Day Itinerary:

No driving today. Optional marine and desert excursions—quad biking, living desert tour, catamaran cruise, etc.

Activities (optional):

• Catamaran dolphin & seal cruise

• Living Desert 4×4 tour

• Sandwich Harbour excursion

• Scenic flight over dunes

Overnight: The Beach Hotel

Basis: B&B

Day 11: Sossus Dune Lodge, Sesriem

Day Itinerary:

Early departure to Sesriem/Sossusvlei (≈350 km, ~8 hrs), via Walvis Bay lagoon and Solitaire. Arrive mid‑afternoon for sundowner.

Activities:

• Walvis Bay lagoon & flamingos

• Solitaire photo stop

Overnight: Sossus Dune Lodge (or Dead Valley Lodge)

Basis: HB

Day 12: Sossusvlei & Sesriem Canyon

Day Itinerary:

Pre‑dawn entry to Sossusvlei dunes—Big Daddy, Deadvlei, Dune 45—return for lunch; late‑afternoon Sesriem Canyon walk.

Activities:

• Sunrise dune field excursion

• Dune 45 & Deadvlei visits

• Sesriem Canyon exploration

Overnight: Sossus Dune Lodge

Basis: HB

Day 13: Sesriem → Windhoek (Tour Ends)

Day Itinerary:

After breakfast, return to Windhoek (≈350 km, ~6 hrs) via Solitaire & Spreetshoogte Pass. Drop‑off at hotel or airport.

Activities:

• Solitaire apple‑pie & crafts stop

Tour Ends

✅ What’s Included

• All accommodations & meals per itinerary

• Park & reserve entry fees

• Activities & guided tours as listed

• Transport in air‑conditioned safari vehicle

• English‑speaking professional guide

• Pickup & drop‑off in Windhoek

• Standard information pack

❌ What’s Not Included

• Optional excursions & upgrades

• Flights, visas & travel insurance

• Alcoholic drinks & bottled water

• Tips, personal expenses & single supplements

• Any activity not specified as included

🌍 Travel Tips & Practical Info

• Best Season: May–Oct for wildlife; summer highs to 45 °C, winter lows to –5 °C

• Rainy Season: Dec–Apr

• Health: Low malaria risk; seek medical advice

• Water & Power: Tap water generally safe; 220 V, 3‑pin round plugs

• Packing: Neutral layers, sun protection, sturdy footwear, camera, binoculars

📩 Book Your 13-Day Namibia Safari

Ready to immerse yourself in Namibia’s extraordinary landscapes and cultures?Contact Meerkat Safaris to reserve your spot, request custom group rates, or tailor your perfect 13‑day itinerary.

✉️ info@meerkatsafaris.com | ☎️ +264 81 329 5790 / +264 85 662 6014

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