9-Day Northern Highlights Safari: Okonjima to Spitzkoppe
- Meerkat Safaris
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 4

Discover Namibia’s wild heart on this 9‑day guided safari. Track cheetah at Okonjima, game‑drive Etosha, explore Damaraland’s ancient petroglyphs, relax on the Skeleton Coast, and marvel at Spitzkoppe’s granite arches.
🗺️ Tour Overview
Day | Accommodation | Destination | Basis | Nights |
Day 1 | Okonjima Plains Camp | Okonjima Nature Reserve | HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast) | 1 |
Day 2 | Namutoni Resort | Etosha East | HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast) | 1 |
Day 3 | Okaukuejo Resort | Etosha South | HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast) | 1 |
Day 4 | Palmwag Lodge | Damaraland | HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast) | 1 |
Day 5 | Twyfelfontein Country Lodge | Twyfelfontein | FB (Full Board) | 1 |
Day 6–7 | Swakopmund Beach Hotel | Swakopmund | B&B (Bed & Breakfast) | 2 |
Day 8 | Spitzkoppe Lodge | Spitzkoppe | HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast) | 1 |
Day 9 | — | Return to Windhoek | B&B (Bed & Breakfast) | — |
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights |
Group Size: 2–18 pax (camping option: min. 6)
Route: Okonjima → Etosha East → Etosha South → Damaraland → Twyfelfontein → Swakopmund → Spitzkoppe → Windhoek
Departure: Any day (min. 2 pax; 3–18 pax: request quote)
🗓️ Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Windhoek → Okonjima Nature Reserve
Destination: Okonjima Plains CampBasis: HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Day Itinerary:
Pickup from Windhoek 08:30–09:00, travel via Okahandja Woodcarvers Market.
Arrive mid‑afternoon at Okonjima, check in, relax.
Afternoon Activity (optional): Guided AfriCat big‑cat tracking safari.
Activities:
AfriCat Foundation educational tour & cheetah encounter
Off‑road night drive (optional)
Overnight: Okonjima Plains Camp
Day 2: Okonjima → Etosha East (Namutoni Resort)
Destination: Namutoni Resort
Basis: HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Day Itinerary:
Depart early north (≈357 km, ~7 hrs incl. lunch & stops).
Arrive Namutoni by lunchtime, relax.
Late‑afternoon game drive into Etosha East.
Activities:
Etosha East game drive (predators, plains game & birds)
Option to upgrade to open safari vehicle
Overnight: Namutoni Resort
Day 3: Etosha East → Etosha South (Okaukuejo Resort)
Destination: Okaukuejo Resort
Basis: HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Day Itinerary:
Early full‑day drive through Etosha National Park (240 km).
Lunch stop at Halali Camp; visit floodlit waterhole.
Continue to Okaukuejo, check in.
Activities:
Full‑day Etosha game drive
Evening at floodlit waterhole
Overnight: Okaukuejo Resort
Day 4: Etosha South → Damaraland (Palmwag Lodge)
Destination: Palmwag Lodge
Basis: HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Day Itinerary:
Drive across open plains to Damaraland (≈320 km, ~9 hrs incl. Himba village visit).
Learn Himba culture at Otjikandero orphanage.
Activities:
Himba Village & Otjikandero Orphanage tour
Scenic lodge surroundings & marshland walks (Optional if the time permits)
Overnight: Palmwag Lodge
Day 5: Damaraland → Twyfelfontein (Country Lodge)
Destination: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
Basis: FB (Full Board)
Day Itinerary:
Morning departure to Twyfelfontein (120 km, ~3 hrs).
Afternoon at leisure or optional cultural experiences.
Activities (optional):
Damara Living Museum
Overnight: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
Day 6: Twyfelfontein → Swakopmund (Sands Hotel)
Destination: Swakopmund Beach Hotel
Basis: B&B (Bed & Breakfast)
Day Itinerary:
Visit Twyfelfontein rock engravings.
Drive to Skeleton Coast: Cape Cross Seal Colony en route (≈460 km, ~9¾ hrs).
Activities:
Twyfelfontein UNESCO rock art tour
Cape Cross seal colony visit
Overnight: Swakopmund Beach Hotel
Day 7: Free Day in Swakopmund (Sands Hotel)
Destination: Swakopmund
Basis: B&B (Bed & Breakfast)
Day Itinerary:
Optional marine & desert excursions.
Activities (optional):
Catamaran dolphin & seal cruise
Living Desert 4×4 tour
Sandwich Harbour excursion
Scenic flight over Sossusvlei dunes
Overnight: Swakopmund Sands Hotel
Day 8: Swakopmund → Spitzkoppe (Spitzkoppe Lodge)
Destination: Spitzkoppe Lodge
Basis: HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Day Itinerary:
Transfer to Spitzkoppe (160 km, ~2½ hrs).
Pre‑lodge excursion: Rock Arch & Bushman Paradise walk.
Activities:
Guided rock‑painting & geological walks
Sunset over granite inselbergs
Overnight: Spitzkoppe Lodge
Day 9: Spitzkoppe → Windhoek (Tour Ends)
Day Itinerary:
Morning departure (280 km, ~4 hrs).
Stop in Okahandja for crafts & lunch.
Drop‑off at Windhoek hotel by late afternoon.
Tour Ends
✅ What’s Included
Pickup & drop‑off in Windhoek
Accommodation & meals as detailed
All park & reserve entry fees
Activities & guided tours as listed
Transport in air‑conditioned safari vehicle
Professional English‑speaking guide
Standard information pack
❌ What’s Not Included
Optional excursions & upgrades
Flights, visas & travel insurance
Alcohol, soft drinks & bottled water
Tips, gratuities & personal expenses
🌍 Travel Tips & Practical Info
Seasons: May–Oct best for wildlife; Dec–Apr rainy; summer highs up to 45 °C, winter lows to –5 °C
Water & Power: Tap water generally safe; 220 V, 3‑pin round plugs
Health: Low malaria risk; check vaccinations & insurance
Packing: Neutral clothing, layers, sun‑protection, sturdy shoes, camera, binoculars
📩 Ready for the Ultimate Northern Highlights Safari?
Dive deep into Namibia’s top destinations with expert guides, luxury camps, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Contact Meerkat Safaris to book, request a custom group quote, or tailor your 9‑day adventure.
✉️ info@meerkatsafaris.com | ☎️ +264 81 329 5790 / +264 85 662 6014
Comments