8 Day Namibia Safaris

Introduction

An 8-day safari in Namibia can provide a variety of experiences, including those related to nature, culture, and even adventure.

You can anticipate to marvel at the cultural landmarks of the Himba, Herero, and Damara people, explore the breath-taking landscape of the Namib Desert, go on exhilarating game drives, hot air balloon rides, and safaris, participate in a wide variety of outdoor activities, and have a one-of-a-kind wildlife encounter.

What to Expect on a 8 day Safari in Namibia

If you have 8 days available for a safari in Namibia, you can expect to visit a few of the following attractions:

Waterberg Plateau Park

The Waterberg is a distinctive mountain that has the shape of a table and is located approximately 230 kilometres north of Windhoek and 50 kilometres east of Otjiwarongo.

The Waterberg is also a historical attraction because it was the location of the Battle of Waterberg, which took place in 1904 and resulted in the deaths of more than 40,000 Herero.

Zambezi Region (previously called the Caprivi Strip)

The part of Namibia with the most water is the Zambezi area, which also has a lot of wildlife and natural resources. This narrow piece of land sticks out from the northeast corner of Namibia, between Botswana to the south and Zambia and Angola to the north.

The Okavango, Kwando, Zambezi, Chobe, and Linyanti Rivers surround the area and offer many great things to see and do on a tour.

Namibia Safaris

Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is a popular place for safaris in southern Africa. The centre of the park is a big dry salt pan. There are a lot of animals in the area, including four of the Big Five (but not the buffalo).

Etosha has a lot of lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and plains animals. Large herds of animals tend to gather around water sources, so visitors don’t need to drive far for good sightings.

 

Damaraland and Kaokoland

Thea areas of Damaraland and Kaokoland in northwest Namibia are famous for its mountainous landscapes and dry savannahs dotted with Mopane trees, and wildlife including desert-adapted elephants and lions.

Damaraland is known for its Twyfelfontein rock art, the Petrified Forest and other attractions.

 

The Skeleton Coast and Dorob National Park

North of the popular tourist holiday towns, the Namibian coast is known as the Skeleton Coast due to several shipwrecks.

The Dorob National Park is a protected area along the central coast, with Henties Bay, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay as the three popular holiday destinations.

It is also favoured a fishing paradise next to a family holiday destination.

 

Namib-Naukluft Park

The Namib-Naukluft National Park is situated in the south-western part of Namibia and is well-known for the impressively enormous dunes that can be found there. The world-famous Deadvlei, Sossusvlei, and the so-called Moon Landscapes are some of the primary features of this conservation area, which is also one of the most popular tourist sites in Namibia.

 

Fish River Canyon

In the southern part of Namibia is the Fish River canyon. It is the largest canyon in Africa and one of the most famous places to visit in the country. Many outdoor hikers want to walk through the Fish River Canyon for five to seven days, and it’s a beautiful place to visit for everyone else.

It is close to the well-known Ais-Ais Hot Springs and not far from Lüderitz, a port town in the south.

Best Time to Go on an 8-day Safari in Namibia

When it comes to going on a safari in Namibia, the best time to go is between the months of April and October, during the autumn and winter seasons.

Because there is less foliage during the dry season, it is easier to spot animals. Animals also tend to congregate around permanent water sources during this time.

Two Typical Itineraries of the Best 8-day / 7-Night Namibia Safari Packages

While it is possible to do a safari through Namibia in eight days, it is physically tiring with not enough time to enjoy all aspects of the country.

It would be much wiser to choose to go either north or south to include the following:

Itinerary 1 –Southern Namibia including Fish River Canyon, Namib-Naukluft Park, and Dorob National Park  

  • Day 1 – Travel from Windhoek through southern Namibia to Ais-Ais Resort, a gruelling trip of around 800 km. With one or two stops, it would take nine hours or more.
  • Day 2 – Ais-Ais was developed around hot springs, where you can spend the day in the pools to recover from the tiring journey.
  • Day 3 – Drive to the viewpoint at Hobas, enjoy the scenery around the Fish River Canyon, and continue to the coastal town of Lüderitz. Visit Kolmanskop, a ghost town in the Namib Desert that was one of the early settlements of German colonialism and famed for its diamond mining industry.
  • Day 4 – Explore Lüderitz with its historical buildings and famous Felsenkirche (church on the rocks) and enjoy a typical seafood dinner at a local restaurant.
    • Travel to Solitaire through the semi-desert of the Namib Rand, so be prepared to be on the road most of the day.
    • Overnight at a resort near Solitaire
  • Day 5 – Travel to Sesriem and Sossusvlei.
    • After exploring Sossusvlei, walk to the Deadvlei and experience the wonder of the vast clay pan with skeletons of very old trees.
    • Visit the Tsauchab Canyon near Sesriem and overnight at a lodge near Sesriem.
  • Day 6 – Travel via the Kuiseb Pass to Walvis Bay
    • Watch the flamingos and pelicans from the promenade or go on a dolphin cruise to Pelican Point.
    • Travel to Swakopmund where you can go on a camel ride or quad bike excursion into the desert with Desert Explorers
  • Day 7 – Explore the historical architecture of the town
    • Do a Living Desert tour into the Namib
    • Visit the Mole beach, walk on the world-famous jetty, and visit the National Marine Aquarium.
  • Day 8 – Depart to Windhoek.
    • You may do a quick detour to see the famous Spitzkoppen from nearby.
African Flying Safaris
4 Day Namibia Safaris

Itinerary 2 – Etosha National Park, Kaokoland, Damaraland, and the Coast

  • Day 1 – Rise early and travel from Windhoek via Otjiwarongo and Tsumeb to Etosha National Park.
    • Stop to admire the Otjikoto Lake and enter Etosha at the Namutoni Gate to the rest camp, a stretch of about 540 km which will take more than 6 hours.
    • You should reach the Rest Camp in the late afternoon, with enough time for some game viewing at nearby water points before dinner.
  • Day 2 – Explore the famous old German Fort which forms part of the camp.
    • Travel to Halali Rest Camp. The route goes all along the edge of the pan, with exciting game viewing and photo opportunities.
    • Overnight at Halali. Take the short hike to the pavilion overlooking the nearby waterhole for close-up animal sightings
  • Day 3 – Travel to Okaukuejo Rest Camp
    • Spend enough time at the waterhole where lion, rhino and elephants are keen to come for a drink.
  • Day 4 – Travel from Etosha via Galton gate through Damaraland, to Khorixas.
    • Visit the ancient rock art at Twyfelfontein.
    • Visit the Petrified Forest and Organ Pipes, a unique rock formation resembling a majestic organ.
  • Day 5 – Go for a day visit to Palmwag and surrounds in search of the elusive desert-adapted elephants. Overnight in Khorixas.
  • Day 6 – Travel to Swakopmund via Uis for views of the majestic Brandberg, have lunch in the anglers’ paradise Henties Bay.
    • Go for a walk on the world-famous Jetty in Swakopmund and have dinner in the Jetty 1905 restaurant on the water or The Tug on the shore.
  • Day 7 – Explore the historical town or go for skydiving, a hot air balloon ride over the Namib or do a Living Desert tour into the Namib.
  • Day 8 – Travel back to Windhoek with a detour to the famous Spitzkoppen.

What Should I Pack for an 8-day Safari in Namibia

You should bring clothes that are comfy, sturdy, and protecting, like shirts, shorts, and pants that dry quickly, and a light rain jacket.

Also remember:

  • Sun block, insect repellent and a hat and sunglasses.
  • A reliable and up-to-date map of the park
  • Camera and binoculars

 

Selecting a Tour Operator for an 8-day Safari in Namibia

If you want to go on a safari in Namibia, find a good tour operator and discuss your plans thoroughly.

Make sure you convey what you want to get out of your trip. Is it the animals or the scenery that you want to see the most and how many hours a day, on average, you are willing to spend in a vehicle.

Koi San

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is an 8-day safari in Namibia feasible?

Yes, an 8-day safari in Namibia is feasible. Due to vast distances, you will however not have much time to spend at each attraction.

 

What wildlife will I be able to see on an 8-day safari in Namibia?

On an 8-day safari, you will get to experience a variety of wildlife, including some of the famous Big 5 such as elephants, lions, leopards and rhinos.

 

Is a self-drive safari better or should I use a guided tour in Namibia?

Safaris that are led by experienced tour guides may be better because they are there to ensure your safety and to point out interesting facts about the places visited.

 

Is a safari in Namibia suitable for all ages?

Yes, a safari in Namibia is suitable for all ages – there are activities that everyone can enjoy regardless of their age.

 

What are the accommodation options available during an 8-day safari in Namibia?

During a Namibian safari, you will be able to stay in a variety of accommodation types, from camping to luxury lodges.