9 Day Namibia Safaris

Introduction

On a 9-day safari in Namibia, you can get away from the noise and stress of everyday life and enjoy the quiet beauty of the Namibian desert or wilderness areas.

You can become part of the natural flow of life, from the thrill of seeing animals to the beauty of a dusty sunset.

Etosha National Park is one of the most well-known game areas on the continent. The national parks of the Kavango Region are just starting to get the attention they deserve, and the beach landscapes of the Skeleton Coast are just amazing.

Most places in Namibia are safe, especially in desert and game parks.

What to Expect from an 9-day Safari in Namibia

If you have 9 days available for a safari in Namibia, you can expect to visit a few of the following attractions:

1. The Zambezi Region (formerly known as the Caprivi Strip)

The Zambezi region of Namibia boasts the greatest water, as well as a lot of wildlife and natural resources. This thin sliver of territory protrudes from Namibia’s northeast corner, between Botswana to the south and Zambia and Angola to the north.

The Okavango, Kwando, Zambezi, Chobe, and Linyanti Rivers surround the area and provide several opportunities to see and do things on a safari.

2. Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is a renowned safari destination in southern Africa. The park’s focal point is a large dry salt pan. The area is teeming with wildlife, including four of the Big Five (but not the buffalo).

Lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and plains animals abound in Etosha. Large herds of animals tend to congregate near water sources, so visitors don’t have to travel far to get nice sights.

3. Waterberg Plateau National Park

The Waterberg is a remarkable table-shaped mountain located around 230 kilometres north of Windhoek and 50 kilometres east of Otjiwarongo.

The Waterberg is also a historical interest because it was the site of the Battle of Waterberg in 1904, which resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 Herero.

4. Kaokoland and Damaraland

Damaraland and Kaokoland in northwest Namibia are known for their rocky scenery and dry savannahs filled with Mopane trees, as well as animals such as desert-adapted elephants and lions.

Twyfelfontein rock art, the Petrified Forest, and other attractions are popular in Damaraland.

5. Dorob National Park and the Skeleton Coast

The Namibian coast, north of the famous tourist holiday resorts, is known as the Skeleton Coast due to several shipwrecks.

The Dorob National Park is a protected area along Namibia’s central coast, including three popular holiday destinations: Henties Bay, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay.

It is also popular as a fishing location as well as a family vacation resort.

6. Namib-Naukluft National Park

The Namib-Naukluft National Park is located in the south-western part of Namibia and is well-known for its extremely large dunes. Some of the principal attractions of this protected area, which is also one of Namibia’s most popular tourist destinations, include the world-famous Deadvlei, Sossusvlei, and the so-called Moon Landscapes.

7. Fish River Canyon

The Fish River Canyon is located in southern Namibia. It is Africa’s greatest canyon and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Many outdoor hikers desire to spend five to seven days walking through the Fish River Canyon, and it’s a great spot to visit for everyone else.

It is near the well-known Ais-Ais Hot Springs and not far from Lüderitz, a southern port town.

Best Time to Go on an 9-day Safari in Namibia

The best time for a 9-day safari in Namibia is usually between May and September, as this is the dry season. This time of year offers clear blue skies, warm days and cool evenings, while the landscapes are stunning, and wildlife is abundant.

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

Two Typical Itineraries of the Best 9-day / 8-Night Namibia Safari Packages

While it is possible to do a safari through Namibia in nine days, it is physically challenging due to the vast distances, with too little time to enjoy all aspects of the scenery.

The following itinerary will give you a bird’s eye experience of the country:

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

Day 1 – Travel from Windhoek through southern Namibia to the NWR Resort at Hardap Dam and enjoy some water sport on the dam.

Day 2 – Travel from Hardap to the Ais-Ais Hot Springs Resort.

Day 3 –spend the day in the pools at Ais-Ais and do an excursion to the Fish River Canyon.

Day 4 – 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 5 – Explore Lüderitz with its historical buildings and famous Felsenkirche (church on the rocks)
- Visit the original site of the Dias Cross and enjoy a typical seafood dinner at a local restaurant.
- Travel to Solitaire through the semi-desert of the Namib Rand.
- Overnight at a resort near Solitaire

Day 6 – 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 7 – 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 8 – 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 9 – Depart to Windhoek.
- Do a quick detour to see the famous Spitzkoppen from nearby.

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.
- 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.
- 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 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.

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 – Visit the harbour town of Walvis Bay
- Go for a dolphin tour to Pelican Point
- Book a 4×4 day excursion to Sandwich Harbour

Day 9 – Travel back to Windhoek with a detour to the famous Spitzkoppen.

What Should I Pack for an 9-day Safari in Namibia

You should pack light, with clothes that are comfy, sturdy, and can be worn in layers.

Also remember:

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

Selecting a Tour Operator for an 9-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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an 9-day safari in Namibia feasible?

Yes, an 9-day safari in Namibia is feasible, although you will experience so much more during a longer time.

What wildlife will I be able to see on an 9-day safari in Namibia?

On an 9-day safari, you will get to experience a variety of wildlife, including some of the famous Big 5 if you opt to include Etosha National Park in your itinerary.

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 point out interesting facts about the places visited, but on a self-drive safari you have more freedom to choose an itinerary.

Is a safari in Namibia suitable for all ages?

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

What are the accommodation options available during an 9-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.