10 days — the classic loop
Windhoek → Sossusvlei (2n) → Swakopmund (2n) → Damaraland (1n) → Etosha (2n) → Windhoek. Covers the icons but pace is tight. Best for first-timers on a fixed schedule.
14 days — the sweet spot
Adds a second night in Damaraland (Twyfelfontein, desert elephants) and an extra night in Etosha. This is the length 70% of our clients book — and the one we recommend.
21 days — adds Caprivi or Kaokoland
Either head north into Caprivi/Zambezi for river safaris, or push into Kaokoland for Himba culture and Van Zyl's Pass. Don't try to do both — split it into two future trips.
When to add a day vs skip a region
Two nights minimum in Sossusvlei and Etosha. One night in Damaraland is fine for first-timers. Caprivi needs 4+ nights to justify the drive — anything less and you've burned 3 days driving for 1 day of payoff.
