Your advice for Namibia itinerary in January

Hi everyone,

We’re heading to Namibia for the first time at the end of January 2026 for 12 nights as a couple, with a 4x4 rental (no tent). We’re planning to stay in lodges, hotels, or similar. Our goal is to explore Namibia and see as many animals as possible.

We were thinking of following this route:

Windhoek to Sesriem – 2 nights

Sesriem to Omaruru – 2 nights

Omaruru to Ongava (ETOSHA) – 2 nights

Ongava to Onguma (ETOSHA) – 2 nights

Onguma to Okonjima – 2 nights

Okonjima to Windhoek – 2 nights (these last two nights near Windhoek at a lodge like Our Habitas)

What do you think of this plan?

I know we’ll miss a lot of must-see spots, but we only have 12 nights, and the distances between the points of interest we’ve chosen are pretty long.

Also, since January/February is the "rainy season," do you think this itinerary is suitable?

Don’t hesitate to tell me if we’re completely off track or if you’d recommend something totally different—we’re open to any suggestions.

Thanks so much for your time and advice!

Joris

Hi there,

January, more than just the rainy season, is especially the hot season—very hot in the desert areas.

That means 40°C and above in Sesriem.

For wildlife, it’s not necessarily the best time to visit Etosha since, if there’s water, the animals scatter all over the park.

With 12 days and these conditions, I’d skip Sesriem and the south entirely to focus on the central part of the country.

Maybe this travel journal will give you some ideas—just trim it down to fit your timeframe and swap the campgrounds for lodges.

Something like: Windhoek 1-Walvis Bay 2-Spitzkoppe 1-Brandberg 1-Palmwag 2-Etosha (Dolomite Resort 1 then Okaukuejo 2)-Okonjima 2-return to the airport

Hi Joris,

Your plan works for me overall. We can always tweak things here and there, but it’s not essential, especially if it’s your first time. In that case, you definitely should go to Sesriem.

If there’s been a lot of rain, you might run into a track cut off by a flooded river at worst, but it’ll only be a 24-hour issue, and your timing is flexible enough.

Finally, if the concentration of animals at waterholes is lower, the number of tourists will be too. And the length of your stay in Etosha will make up for it.

Thanks for your reply!

We’ve decided to extend our stay by 2 nights to be more comfortable.

We’re looking for a stopover in the Kalahari or near Mariental to break up the drive to Sesriem.

Thanks for your reply,

We’re aware we might encounter some rain during our trip! But I also tell myself that the rainy season in Namibia isn’t like the Asian monsoon (at least, I hope not).

We chose January partly because of the low tourist season, and we’ve decided to include stops in Epako and Mushara for wildlife (in addition to Etoka). Staying in a private reserve will increase our chances of spotting animals.

We’ve also decided to extend our trip by 2 nights to be more comfortable, and we’re looking for a nice place near Mariental or the Kalahari to break up our drive to Sesriem.

and we’re looking for a nice spot near Mariental or the Kalahari to break up our drive to Sesriem

Instead of heading as far south as Mariental (unless you want to check out the first dunes of the Kalahari), you could take the more direct route to Sesriem via the C26. Depending on what time you can leave WDH, a great stopover is Camp Gecko (about three hours from Windhoek).

Afterwards, I also tell myself that the rainy season in Namibia doesn’t resemble the Asian monsoon (at least I hope not)

The very hot season feels more like a sauna than a hammam...

I’ve traveled to Namibia twice in January. Rain wasn’t a problem at all (except for the animals).

On the other hand, you’ll need to adapt your schedule to the heat and prioritize the very first hours of the day. Hikes are a no-go.

For your two extra days, I’d recommend Walvis Bay or Swakopmund again. Sure, there are more people, but it’s cooler and there are other animals/activities.

Be careful— not all accommodations have air conditioning. Something to keep in mind when choosing lodges. Without AC, safari tents are a better bet than solid structures this time of year. It’ll be less scorching in the middle of the night.

Walvis Bay is on our itinerary!

hi there, I recommend checking out the blog "msiafricaroadtrip" You’ll get a great overview of Namibia. Best, JP