Namibia is a country about much more than its abundant wildlife. It is also about sunrises and sunsets, and its magnificent topography. Travelers can find a variety of breathtaking landscapes in Namibia. The country has a wide variety of ecosystems which range from towering sand dunes to rough highlands, extensive savannahs to desolate coasts. There are animals living in areas with lush vegetation and there are those that have adapted to the harsh desert conditions. Namibia is an ideal destination for both nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Why Visit Namibia?
Don’t get me wrong – – wildlife is one of the main draws of Namibia. With several spectacular national parks and reserves, including the famous Etosha National Park, visitors can spot an array of species, from lions and elephants to giraffes and zebras. Bird watching is also popular, with over 630 bird species recorded in the country.
Beyond wildlife, Namibia is also home to several geological wonders, such as the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei and the rock formations of Damaraland. The rich colors and dramatic lighting of the Namibian sunrise and sunset make for a unforgettable experience for travelers. Overall, this is a destination that offers something for everyone seeking an authentic African journey.
From our experience, Namibia was one of the safest countries in Africa to travel. Our journey took us to many parts of the country; yet we never felt uneasy or uncomfortable. The locals were friendly and welcoming. I also think that part of the feeling of security is the fact that Namibia is the second least populated country in the world. And it has vast stretches of deserts and open landscapes. In these mostly desolate areas, it often felt like we were the only ones exploring, surrounded by breathtaking beauty and a sense of tranquility. We have been traveling all over the world for several years, and this trip was one of our favorite ones.
Planning a Trip to Namibia
Planning a trip to Namibia can be daunting. With so much to see and do, and many logistical challenges to navigate, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. For starters, travel in Africa can be unpredictable, and it’s essential to have a solid plan in place to ensure a smooth trip. Moreover, some of the nicer lodging facilities only work through travel operators, making it challenging to plan a trip independently. To overcome these obstacles, we decided to work with Timbuktu Travel, a South Africa-based operator specializing in customizing trips in Africa.
We worked with Joanna, Timbuktu’s travel expert located in Maine, USA, whose invaluable knowledge and experience put us at ease. Joanna was instrumental in helping us plan our trip, which included exploring different parts of Namibia and making the most of our visit. She arranged the entire itinerary, reserved the car rental, made all the lodging and tour reservations, and coordinated all the local activities in each area we visited. These activities included a plane ride, safari drives, dune hiking, and quad biking, all of which we thoroughly enjoyed. Most importantly, she answered all our questions and was very responsive to our requests. We were especially impressed with the attention to detail and the outstanding quality of the lodging facilities selected.
We are not backpackers or the type of travelers who do it on the cheap. Our approach is to get value for the money we spend. That doesn’t necessarily translate into inexpensive experiences. And we felt that this trip to Namibia was worth every penny spent.
Self-Drive vs. Tour
Self-driving is a popular option for tourists who wish to discover Namibia at their own leisure and pace, even if some choose to join guided tours. And that’s what we chose to do. Working with a travel specialist made the logistics of self-driving a breeze. And they can personalize and customize your trip to suit your needs. For instance, we told Joanna which regions of Namibia we wished to see, the number of days of our trip, and our budget. She then put her knowledge to work by designing an itinerary tailored for us. We were able to enjoy Namibia’s stunning landscapes and wonderful wildlife in a way that suited our preferences and interests. And at our own pace.
Overall, working with Timbuktu Travel and Joanna made planning our trip to Namibia easy and enjoyable. Their Namibian travel service partner provided us with detailed instructions for our self-drive, which made traveling around Namibia a great experience. From start to finish, everything was meticulously planned and executed, allowing us to relax and enjoy our trip fully.
Starting Out in Windhoek
We flew from Johannesburg after spending a night at the O.R. Tambo International Airport hotel, on our way from Botswana. Upon arriving in Windhoek, we took a taxi to our hotel, the Hilton Windhoek. Note that taxi drivers wait in the airport arrivals lounge wearing orange vests that say HKIA Shuttle Association and their id’s. There is no taxi stand outside the terminal. It was a 40-minute ride from the airport to the city and it cost us US$20. If you prefer not to take a taxi, make transportation arrangements through your hotel ahead of time.
The City
Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, is an interesting blend of German and African influences, with colonial-era architecture and modern amenities. We spent our first day in Windhoek exploring the city’s main attractions, including the Christuskirche (Christ Church), a beautiful Lutheran church built in 1907, and the Independence Memorial Museum, which tells the story of Namibia’s struggle for independence from South Africa. We also enjoyed strolling through the city’s streets and checking out the Namibia Crafts Center. Its Craft Bistro was a great place for lunch.
Overall, Windhoek was a good introduction to Namibia and set the stage for the incredible adventures that lay ahead. If you are traveling from a very different time zone, this is a great place to spend a couple of nights and start getting acclimated to the local time before heading out to your self-drive adventures.
Trying Out Some Delectable Game
Due to the abundance of animals in Namibia, game meat has a significant culinary presence. We couldn’t resist the chance to try some of Namibia’s renowned game meat while we were in Windhoek. We decided to dine at Joe’s Beerhouse, the city’s most famous restaurant for game meat. Our preferred dish was the Bushman Sosatie, which featured a skewer of kudu, zebra, oryx, springbok, and crocodile. The kudu was our favorite since it had a delicious flavor different from any other meat we had tried. Joe’s has a lot of atmosphere, so eating there was an adventure in and of itself. For those who are less adventurous, there are other restaurants in town that focus on international cuisine.
Getting Ready to Explore Namibia
We were eager to start our 15-day self-drive trip in Namibia after a couple of days in Windhoek. To prepare for the drive, a guide from Ultimate Safaris (Timbuktu’s travel service partner) met us at our hotel early in the morning. He gave us the keys to our 4×4 Toyota Fortuner SUV and a packet with all the information needed for our exploration. It included a map marked with our route, detailed driving directions, vouchers for lodging, and a phone number for an emergency contact. A GPS and a local cell phone were also provided for us to use while traveling. The guide briefed us on our itinerary, gave us tips on road etiquette, and addressed our questions. After having a big breakfast at the hotel, we were ready to hit the road to start our adventure. We were excited about the journey ahead.
Our Itinerary
Spending 15 days on a self-drive adventure through Namibia proved to be the perfect duration to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and unique wildlife. While we were not able to explore the Fish River Canyon in the south due to time constraints, our itinerary allowed us to cover a significant portion of this remarkable country. Note that our 15-day self-drive trip did not include the two extra days we spent exploring Windhoek. We were very happy with our exhilarating trip and thought it turned out perfectly. The following was our itinerary:
Day 1
Self-drive transfer from Windhoek to the Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch in the Kalahari Desert (Driving Distance: 270 kilometers; Driving Time: 3-4 hours) – We stopped at the Tropic of Capricorn on the way. Afternoon tea was served upon our arrival. Our activities included a late afternoon and sundowner game drive in the Bagatelle Reserve, and dinner at the Ranch.
Day 2
Self-drive transfer to the Hoodia Desert Lodge in the Sossusvlei region of the Namib Desert (Driving Distance: 300 kilometers; Driving Time: 4-5 hours) – The lodge prepared a late light lunch when we arrived. After some afternoon rest, we ended the day with sunset drinks and snacks in our own private spot overlooking the desert before returning to the lodge in time for dinner.
Day 3
Our lodge guide took us on a day excursion to Naukluft National Park where we drove through “Dunes Alley” to explore Sossusvlei, which included a one-hour hike to the top of the Big Daddy Dune – the tallest in the park. We took a walk through Deadvlei, with its “petrified” trees, had an “Out of Africa” picnic lunch at Elim Dune, and visited Sesriem Canyon. This extremely active day ended with some late afternoon rest, a dip in the pool, and a delicious dinner.
You can read more about our experiences in the Namibian deserts here.
Day 4
Self-drive transfer to the Strand Hotel in Swakopmund (Driving Distance: 348 kilometers; Driving Time: 4.5-5 hours) – Our first stop was at Solitaire to taste its famous local apple crumble pie. The impressive landscapes were fantastic along the way, especially when we drove through the Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons. After checking in at the Strand, we visited the hotel surrounding area at the waterfront, and had dinner at the nearby Jetty 1905, a great seafood restaurant.
Day 5
The morning started with a half-day trip to Sandwich Harbour. We drove through the local salt pans around Walvis Bay, along the ocean and over gigantic dunes in a 4×4 SUV. Riding up and down these dunes was fun, and scary at times, given how tall and steep the dunes are. The afternoon was quite exciting as we took an airplane scenic flight over Swakopmund, the Namib Desert, Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay. It was amazing to have a birds-eye-view of this southern area of the Skeleton Coast. We then explored the Swakopmund downtown area and ended the day with dinner at The Tug Restaurant – a local favorite.
Day 6
Self-drive transfer to Möwe Bay in the legendary Skeleton Coast Park (Driving Distance to Möwe Bay: 459 kilometers; Driving Time to Möwe Bay: 6.5 hours) – After an early breakfast, we headed out in time to make a stop at the Cape Cross Seal Reserve which has a huge Cape Fur seal colony. Once in Möwe Bay, we were picked up by a lodge guide and taken to the Shipwreck Lodge. During our hour-plus drive, we stopped at various ship and plane wreck sites along the way. After a brief orientation at the lodge we freshened up and joined other guests at the main lounge for drinks and dinner.
Day 7
The morning started with a game drive on the dry riverbed of the Hoarusib River. It also included a drive up some of the towering desert dunes, and a stop at the Clay Castle Canyon. After an afternoon break, we walked to the beach (about 1 km away) as we negotiated our way over and around the many sand dunes in the surrounding area. After sundowner drinks and snacks at the beach, we ventured back to the lodge for dinner.
Day 8
After breakfast, our guide took us Quad biking up and down the huge Skeleton Coast sand dunes. That was followed by a surprise lunch on the dry riverbed of the Hoarusib River, surrounded by a beautiful and barren landscape. In the late afternoon, we had another sundowner in a stunning spot right on the edge of the ocean before heading back to the lodge after sunset. The day was capped with a savory and delicious dinner.
Day 9
Self-drive transfer to Onduli Ridge in Damaraland, after being dropped off by our guide in Möwe Bay (Driving Distance: 350 kilometers; Driving Time: 5 hours) – We arrived at the Onduli Airstrip and Self-Drive Lounge in the mid-afternoon. A guide picked us up and transferred us to the Onduli Ridge lodge – another 20-minute ride. After exploring the property, we headed to the pool area for sundowner drinks while enjoying a breath-taking view of the reddish rocky desert. Dinner was served after sunset.
Day 10
William, our assigned guide, met us in the morning and took us on a game drive to track desert-adapted wildlife. We had a picnic lunch on a dry riverbed and headed to Twyfelfontein to see the ancient San paintings and etchings. The Damara Living Museum was the next stop in our itinerary for the day. Afterwards, we drove through the desert in the late afternoon and made a stop at the Burnt Mountain. We returned to the lodge in time for the daily sundowner and a great dinner in their “Boma”.
Day 11
Self-drive transfer to the Onguma the Fort, in the eastern boundary of Etosha National Park (Driving Distance: 553 kilometers; Driving Time: 6-7 hours) – After a long drive, we arrived at the lodge and were greeted by our guide who was waiting for us for the afternoon game drive. She drove us around the Onguma Game Reserve and stopped for a sundowner before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Day 12
This was one of the most exciting days of our trip. We did an exhilarating morning game drive in the Etosha National Park where we had many exciting wildlife sightings. After driving for a few hours, we returned to the lodge in time for lunch and for a relaxing break by the pool. We were also able to squeeze in a 60-minute massage in the afternoon. The day ended with another sundowner game drive before returning at dusk, in time for dinner.
Day 13
We started the day with a guided bush walk in the Onguma Game Reserve, in the early morning. The next activity was our visit to the “Hide” – a bunker-like building dug halfway into the ground, across from a waterhole. This was one of our exciting experiences – watching the animals and birds come and go as we hid behind open windows at ground level. The day ended with another great sundowner, a stunning sunset, and a delicious dinner at the lodge.
Day 14
Self-drive transfer to Epako Safari Lodge in the Erongo region (Driving Distance: 400 kilometers; Driving Time: 6 hours) – Epako was a good midpoint on our way back to the airport in Windhoek. We arrived in the mid-afternoon and were treated to a nice late lunch at this Relais & Châteaux property. Soon thereafter, we went on a game drive in the Epako Reserve and had an encounter with Oscar, Epako’s friendly giraffe. Towards the end of our drive, we participated in the feeding of the two cheetahs that are fostered in the reserve. Upon our return, we had a lovely dinner as we watched all kinds of animals visit the lodge waterhole at nighttime.
Day 15
Self-drive transfer to Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport (Driving Distance: 275 kilometers; Driving Time: 3.5 hours) – The adventure went by so quickly; we couldn’t believe it was time to leave. We headed out early in the morning to ensure we arrived with plenty of time to return the rental car and catch our flight back home.
Namibia Travel Tips
Here are some things you should know when traveling to Namibia:
Tips for Self-Drivers
Tackling the Roads
Namibians drive on the left side of the road since they were administered by South Africa until 1990. Be aware that a lot of drivers are visitors, and many are not used to Namibian road conditions. Some of the main roads are paved with asphalt, but once you leave the main metropolitan areas most of them turn into gravel roads. Some are in good shape, with smooth surfaces, but there are many that are bumpy and treacherous. The faster you go on a bumpy gravel road, the greater the chance of ending up with a flat tire.
Keep in mind that it is unsafe and not advisable to drive on unlit roads at night; make sure to plan your daily drives accordingly. Unless visiting for more than 90 days, visitors don’t need an international driving permit; a valid U.S. driver’s license is sufficient. Valid driver’s licenses from other countries are also accepted as long as they are in English.
Car Type
We strongly recommend opting for a tough 4×4 SUV as the vehicle of choice for a self-drive in Namibia. The rugged and diverse terrain of Namibia demands a vehicle that can handle gravel and sandy roads with ease. With its higher ground clearance and durability, a 4×4 SUV provides the confidence and safety needed to navigate through challenging conditions. We saw people driving small cars, and even a couple of motorcycles, and were surprised they were even able to make it on some of the roads we were on. Whether you’re exploring the vast deserts, traversing remote areas, or venturing off the beaten path, having a reliable 4×4 SUV ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey, along with some peace of mind.
Spare Tires
Make sure you know how to change a tire. You should be familiar with the tools provided with the car. In case of getting a flat tire, most likely you will have to handle it yourself on a deserted dirt road. Also, it’s best for your vehicle to have two spare tires given the long distances you may have to drive before reaching a location where you can get your flat tire replaced or repaired. You definitely do not want to drive without a backup spare.
Deserted Roads
You will be driving on mostly deserted roads and may see a car or two every so often. Sometimes we went two hours or more without seeing any cars or anyone on the road. You really have a sense of being in the middle of nowhere, or in a totally deserted country. But, again, that is part of the adventure. Not to mention the magnificent landscapes you will enjoy along the way without having anyone around.
Emergency Contacts
You should have an emergency number to call in case you have an accident or experience any mechanical problems. You are required by law to report any accident to the closest police station within 24 hours. Don’t forget to get an accident report number in case you plan on filing a claim with your travel insurance for lost or damaged goods.
Fuel
Make sure to get fuel every chance you have, even if you think you have enough in the tank. Avoid unnecessary stress of worrying about a low gas tank. Confirm whether your vehicle requires diesel or gasoline. Fuel attendants will assist you at service stations. Contrary to what we were told, we were able to use a credit card to pay for fuel at all stations where we stopped. However, you should carry enough cash in case there is weak wi-fi in remote areas making the payment machines to malfunction.
Helping Others
It is usually safe and courteous to stop and offer help when you run into a car that has broken down. We did that a couple of times even though people didn’t feel like they needed help. Remember that it may be hours before another car may come by. If you are in an area without cell phone coverage and run into trouble, you should be able to ask a passing motorist to make a call for you once he/she reaches an area with cell phone reception.
Self Game Drive
If you plan on doing a game drive on your own, for instance at Etosha National Park, try to avoid getting into the path of elephants and rhinos. Move out of the way if they appear to become agitated when approaching you. If you run into an animal on the road, stop at a safe distance and allow the animal to walk away before proceeding. Remember that you are not allowed to get out of your vehicle during game drives in Etosha. In addition, you are not allowed to go off the roads within the park.
General Information
Money
The Namibian Dollar and South African Rand have complete parity and are interchangeable within Namibia. The Rand is also legal in Namibia. ATMs are available in most towns; however, remember that you will be in secluded areas during much of your trip. Bring enough cash so that you don’t need to rely on ATMs all the time.
Debit and Credit Cards
Debit and credit cards are accepted by most vendors. Some gas stations won’t accept debit cards; however, we were able to use a credit card everywhere we stopped. Visa or Master Card, with raised numbers for imprint, are typically your best bet. Be aware that sometimes the credit card machines won’t function properly in remote areas, due to weak Wi-Fi signals. So, it is best to have cash, in small denominations, to cover souvenir shopping and small expenses.
Passports
A valid passport is required for U.S. citizens traveling to any country in Southern Africa. Non-U.S. citizens should check with local authorities for entry requirements into the country you will visit. Typically, passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. They also must have enough blank pages to accommodate necessary entry/visa stamps.
Visa Requirements
A visa is not required for citizens from the U.S.A., European Union, Canada, Australia and Great Britain staying in Namibia for up to 90 days. Citizens from other parts of the world should check the visa requirements for their respective countries.
Health Precautions
It’s important to take appropriate health precautions when traveling to Namibia. This includes taking anti-malaria medication and drinking only bottled or purified water. Check with your local travel clinic for all recommended vaccines and medications.
Vaccinations
Yellow Fever is required only if you are traveling from a country where yellow fever is endemic. The following vaccines are recommended (but not required): typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A, diphtheria.
Electricity
The standard voltage in Namibia is 220V and the frequency is 50Hz. Electrical outlets fit round pin 15-amp plugs – types D or M. Make sure to bring a converter/adapter as needed, based on the voltage in your country even though some camps will have them available.
Travel Insurance
Operators who typically plan these trips will require you to purchase travel and medical insurance to cover yourself and any dependents traveling with you for the duration of the trip. You can either purchase it yourself or through the operator. Medical evacuation insurance is usually mandatory. We recommend that your insurance covers, at a minimum, emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, and cancellation or curtailment of trip. We found the best policy through Tin Leg but World Nomads is another popular travel insurance company.
Drones
Drones and other radio-controlled equipment are typically not allowed to be used. Because of their unpredictable nature, possibility for operator error, and potential to hurt or disturb wildlife, they are prohibited in the majority of parks and reserves.
Tipping in Namibia
Gratuities tend to get confusing. Even though they are not supposed to be compulsory in Namibia, we found that they were expected in most places. Furthermore, it was impossible not to tip given the high level of service we received everywhere. Here is some guidance on gratuities:
- Tipping of lodge staff is usually done at the end of your stay. While you may tip the staff individually, we found that all lodges have a central tipping box in the reception area. This is the more efficient way to tip.
- Tips can be made in the local currency (N), South African Rand (ZAR), USD, GBP or EUR.
- These are gratuity suggestions:
- Lodge Safari Guides – $10 per person, per day
- Naturalist Guides/City Guides – $10 per person, per day
- Camp/Lodge Staff – $10 per person, per night
- Transfer Drivers (in cities or between airport and hotel) – $2 per person, per transfer
- Hotel/Lodge Porters – $1 per bag
- Waitstaff in City Restaurants – 10-15%
A Journey of Wonders and Adventure
Visiting Namibia was incredible and unforgettable. From the vast deserts to the rugged mountains, and from the vibrant wildlife to the rich cultural heritage, this captivating country offered us a journey filled with marvels, beauty, and adventure. This nation won our hearts and made a lasting impression on our souls. Our remarkable adventure in Namibia will forever be in our memories.
