Discover Namibia - a land of beautiful contrasts, where shimmering desert dunes meet the cold Atlantic waters. Known for its spectacular landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich indigenous cultures, Namibia offers an unparalleled travel experience for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. From the vastness of the Namib Desert to the rugged beauty of the Skeleton Coast, this Southern African gem promises unforgettable memories.
For a trip to Namibia, the best time to visit depends on your goals and preferences. Here's an overview:
Traveling during the low season, from November to March, can save you money with lower rates on accommodations and tours.
June to October offers the best conditions for wildlife viewing, particularly in Etosha National Park. Dry weather and pleasant temperatures make it ideal, but don’t forget warm clothes for those chilly nights.
Experience Namibia's rich culture by aligning your visit with its fantastic festivals. Key events include:
Dates are subject to change. Confirm closer to your travel dates for the latest info.
Traveling to Namibia can be a safe and rewarding experience if you take certain precautions and stay informed about the local conditions. Here are some important travel tips and safety advice:
Namibia is generally considered one of the safer countries in Africa. The capital, Windhoek, is smaller and less urbanized compared to other African capitals, but it has seen a rise in street crime, including violent crime that can affect tourists. Nature itself poses risks due to its vast and remote landscapes.
Petty crimes like pickpocketing, purse snatching, and vehicle break-ins are common, particularly in urban areas and tourist hotspots. Violent crimes, including muggings and armed robberies, do occur, often involving firearms. These crimes are more frequent in Windhoek and other major cities. Tourists are advised to be vigilant, especially after dark, and to avoid walking alone at night.
Namibia's climate is mostly hot and arid. Dress in light, loose clothing and use sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Be sure to stay hydrated. The rainy season lasts from November to March and can bring floods and flash floods, so it's important to monitor the weather forecast and be prepared for sudden changes.
The healthcare system in Namibia might not meet the standards you're accustomed to. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. Be aware of health issues like cholera and HIV, and take necessary precautions.
Road conditions can be challenging, especially on secondary roads. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for traveling outside urban areas. Be cautious when driving, as many roads are poorly maintained and some drivers may be under the influence of alcohol. Avoid driving at night.
Namibia is known for its wildlife, but it's important to interact safely. Follow rules in national parks, never feed or approach wild animals, and be aware of wildlife crossing roads.
Namibia is a conservative Christian country. Dress modestly, especially outside resort areas, and be mindful of local norms.
By following these tips and remaining aware of your surroundings, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Namibia. Remember, it's always best to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and local news during your visit.
Embark on an unforgettable one-week journey through Namibia, experiencing its breathtaking landscapes, from the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei to the wildlife wonder of Etosha National Park.
Day 1: Arrival in Windhoek. Explore the city's landmarks: Christuskirche, Independence Memorial Museum, Namibia Craft Centre.
Transport: Airport transfers available; 40-minute drive to city center.
Day 2: Daan Viljoen Game Park. Enjoy hiking trails and wildlife viewing.
Transport: Rent a car or taxi; about 20 minutes from Windhoek.
Day 3: Travel to Sossusvlei. Stop by Sesriem Canyon.
Transport: 4-5 hour drive from Windhoek; 4x4 recommended for gravel roads.
Day 4: Explore Sossusvlei and Deadvlei; climb Big Daddy dune.
Transport: Drive to Sossusvlei parking; shuttles available for last 5km.
Day 5: Travel through Kuiseb Pass to Swakopmund. Explore the waterfront.
Transport: 5-hour scenic drive from Sossusvlei.
Day 6: Adventure sports, from quad biking to marine cruises.
Transport: Local operators offer transport to activities.
Day 7: Begin your journey to Etosha for an afternoon game drive.
Transport: 4-hour drive from Swakopmund; consider rental car or guided tour.
A two-week journey through Namibia allows for an in-depth exploration of its stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and unique cultures. This itinerary takes you from the capital to the oldest desert in the world, through coastal towns, and into the heart of its renowned national parks.
Day 1-2: Windhoek
Activities: Explore Windhoek's landmarks such as the Christuskirche, Independence Memorial Museum, and the Namibia Craft Centre. Enjoy a meal at Joe's Beerhouse or a similar local spot.
Transport: Fly into Hosea Kutako International Airport, about 40 minutes from Windhoek. Taxis and car rentals are available at the airport.
Day 3-4: Sossusvlei
Activities: Drive to Sossusvlei in the Namib-Naukluft National Park to see iconic dunes like Big Daddy and attractions like Deadvlei and Sesriem Canyon. Aim for an early morning visit for cooler temperatures and the best light for photography.
Transport: Sossusvlei is about a 4-5 hour drive from Windhoek. A 4x4 is recommended for the last stretch to the Deadvlei parking area.
Day 5-6: Swakopmund
Activities: Head to Swakopmund for adventure sports like quad biking, sandboarding, or skydiving. Explore the colonial architecture and visit the Swakopmund Museum and the National Marine Aquarium.
Transport: Swakopmund is approximately a 5-hour drive from Sossusvlei. The roads are well-maintained, making for a scenic drive.
Day 7: Damaraland
Activities: Travel to Damaraland to see ancient rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, the Organ Pipes, and the Petrified Forest. Keep an eye out for desert-adapted elephants and rhinos.
Transport: Damaraland is about a 3-4 hour drive from Swakopmund. The roads can be rugged, so a 4x4 vehicle is advisable.
Day 8-10: Etosha National Park
Activities: Spend a few days in Etosha National Park for some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa. Visit various waterholes for game viewing, and stay at different camps within the park to explore its vastness.
Transport: Etosha is about a 5-hour drive from Damaraland. The park roads are suitable for 2WD vehicles, but 4x4s offer more flexibility.
Day 11-12: Caprivi Strip
Activities: Drive to the Caprivi Strip for a different Namibian landscape, with rivers, wetlands, and a high density of wildlife. Enjoy boat cruises, fishing, and bird watching.
Transport: The Caprivi Strip is a long drive from Etosha, about 7-8 hours to the western part of the strip. Consider breaking up the drive with a stay in Rundu.
Day 13: Return to Windhoek
Activities: Spend your last day in Windhoek for any last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Visit the National Botanical Garden or take a township tour for cultural insights.
Transport: From the Caprivi Strip, it's best to fly back to Windhoek due to the long distances involved. Flights are available from Katima Mulilo or Rundu.
Day 14: Departure
Activities: Depart from Hosea Kutako International Airport. Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely breakfast or a walk in Windhoek.
Transport: Use a taxi or a shuttle service from your accommodation to the airport.
A three-week journey through Namibia provides an extensive exploration of its vast and varied landscapes, offering everything from desert adventures to wildlife safaris and cultural experiences. This itinerary covers key destinations while allowing for a deeper connection with each place.
Day 1-2: Windhoek
Activities: Explore the city's cultural sites like the National Museum of Namibia and the Independence Memorial Museum. Dine at local restaurants to taste Namibian cuisine.
Transport: Arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport, located about 40 minutes from the city center. Taxis and car rentals are available at the airport.
Day 3-5: Sossusvlei
Activities: Drive to Sossusvlei to see the iconic red dunes. Visit Deadvlei, climb Big Daddy or Dune 45, and explore Sesriem Canyon.
Transport: Sossusvlei is about a 4-5 hour drive from Windhoek on mostly paved roads. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for the last stretch to the Deadvlei parking area.
Day 6-7: Swakopmund
Activities: Enjoy adventure sports such as sandboarding, quad biking, or skydiving. Explore the town's German colonial architecture and visit the Swakopmund Museum.
Transport: Swakopmund is approximately a 4-hour drive from Sossusvlei. The road is well-maintained and offers scenic views of the Namib Desert.
Day 8-9: Damaraland
Activities: Visit Twyfelfontein rock engravings, the Petrified Forest, and search for desert-adapted elephants.
Transport: Damaraland is about a 3-4 hour drive from Swakopmund. Roads are gravel but generally in good condition for 2WD vehicles.
Day 10-12: Etosha National Park
Activities: Spend a few days on safari in Etosha, visiting various waterholes for wildlife viewing. Stay at different rest camps to explore various sections of the park.
Transport: Etosha is about a 5-6 hour drive from Damaraland. The park can be navigated with a 2WD vehicle, but a 4x4 enhances the experience.
Day 13-14: Caprivi Strip
Activities: Explore the Caprivi Strip's rivers and wetlands, offering a contrast to Namibia's arid landscapes. Enjoy boat cruises, fishing, and bird watching.
Transport: The Caprivi Strip is a long drive from Etosha, about 7-8 hours to the western part. Roads are paved but watch for wildlife.
Day 15-16: More of Caprivi Strip
Activities: Visit Bwabwata, Mudumu, and Mahango National Parks for a diverse safari experience.
Transport: Local lodges and camps often offer guided tours. Roads within the parks may require a 4x4.
Day 17-18: Fish River Canyon
Activities: Travel to Fish River Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the world. Hike along the rim for spectacular views.
Transport: Fish River Canyon is a significant drive from the Caprivi Strip, best tackled with a flight from Katima Mulilo to Keetmanshoop, then a drive to the canyon (about 3 hours).
Day 19-20: Lüderitz and Kolmanskop
Activities: Explore the coastal town of Lüderitz and visit the nearby ghost town of Kolmanskop, a relic of the diamond rush era.
Transport: Drive from Fish River Canyon to Lüderitz (about 5 hours). The route is well-marked and scenic.
Day 21: Return to Windhoek
Activities: Spend your last day in Windhoek for any final sightseeing or shopping.
Transport: Lüderitz to Windhoek is a long drive (about 8 hours), so consider breaking the journey or flying back (flights may not be daily).
Explore the world with up-to-date travel tips, recommendations, and country-specific guides.
Stay Duration: 3-4 days
Activities: Wildlife viewing is paramount here, with opportunities to see elephants, lions, rhinos, and a plethora of bird species. Opt for guided game drives or self-drive safaris.
Accommodation: Choices range from luxury lodges inside the park to budget-friendly campsites at the gates.
Regional Specialties: Game meat is a common feature in lodge restaurants, providing a taste of the local fauna.
Stay Duration: 2-3 days
Activities: Explore these iconic clay pans, known for their towering red dunes and dead acacia trees. Climbing Big Daddy dune for sunrise views is a must.
Accommodation: Tented camps and lodges in the Namib-Naukluft Park area offer convenience and comfort.
Regional Specialties: Traditional braais (BBQ) featuring game meats and local produce.
Stay Duration: 2-3 days
Activities: A coastal city with a German colonial past, offering adventure sports like sandboarding, quad biking, and skydiving. Don't miss the Swakopmund Museum and the Crystal Gallery.
Accommodation: From historic hotels to modern guesthouses and apartments.
Regional Specialties: German-inspired dishes like schnitzel and bratwurst, along with fresh Atlantic seafood.
Stay Duration: 2-4 days
Activities: Offers stunning landscapes, ancient rock engravings, and desert-adapted wildlife. Visit Twyfelfontein for remarkable petroglyphs and encounter desert elephants.
Accommodation: Lodges and campsites designed to blend with the landscape, offering sustainable tourism options.
Regional Specialties: Embrace traditional Namibian cuisine with a focus on marinated meats and millet-based side dishes.
Stay Duration: 2-3 days
Activities: Explore the haunting shipwrecks, coastal wildlife, and the vast sand dunes. Discover the marine life along the rugged coastline.
Accommodation: Exclusive lodges providing unique access to this remote and pristine environment.
Regional Specialties: Seafood delicacies influenced by the cold, nutrient-rich Benguela current.
Stay Duration: 3-5 days
Activities: Hike through the immense canyon, admire the spectacular views, and soak in the natural hot springs at Ai-Ais.
Accommodation: Rustic lodges and campsites offering breathtaking views of the canyon.
Regional Specialties: Savor biltong and other dried meats, a staple for adventurers in the region.
Stay Duration: 1-2 days
Activities: The capital city serves as the starting or ending point for most Namibian adventures. Visit the Independence Memorial Museum, Christuskirche, and enjoy shopping for crafts at local markets.
Accommodation: A wide range of options, from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses.
Regional Specialties: A blend of German and African culinary traditions, with options ranging from steakhouses to local street food.
Stay Duration: 3 days
Activities: A lush area offering river safaris, fishing, and bird watching. The region's national parks, like Bwabwata, are less crowded and rich in wildlife.
Accommodation: Riverside lodges and tented camps provide serene views and access to water-based activities.
Regional Specialties: Freshwater fish and traditional dishes from the local tribes.
Stay Duration: 2-3 days
Activities: Marvel at the vast dunes, take a hot air balloon ride, and explore the star-studded night skies.
Accommodation: Luxury desert lodges and eco-friendly campsites offering stargazing experiences.
Regional Specialties: Taste the rich flavors of local Namibian stews and fresh game meats.
Stay Duration: 1-2 days
Activities: Hiking and exploring ancient rock paintings. Climb the iconic boulder formations.
Accommodation: Camping options near the base of the rocks.
Regional Specialties: Local braai dishes and traditional stew.
Stay Duration: 1 day
Activities: Exploring the ghost town, which is a window into Namibia's diamond era.
Accommodation: Stay in nearby Lüderitz for local guesthouses and hotels.
Regional Specialties: Namibian seafood dishes and traditional German cakes.
Stay Duration: 2-3 days
Activities: Guided hikes to the plateau and wildlife watching.
Accommodation: Lodges and campsites with views over the plains.
Regional Specialties: Namibian game stews and sweet dumplings.
Stay Duration: 3-5 days
Activities: Discover Himba villages and view the stunning Epupa Falls.
Accommodation: Remote lodges and community camps.
Regional Specialties: Experience traditional Himba cuisine with local flavors.
Stay Duration: 4-6 days
Activities: River of the Imagination experiencing unforgettable safaris and boat trips.
Accommodation: Inclusive lodges and sustainable camps.
Regional Specialties: Savor diverse fish dishes and tropical fruits.
Stay Duration: 2-3 days
Activities: Explore the granite peaks and ancient bushman paintings.
Accommodation: Luxury lodges offering rock climbing and trekking experiences.
Regional Specialties: Enjoy unique Namibian dishes using local herbs and spices.
Stay Duration: 1-2 days
Activities: Explore the lagoon and watch flamingos; go kayaking or sailing.
Accommodation: Coastal hotels and eco-lodges.
Regional Specialties: Seafood platters and the famous Walvis Bay oysters.
Stay Duration: 2 days
Activities: Hiking and viewing ancient rock art, including the White Lady.
Accommodation: Rustic campsites and lodges with mountain views.
Regional Specialties: Traditional Namibian stews with corn-based pap.
Stay Duration: 2-3 days
Activities: Wildlife tracking and safari in a semi-desert ecosystem.
Accommodation: Safari camps offering guided wildlife experiences.
Regional Specialties: Game meats and dishes made with mopane worms.
Stay Duration: 2 days
Activities: Explore the charming colonial architecture, visit the nearby Kolmanskop ghost town, take a boat tour to view Cape Fur seals and penguin colonies.
Accommodation: Cozy guesthouses and beachfront lodges providing a comfortable base.
Regional Specialties: Enjoy fresh seafood, especially oysters, complemented by the region's German culinary influences.
Stay Duration: 1-2 days
Activities: Explore the charming town known for its cattle farming region. Visit local markets and cultural sites.
Accommodation: Guesthouses and lodges with local cuisine offerings.
Regional Specialties: Enjoy local beef dishes and traditional Namibian appetizers.
Budget Travel
Mid-Range Travel
Luxury Travel
These figures provide a general guideline to help plan your budget for a trip to Namibia. Costs can fluctuate based on specific destinations, the level of comfort and luxury you prefer, and the types of experiences you wish to include in your itinerary. Additional costs to consider include international flights to Namibia, souvenirs, travel insurance, and any special activities not covered in the daily estimates. Always check for updated prices and budget for a little extra, as prices can fluctuate.