travel namibia by car

Ultimate Namibia Itinerary: Self-Drive Road Trip (+ Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: August 14, 2023

Namibia is a beautiful country that requires some slow traveling to truly appreciate it. It’s also a place that requires quite some advance research in order to make the most of your trip.

Planning a self-drive road trip in Namibia might look overwhelming at first. Distances are big, the roads aren’t great, and the accommodations are scarce and expensive…

So you are absolutely right looking for ideas for the Namibia itinerary and suggestions on how to best plan your road trip in advance!

We also struggled with the same questions before our trip. After a lot of research, we created an amazing itinerary and spent 4 weeks road-tripping in Namibia. It was the best road trip ever!

Below, you can find our detailed day-to-day Namibia road trip itinerary that covers all the must-see places and so much more. Our trip was very easy-going, so we also included suggestions for how you can see just as much in less time. You can also find Namibia itinerary tips for shorter trips. Find out!

Things to Consider When Preparing Namibia Itinerary

No matter how much time you have in Namibia, you will have to make choices when preparing your itinerary.

Here are a few things to consider:

• There are very few highways in Namibia and most other roads are gravel. So you will – literally – need to slow down. That being said, it doesn’t mean that you need a month to see Namibia. In fact, many ‘standard’ Namibia trip itineraries are no longer than 10 or 14 days.
• The distances between the main highlights are very big, so you cannot just visit the ‘top’ places and skip all the rest unless you opt for a fly-in safari.
• When planning your trip , you’ll have to decide if you want to visit more places at a fast pace or travel slower and see more at fewer locations.
• Before preparing your itinerary, consider if you also want to visit the South (Fish River Canyon) and/or the North (Caprivi Strip) of the country. Both these destinations are so far from all the rest that just driving there and back will add at least a few days to your trip.
• Another possibility is to combine your Namibian road trip with Botswana and Victoria Falls. But only do this by car if you have a lot of time.
• Or maybe you decide to just stick to the main highlights of Namibia and skip the less known locations… In that case, you can even see ‘the musts’ in a week.

The choice is completely yours to make depending on your interests, time, budget, and some other factors, like malaria risk, for example.

There are two main highlights that you absolutely shouldn’t miss in Namibia and that is Etosha National Park and Sossusvlei . Other highlights include Fish River Canyon , Kolmanskop , Swakopmund , and Twyfelfontein . But there are many other amazing places.

Having said all that, some of the very best, memorable experiences from our trip to Namibia had nothing to do with the most famous places… In our itinerary below, you can read all about it.

LEARN MORE: Best Places to Visit in Namibia

Our Namibia itinerary for 4 weeks

Before we continue with our Namibia road trip itinerary, you should know that this is a custom-made 4-week road trip itinerary that covers all of Namibia except the north. We prepared this Namibia itinerary for our family based on our interests and taking into account the fact that we were traveling to Namibia with three young children under 6.

Of course, we included all the landmarks and made sure to visit all the best places in Namibia! But we opted for multiple nights at several locations and for shorter driving days when we could. Also, we didn’t go to the Caprivi Strip in order to avoid malaria risk.

TIP: You could easily shorten this Namibia itinerary and still see about just as much as we did in about 3 weeks. And certainly, if you are camping and are less dependent on the location of accommodations. You can find some itinerary suggestions for 2 or 3 weeks in Namibia at the bottom of this article. Read on!

Here’s our Namibia road trip itinerary exactly as we did it:

Day 1: Arrival in Windhoek. Windhoek – Kalahari Desert. Eningu Clayhouse Lodge for 1 night. 110 km – 2hrs.

After picking up the rental car where we also got a short instruction video about driving on gravel, we headed to Windhoek for a short city walk and to stack on supplies of food and drinks for the next few days.

TIP: Check this website for an overview of some of the best options for car rental and get a 4×4 for your Namibia trip.

We opted to spend our first night outside of the city. We stayed at Eningu Clayhouse Lodge in the Kalahari desert and I would recommend this to everyone. Not necessarily this specific lodge, but staying outside of the city.

We felt that we were in Africa the moment we left the highway. We saw wild animals next to the road and we spent our first afternoon in the hot tub. We saw an amazing sunset and spent our first evening dining under the stars.

TIP: Don’t stay in Windhoek. Choose one of the many lodges outside the city. If you decide to go straight down to the south and rather stay closer to the main road to Mariental, I recommend checking Auas Safari Lodge . It’s not too far from Windhoek and has great reviews! 

Day 2: Kalahari desert. Drive to Mariental. Gondwana Kalahari Anib Lodge for 1 night. 270 km, 4-5hrs.

Long drive through the Kalahari desert today. The scenery is nice, but there are no major points of interest along the way here, so we drove straight to our next accommodation.

We arrived at our next lodge, Gondwana Kalahari Anib Lodge , just in time for a late afternoon safari ride and a sundowner. It was the first one during this trip and we loved it! We got bitten by a sundowner bug and tried to go on as many sundowners as possible during the rest of our trip.

TIP: Don’t miss Namibian sundowners, do at least one! All lodges in Namibia organize sundowner/safari rides, so make sure you get to your lodge in time for the late afternoon ride.

Day 3 : Mariental – Fish River Canyon. Canyon Lodge for 2 nights. 410 km – 6hrs.

Long drive from Mariental to Fish River Canyon, but luckily the first part was on a tarmac road.

We stopped at the Quiver Tree Forest and made a short walk around the Giant’s Playground before continuing South towards the Fish River Canyon. The last couple of hours we were driving through the desolate and very uninspiring landscape, but the surroundings of our next lodge were so beautiful that we quickly forgot the long drive.

Our accommodation for two nights was a beautiful Gondwana Canyon Lodge – one of the nicest places we stayed during this trip!

A bit cheaper accommodation located in a similar spectacular setting is the nearby Gondwana Canyon Village .

TIP: If you are looking for accommodation with views over the Fish River Canyon, take a look at Fish River Lodge . It has an amazing location!

Day 4 : Fish River Canyon

There are many possibilities to explore the Fish River Canyon . You can also opt for some other excursions in the area. We simply chose to drive to the canyon and explore several viewpoints.

In the morning, we drove to a couple of lookouts and made a walk on the rim of the canyon.

TIP for families traveling with children: In the afternoon we headed to a nearby Canyon Roadhouse for lunch.

We chose this place because we knew our kids would love it there. They have a big collection of all kinds of old vehicles. A paradise for our boys!

In the evening, we opted for a sundowner walk at our lodge and enjoyed the most beautiful Namibian sunset in style.

Day 5 : Fish River Canyon – Klein Aus Vista. Desert Horse Inn for 2 nights. 290 km – 4hrs.

A long drive again with some beautiful landscapes along the way. Our lodge, Desert Horse Inn , was not half as nice as the previous one, but there wasn’t anything better available in this area when we traveled. Now I’d recommend staying at the highly-rated Bahnhof Hotel Aus .

There are lots of hiking trails in the area and so we spent the afternoon hiking. The walk was much nicer than we had expected.

TIP:   Go hiking in the area around Klein Aus Vista.

Day 6 : Klein Aus Vista – Luderitz/ Kolmanskop – Klein Aus Vista. 115 km – 1,5 hrs in one direction.

The highlight of the day was our visit to Kolmanskop . It’s a ghost town that was once the home to German diamond miners seeking to make their fortune in the Namibian desert.

Nowadays, Kolmansop is a real paradise for photographers. Our kids loved it too!

TIP: Go to Kolmanskop early in the morning for better pictures and fewer people.

We also paid a short visit to Luderitz , but found it a rather uninspiring little town. We also spent some time hoping to find the wild horses of Namib in Garub . No luck for us, but this place is known for that, so check it out if passing by.

Day 7 : Klein Aus Vista – Sossusvlei. Sossus Dune Lodge for 2 nights. 350 km – 5hrs.

Long ride from Aus to Sossusvlei, but it didn’t feel that long since we took the scenic route and drove through the most amazing landscape. Red sand roads, oryx antelopes, ostriches, and all kinds of other wild animals added plenty of distraction for the kids along the way.

TIP: Take route C27 and not C14+C19 – it might be slower, but it’s really worth it.

We opted to stay at the Sossus Dune Lodge as it’s the only lodge that is inside the park allowing the guests to get to the Sossusvlei before sunrise and after sunset. We went to Elim dune to watch the sunset. 

TIP:   Sossusvlei Lodge,  located just outside the park gates, is actually nicer accommodation and it’s cheaper too. The only disadvantage is that you can’t enter the park before sunrise.

Day 8 : Sossusvlei

Deadvlei, Sossusvlei, Dune 45, and the Sesriem canyon were the highlights today. Top day for the kids as well. They loved climbing the sand dunes and they loved rolling down the dunes even more…

We woke up very early and drove to Sossusvlei before sunrise. We then walked to Deadvlei in the dark and stayed there until sunrise. It was freezing cold, but an amazing experience. We had the popular Deadvlei all to ourselves.

TIP: If you are up for it, you can climb one of the dunes for sunrise views. Dune 45 along the way to Sossusvlei is a good place for that if you can’t make it to Sossusvlei or Deadvlei before sunrise.

Day 9 : Sossusvlei – Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge for 1 night. 140 km, 2 hrs.

TIP:   When driving from Sossusvlei to the north, stop at Solitaire petrol station/restaurant for some of their famous apple pie.

Most people drive from Sossusvlei all the way to Swakopmund in one day. We opted to break the long drive between Sossuvlei to Swakopmund and spend a night in Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge .

The lodge itself is not very special, but there are lots of excursion possibilities in the area and they have a meerkat encounter , which was again one of the highlights for the kids.

We ended the day with another beautiful sundowner ride and some incredibly delicious food. The restaurant at this lodge was probably the best of our entire 4-weeks trip in Namibia!

Day 10 : Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge – Swakopmund for 3 nights. 230 km – 3,5 hrs.

After 10 days in the desert, we were so glad to be back in the living world again! We stopped in Walvis Bay for lunch. We could even choose from more than one restaurant! What a luxury.

TIP: Walvis Bay Lagoon with thousands of wild flamingos was absolutely the highlight of the day. Don’t miss it!

We stayed in Swakopmund, alternatively, you can stay in Walvis Bay. The two towns are not far from each other, but we found that Swakopmund has a much nicer atmosphere, more hotel and restaurant choices, and more activities and day trips that leave from there.

We stayed at the Atlantic Sicht Apartment in Swakopmund and absolutely loved it. It was like a home away from home. 

Here you can find the best deals for Swakopmund accommodation  or Walvis Bay accommodation . This area is the only place in Namibia where you can find a big choice of quality accommodation for any budget.

Days 11 – 12 : Swakopmund and the area

Swakopmund is a nice little town with many shops, restaurants, and cafés. It’s definitely the nicest town in Namibia and 3 nights is certainly not too much for a stay here. In fact, you could easily stay here longer and find plenty of things to see and do.

TIP: Have lunch or dinner at the Village Café (Sam Nujoma Avenue).

There are many excursion possibilities in and around Swakopmund , so you will have no difficulties finding something that interests you. Here you can find some of the most popular tours from Swakopmund .

The most popular tours are the dolphin- and whale-watching catamaran tour from Walvis Bay, Moon Landscape and Welwitschia Drive , and 4×4 tour to Sandwich Harbour  (or this amazing kayaking and Sandwich Harbour combo tour ). There are many more possibilities too, but the above are worth your time the most.

TIP (just for our readers – don’t tell anyone ;)): Even though Spitzkoppe is not included in most Namibia trip itineraries, it’s one of our absolute favorite places in Namibia. It’s only 1,5 hrs drive from Swakopmund and you can make a nice half day-day trip to the area.

Take water, picnic lunch, and walking shoes with you and explore this beautiful area. If you are camping, Spitzkoppe has the most amazing campsites you could imagine. Don’t miss it!

You can drive there or take a tour to Spitzkoppe if you want a more relaxing day or don’t have a 4×4.

Day 13 : Swakopmund – Twyfelfontein via Cape Cross. 411 km – 6+hrs. Twyfelfontein Country Lodge for 1 night.

TIP: Leave Swakopmund early in the morning if you want to go to Cape Cross first. It’s a long drive to Twyfelfontein and Cape Cross is a bit out of the way. But it’s absolutely worth it!

Cape Cross is home to a huge seal colony (tens of thousands of seals live here) and you can get amazingly close to them. An experience like no other!

If you have time left, you can visit Petrified Forest on the road to Twyfelfntein or drive to the Burnt Mountain for sunset.

We stayed at Twyfelfontein Country Lodge – one of the very few lodging options in this area. Alternatively, check out Malansrus or  Madisa Camp  – both very unique tented accommodations, but Malansrus is a bit closer to Twyfelfontein.

Day 14 : Twyfelfontein – Palmwag. Palmwag Lodge for 2 nights. 115 km – 1h45.

Twyfelfontein UNESCO Heritage Site  is absolutely worth the visit. You will be assigned a guide who will take you to the cavemen’s paintings and will tell you all you want to know about ancient rock art.

TIP:  Go to Twyfelfontein early in the morning before it gets busy. The most recommended walk is the Lion Man Route . Take water with you.

If you are interested in the local culture, pay a short visit to the Damara Living Museum . It’s not an authentic experience as it’s not a real village you are visiting, but one with paid actors, but it’s still interesting to see how people used to live in the area.

We stayed 2 nights at Palmwag Lodge . A really nice alternative in this area is Grootberg Lodge , or otherwise a more simple accommodation – Etendeka Mountain Camp . 

Day 15 : Palmwag

Free day in the Palmwag area. There are several excursion and safari ride possibilities at the lodge.

We opted for the safari and Himba village tour and had the most amazing day. The Himba village we visited was not comparable to the Damara ‘living museum’ we saw the other day. We met a real Himba family, saw the way they really live, and the interaction with the people was real.

Our kids went to play with their children, they were chasing the goats and the chicken and seemed to be having the time of their lives. Safari in the Palmwag area was also one of the best ones of our whole trip.

TIP: Visit a local Himba village.

LEARN MORE: Visiting Namibia’s Indigenous Tribes

Days 16 – 19 : Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is one of the best places to see in Namibia. So make sure to plan at least 2-3 days here. Here’s what our time in Etosha looked like:

Day 16 – Palmwag – Etosha. Dolomite Camp for 1 night. 230 km – 3.5hrs Day 17 – Dolomite Camp – Okaukuejo. 180 km – 4hrs. Okaukuejo Rest Camp for 2 nights. Day 18 – Etosha. Day 19 – Etosha: Okaukuejo – Mushara. 153 km – 2h15

There are plenty of possibilities to see wild animals in Etosha. The best times are early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and the best places are around the waterholes. The very best place to see lots of animals without much effort is the Okaukuejo waterhole.

READ ALSO: Safari Tips & Safari with Kids

We stayed at three hotels in Etosha NP: Dolomite Camp and Okaukuejo Rest Camp – government-run properties inside Etosha, and a beautiful Mushara Lodge outside the park. 

Etosha is absolutely the highlight of any Namibian trip, but I cannot say the same about the Dolomite Camp. It’s a beautiful but completely mismanaged place.

Okaukuejo Rest Camp  offers simple accommodation, but it has an amazing location that makes up for the simple rooms. 

Mushara Lodge  was absolutely incredible and we wished we had stayed longer there. 

LEARN MORE: Best Places to Stay in Etosha National Park

TIP: If you are looking for the best location for Etosha, stay at Okaukuejo Rest Camp or at one of the beautiful hotels just outside the park gates at Okaukuejo . If you want to stay at the eastern side of Etosha as well, I cannot recommend Mushara Lodge highly enough.

Day 20 : Mushara – Otjiwarongo area. 300 km – 4hrs. Frans Indongo Lodge for 2 nights.

The only place that was somewhat worth a visit on this day was Lake Otjikoto. It’s more of a place to stretch your legs a bit than anything else.

We stayed at the  Frans Indongo Lodge  for 2 nights. The area around Frans Indongo was not very spectacular, but it was well located for a day trip to see cheetahs next day.

There are several walking trails next to the lodge, but if I were to go to Namibia again, I would only stay here for one night (or find an alternative hotel).

Day 21 : Cheetah Conservation Fund and Crocodile Farm

Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) is a place you shouldn’t miss when planning Namibia road trip. It’s a serious honest project helping the animals and you have several possibilities to see cheetahs from close by. Count half a day for the visit.

TIP: If you are traveling without kids, try to get there for the Cheetah Run early in the morning. With children, we could go on a jeep ride and saw plenty of cheetahs from the safety of the car.

We also visited the Crocodile Ranch  in Otjiwarongo. You can see lots of crocodiles and even pet one so the kids liked it, but it’s not something you absolutely have to do. A good stop for half an hour for families passing by, but not more.

Days 22 – 23 : Erindi Private Game Reserve. Old Traders Lodge for 2 nights.

These two days were among the most memorable of the entire trip of 4 weeks in Namibia! Erindi is an amazing all-in safari lodge that truly has it all.

Day 22 : Otjiwarongo – Erindi Private Game Reserve. 270 km – 4 hrs. We drove to Erindi as early as we could so that we could join some of the activities on the first day already.

Day 23 : Erindi.  If there is one lodge I would love to go back to in Namibia, it’s Erindi Old Traders Lodge !

It was also the most expensive lodge on our Namibia itinerary, but absolutely worth it. We had an all-in package with two safari rides per day and all the meals included. There are many other activities that you can do in Erindi. Visiting the local San tribe was one of them, and also various safari rides, etc.

What we loved the most about our stay in Erindi was the restaurant terrace at the Old Traders Lodge. It overlooks a waterhole where we spent many relaxing hours eating cake, sipping cold drinks, and watching wild animals come and go.

If Erindi is above your budget, you can also just visit here for a day. The restaurant with the terrace overlooking a waterhole is accessible to everyone and they also offer safari rides and other activities to visitors who aren’t staying at the lodge. Erindi is a bit out of the way when driving from Etosha to Windhoek, but you’ll absolutely love it.

Day 24: Erindi – Windhoek. 220 km – 3hrs. Na’ankuse Lodge for 1 night.

Depending on your flight schedule, you could drive straight to the airport and skip Windhoek altogether on the last day.

We opted to stay at Erindi a bit longer and drove to Na’ankuse Lodge close to the airport towards the evening. The lodge proudly displays pictures of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie who visited here back when they were a couple.

This lodge also has all kinds of activities including wildlife watching and they also have cheetahs. But we only arrived here in the evening, too late for any rides. So we only had dinner at the lodge and I cannot comment on the activities, however, customer reviews are excellent.

Day 25: Windhoek and departure

Since we had plenty of time before our flight, we headed back to the center of Windhoek. It was a bit livelier than on the first day of our trip and we enjoyed walking around the Post Street Mall . It’s a pedestrian mall lined with shops, restaurants, office buildings, and craft sellers and is probably the liveliest place in town.

We had a quiet late lunch at the famous Joe’s Beer House in Windhoek and headed to the airport for the flight home.

As you can see, our Namibia trip itinerary was a mix of seeing a lot and a more relaxing vacation. As I said, you could easily visit all the same places in Namibia in less time. 

What could you skip or shorten? See our suggestions for a shorter Namibia itinerary below!

Namibia Trip Itinerary Suggestions for 2 or 3 weeks

Following our 4-week itinerary above, here’s how you could adjust it to make it shorter:

• If Kolmanskop is not of much interest to you, you could skip day 6 of the itinerary.
• You could visit Sossusvlei in the morning and leave the area that same afternoon. If you don’t mind driving a lot (and I mean a lot), you could go straight to Swakopmund and skip days 9 and 10. In any case, you can easily skip one day here.
• If you have limited time, you could stay just 2 nights in Swakopmund instead of 3, skip Palmwag altogether (it’s a bit out of the way if you don’t go to the Dolomite Camp), and spend less time in Etosha.
• You could also stay just one night in the Otjiwarongo area, see cheetahs in the morning and drive straight to Windhoek.
• If you opt to stay at Erindi or one of the many other private reserves in the area, you can stay there till the last day of your trip and go straight to the airport from there.

I know that planning the Namibia itinerary can be overwhelming and this is a lot of information to digest, so feel free to ask questions. You can leave a reply below.

TIP: When planning your trip, make sure to also take a look at our essential travel tips for Namibia via the link below. That article has all the information about driving in Namibia, what kind of car you need, and other tips for touring Namibia on a self drive trip. Check it out!

READ ALSO: Namibia Travel Tips

Planning a trip to Namibia? Get the most out of your trip with these tips:

• Best Places to See in Namibia
• Namibia Packing List
• Etosha Hotels
• Namibia with Kids
• Our Favorite Pictures from Namibia
• Best Camera Equipment for Safari

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

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Tuesday 19th of March 2024

Dear Jurga, Thank you for your article, it helped a lot with our planning. We will visit Namibia this summer with our 4 years old daughter and we had everything planned but unfortunately today we received an email from Erindi that they perform renovations which will last longer than expected and they had to cancel our reservation (beginning of August). So now i am looking for an alternative for 2 nights (we would have already spend 4 nights in Etosha and we want to spend two nights somewhere between Etosha and Windhoek). In your article you mention other private reserves in the area. Can you suggest any? Thank you Zafeira

Wednesday 20th of March 2024

@Jurga, Thank you, indeed i have checked some and either have 2 persons rooms or do not accept children below 6 years old - i will have a look to the ones you suggested as well and hopefully i will find something.

Once again thank you for the information.

Hi Zafeira, take a look at Okonjima Plains Camp or Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp. On a more affordable side, check out Ondudu Safari Lodge or Omurenga. On a lower budget, Omaruru Game Lodge looks great too. I'm just not sure how it works with 3 people sharing the room, so see what's possible for your family. I don't get it why so many lodges only have rooms for 2 people :(, but we found that most of them were accommodating enough to add an extra bed or mattress for a young child. It gets so much more complicated when your kids get older though... Anyway, hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

Karin Eckhardt

Tuesday 5th of March 2024

Dear Jurga, I am so happy to came across your blog and have been reading it a lot. Very inspiring and love the pictures. I am planning my trip to Namibia in August with my son (will be driving by myself) and am struggling to make some final decisions. Would be great to hear your experience/suggestions. See day 7, 9 and Etosha. I can still change my depart from Windhoek 1 day later.

Day 1 Arrival Windhoek 11.00 / 1 night Day 2 >Sesriem / 1 night Day 3 > Solitaire / 1 night Day 4,5,6 > Swakopmund / 3 night Day 7 > Brandberg White lady lodge / 1 night However after booking I read about Spitzkoppe(which I don't want to visit as 1/2 day tour from Swakopmund as other activities planned) + San Living Museum Erongo/Omandumba. Wondering if it's realistic to visit both on our way to Brandberg? We wouldn't go hiking at Spitzkoppe, but do like to do a tour at San Museum. What do you think? If it's too much, I will try to move our whole schedule/bookings(challenging), and stay overnight around Spitzkoppe if it's worth it. But in case if I have to choose what do you think is nicer Brandberg or Spitzkoppe? Alternatively we could also stay 2 nights at Twyfelfontein country lodge. Day 8> Twyfelfontein country lodge Day 9, 10, 11 > Opuwo/ 3 nights Trying to visit Himba for the first time. Wondering if 3 nights is too much? Day 12 > Ondangwa Ongula homestead / 1 night Day 13> Namutoni NWR - 4 nights Etosho wondering if we should do 3 nights? if so which location should we skip? Or would you recommend to do 4 nights and rather stay 2 night at Okaukeujo and skip Namutoni NWR? Day 14 Namutoni Mushara lodge Day 15 Halali NWR Day 16 Okaukeujo Day 17 eod flighty to J'burg Hope to hear your thoughts, thank you Karin

Thursday 7th of March 2024

@Karin Eckhardt, Thanks again! Already postponed my flight to make it all happen. Reached out to Erindi, unfortunately they are closed due to big renovations. But will find an alternative. Enjoy all your future travels.

Wednesday 6th of March 2024

@Jurga, Thanks for your quick answer, really appreciated! Will take your advice on Etosha and Erindi. If we have to choose between Brandberg or Spitzkoppe, which one should we skip? Thanks

Hi Karin, first, I really have no time to look into your itinerary in detail or how it fits together, so just a few thoughts as you asked. Day 7, if you drive from Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe and San Living Museum to Brandberg, it's at least 6 hours of pure driving time. Plus, you'll need time to visit both places, even if just for half an hour or an hour. So it's a full day. Theoretically, it could work, but I would start very very early to make sure you don't have to drive in the dark. If all goes well, it's doable, but if you get any kind of delays, you won't have much daylight time to spare. Also, since you are the only driver, only you can feel what you are comfortable with. Days 9-11, two nights/one day could probably be sufficient depending on what you can actually do there. Etosha - If you can stay at Okaukuejo even for a night or two, it's well worth it. The rest depends on how much animal viewing you want to do. Some people see hundreds of zebras at one waterhole and are happy and others go on two safari rides for several days in a row and still don't have enough. So it's really up to you how much time you want to spend there. As for the lodges, it's good to have a mix of some simpler and nicer ones in between - some of our best memories from Namibia are from the nicest lodges we stayed at. Mushara is way nicer than Okaukuejo, but location wise, Okaukuejo would be my top choice over anything else in the area. Last day - I would stay somewhat closer to the airport and not do it from Etosha in one go. It's a long drive. We loved our stay at Erindi which is about halfway between the two. It was by far our favorite lodge in Namibia. Hope this helps. Good luck with the planning!

Sunday 14th of January 2024

Hi Jurga, Great article, I’m taking some inspo here! Would you recommend driving to Mariental area and spend the first night there? I and my boyfriend are planning a trip in late March to South Namibia. Our flight would arrive at 1:20pm and I was wondering if we have enough time to pick up the car and drive a couple of hours to get there. Thank you, Laura

Monday 22nd of January 2024

@Jurga, thanks for your feedback! After some evaluation I think we’ll definitely spend the first night close to the airport and begin our road trip the day after. Thanks again! Laura

Tuesday 16th of January 2024

Hi Laura, taking into account that your flight arrives in the afternoon and that the drive to Mariental is over 3 hours, I think I'd stay much closer to the airport on the first night. You have to foresee extra time to get out of the airport (luggage, rental car, etc.), not even to mention possible flight delays. I just checked and see that the sunset time at the end of March is around 7 pm, so ideally, you get wherever you have to be no later than that. While theoretically, it could work, I personally would opt to stay closer and not have to stress about having to drive in the dark. Better start earlier the next morning. Have a great trip and stay safe!

Charles Pringle

Monday 6th of November 2023

Great article, thank you, very useful how old is your youngest and how did her/she enjoy the trip. Our little girl will be nearly 2 and a half - is this too young? My feeling is it is given especially significant amount of driving - thoughts?

Friday 10th of November 2023

Hi Charles, our twins were 3.5 when we made this trip, and the oldest was 5.5. They don't remember much of it anymore, but they sure had fun during the trip. Having a 2-year old will not make things easier for you, definitely on longer rides, but if you know what to expect and prepare for long hours in a car, it might even be easier with a younger kid since they (hopefully) can sleep a bit in between the places/activities. Another issue is that often, you won't be able to do (m)any organized safari rides with a young child (usually at least up to 5-6 years, in some cases even 8). I can't really help you decide whether it's a right trip for your family. We are glad that we did it when we did it, but I'm sure it would be a totally different experience with older kids. Good luck!

Saturday 16th of September 2023

How old were your kids when you visited Twyfelfontain? I'm contacting a few lodges and they said that the walking tour to the paintings are not available for children under 5. Do you have recommendations for a tour guide that can take smaller children? Thanks!

Sunday 17th of September 2023

Hi Kevin, all our kids were under 5 at that time and it wasn't a problem. We didn't book any tours through the lodges, just drove there and asked for a private guided tour and that was it. They had guides available and we could start immediately. I'm not sure if something has changed in the meantime, but I'd just go there and figure it out on the spot.

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Ultimate namibia road trip: self-drive itinerary and top places to see.

So, you’re planning a trip to Namibia? Yay! I think Namibia is one of the most underrated travel destinations (if not the most…) I have ever visited. I went to Namibia as part of a two-month overland camping trip with G Adventures. If I’m honest, Namibia was probably the country I researched the least, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Turns out, Namibia is now one of my all-time favourite countries. In this post, I share some of the must-visit spots to visit on any road trip through Namibia to add to your self-drive itinerary.

Deserts, giant sand dunes, safaris, and adrenaline-filled activities… Namibia is one of the most adventurous and beautiful countries in Africa. Planning a trip there can be a little bit of a headache though, but don’t let that put you off. Despite its lack of modern infrastructure, Namibia is relatively easy to get around if you hire a vehicle or join a group tour. It really is somewhere you need to plan though to get the most out of it. This certainly isn’t a case of let’s hire a van and see where it takes us. It’s a good idea to have an itinerary in place with accommodation and activities booked, especially when it comes to popular spots like Etosha National Park and Dune 45.

Below, you can find the must-visit spots for any road trip through Namibia. All these spots are epic places to add to your self-drive itinerary. If you’re not keen on driving, see below for how to see Namibia as part of a group tour.

Table of Contents

How to travel around Namibia

Travelling around many countries in Africa can be a challenge and Namibia is no exception. Many of the roads are unpaved/unsealed and there is a noticeable lack of infrastructure and services. Despite this, if you’re keen to do a road trip through an African country, Namibia is a great option. Self-drives and campervan hires are becoming more and more popular.

Road trip/self-drive 

Opting to hire a car or campervan and road trip around Namibia is growing in popularity and it means you have complete control of your itinerary. If you stick to the main route, you’ll find plenty of campsites along the way to aid with your journey. I did my road trip through Namibia as part of a group tour, but the guys over at Anywhere We Roam have an epic guide to self-driving in Namibia . 

Group Tours

If you’re worried about driving yourself around, the other option is to join a group tour (this is what I did). There are a few companies that operate in Namibia. I’d personally recommend looking at G Adventures as they offer several tours in Namibia which range from camping to hotels. You could also consider their huge 55-day camping trip through Africa . This is what I did, and it was one of the best things I ever did.

Is Namibia safe?

This is a really hard question to answer. I was on an organised group tour so feel my view of this may have been sheltered. Even so, I never felt unsafe in Namibia. Everyone we met was incredibly welcoming. As with many less-travelled countries, the best thing to do is to stick to the major tourist spots which I’ve listed below. 

When’s the best time to visit Namibia?

You can visit Namibia all year round. The dry season is between June and October and is considered the best time to visit, especially if camping or going on safari. 

But it is a great year-round destination. 

The Best Places to Visit in Namibia

Fish river canyon.

Fish River Canyon was one of the first stops on my road trip in Namibia. I don’t think any words can truly describe this place. This gigantic canyon is the largest in Africa, and the second largest in the world (behind only the USA’s Grand Canyon). The canyon is believed to have been formed hundreds of millions ago and is beyond impressive.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have also visited the Grand Canyon and while I hesitate to compare natural wonders such as these, I have to say Fish River Canyon was truly breathtaking. We did a walk along the edge of the canyon just before the sunset. We then reached a viewing area where we shared some drinks as the sun set over the canyon. It was truly stunning and is an itinerary must on any road trip or self-drive through Namibia.

There is also the option of doing longer day hikes here. You’ll need to speak to a local guide about doing this as it can be very dangerous in the heat.

Swakopmund is a coastal town on the Atlantic coast of Namibia and is arguably the adventure capital of the country. I spent two days here and it didn’t feel like nearly enough time to truly tick off every activity. From skydiving, to quad biking, and dolphin cruises, there is an array of activities to choose from here.

If you’re looking for a base to do day trips from to minimise driving, Swakopmund could be a great option.

Here are just a few of the many things you can do in Swakopmund :

• Skydive over the Namibian desert: opting to skydive in Namibia gives you the unique opportunity to see this giant desert from above as you soar through the sky.
• Go sandboarding: Swakopmund is surrounded by desert which means there are plenty of fun activities right in the desert. I went sandboarding for the day and had so much fun. I couldn’t believe the height of some of the dunes we went down. Just be warned – it involves A LOT of walking uphill … in the sand…
• See the flamingos: Namibia is a hotspot for wildlife and a short drive from Swakopmund will take you to Walvis Bay where you can see hundreds, if not thousands, of flamingoes. November to April is the best time to see them.
• Go dolphin and whale watching: Swakopmund is right on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and is a prime spot for dolphins and whales. Southern Right Whales and Humpbacks are known to frequent the area from June to October. There are several boat operators which offer tours.
• Quad biking: join a quad biking tour and explore the desert while riding up and down the dunes. I didn’t do this but someone in my group did and loved it.

There are also many day trips and overnight trips which take you out into the desert including to see the likes of the famous Dune 45.

Sandboarding in Swakopmund

Flamingoes in Walvis Bay

The last thing I ever want to do with my blog is oversell somewhere. So I don’t say this lightly… spending a day and night in Spitzkoppe is in my top 5 travel experiences of all time. I had zero idea of what to expect from Spitzkoppe. Our guide had told us it was great for hiking and we’d spend the night ‘bush camping’. As we pulled up at our campsite, I instantly fell in love with the area.

Spitzkoppe is a remote region of Namibia and consists of isolated granite peaks which create some breathtaking scenery. The area also offers some brilliant hiking and climbing. There area is also full of history and local guides can show you some of the world’s oldest cave paintings.

There are a variety of hikes you can do in the area – however many of the trails aren’t well-marked or easy to follow so it can be a bit of a challenge. Our guide told us we can either hire a hiking guide or just see how far we get. Seeing as it was late in the day, we opted to give one of the summits a go. It’s fair to say the hike quickly became borderline bouldering and without the right equipment, we turned around.

The area is also known for its stargazing. I’ve stargazed at dark sky reserves all around and nothing compares to the stargazing I experienced here. I’d suggest walking down to the Spitzkoppe Arch for some of the best views.

Stargazing in Spitzkoppe

Sunset in Spitzkoppe

Sossusvlei is one of Namibia’s most spectacular areas. It’s in the heart of the Namibian desert, the oldest desert on earth, and is home to some of Namibia’s most famous sights.

One of these spots is Dune 45 – a giant sand dune in the desert – which is a must-visit on any trip to Namibia. Dune 45 gets its name from being exactly 45km from the entrance to the National Park. You can climb up to the top of the dune for amazing views of the area. I’d highly recommend going as early in the day as possible to avoid the worst of the heat. Climbing the dune will require some effort as the towering dune reaches over 500ft.

Nearby to Dune 45 is Deadvlei, a clay pan near the sand dunes which is full of dead trees and offers otherworldly views. I’d highly recommend adding this to your trip in the desert.

If you’re visiting the area by yourself and not keen on joining a tour, here is a guide on how to plan your visit . 

Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park was the first time I ever had been on a true safari before. And one word… wow.

If you’re in Namibia and want to experience a true African-style safari, then Etosha is the answer. I spent two nights camping in the park and our campsite was right beside a water hole, meaning we could spend our evenings watching animals including rhinos and giraffes help themselves to water. During the day, we hopped onto a safari vehicle and were lucky enough to see an endless amount of animals including, white rhinos, lions, giraffes, elephants, and zebras.

The great thing about Etosha is that you can self-drive, so if you have your own car, you can use this to explore the park. I’d personally suggest hiring a guide and jumping in a safari vehicle. Your guide will know all the spots to find the animals and be able to give you information on what you’re seeing. Driving around Etosha is no easy task in a regular vehicle, and the last thing you want to happen is to run into trouble. If you have a flat tire and there are animals nearby… good luck.

If you’re keen to drive yourself, here’s a self-drive guide to Etosha . 

Etosha Safari

Tropic of Capricorn

This is a brief stop, but Namibia is home to the Tropic of Capricorn. You’ll find a stop on the road between Sossusvlei and Walvis Bay where you can pull over for a photo. It’s a quick stop, but fun nonetheless. For those who don’t know, the Tropic of Capricorn is the southernmost point where the sun can be seen directly overhead. This happens during the December solstice.

Skeleton Coast

The Skeleton Coast runs along the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the most unique places to visit in Namibia. The name came from the thousands of shipwrecks and whale skeletons which litter its beaches. The area is over 500km long and on your drive, you’ll encounter shipwrecks, seal colonies, and otherworldly scenery. Completing the desolate drive is a hefty feat considering its remoteness, but is one of the top things to do in Namibia.

Sesriem Canyon

The Sesriem Canyon is on the drive between Windhoek and Sossusvlei. It’s a narrow 100-foot-deep gorge that was believed to have been carved out around 2 million years ago. You can walk along the ridge of the canyon and hike down into it too. You won’t need long here, but it’s worth a stop if you have the time.

Roads to Spitzkoppe

Waterberg Plateau National Park

Waterberg Plateau is a giant mountain in the center of Namibia. We camped here for one night and I thoroughly enjoyed the area. ‘Waterberg’ means water mountain and it gets its name from the many springs which come from the mountain.

The area is known to have some of the best hiking in all of Namibia. We hiked the ‘Aloe Circle, Fig Tree Walk, and Mission Way’ hike which takes around two hours. The hike takes you up to the top of the mountain for awesome views of the surrounding scenery. You can also hire guides to take you further afield.

This area often gets missed on road trip itineraries, especially when self-driving. If you’re into hiking, it’s well worth a stop. Just beware of those pesky baboons. They are rife here and enjoy causing havoc.

Waterberg Plateau

Kolmanskop (ghost town)

The wild west of the USA may be known for its ghost towns, but none come close to Kolmanskop. It was once one of the richest towns in Africa but became abandoned in the 1950s when its inhabitants flocked elsewhere to find work. Some of the houses are open to visitors. It’s an eerie experience but cool nonetheless.

Windhoek is the capital of Namibia. Many use this as a stopover before starting/ending/continuing their journeys. If I’m being completely honest, this wasn’t my favourite place in Namibia. It’s very much a typical city and there isn’t a lot of things to do. I’d suggest staying only for a night or two to allow you to learn more about the country and the capital. Here are some of the best things to do in Windhoek.

Your Namibia Itinerary (self-drive)

Unless you’re doing a group tour, you’ll get to plan your Namibian itinerary exactly how you want it to be. Where you start and end the trip will have a big impact on your chosen route. Many people will travel across the South African or the Botswana borders which will have a big impact on the route.

If you’re starting and ending your trip to Windhoek, here is my suggested itinerary for your road trip through Namibia. It’s a circular loop and can either be done in reverse, or tweaked to be in a different order.

Stop one: Windhoek

How long to spend in Windhoek: one night

Land in the capital city and pick up your rental vehicle. There isn’t much to do in Windhoek, so don’t plan to spend a long time here.

Stop two: Fish River Canyon

How long to spend in Fish River Canyon: at least one night (or longer if you’d like to hike here)

Fish River Canyon is a LOOOONG drive (about 7 hours from Windhoek). If you don’t want to cover this distance in a day, look at spending the night in the Hardap region. They have the Quiver Tree Forest here. We didn’t get to visit here but I’ve heard great things.

Stop three: Kolmanskop

How long to spend here: you’ll only need a couple of hours in the town itself, plan to stay in the area for one night

This eerie ghost town is a must-visit for any trip to Namibia. It’s located between Fish River Canyon and Sossusvlei. I’d suggest looking for accommodation in the nearby town of Luderitz for the night.

Stop four: Sossusvlei

How long to spend in Sossusvlei: I’d suggest at least 2 nights and one full day

This is your chance to experience one of the world’s oldest deserts. Visit Dune 45 and the nearby Deadvlei. I’d personally suggest booking a tour for this. Driving in the desert can be a nightmare and cars often find themselves getting stuck in the relentless sand. It’s not somewhere you want to mess around.

Stop five: Swakopmund via Walvis Bay

How long to spend in Swakopmund: at least 3 nights depending on what you want to do

Welcome to the Adventure capital of Namibia! This is your chance to skydive, sandboard, quad bike or whale watch. On your way to Swakopmund, be sure to stop at Walvis Bay to see the flamingoes.

Stop six: Skeleton Coast

How long to spend driving the Skeleton Coast: I’d recommend two days to make sure you have enough time

Now it’s time for a real road trip as you make your way up the Skeleton Coast. Be sure to stop at Cape Cross to see the seals.

Stop seven: Spitzkoppe

How long to spend in Spitzkoppe: at least one full day

On to my favourite place in Namibia – Spitzkoppe. This is one of the most stunning places I’ve ever witnessed. You can camp here or look for nearby lodges. Read more in my guide to Spitzkoppe here. 

Stop eight: Etosha National Park

How long to spend in Etosha: plan at least one full day for safari, if not more

It’s safari time! This is your chance to see rhinos, elephants, zebras, and lions to name a few…

From Etosha, you can head back down to Windhoek. 

Etosha Sunset

How long to spend in Namibia

Namibia is MASSIVE. Like… HUGE. You can drive for hours along desert roads and not see any sign of life. You don’t want to spend every single day driving, so I’d recommend a minimum of 14 days so you can get the most out of your road trip.

Like this post about the ultimate road trip in Namibia? Pin for later! 

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How to plan a road trip in Namibia

Unlike most countries in Africa, Namibia is best seen on a self-driving road trip. How to start planning, prepare a route and get everything you need is what this article is about.

After a quick Google search, I was intrigued to see how many articles with itineraries are on the internet about a road trip in Namibia. It seems to be one of the most popular topics in southern Africa and is not surprising at all. Namibia is one of the most interesting and safest countries in the region and some even call it “the perfect introduction to Africa” . However,  while most of these guides are informative and provide a very nice description of the writer’s experience, they lacked on information about how to start planning a road trip and what are the basic rules to get around.

I traveled to Namibia to work remotely and spent 6 weeks living in its capital and largest city Windhoek. From there, I did several road trips to different parts of Namibia and explored its natural and cultural diversity.  

From coastlines and vast deserts in the western side to grasslands and savanna full of wildlife in the central and northern part of Namibia, this is a place where every day can be a new adventure.

At the same time, with extremely long distances to cover and lack of facilities in certain parts of the country, a road trip in Namibia should be organized carefully and taking every aspect into consideration. These are the do’s and don’ts when planning a road trip in Namibia.

Read more: How To Plan A Safari Trip On A Budget

Planning and starting your trip

Having the largest amount of international flight connections and greatest urban life in the country, Windhoek is the gateway to Namibia for most travelers and the best spot to start planning a road trip.  This is the most convenient place to arrive and get everything you need without doing much effort. Rent your vehicle, plan a route, get groceries and enjoy a last glimpse of city life before embarking into the wilderness.

Urban Camp in Eros district is a great place to get some inspiration and tips for your upcoming trip. This camping area in the heart of Windhoek is a common hotspot for travelers crossing southern Africa by land and one or another crazy traveler bringing his/her car from Europe.

Connectivity is key when planning a road trip – especially in Africa. Get a prepaid SIM card at one of the many MTC stores in Windhoek for just 10 NAD (6 EUR) and get credit for just 45 NAD. You can also get a MTC SIM card straight at the airport and ask the staff to help you add credit. Even though connectivity comes and goes outside of Windhoek, having internet everywhere can get you easily out of trouble.

INSIDER TIP: Prepaid internet plans in Namibia expire every 7 days. If you are planning to do a road trip for a longer period, you can either download the MTC app or get two codes with credit before your departure. Outside big cities, Namibia is quite desolated and it won’t be easy to find a place to get internet credit.

Large supermarkets can get also quite limited once you exit Windhoek. Try to get food and water supplies ahead (5 liters per day per person) . If you are considering in going camping, don’t worry about the cooking. All camping spots have excellent cooking facilities, so preparing a proper meal shouldn’t be an issue.

Additionally, just like in most parts of Africa, the use of credit cards and ATMs outside Windhoek is almost inexistent. The chances of finding a ATM outside a big city are almost zero and cash is considered king. In order to easily get around and avoid any trouble with payments, carry most of your budget in cash.

INSIDER TIP: Namibians use either Namibian Dollar (NAD) and South African Rand (ZAR). Both have the same value and are accepted everywhere. If you are worried to get stuck with some Namibian Dollar at the end of your stay, simply go to a bank and exchange your NAD in ZAR. South African Rand are way more spread in southern Africa and if you are planning to keep traveling around the region, carrying already some rand can be quite useful.  

Renting a car in Namibia

Namibia is a 4×4 land and renting a small vehicle in order to save some money is a big mistake. Even though the main highways are in excellent condition, all natural hotspots around the country are only accessible through dirt- and off- roads.

Of course, renting a larger vehicle means having a higher cost. However, with most 4×4 rentals including excellent camping equipment and rooftop tents, road tripping and camping is the preferred choice for most travelers in Namibia. Additionally, with camping spots starting at 5 EUR, getting a 4×4 with tents and doing a multiple day camping road trip is by far the cheapest and most convenient choice to easily move around and explore Namibia independently.

Read more: How To Plan A Self-Driving Trip In Etosha National Park

NOTE: Learn properly from your car rental company how to change a flat tire or deal with basic vehicle issues. These are problems that happen extremely regularly. The best way to not get stuck somewhere in the middle of nowhere is by learning how to fix it.

Large companies like Hertz and Avis have offices in Namibia. However, to get the best price and value for your trip, get in contact with local 4×4 rentals. They might not offer the newest vehicles in the market, but they offer better conditions, pricing and by booking with them, you are supporting the local economy.

Some of the most reliable local companies for renting a 4×4 are:

• ORYX Off-Road Car Rental (I used this company twice for a long weekend trips)  
• Africa on Wheels (I rented their vehicles once for a 6 day getaway from Windhoek)  
• Namibia 4×4 Hire
• Okavango Car Hire

NOTE: The price for a 4X4 rental depends mostly on the season. However, the average price per day should be anything between 80-100 EUR. Most 4×4 camping vehicles are also equipped with pans, pots and everything you need for cooking a feast – cars companies also provide salt, pepper, oil and even an additional tank with water for cooking.

Read more: The ultimate packing list for a camping trip in Namibia

Planning a route

With an area twice as big as Germany, 12 completely unique national parks, dozens of private conservancies and several protected areas for game activities, doing a road trip in Namibia and expecting to see it all would require a lifetime. No matter if you go south, north, east or west from Windhoek, there is always something to see and explore.

While most road trip suggestions in Namibia take anything between 7 – 15 days, before you set up the places you want to see, take into consideration how much time you want to spend in a vehicle.

Distances are very long in Namibia and driving from A to B can take half a day or more. The more you pack on a road trip, the more tight your itinerary will be and the more stressful your trip will become.

Places like Etosha offer excellent safari experiences that would ideally require 3-4 nights to fully explore (6 hours from Windhoek), while a trip to the sand dunes of Sossusvlei is more a 1-2 day activity at maximum (8 hours from Windhoek).

INSIDER TIP: While self-driving is allowed in Etosha, local drivers with proper safari vehicles offer full day game drives at the entrance of the park for 25-35 EUR per person (for a group of 4 people). This can be a good option to have a relaxing day without being behind the wheel. Self-driving inside Etosha not only means driving for hours and hours in circles, but also not learning about animal behavior or understanding what makes Etosha so different than anywhere in Namibia.

Read more: Which are the most unique places in Namibia

These are in my opinion the best steps when planning a road trip route in Namibia

• Choose the places you want to visit.
• Find out which activities you can do there and how long you want to spend in each place.
• Check on Google Maps the distances between all these places and create a travel route.
• Select the order of your destinations while trying to avoid passing for the same area twice.
• Plan with 1 or 2 additional hours extra for each long drive you have to do.

Read more: Which are the best safari experiences in Africa

Keep in mind while being on the road

With a subtropical desert climate, Namibia is known for its great differences in day and nighttime temperatures. Hot days can turn into freezing nights in just hours and climate drastically change from one region to the next.

Keep also in mind that Namibia experiences winter and summer at opposite times as Europe. Temperatures in Summer (November – December) can go up to 35 degrees in the day, while temperatures in Winter (June – July) can drop below zero in some desertic areas at night.

Additionally, with one of the least dense populations in the world, Namibia can feel extremely solitaire. You can drive through the Skeleton Coast National Park and cover 500 km without seeing any other single vehicle. With this information in mind, remember to tank your vehicle every time you can. You never know when is the next gas station and even though most (if not all) 4×4 rental cars have a double gas compartment that can cover up to 1000 km, it is better to be extra cautious and avoid discomfort. A very basic rule for a road trip in Namibia: Any time you see a gas station, fill up.

Read more: Self-driving in Serengeti National Park – Is it really worth?

Self-drive or an organized tour?

Namibia is probably the best country in Africa for self-driving. Prices for rental vehicles are cheaper in comparison to other countries in the region, maps and signs are constantly updated, safety is not a concern at all and there is a huge culture for road-tripping among locals and visitors.

A self-driving trip in Namibia does not only mean more comfort, but also better value, more experiences and more independence.

If cooking and camping is not your cup of tea, don’t worry. A road trip in Namibia does not necessarily mean a camping trip in Namibia. Lodges at all price categories are available in almost every tourist hotspot offering the warm bed you might need after a full day of driving – just remember that you might have to book in advanced.

Read more: Visiting the Okavango Delta in Botswana

Read more: Why Wildlife Sanctuaries In Africa Are So Important?

Planning a trip to Namibia independently is fun. However, if you want to arrange everything with tour operators beforehand from the comfort of your home. SafariBookings is the best platform for it.

They have the largest database of tour operators in Africa and you can simply send a request and negotiate a tour and a price directly with the operator. You don’t have to pay any additional fees.

These are some of the most popular tours in Namibia at SafariBookings

Read more: What are the best things to do in Windhoek

How do I find cheap flights to Namibia?

Finding a cheap flight anywhere around the world is not always easy. It’s about comparing platforms, selecting the right routes and booking at the right time. Fortunately, platforms like Skyscanner became known as an all-in-one tool for booking flights at the lowest cost possible.

They analyse every potential company and sub-contractor in order to find the lowest price available for you. Not only that, but you can also select the option “Travel Anywhere” and let Skyscanner find the cheapest place to travel at any selected date.

I check all my flights first at Skyscanner , and in 90% of the cases, I find the best option for me to book.

Also, by booking here using Skyscanner , you will support my blog and help me create more amazing and useful content.

MY FAVORITE NATIONAL PARKS

Saxon switzerland national park, masai mara natural reserve, bwindi impenetrable forest, white desert protected area, victoria falls national park.

Guide to Choosing the Perfect Car for a Namibian Road-Trip

By Author Ella McKendrick

Posted on Last updated: 13 June 2023

After booking my flights to Namibia ( a horrible, stressful experience which you can read about here ), it’s now time to consider what car to rent for  my 2-week road-trip  round this fantastic African country. If you are road-tripping around any country, your vehicle is arguably more important than your accommodation as it will be taking you on your journey round the country. If there is a part of your trip that you need to spend more money on, this is it. Just imagine if it broke down on you. You’d be in trouble, especially in such a sparsely-populated country such as Namibia. Therefore it’s worth spending more to have something more reliable. Not only might you consider spending a little more, there’s a hell of a lot to look into and consider. Some of it, you may never even have contemplated before! So, let’s delve into all the important aspects of renting a car for your road-trip round Namibia.

UPDATE:  Think of this blog post as part 1 to my guide to choosing the perfect car. These tips are all great but boy I have I learnt even more! Part 2 can be found here:  A Tough Lesson: Why You Should Always Book in Advance .

Avoid Mainstream International Rental Companies

I would not touch these companies with a barge-pole and if you look at reviews of these companies, you will see why. Here are some examples of companies to avoid: Europcar, Avis, Hertz. They offer extremely poor customer service and customer service is essential if you have a problem. What happens if your car breaks down? Or what if you change your mind on what car you want? Furthermore, there are often many hidden costs within these companies: expensive booking fees, admin fees, petrol – they really add anything to the costs really. So even if an initial quote may seem cheap, look at the terms and conditions to see just what’s included and you’ll often find it isn’t as reasonably priced as you thought.

Admittedly, I’ve never used these companies in Namibia but I’ve had experiences in other countries so I can’t imagine they’d be miles better here.

Choose local instead. There are so many local car rental companies in Namibia that it would be crazy not to choose them. Some offer really decent prices too. Customer service is a lot better as the companies are small. Their websites are actually really good too and tell you exactly what you’re getting with your rental.

Decide whether you’d like a tent included in your rental

Now that we’ve ruled out those international companies, the next thing to consider is whether or not you’d like a tent included in your rental. Initially I was going to fly my own tent across the world and use that but I’ve actually changed my mind and decided to get a tent included in my rental. I’m sure you’re interested in why as this will undoubtably cost extra on top of my rental so let’s go into the benefits of having a tent included in your rental.

1. They’re so easy to put up

This really was my number 1 reason for opting to have a tent included. The tent lies flat on the roof of your pick-up truck. When you want to use it you just pop it up. I know – it’s that simple. My road-trip around Namibia involves me staying in 11 campsites so that’s a lot of setting up and down my tent. It would be a nightmare if I had to peg it up, blow it up, move all my gear inside for 1 night then blow it down, peg it down and roll it up.

Having the tent literally popping up on the roof of the car means I’m not spending the full duration of the trip fiddling about with my ground tent and there’s nothing to gain from staying in a campsite for many nights. I may as well explore a new area everyday as every time I go out on a drive, the tent must come down.

2. You don’t have to lug a tent across the world and potentially lose it on the way

A tent will take up an entire set of hold luggage which is valuable space. Not only that, can you even being to imagine what you’d do if your luggage got lost? You’d stand scratching your head in the airport and think,  well, that’s my accommodation gone . It would ruin your trip. You’d then have to spend a fortune on a lodge or 2 while you waited for your tent to arrive and who knows how long that will take? I’ve lost luggage for up to 4 days before.

3. They don’t cost that much extra

I don’t even just mean the tent. You get everything you could possibly need for camping included. You get: a gas bottle, a gas stove, sleeping bags, camping chairs, camping tables, cutlery. I could go on.

On Camping Cars a  regular 4×4  costs N$ 985.00 per day (£55). In comparison, a  4×4 with a tent and other camping equipment  costs N$ 1.130.00 (£63). That’s a difference of £8 per day which isn’t huge.

4X4 is a Must

I touched upon this briefly in my guide on planning your Namibian road-trip. Namibia consists of dirt-tracks as roads that are dotted wth gravel and pebbles. A 4×4 will be able to tackle this terrain a lot better than a 2 wheel drive. Parts of the roads are apparently just like driving through a beach. Think how a regular car would tackle that. The suspension in a 4×4 also makes it a lot more pleasurable for any passengers and will help avoid a bad back!

CONSIDER THE RELIABILITY OF THE CAR

If you’re going on a road-trip, you want to minimise the amount of issues that you encounter whilst on the road. A break-down is not inevitable. Camping Cars shows photographs of what look like some old Nissan 4x4s. Their prices are certainly the most reasonable that I’ve seen but one can’t ignore that the fleet is older and therefore may be more unreliable.

Other websites don’t show photos. You can’t assume that because the little image is of a new vehicle that the car definitely will be as it could just be a stock image. Instead, look in the description for the age of the vehicle. Some websites say “2016-2017 models” which is encouraging. If there is no mention of age, send the company an email.

THINK ABOUT EXTRAS

When renting a car you have to consider every possible thing that could possibly go wrong. How often will I have to fill up with petrol? What happens if I have a flat tyre? What happens if I leave the lights on and the electricity runs out? Therefore you will want to make sure that your car comes with as much as possible to avoid disaster. Here are some to look out for:

1. Large Fuel Tank

Fuel tanks of Namibian rental cars tend to come in 2 sizes: 85 litres and 160 litres. What this refers to is the amount of fuel the car can carry at one time. If you go for the larger fuel tank, you will not need to fill up with petrol as often. This is an important consideration as towns in Namibia are very far apart and sometimes you won’t know when you’ll next encounter a fuel station.

The size different between the two fuel tanks is great. The 160 litre tank is almost double the 85 litre tank so you will run out of petrol around twice as often with the smaller tank.

2. 2 Spare Wheels

A spare wheel comes as standard with any Namibian rental car. However, most offer a second spare wheel. Because there are so many cars that offer 2 spare wheels, it’s definitely recommended that you find one that offers this. If you look at images of Namibian roads, you will see why! A flat tyre is a very common occurrence.

3. Double-Battery System

If, like me, you’re incredibly clumsy and could easily leave your car’s lights on and thus drain the battery, it’s very handy to have a double-battery system in place. Many Namibian rental cars come with this handy feature. That way, if you do unwittingly allow the battery to drain, you have a second battery in place so your car doesn’t die.

4. Satellite Phone

This isn’t a necessity but I opted to have a satellite phone with my rental. It’s handy because if you do have trouble with the car, you can call the rental company to come and help you. Phone signal is very poor in Namibia, hence the need to communicate via satellite. This will cost me about £6 extra per day but at least I know I’m in safe hands with this.

Check the Terms and Conditions especially for age limits

I mainly do this to check what the age restrictions are on the vehicles. I am 22 years old so I need to find a car I can actually drive. It’s a good thing I checked because age limits vary from company to company. Some vehicles have a minimum age limit of 30!

My Recommendation

After lots and lots of research on the topic, I decided to book through  Asco Car Hire . The reason for this that they had good reviews and good cars. I couldn’t find a single thing bad about the company and they offer the most diverse fleet of cars that I have seen. All cars are no more than 3 years old and many come with the large fuel tank. They also offer camping extras.

The specific car I decided to rent was the Toyota Hilux 4×4 Single Cab with camping gear. This will cost me around £100 per day. I have also decided to add a satellite phone for an extra £6 per day.

UPDATE:  I didn’t go with Asco car in the end. Read my next blog post to find out why. Part 2 can be found here:  A Tough Lesson: Why You Should Always Book in Advance .

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The perfect Namibia itinerary for a self-drive road trip

Written by Maartje

Spotting lions on a safari, climbing huge sand dunes, experiencing the rugged coast or making beautiful hikes? Namibia has it all. But it can be difficult to put together the perfect itinerary for experiencing all this on your trip in a limited amount of time. Because Namibia is big. Very big. The country covers more than 825,000 km2. The highlights of the country are not easily located in the same area, but in the far north and south of the country. We will give you all the tips you need to combine all highlights and off the beaten track destinations in the ultimate Namibia itinerary for your self-drive safari road trip in Africa’s most diverse country!

How much travel time for Namibia?

Namibia is not just very big, the highlights of the country are spread throughout the country. You will therefore have to make a choice between the big highlights or be willing to spend a lot of kilometers on the road. We chose the second and drove over 5000 km in three weeks time. Wow, that’s really a lot. We did not feel like we were driving a lot though and driving around Namibia is a highlight itself, the scenery is so beautiful! We were therefore quite surprised to find out about this high number of kilometers at the end of our trip.

But because of these distances we advise you to spend at least two weeks in Namibia. Or three like us, if you want to be able to take it slow and see some off the beaten track destinations. Do you have less than two weeks? Then make a choice between the south or north and don’t try to squeeze in the whole country in your trip.

Getting around Namibia: road tripping with a 4×4

The best way to travel through Namibia is with a rental car or on an organized group tour. There is only little public transport in Namibia. It can only be found between some of the larger cities, but as you are probably visiting Namibia to enjoy the nature, these cities are not exactly the places you’ll want to visit. Thus, Namibia is not a country easily explored by public transport. We advise you to arrange for your own transport – read our blog about driving in Namibia and tips for choosing the right car (online soon!) – or to join an organized group troup. Because we prefer to travel by ourselves and thought it would be a cool adventure to cross the country without a guide, we rented a car and we travelled with just the two of us. For those who find it a bit too exciting to travel alone, we especially recommend reading our blog about driving through Namibia (online soon!). We were amazed by the great roads and the ease of exploring the country by car!

The best travel time to visit Namibia

All travel guides will recommend the Namibian winter as the perfect time to come here, so from April / May to October / November. The temperatures are pleasant, but not too hot, and you skip the rainy season. Because of this the weather is comfortable, but moreover: the animals will more active as well and it is much easier to spot game in the parks. Without the rain the animals will gather at the water holes, which makes your safari a lot easier!

However, we would advise you to consider travelling to Namibia in the low season, as we did ourselves. Though it was supposed to be the rainy season, we only experienced a few drops in Windhoek at the end of our trip. Moreover, it wasn’t hard at all to spot wildlife in Etosha, where the animals gathered around the water holes anyways. Summer is actually the time a lot of new animals are born in the park, so in January we were lucky to see lion cubs, baby elephants and small gazelles, giraffes and zebras. The biggest advantage of the low season is in our opinion the lack of crowds. We only saw a few other cars while driving through Etosha, we didn’t have to book the campsites in advance, the campsites were almost empty and we were able to experience the vast country in peace. As usual in all countries, the low season is much cheaper as well. The prices for rental cars and stays were much, much cheaper. For some lodges even a 60% discount applied!

Are there any downsides? The heat! The afternoons can be very hot. Around the coast the climate is pretty much the same all year round, but in the inland you wil be melting in the afternoon because of the heat. The best way to handle that, is to find a place to stay with a swimming pool. Getting up at 6.00am at sunrise and doing morning activities was not a problem for us, but it can put you off. Also, beware that some hiking trails – including the famous five-day hike through the Fish River Canyon – are been closed due to the summer heat.

Where to stay in Namibia: camping or luxury lodges

In your rooftop tent! At least, we enjoyed that so much ourselves that we would highly recommend you to do the same. Our trip through Namibia has become such a special experience because of our tent. The ease of setting up your tent anywhere and the large number of campsites in the country gave us a priceless sense of freedom. Most other campers had a rooftop tent as well, though we have also seen a few regular tents. Is camping too uncomfortable or too adventurous for you? Then you will have the chance to stay at the most beautiful safari lodges, actually often on the same camps as the campsites. To make things easier for you, we have listed our favourite sleeping places in Namibia in this blog !

The perfect Namibia itinerary for 2 to 3 weeks

We will share our perfect itinerary for Namibia for over 3 weeks with you. When thinking back to our stay in Namibia, we cannot think of anything that we have done differently with all our hindsight knowledge. It was really the perfect itinerary!

You can also do our itinerary in 2 weeks , but only if you are willing to spend some long drives in the car and skip some of the stops. Our advice would be to sleep a night less in Etosha, Swakopmund, the Fish River Canyon and Windhoek, to skip Namib-Naukluft and Lüderitz and to choose one or at maximum two stops after the Fish River Canyon.

Do you have less than 2 weeks ? Then we recommend to make a choice between the northern part – with a safari in Etosha – and the south – with the famous Sossusvlei and impressive Fish River Canyon. You can then use the first or second half of our route.

Click on the orange links to read more about the destinations. We’ve written an extensive guides on almost all parks and highlights.

Day 1: Windhoek. Your trip will probably start in Windhoek, unless you enter the country with your own transport after an earlier trip through one of the neighboring countries. There is not much to see in Windhoek itself – check our blog “24 hours in Windhoek” (online soon) – so quickly travel further after one night and perhaps picking up your rental car.

Day 2: Waterberg Plateau Park. Drive from Windhoek to Waterberg and marvel at the beautiful landscape. Do you already dare to leave the safe and asphalted B-road? Then choose the quieter D-roads and have a chance to spot wild boars, monkeys and giraffes along the way. Sleep in the Waterberg National Park or an accommodation nearby.

Day 3: a morning hike to the plateau and Etosha. Do a morning hike to the edge of the Waterberg plateau before driving through spectacular scenery to Etosha, where you can spot your first wildlife.

Day 4 and 5: Etosha . This is one of the country’s most beautiful national parks, so take your time to spot the oryx, black faced impala, lion, rhinoceros and elephant. Do you have two weeks? Then this is a good time to shorten your trip.

Day 6: from Etosha to Damaraland.  It is time to say goodbye to Etosha. Have one last morning drive through the park and then travel to Damaraland. We slept in the village of Khorixas, in the middle of Damaraland.

Day 7: Damaraland. Marvel at the special welwitschia plants, see ancient rock carvings and visit other natural phenomena in the wide Damaraland, while driving towards the Skeleton Coast. We advise you to stay a night at the Torra Bay campsite (only open in December and January) or to book a lodge in Terrace Bay to fall asleep with the sound of the sea.

Day 8: Skeleton Coast . Drive from your sleeping spot along the coastline of the Skeleton Coast National Park. Have stops at the shipwrecks and visit Cape Cross to see one of the largest seal colonies in Africa. End your road trip in Swakopmund.

Day 9 and 10: Swakopmund . It’s time for some rest, so take your time in the German town Swakopmund, if you have enough time to take it slow. Be amazed by the German architecture and sausages, while enjoying some of the adventure activities in the sand dunes with sea view. Sandboarding? Quad biking through meters high dunes? Making a pleasure flight? Maybe even skydiving ?

Day 11: Namib-Naukluft park. Drive through the beautiful Namib park, where you can spot a lot of fauna, but also special Namibian flora. You can visit the largest Welwitschia plant of more than 1500 years old here. Spend the night in the Namib park on one of the camp sites along the roads or drive to the Naukluft mountains to sleep there.

Day 12: hike in the Naukluft-mountains and Sossusvlei. Explore the Naukluft mountains on a (morning) hike and continue to one of the highlighst of your trip: the Sossusvlei! Watch the sunset from a sand dune or in one of the vleis.

Day 13: Sossusvlei . Get up super, super early to enter the park as early as possible and enjoy the most beautiful sunrise ever. After, you can explore the other vleis and sand dunes of this impressive national park before you have a beautiful drive at the end of the morning via the C27 and C13. Sleep in Aus or drive straight to Lüderitz on the coast. As the most beautiful campsite in Aus appeared to be full, we chose the latter.

Day 14 and 15: Lüderitz . Are you short on time? Then we can understand that you might want to skip this coastal town, though we enjoyed the cooler temperatures at the coast and the beauty of this area. Our visit to the beautiful peninsula and the ghost town of Kolmanskop were two amazing highlights of our trip. On day 16 you leave Lüdertiz in the afternoon to spend the night in Aus.

Day 16: Aus and Fish River Canyon. Go on a hike through the beautiful area around Aus in the morning before continuing to the Fish River Canyon. Watch a beautiful sunset and sleep in the Hobas camp on the northern edge of the canyon.

Day 17: Fish River Canyon . Visit the canyon and marvel at this enormous natural phenomenon. Then drive to the south of the Fish River Canyon and sleep in Ai-Ais, where the famous five-day hikes through the canyon ends as well.

Day 18: Ai-Ais. Enjoy the hot springs in Ai-Ais and relax with a massage at the spa, before heading to Noordoewer, the southernmost town in Namibia.

Day 20: Noordoewer and Keetmanshoop. The only river in Namibia running all year round is the Orange River that marks the border between South Africa and the Namibian border village of Noordoewer. You can make multi-day or canoe trips on the river, but we chose a morning trip to see the beautiful, green landscape from the water. Then head to Keetmanshoop. Here you can see the orphan cheetahs after visiting the Quiver Tree Forest and the Giant’s Playground.

Day 21: Brukkaros . The next night you’re sleeping on the Brukkaros volcano, a unique experience! If you want to go on a hike over the edge of the volcano and in the crater, we advise you to get here as early as possible or save your hike for the early morning the next day.

Day 22: Kalahari. It is time to drive back to Windhoek, but not before you have spent a night at one of the ranches along the way on the edge of the Kalahari.

Day 23: Windhoek. Time to say goodbye. Did you return your car? Pack you bags? It is time to catch your flight home after one last night in Windhoek.

Related Entries

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Visit the Sossusvlei: sand dunes, acacia trees and camping

12 ways in which Namibia amazed us

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In-Depth Namibia Travel Guide: What’s it Like to Travel in Namibia?

My road trip around Namibia is the best travel experience I’ve ever had.

Hands down.

I can’t even find the words to describe how fantastic my time in the country was. Namibia has everything. It’s easy to explore independently, it’s safe, it’s beautiful, the locals are lovely, the landscapes are diverse, the wildlife is exciting, and there are so. few. tourists.

I’ve got a dozen posts planned about my time in this amazing country, so brace yourself for an onslaught of information! By the end of the month, you’ll have everything you need to book a trip to this kickass country. And hopefully you’ll decide to do exactly that.

This is what it’s like to travel in Namibia.

Where is Namibia?

Let’s start off with a little bit of context. Where even is Namibia?

Namibia is a Southern African country on the west coast of the continent. It’s located above South Africa , below Angola, and to the west of Botswana.

Interestingly, Namibia is where you’ll find the world’s only quadripoint, which is defined as the place where the corners of four different countries meet. Yes, in the far north-eastern reaches of this country, Namibia nestles up against Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. There are over 150 tripoints in the world, but only one quadripoint, making this a very special place on the planet.

Unfortunately, it’s in a part of the country that few tourists choose to visit, at the eastern end of the Caprivi Strip, which is isolated from many of the main tourist activities. Somewhere that’s much easier to visit, however, is the Tropic of Capricorn! Most visitors end up driving past the iconic Tropic of Capricorn sign while driving around Namibia, and fortunately, it’s marked on Google Maps, so you won’t have to worry about missing it.

Namibia is the Perfect Introduction to Africa Travel

If you’re dreaming of travelling in Africa but have no idea where to go first, head to Namibia. It’s one of the safest and least intimidating countries I’ve travelled through.

One of my aims with my recent Africa travels has been to prove you can easily travel around much of the continent independently. So many people opt to jump on overland truck tours in this part of the world, but what I’ve found so far is that it’s really not necessary. And in Namibia you definitely don’t need to join a tour in order to visit.

With the exception of the bad roads, I found it no more difficult or dangerous to travel in than the U.S., Europe, or Australia. And when you’re traveling independently, you’re in control of your schedule and where you stay and what you do.

On top of that, the official language of Namibia is English, which makes independent travel even easier. You can ask questions, you can get directions, you don’t have to mime all the time… it’s all so easy .

Namibia also felt like the safest country in Africa I’ve been to so far. Outside of Windhoek, you really don’t need to worry about much at all. The locals are friendly and welcoming, theft is rare, and your only real concern will be how many flat tyres you’ll end up with on the seemingly-endless gravel roads.

Not only is Namibia safe and easy to travel through, but it also has just as much to offer as other countries in Africa. Head to Etosha National Park and you’ll get to drive alongside elephants, giraffes, lions, black rhinos, and more. You can hit up the Namibian desert for sand dune climbing at sunrise. There are beaches and coastlines full of shipwrecks to explore. The darkest skies in the world are in Namibia, so the Milky Way is always shining brightly above your head at night. Oh, and there’s a ghost town in the middle of the desert. Badass.

In other words: Namibia is the best!

Not Many People Will Know Where You’re Going

I couldn’t believe it: after six years of travel, Namibia was the first country nobody seemed able to locate on a map. In my digital nomad community here in Portugal — so, y’know, people who have travelled full-time for many years — a surprisingly number of people had never even heard of Namibia.

I get it: it’s a country that isn’t often spoken about outside of travel blogging circles, but it was still surprising to be met with blank faces when I spoke about where I was visiting next.

The bonus of this? Hardly anybody decides to visit the country, so there are hardly any tourists around!

It’s Ridiculously Sparsely Populated

Namibia is the second-least-densely populated country in the world, with an average of just five people for every square mile. And it’s easy to see why: desert takes up the bulk of the country and so outside of its short rainy season, it’s a very arid place.

This was one of my favourite aspects of travelling around Namibia, though: you could drive for four hours straight and not see a single human, car, or building over that time. As an introvert with a love of wide, open spaces, I couldn’t get enough of the isolation.

Planning Where to Stay Is… Interesting

Because the country is so sparsely populated, the majority of places you’ll stay at will be lodges that feel as though they’re in the middle of nowhere. Because they kind of are.

There aren’t many major towns and cities in the country — and honestly, the best parts of Namibia are outside of them — so that makes finding accommodation tricky. The best places to stay at are often hours from the nearest signs of civilisation and miles down a tiny gravel path.

I found booking.com  best for finding places to stay. First, decide on which major destinations you want to hit in Namibia. For us, this was: Windhoek – Etosha National Park – Swakopmund – Sesriem – Luderitz – Windhoek. Most of these destinations are so far from each other that you’ll have to break up the drive into two days.

Next, on Booking, search for all hotels in Namibia, and once you’re on the search page, click on view on map. Once you’ve got a map view of every hotel listing in Namibia, zoom in on the route you’re planning to take and see which lodges pop up close to the midpoint between two distances. We did this for almost everywhere we stayed in Namibia and found some incredible lodges as a result. In fact, some of the highlights from my time in the country were getting to stay outside of the main tourist trail.

And if you can’t find anything suitable or affordable on the drive, just googling “where to stay between Swakopmund and Sesriem”, for example, will bring up a ton of forum threads with recommendations from other people. Not everywhere is listed online, so there were a few places we had to book through email.

Frustratingly, It’s Tough to Visit on a Budget

In Namibia you have two options: expensive or camping.

I’m all about that budget travel life, but in Namibia I had to give up my aim of spending $50 a night on accommodation and quadruple it for much of our trip. Yep, almost every lodge we stayed at in Namibia was well over $100 a night, and we were nearly always booking the cheapest option we could find. And we were visiting in low season, where accommodation prices are around half what they’d be in high season!

Unfortunately, if you want to save as much money as possible on your trip, your only real option in Namibia is to camp. Most lodges will offer a camping option for around $30 a night, so if you’ve got your own gear, this is an easy way to save money on accommodation.

The only exceptions to the crazy prices are the cities: Windhoek has cheaper options  ($50 a night), and so did Swakopmund  ($40 a night) and Luderitz  ($50 a night).

Everything else wasn’t too bad when it came to price. Our rental car — a Toyota Corolla — had us up for $30-a-day, which is pretty standard for most countries around the world. Activities and entrance fees (around $6) were also affordable. Food could get a little pricey at the camps and lodges, which made sense because they were so isolated, but nothing was over-the-top extreme. We’d usually pay around $10-15 for dinner each night.

But the Lodges are Amazing

Some of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in are in Namibia. And while you’ll pay a lot for them, they’re worth every penny.

At Ovita Wildlife Restcamp , we fell asleep listening to hippos in the lake outside our room. At Vingerklip Lodge  (pictured above), we ate dinner on a towering cliff top, looking over Namibia’s version of Monument Valley. At Sesriem Desert Camp  (pictured above Vingerklip Lodge), we slept in luxury tents in the desert with wild oryx roaming outside.

I loved every single place we stayed in in Namibia, and even though they were ridiculously expensive, it felt as though we were still receiving fantastic value for money.

You Will Need Your Own Transport

Public transport doesn’t really exist in Namibia, so if you’re not going to take a tour, you’ll most likely need to hire a car. As for what type of car, it depends a lot on the time of year you’ll be visiting and how confident you are on gravel roads.

My Kiwi boyfriend grew up racing falling-apart cars on gravel roads in New Zealand, so he had the driving skills of a Namibian and we were happy opting for a tiny Toyota Corolla to make the trip for us. Guesthouse owners were always shocked to see us rocking up in it, but honestly, we had next to no problems with it. If you’ve got the cash, opting for a two wheel drive with higher ground clearance would be a smart idea, as part of the bottom of our car fell off on our second day of driving, thanks to all the rocks that had been flicked up into the undercarriage.

People advise to go with a 4×4, and especially if you’ll be visiting in the rainy season, but we decided against it for several reasons. First, it’s over double the price for a 4×4 (around $100 a day), second, being so high up makes the car easier to roll, and third, um, did I mention it’s expensive?

If you can’t drive? You won’t be able to visit Namibia without taking a tour or hiring a driver. You could take a bus between major destinations, but I believe you’d miss out on a lot of the wonderful lodges that make travelling in Namibia so wonderful. There are also reports of travellers rocking up in a hostel, getting together with a group of travellers, and car-sharing their way around the country, so this could be an option if you’re willing to take the risk of potentially finding nobody to travel with.

The Roads are So Bad

We drove 4000 kilometers in Namibia and probably only several hundred of them were sealed.

Yes, in Namibia, get used to urging your car over gravel, sand, rocks, and more. Because of this, travel days are long and bumpy — we rarely drove for less than six hours each day, and even listening to podcasts was a struggle over the crunching noises of driving over gravel while rocks pinged into our car

Get Yourself a SIM Card, But Expect to Rarely Use It

Getting connected is tough in Namibia, so if you work online like I do, resolve to spend most of your time on vacation.

Wi-Fi was sometimes around, was always slow, and often expensive. It’s worth getting a SIM card, though, as although we rarely got more than an EDGE signal, leaving our phones on while we were driving around usually meant we’d pick up a signal here and there to download emails.

We picked up a SIM card at Windhoek Airport upon arrival and it was super simple to do. The SIM card costs 50 US cents and 1 GB of data is a whopping $2.50. Too Many Adapters has a comprehensive guide for buying a SIM card in Namibia  if you need any extra information. When it’s that cheap, there’s no reason not to get one.

You’ll Get to Try Some Interesting Game Meat

One of my favourite aspects of eating in Namibia was getting to try so many of the delicious game meats on offer. The biggest surprise was warthog, which was delicious, but I also loved kudu, impala, oryx, zebra, and more. Most of the lodges will have some kind of unusual game meat on offer each evening, so it’ll be easy to access and you’ll soon grow used to it.

If you’re vegetarian, you’ll most likely struggle to eat super well in Namibia. Everything was very meat based at the lodges although bizarrely, Greek salads were available in basically every single restaurant, so you won’t have to go hungry. Just prepare yourself for a hell of a lot of feta cheese!

Namibia Has the Best Road Signs Ever

One of the highlights from our time in Namibia was the kickass road signs we came across while driving. The giraffe one above was one of my favourites. In addition to that, we saw signs for zebras, elephants, warthogs, and more. And even better: we actually saw some of those animals wandering around in the wild! There’s nothing quite like seeing a desert-adapted giraffe wandering through the sand.

The Bradt Namibia Guide is Invaluable

If you’re planning a trip to Namibia, you need this guidebook .

Not only was it essential for planning our trip, but we used it on an hourly basis while we were in country. When it comes to Africa, Bradt guidebooks are king, so don’t even consider picking up a Lonely Planet for this part of the world; almost all of them have terrible reviews as well as outdated and too-condensed information.

Because you’ll be unlikely to have data coverage while you’re driving, and sometime even in lodges, the guidebook made our trip so much less stressful. When we wanted to figure out which animal we’d just spotted by the side of the road, the wildlife section had a photo to help us out; when we decided to stop for a lunch break in a tiny village, we could look up if there was anywhere to eat, and if so, which place was best; when we were planning our driving for the day, we could look up route recommendations and find out which attractions we might want to stop at along the way.

I don’t often recommend using guidebooks (I think I’ve only done it twice before!) because I believe you can get a lot of the information online for free, but in Namibia, this guidebook definitely helps. We struggled to find detailed information about the country both before we arrived and while we were there, so our Bradt book was 100% invaluable.

Two Weeks is the Perfect Amount of Time to Spend in the Country

I spent just under two weeks in Namibia, and feel as though I saw almost all of the highlights. If I’d had three weeks, I would have spent time at Fish River Canyon in the south, a few extra days in Damaraland, and some time exploring the Caprivi Strip in the northeast .  Still, I feel as though two weeks is a good amount of time to dedicate to the country, which is refreshing as most places I visit have me feeling as though I need to explore for a minimum of three months just to start scratching at the surface.

I wanted to share my two-week itinerary here, because I feel as though I got it pretty close to perfect.

Day 1: Landed in Windhoek, picked up our rental car, and drove straight to peaceful  Ovita Wildlife Restcamp . You can read about my first day in Namibia in my article, The Perfect First Day in Namibia . Day 2: Time for wildlife! We drove north to Etosha National Park and stayed within the park at Halali . We spent the afternoon sitting at the camp’s waterhole to see if any animals emerged. You can read about my experience in Etosha National Park in the dry season: Desperately Seeking Elephants at Etosha National Park . Day 3:  For our first full day at Etosha, we drove around the eastern region of the park for almost 12 hours. We saw dozens of giraffes, zebras, and a rare black rhino, then spent the night back at Halali. It was magical. Day 4:  On day four, we opted to drive around the central parts of Etosha for the entirety of daylight hours, then switched up our accommodation to spend the night at Okaukuejo . Day 5:  For our final morning in Etosha, we decided to explore the western region of the park, then at lunchtime, drove to beautiful Vingerklip Lodge to spend the night. You can read about how incredible Vingerklip was in my article, Finding Paradise in Vingerklip: Africa’s Monument Valley . Day 6:  Day 6 brought a long drive to Swakopmund, where we spent much of the day on terrible roads. Still, getting to drive part of the Skeleton Coast was amazing, and we even got to see a shipwreck stranded off the coast. We spent the night in an Airbnb apartment. Day 7:  For day 7, we took a day trip out to nearby to Walvis Bay to see its seal colony, which is one of the largest in the world. You can read about this wonderful experience in the article, Seals, Swakopmund, and the Skeleton Coast . Again, we spent the night in our Airbnb apartment. Day 8:  We spent this day relaxing and exploring Swakopmund. You could use this day to get your adventure on if you wanted, as Swakopmund is the adventure capital of the world. You could try your hand at quad biking on the nearby sand dunes , for example. Once more, we spent the night in an Airbnb apartment. Day 9:  The following day, we drove to Sesriem and spent our afternoon climbing Dune 45. I highly recommend doing this, as we practically had the entire park all to ourselves. We slept at Sesriem Desert Camp , which was magnificent. Day 10:  We got up at sunrise to enter the park, climb Big Daddy sand dune, and explore Deadvlei. This day was spectacular and you can read about the experience in the article, Climbing Big Daddy: An African Travel Highlight . That afternoon, we drove south to Betta Camp to spend the night. Day 11:  The following morning, we drove down to Luderitz. We spent the afternoon exploring this adorable town and spotting pelicans as we drove around the areas just outside of Luderitz. It was a fairly relaxed day after all of the movement, and we spent the night at Kairos B&B . Day 12:  We saved the best for last, because for day 12, we drove to Kolmanskop at sunrise and and had the entire place to ourselves. Kolmanskop is an old mining town that has since been abandoned and is now being taken over by the desert. It was incredible and we spent a full three hours taking photos. I wrote about it in-depth in the article, Exploring Kolmanskop: Namibia’s Ghost Town in the Desert . In the afternoon, we drove to Maltahohe Hotel  to break up the long journey back to Windhoek. Day 13: Final day! Sad face. We spent this day driving from Maltahohe to Windhoek and left Namibia in awe of how much the country has to offer.

This was one of the best trips of my life and I highly recommend putting together a similar itinerary if you’re planning a trip to Namibia.

Yeah, You Should Definitely Get a Zoom Lens

The biggest regret of my trip? Not splashing out on a zoom lens for my camera and then getting uniformly awful photos in Etosha.

I ventured into Namibia with my Sony 28-70mm  lens and while it was absolutely fantastic for landscape photos, it was nowhere near good enough for the wildlife. Had my boyfriend not packed his 80-300mm lens, I would have had close to zero photos of any animals. Because we were in Namibia in the rainy season (more on that below), the animals at Etosha were hiding in dense grass and hard to spot, so it was rare for us to get up close to them.

If you’re going to Namibia and will be hitting up Etosha while you’re there, make sure you’ve got a decent zoom lens for the trip.

Get Yourself Some Excellent Travel Insurance

You know I’ll always yell at you if you’re dumb enough to skip out on travel insurance , but in Namibia, it’s an essential.

Why? Because Namibia has the highest car-accident death rate in the world, with 45 people killed on the road for every 100,000 citizens. On top of that, malaria hangs out in the northern parts of the country, and there are several other awful-sounding tropical diseases you definitely don’t want to contract. 

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to Namibia. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re way cheaper than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay  $1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

On top of standard travel insurance, you’ll also want to make sure you get some of the best car insurance money can buy. Most tourists get a flat tyre in Namibia at some point at a minimum (we got one roughly an hour from the airport on our final day) and replacing them/repairing the rental car can be pricey. We rented our car through  rentalcars.com , bought their insurance, and they refunded us for all of our car disaster expenses in Namibia.

You’ll Never Have Seen This Many Stars Before

Namibia is home to some of the darkest skies in the world , and I couldn’t believe how magical the night sky was. With the exception of the cities we stayed in, we fell asleep every night with the Milky Way twinkling above our heads. And with the lack of light pollution in the country, you didn’t even need to wait for your eyes to adjust.

If you’re all about stars, this is one destination not to miss.

I Loved Visiting During the Low Season

Well, low-ish season. We hit up Namibia in March, which is typically the final month of the rainy season.

We experienced just one hour of rain and the rest of our trip was full of gloriously blue skies. There were fewer tourists, prices for accommodation were almost half what they’d be in high season, and the weather wasn’t bad at all. I highly recommend considering a shoulder-season visit because of this.

Surely there has to be a downside? Yep. We struggled to see anything at Etosha. There are thirty-odd waterholes inside the park and during the dry season, they usually look like this:

Well, over three whole days of 12-hour drives, Dave and I saw literally nothing at any of the waterholes. Our waterholes looked like this:

We didn’t even see a bird.

The problem is: during the rainy season, there’s no reason for the animals to go to the waterholes because there’s water everywhere. And being on the tail end of that meant that instead we had to drive around in search of animals in the bushes. We didn’t come up empty handed, though: while we didn’t see a single elephant, we managed to see three black rhinos (super rare) and countless giraffes (my favourite animal).

It was funny, though, to have seen so many spectacular photos of Etosha before arriving, then to end up spending 90% of our time driving from deserted waterhole to deserted waterhole.

Have I Convinced You to Visit Yet?

I’m not exaggerating when I say travelling in Namibia is one of the best experiences of my life, and I can’t wait to start sharing every incredible minute of my time there. Next up: a detailed itinerary guide followed by dozens of stories to convince you to add Namibia to your bucket list! :-)

Have you been to Namibia before? Would you like to visit?

Related Articles on Namibia 💰 The Cost of Travel in Namibia: My Detailed Budget Breakdown 🦛 The Perfect First Day in Namibia 🐘 Desperately Seeking Elephants in Etosha National Park 🏜 Finding Paradise in Vingerklip: Africa’s Monument Valley 🦭 Seals, Swakopmund, and the Skeleton Coast 🥾 Climbing Big Daddy: An African Travel Highlight 🏚 Exploring Kolmanskop: Namibia’s Ghost Town in the Desert

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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100 comments.

I have never heard a bad thing about Namibia, and though we haven’t hit Sub-Saharan Africa, it would definitely be atop our list – maybe alongside Botswana? And on top of all you’ve listed, I’ve also heard that they have some decent German beer there since it was a German colony for a while. Any truth to that rumor?

There was *amazing* beer in Namibia! I’ve heard Botswana is pretty expensive and really tough to visit independently, but it’s very high on my list nonetheless. I know you guys would definitely love Namibia though!

Windhoek Lager (best beer in Africa)

Have you convinced me? Actually you have, I would have never thought of visiting there but it looks super amazing and peaceful! It sort of reminds me of Arizona. It sounds like heaven compared to NYC where I am currently at!

-Rachel @ Backcountry Petite

Score! I actually commented several times to Dave that I felt as though we were driving through the U.S. Southwest a lot of the time.

Great post, Lauren! I love all your pictures – especially the one of the night sky and the doors with the sand. It looks SO different than the places I’ve visited in Africa (Uganda and Zanzibar) that I’m very intrigued.

I think you’d love Namibia, Ashley! It’s very different to the other African countries I’ve been to, as well — so arid and empty!

Wow your pictures are absolutely stunning! Namibia has been calling my name lately but as you said it’s so darn expensive. Hopefully one of these days I’ll save up enough to see it. Did you find the food expensive even at local restaurants?

The problem was there often wasn’t any local restaurants. You’ll stay at lodges where the nearest town is several hours away, so you usually have to eat where you’re staying. In Swakopmund and Luderitz, food was slightly cheaper at around $8-10 per meal.

Wow Namibia looks wonderful! Thanks for writing this complete guide. Good to know it is safe. x

It really is the perfect introduction to travel in Africa :-)

Yep! I’m convinced! All I knew of Namibia was the rockin’ sand dunes. But with all this extra awesomeness (aside from the lodging prices) sound right up my alley! What city do you fly into?

I’ve heard of Namibia before, I’m surprised so many others haven’t. It looks wonderful! You have 100% convinced me!

I was there in march and I loved it. I highly recommend it to every one. It’s very safe!

Best regards!

Glad to hear you enjoyed it as well, Rui! :-)

You have definitely convinced me to go to Namibia. I had never thought of it before, but I think I will have to look into a bit now. Look forward to reading more posts about your trip.

I’m so happy to hear that! It’s definitely worth the visit :-)

I enjoyed the read! Amazing photos. Thanks for the tips <3

Glad you enjoyed it, Nadia!

I’ve been to Namibia on honey moon in 1995. Afraid to go back and see it changed. Apart from the occasion, it has been the most fabulous trip I have made. Did you miss the Skeleton coast?

We saw a small part of it while we were driving down to Swakopmund. Managed to see one shipwreck on the beach, but didn’t have enough time to get anywhere else. I would be interested to know if it has changed — it didn’t feel like the type of place that was changing quickly, but that’s totally just me guessing!

Namibia was my first ever solo trip abroad (around 8 years ago) and it was incredible. Yes the driving days are long but it is definitely worth it. The landscapes and hiking are fantastic, like nowhere else I’ve been, and the wildlife is so diverse. Other than South Africa I don’t know what country you can see penguins at one end and all the traditional safari animals at the other end. Looking forward to reading more posts to relive my trip/see how it’s changed.

Totally agree with you, Laura! I was surprised by how diverse the landscapes and wildlife were, and how empty the country the feels.

Looks and sounds like a great trip. Thanks!

It was amazing :-)

Wow, it really looks amazing. Must have been an incredible experience visiting the country.

As I said, the best trip I’ve ever taken. I loved every second I spent in the country :-)

I have to say Namibia looks amazing – it’s never particularly been on my radar, but it definitely is now! Looking forward to more posts on your time there. :)

I’m so happy to hear that, Clazz! It’s one of the coolest countries I’ve ever been to.

And great for children too. The number of ‘cute’ animals identified for airlifting to a proposed zoo in our back garden was extensive! Animals are everywhere: on the beach, by the side of the road, wandering around your lodge or tent. The whole family loved every bit of the holiday.

Ooh, I can imagine! I was filled with childlike excitement over every animal I spotted in Namibia.

I haven’t been before but you have me just about convinced! I’ve heard that the oysters from Namibia are something else as well.

Yes! Oh my god, I had the best oysters of my LIFE in Namibia!

Yep, I’m convinced! Everything looked amazing! Where did you flew from and how much did it cost you?

I flew from Portugal for $250 return with TAAG.

To be honest, this is the first time I’ve heard of Namibia. Probably because I’m from the other side of the globe.. or maybe I need to travel more! Nevertheless, thank you for this post! Very inspiring!

Well, you’re definitely not alone! But hopefully it convinced you to try to make it there one day :-)

Awesome photography. Thank you for sharing these amazing pictures and your experience in Namibia. I can’t wait to visit.

This place looks so stunning. I am one of those who had never heard of Namibia…..glad you shared this post. Thanks!

Glad you enjoyed it, Alex!

Namibia is terrific. I have been there only once but I still remember its beauty…yes it does gives you a lot of pocket pinch but then it’s worth it.

100% worth it!

I’m really excited to delve into the rest of your blog posts about Namibia. I have to confess I knew nothing about it before you visited but it looks like such an incredible country. Loved this introduction into what it’s like the travel there.

Happy to hear you enjoyed the post! Namibia is so underrated!

Namibia has been on my bucket list since I first set foot in Africa, After seeing your images and reading your blog I need to get there! Perhaps it will be the destination booked when I visit Africa again rather than the Safaris I did in 2010 or the Gorilla trekking in Rwanda! Great post!

I highly recommend it! :-)

Good to know, where would you suggest other than sousevlei and kolmanscop?

Walvis Bay, Vingerklip, and Etosha!

Honestly I don’t think it’s that expensive in the grand scheme of things. Sure, it’s not backpacking on a tight budget, but the prices aren’t that bad compared to the rest of the world. And if you compare what you get for the money with what you’d pay in somewhere like Australia, it seems like you definitely got your moneys worth.

That’s true. I guess the only problem is that there isn’t a super easy way to visit on a budget without missing out on a ton of awesome stuff. Most countries around the world will have hostels in most destinations. In Namibia, there isn’t really that option if you want to get outside of the cities and towns. But I agree: if you usually spend this amount of money in other countries as you travel, you’d feel as though you got a lot for your money in Namibia.

If Namibia is ‘Africa for beginners’, as is often said, what a wonderful place to start. Stunning photos, especially the view from the Sesriem Desert Camp. It’s perfect.

Absolutely! It was so easy to visit, and probably my favourite country I’ve now been to in Africa.

Fantastic post about a country I don’t know a lot about. Do they have a dress code in Namibia at all? Do women have to cover up while travelling in the country?

Not really. I would cover up my shoulders sometimes, but usually wandered around in a t-shirt and shorts. Almost all of the tourists I saw in the country were wearing shorts and t-shirts.

Wow it does sound amazing, how many days was this trip? My hubby turns 60 in October, after much nagging he has chosen Namibia.

Great decision! We spent 12 days in the country. Ovita for 1 night – Etosha for three nights – Vingerklip for a night – Swakopmund for 3 nights – Betta Camp for 1 night – Sesriem for 1 night – Luderitz for 1 night – Maltahohe for 1 night – drive to Windhoek and out!

Dear Lauren I am a Namibian, who often enjoys reading visitor’s blogs about my beloved country. It is always interesting to see Namibia through the eyes of other’s…..your photos and posts have been great fun to read. Thanks for the free advertisement……..might I add, Namibia is quite clean, it helps to have a small population density. Nonetheless, we do take pride in keeping it clean, hope you noticed that! Enjoy your travels, hope you make your way back here for an extended journey and with many other wide-eyed visitors in tow! P.S. the dust gets to me too!!! Regards Indileni

Yes, I definitely noticed that! I’m so glad to hear you’ve been enjoying my posts — it’s been a fun country to write about :-)

Hi! Looks like it was a great trip to Namibia. In search of things about this country I found your article. I am interested to go this year there. Can you tell me if you took pills for malaria or vaccine for yellow fever. Thank you

I took malaria pills for my time in Etosha. No yellow fever vaccine — they don’t have it in Namibia.

Hi Lauren, I’m currently finding out as much as I can about Namibia from books and the net, which is where I stumbled on your blog, which I’ve got to say, is excellent. I’d really like to hire a car and go camping, probably with a roof top tent, and only in campsites. My main concern is waking up in the middle of the night, wandering out to go to the toilet and having a close encounter with wild animals. Any advice? Thanks, Tony

It’s not my area of expertise, as I didn’t camp when I was in Namibia, but I’d imagine that you’d be okay in campsites. The animals are very spread out across the country, so it was extremely rare to see them while we were staying anywhere.

Your pictures are so amazing that I want to cry. This is on my list of possibilities for next summer. Thanks for the information!

Ah, thank you! It was easy to take great photos of such a beautiful country :-)

Thanks for a great blog series on Namibia! Great information and very helpful. I’m planning on doing a big road trip in the fall of 2018 and am really looking forward to it!

Sweet! You’ll have an amazing time, Rand :-)

I would like to drive myself through Namibia as I like the independence. However, I know nothing about mechanics and shamefully I’ve never been able to change a flat tire (I’ve tried but I’ve never had the strength to get the bolts off.). So is a tour package the only way to go for me?

You could look into hiring a guide to drive you. That’ll be cheaper than a tour and then you won’t have to worry about tackling the bad roads yourself.

Greetings for Oranjemund,Namibia Lauren,

Thanks so much for highlighting our beautiful country, I see you made Luderitz. Next visit head down to the deep South , Oranjemund was a forbidden town since 1936 due to the vast diamond deposits and only opened to the public towards the end of 2017. We walk amongst the Gemsboks in our streets down here. On the way to the beach last night, I had to stop and shout out the window at all the wild springboks hogging the road. They did not even scatter, but rather stood there giving me the evil eye…. Anyhow, Next time if you make it down here, give us a shout! Thanks again.

Ooooh, I would love to go! Sounds amazing :-)

Awesome read! Namibia is really one of the those countries people don’t seem to know about unless they’ve travelled to Southern Africa, or actually come from the area, like myself. ;) Well, South Africa, but I spent a good few years in that amazing country. Atleast South Africa gives you an idea of where it is directly in the name!

The endless nothingness on the roads is amazing, especially when you drive for hours without seeing a soul.

The amount of wildlife is another incredible thing about Namibia, unfortunate time to travel there in March, whilst you got to experience Nam at its greenest (or there abouts), the animals had plenty of watering holes to choose from, which is a pain when you want to see them ;)

For travelling during the low season, guided tours really are worth it, as the guides all communicate with one another and give each other live information about animal sightings etc. They can be rather pricey though :/

For anyone making a short trip, Erindi Private Game Reserve is a good stop, especially during the low season, the park is one of the largest privately owned reserves, but it is also tiny compared to Etosha, with a lot of the animals you could see in Etosha, the guides are very informed and make a real effort to get you to the animals you want to see (and the tours aren’t too expensive), it’s probably the most worthwhile 1 or 2 nights stay for anyone looking into some wildlife during the low season.

Otherwise, October/November is probably the best time to visit Etosha.

So I think the real question is, when are you visiting again? ;)

Amazing! Thank you so much for sharing! I’d love to get back within the next couple of years — especially because I need to have a better Etosha experience!

Awesome pictures that reminds me of my journey to Namibia although it’s been almost 6 years meanwhile… would go there again any time.

I’ve also published some of my black & white pictures in a Blurb photo book.

Maybe that would be an option for you as well? :)

For all the would-be tourists out there: I am a Namibian and love my country with all my heart! The reasons for my addiction to Namibia`s wild open spaces, spectacular scenery and incredible wildlife are numerous, but the ones standing out for me is the silence (you hear yourself breathe), the fact that you can stop anywhere alongside the road for a cuppa or to pitch your tent without fear of any danger (be it human or nature) and above all….the solitude! Take your 4×4 for an excursion into Damaraland and the Kaokoveld and have your soul completely rejuvenated! The friendly and helpful locals are just the icing on the cake – Namibia for ever. Hope to host you guys soon in our beatyfull paradise – so peacefull, quiet and serene.

Thank you for this post, Lauren! My grandparents lived in Namibia and I was lucky enough to visit them when I was 16. We stayed for 2 months and did a little bit of traveling. Now, 20 years later, I’ve been dreaming of a trip to Namibia with my 14 & 15 yr old daughters and decided to do a little research to see if it was still as empty and beautiful as I remember… From your post it looks like it’s still the perfect place to visit and I’m looking forward to planning a visit next summer. Thanks again.

I just came back from South Africa and that has made me want to visit Namibia. Your blog has now convinced me, although it seems like the dry season is best for animals. What’s the best way to get to Namibia? Is it best to fly to Cape Town and then catch a flight to Windhoek?

Either that or via Angola with TAAG Angola Air — they have some seriously cheap flight deals from Lisbon.

So glad to have come across this overview…

I nabbed a cheap ticket to Cape Town for May of 2019 and am planning on a 3-week Namibia road trip as the focus of my visit.

Looking forward to digging into the accompanying posts soon!

You’re going to have the best trip ever, Chris! Namibia is one of my favourite countries in the world :-)

I recall learning about the Welwitschia plant of Namibia while in school. Recently, an opportunity to travel to Namibia came up and I actually might be able to visit this intriguing country. This post got me even more excited. And the photos are crazy beautiful. thank you!

Oh, wow! I hope you do get to visit, Misael! It’s such a beautiful country :-)

I’m a bit worried that we haven’t booked enough in between stops for our upcoming trip! I have only allowed one day to get from Walvis Bay to Sesriem and one day between all our other destinations. Hopefully our experience of travelling in the Australian outback will help us in Namibia – we have driven over 1,000 sand dunes in our Simpson Desert and tackled corrugated roads like the Gibb River in the Kimberley. We have hired a 4×4 and will be camping – my only fear is meeting a lion in the shower when we do a side trip to Rooiputs in Botswana. I might just use baby wipes for those 2 days!

I have just come across this blog – and just WOW! Namibia looks amazing and the thorough description and itinerary is superb. I’ve recently watched Romesh Ranganathan’s Misadventures where he went to Ethiopia which is another astounding yet non touristic place that people would not think of visiting. I have travelled around the majority of Morocco in a 4×4 over a month and that wasn’t enough time. I’ve travelled all around Australia and NZ over a year – in the outback, NT and WA which have some similarities in terms of plenty of driving and not seeing anyone else for miles and plenty of unsealed road. Both in Aus and Morocco we didn’t seem to have problems with flat tyres but we were deflating / inflating when appropriate. Crazy how you did the trip in a Toyota Corolla.

Sorry for waffling on, I get excited with planning new trips – especially when you say you only need 2 weeks! Anyway just a few questions if you still remember from your time there – How much did you roughly spend during the two weeks, excluding flights, travel insurance, vaccinations. Although these details would be handy to know. – What was the heat like, was it still cool (ish) after rainy season? And were there places to buy / stock up on bottled water or did you kind of need to ration to make it to the next lodge or gas station. – What was the price of gas roughly? – Apart from flat tyres, did you have any major problems or was there anything you were worried out before you went or whilst you were travelling through the country – malaria, insects, the heat etc?

Maybe I need to check out your travel anxiety course again and stop asking questions and just dive right in. It’s been almost a year since I got back from Aus, so I’m gagging to travel properly again but still anxious about Africa. Thank you!

Your website/blog is a true gift. I stumbled on it while planning my trip to hike Hadrians wall and went exploring to see if you had been to Namibia. BINGO. You have an itinerary and everything I need to know for both trips. I can’t tell you how excited and fortunate I feel to have found this site. Thank you!!!

Hi Lauren…We are starting our “Journey Down That Path” yearlong family trip around the world July 1st. Our first month we are renting a 4×4 and touring Namibia.. It’s been on my bucket list since I gave up an opportunity to do Peace Corps work there in the early 90s. We can’t wait to experience all these sites. Thanks for your inspiration!

Hi Lauren. We are travelling to Namibia for the first time in October. I’m just wondering about travel injections. We will be getting Typhoid, Hepatitis A and advised to take Malarone anti malaria tablets as we are visiting Etosha National Park and staying outside of it at El Dorado Guest Farm. Is it necessary to get the rabies vaccine? There are a lot of dogs at this farm. Maybe I’m just being over cautious. Any advice would be greatly appreciated for first timers. Itinerary is arrive in Windhoek, drive to El Dorado Guest Farm in the morning, spend two nights there and then head southwards. Many thanks

I wouldn’t bother with the rabies vaccine. It’s highly unlikely you’ll even be bitten by a dog, and I can’t imagine the owners would be keeping rabid dogs on their property, either! You can tell when a dog has rabies, so the owners wouldn’t just let them hang around their other animals and endanger them and themselves :-)

I don’t see how you would get bitten because I doubt anyone would allow wild dogs roam free on commercial property. You would be fine, don’t just overthink it.

Great tips! In retrospect, would you have splurged on a bigger car better suited for the roads, are was the struggle with the bad roads in your little car worth it? And did you get any flats or have other car troubles?

There are definite pros and cons for each option. If we’d had a bigger car, there’d have been a greater chance of it rolling on the bad roads, for example, and they can be much more expensive to rent while also using more fuel. We really didn’t have too many problems with our car, so would stick with what we drove. We had one flat tyre, right at the end of our trip (on the first bit of paved road we’d had in a fortnight, haha), but it was no big deal. A local actually pulled over within two minutes of us stopping and changed the tyre for us!

If you don’t have much experience on gravel roads, maybe go for the 4WD option, but we didn’t really have any major problems with our Corolla. And the rental cars are definitely well-equipped for any flats you might have, with a spare tyre and a jack.

It just looks like the most beautiful country in the world! I can see why you loved it so much. I bet they’re probably doing ok with COVID with their population all spread out!

I spent 4 months in this beautiful country; 25 years ago. I would highly recommend Waterberg plateau, you would struggle to find a more stunning place on the planet. I will never ever forget this country, I have travelled around the world and visited some fantastic countries, and I can say without a shadow of a doubt, Namibia is by far the country that I will never forget. The stars, the sunset and sunrise, the scenery and the tranquility are my cherished memories.

Namibia has been on my wishlist for several years. You don’t mention renting the jeeps with tents attached. Are you familiar with this option?

Greetings from Canada, perhaps i missed this ,but what would you pack? i see you in jeans in pictures, certainly I dont need safari attire? off to Namibia in September.

Nope, no need for safari attire; I just wore my normal clothes that I wear at home! Jeans and a t-shirt, shorts and a t-shirt, a hoodie in the evening, etc. Everybody else that I saw was just wearing typical clothes, too — very casual. There’s no need to try to camouflage yourself from the animals in Etosha as it’s usually a dusty plain so everything stands out against it!

Hi Lauren, Great article, thanks so much. I was wondering if you booked your hotels before you left for Namibia or just booked as you went during your trip. I’ll probably just follow your itinerary, but I wasn’t sure if I should book ahead. Planning to go in May or June. Thanks, Peter.

I booked in advance. I don’t think any of the places I stayed in were fully booked but I was there during the low season. If at all possible I would recommend booking in advance, though! In some parts of Namibia, the accommodation is spread so sparsely across the country that if you turned up somewhere and couldn’t get a room, you might have to drive for an hour or two to get to the nearest property!

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Traveling in Namibia: 11 Practical Tips and Handy Know-hows

#1 a pair of binoculars is indispensable in namibia, #2 the best time to visit namibia.

• #3 Namibia’s climate

#4 Is traveling through Namibia safe?

#5 tipping is customary in namibia, #6 payment methods in namibia, #7 starting your journey well in windhoek, #8 greetings in namibia may differ, #9 you need a special adapter in namibia.

• #10 Must do: Traveling with a 4×4 and Roof Tent in Namibia

#11 This is the ultimate travel itinerary through Namibia

Traveling through Namibia awakens all your senses. The country is perfect for an exciting road trip that allows you to see the most beautiful places in a short time. We embarked on an adventure with Namibia Nomads . With a rugged 4×4, you cruise through deserted landscapes where you occasionally encounter giraffes, zebras, or ostriches. Namibia’s landscape is mainly composed of rocks and stones, but surprisingly, each destination is completely different. From hundreds of meters high sand dunes to unique rock formations and deep canyons. In the most remote places in the country, you get to know local peoples and their traditional way of life. A trip to Namibia requires some preparation, so we have listed 11 practical tips and useful information below. With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for your trip to Namibia!

Namibia is a dream destination for wildlife spotting. We spotted a wide variety of animals during our safaris, and binoculars were essential for that. In the largest natural park, Etosha National Park, you’ll find many waterholes where animals come to drink regularly. The landscape is barren, allowing you to scan the horizon with your binoculars or observe the animals up close. This makes spotting easy and even more enjoyable. One of the most affordable yet good binoculars is the National Geographic 10×50. We had a lot of fun with it.

In principle, you can visit Namibia all year round. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October. In these months, there is little rain, and the temperatures are mild. From November to April, Namibia can get considerably hotter, with a higher chance of short, heavy rains. These rains can sometimes cause small floods, requiring you to cross rivers by car. January and February, in particular, are wet months. One significant advantage of traveling during this period is that the nature is beautifully green. We were there in November and had great weather, with only a few showers.

#3 Namibia’s climate

Namibia experiences various climates, resulting in a wide range of temperatures across the country. The majority of Namibia has a hot desert climate, characterized by extremely low rainfall and significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. During the day, the temperature in the hot desert climate can exceed 40 degrees Celsius, while it cools down significantly at night. Along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, a cool, foggy climate prevails. Destinations like Swakopmund and Walvis Bay have average temperatures around 22 degrees Celsius. There is often mist, and a refreshing breeze blows.

Clothing tip: In addition to lightweight clothing, pack warm clothing as well. Layers are great for cold evenings and for visits to Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Don’t forget to bring a hat or cap for the hot desert.

Traveling through Namibia is safe. The country has a stable political situation and low crime rates compared to most other African countries. Windhoek is the only place where you should be a bit more alert, especially regarding theft. If you plan to drive a car through Namibia yourself, it’s essential to be prepared for possible car breakdowns. Namibia is one of the most sparsely populated countries globally, so you’ll traverse kilometers of empty landscapes. If you experience car trouble, it may take a long time before you receive assistance. Ensure you always have enough water in the car, and it’s helpful to watch a YouTube video on how to change a tire before your trip.

Giving tips is part of the culture in Namibia. In restaurants, you’ll typically receive a pen with the bill, allowing you to write down your tip. It’s customary to give a 10% tip. At gas stations, an attendant will fill your car’s tank and wash your windows. It’s customary to give a tip of 5 to 10 Namibian Dollars (NAD). When you go grocery shopping at a supermarket, there are always parking attendants in the parking lot who are willing to watch over your car. It’s customary to give them some small change in advance. Also, when you’ve been on a guided tour, it’s customary to give a tip of around 10%.

In Namibia, they use the Namibian Dollar for currency. You might not expect it, but you can use your debit card almost everywhere in Namibia. Often, even contactless payments work. However, it’s advisable to carry some cash just in case you encounter a situation where card payments are not accepted. If you’ve been to South Africa before and have some South African Rand left, bring it with you to Namibia because you can use it everywhere. This currency has the same exchange rate as the Namibian Dollar.

We have some tips to help you start your journey through Namibia on the right foot. Upon arrival at Windhoek Airport, you’ll see an MTC store. Here, you can buy a local SIM card at an affordable price, which includes some minutes, text messages, and most importantly, internet. This is especially useful for when you encounter car trouble and need to make a call, but also for various other moments when internet can be handy on the road. To withdraw local currency, it’s better to use an ATM in the city rather than at the airport since the airport charges a higher commission. LEFA is the local Uber in Namibia. Download the app in advance to quickly and safely order a taxi in Windhoek.

Restaurant recommendations in Windhoek: If you want to dine at a cozy, informal restaurant, Joe’s Beerhouse is the place to go in Windhoek. If you prefer something fancier, be sure to visit The Stellenbosch Wine Bar and Bistro. You’ll dine on a beautiful patio, enjoying delicious dishes and wines. It’s necessary to make a reservation in advance.

In Namibia, it’s customary to always greet with “Hey, how are you?” Whether you’re at the cashier in a supermarket or showing a ticket at the entrance of a tourist attraction, everyone will ask how you’re doing. Asking how someone is doing is a significant part of the greeting, and you’ll quickly find that it becomes second nature.

In Namibia, they have different types of electrical outlets, so you’ll need a type M travel plug. Keep in mind that most universal world adapters do not have a type M connection. Some hotels may have standard travel plugs available, but it’s good to have your own, just in case the hotel hasn’t considered this.

Tip: Bring a power strip with you to Namibia so you only need one type M travel plug and can charge multiple devices simultaneously.

#10 Must do: Traveling with a 4×4 and Roof Tent in Namibia

Namibia is the perfect camping destination due to its many unique campsites. You sleep in the most extraordinary places, right in the African wilderness. Just before you crawl into your tent, you’ll enjoy the clearest starry sky. As the sun rises, the sky turns beautiful shades of red and yellow, and the enjoyment starts all over again. We booked our trip with Namibia Nomads and can highly recommend it to anyone who wants to go camping in Namibia. The car, roof tent, and almost all the necessities are provided, so you can start your road trip without worries. You’ll receive a roadbook with useful tips and discover the most beautiful places in the country. Read about our experience with Namibia Nomads .

Namibia is indeed a perfect country to hop in a car and embark on an exciting road trip. In less than two weeks, you’ll get to experience the diversity of Namibia. You’ll drive past rugged mountain landscapes, endless deserts, and vast plains. Check out our travel itinerary for Namibia and learn all about the various destinations and highlights of this extraordinary country.

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Hi! We are Greg & Irene Two seasoned travelers who are crazy about adventurous journeys. Equipped with a camera and drone, we have been collecting the best travel tips for destinations from all over the world since 2014, and compiling them into useful articles. This way, planning your trip becomes a bit easier and more enjoyable.

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Renting a Car in Namibia: Everything You Need to Know

Namibia is located in Southern Africa and is considered by many to be “Africa for beginners”. It is safe, the locals are friendly, and it is easy to access the most popular destinations by car.

And considering that Namibia is twice the size of California but with a population of only about 2.5 million (the population of California is around 40 million), you’ll have a huge expanse of land and plenty of amazing destinations all to yourself.

The must-visit highlights of Namibia are spread out all over the country but the public transportation infrastructure is not set up to get visitors to the popular attractions. So most tourists choose to rent a car. And since the roads can be incredibly rough, it is highly recommended that tourists rent a 4×4 vehicle.

Renting a car in Namibia is easy and there are many rental car companies that provide 4×4 vehicles that include a fold-up tent attached to the roof. This is an ideal way to travel as so much of the country is remote but campsites are conveniently located throughout. Renting a car in Namibia is also the best way to see the country if you’re on a budget.

Aside from the fact that you’ll be driving on the left-hand side of the road, driving in Namibia is fairly simple. People generally obey the rules, the road signs are in English, and you’ll only encounter traffic in the cities (even if that is minor). You’re guaranteed to have an unbelievable time road tripping around this spectacular country!

Note : If you still planning your trip to Namibia, make sure you check out our other popular articles:

• Our Top Travel Tips for Namibia
• 3-Week Namibia Road Trip Itinerary
• Guide to Etosha National Park: A Self Drive Safari
• Best Things to do in Swakopmund

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Guide to Driving in Namibia

Rules of the Road

• In Namibia, you’ll be driving on the left side of the road. If you’re not used to it just know that you’ll regularly mistake your windshield wipers for your turn signal.
• Drivers in Namibia are required by law to keep their headlights on at all hours of the day. This is a new law so not everyone complies currently. But if you are caught with your headlights off, you’ll likely face a 350 NAD (~$29 USD) fine.
• All passengers in Namibia must wear seatbelts.
• Check whether your car takes diesel or unleaded gas before you get to the gas station.
• Visitors are advised not to drive at night as many animals cross the road or rest on the warm pavement and can be difficult to spot.
• Expect everything to take longer than you expect it to. And expect everything in your truck to be covered in dust all of the time.

Speed Limits in Namibia

• Speed limits are clearly marked on most roads throughout the country.
• 60 kilometers/hour is the standard in most towns.
• 120 kilometers/hour on highways unless signed otherwise.
• 100 kilometers/hour on gravel roads although most rental car agencies would prefer that you stay under 70.

Road Signs in Namibia

Most of the highways in Namibia are clearly signed and easy to read. English is the official language in the country so their road signs are in English as well. Most of what you’ll see are animal crossing and speed limit signs. But you’ll also see the occasional sign of an “S” with a slash through it (which means no stopping), or signs announcing a curved road or “no passing”.

Check Points

You’ll pass through several checkpoints along your Namibian road trip. Most just want to know where you’ve been and where you’re going. Others want to check your refrigerator and will make you toss your meat and eggs (there are outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease in some areas of the country).

Road Conditions in Namibia

Many of the roads in Namibia are unpaved so expect a very bumpy ride. Especially in Etosha National Park and along the Skeleton Coast. A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended. Be sure to check your lug nuts and tent bolts every morning as it is common for the rattling to cause them to loosen.

When driving over sand, deflate your tires prior to getting started. 1.5 bars are standard for driving over most areas of soft sand. If you decide to drive out to Deadvlei, your shovel may come in handy as the sand is quite deep and it’s easy to get stuck. Deflate your tires and use your 4-wheel drive.

Gas Stations Around Namibia

The distances that you’ll be traveling in Namibia are quite far and the areas are very remote. For that reason, most of the trucks that you can rent have been modified to include two gas tanks. Gas stations can be few and far between so it’s better to stop and fill up often, just in case.

Our tanks together totaled 145 liters and the car came empty. We had to immediately head to the gas station to fill up. The cost from zero to full was approximately 1,700 NAD (~$145 USD). You should be able to go about 1,200 kilometers with both tanks full.

You’ll want to tip your gas station attendant 5-10 NAD (less than $1 USD) to account for the fill-up and for anyone who washes your windows.

Safety in Namibia

Namibia is an incredibly safe country although the increase in tourism over the years has also brought an increase in car theft. Rental car smash and grabs can be common when tourists leave valuables in plain sight. Don’t leave any of your valuables in the front seats and be sure your doors are locked at all times, even while driving.

Many young entrepreneurs wait in busy parking lots with an offer to watch your car for a small tip which is worth paying for added security. Expect to give a ‘car guard’ 2-3 NAD (less than $.50 USD) if you are making a quick trip or 5 NAD if you plan on being away from your car for an hour or more.

Hitchhikers and Flaggers

Hitchhiking is a fairly common means of traveling around Namibia, for both locals and foreigners. Don’t feel obliged to pick anyone up unless you feel 100% comfortable.

You’re also likely to encounter many people on the side of the road trying to flag you down. They’re looking for food, water, or money. Keep some extra fruit and bottles of water in your car so you can hand them out to anyone who looks like they really need it (we prefer fruit over other food items so we’re not also leaving them with trash to dispose of).

Guide to Renting a Car in Namibia

Rental car companies.

Most of the rental cars that you’ll see foreigners driving in Namibia are white Helix trucks with tents on top. The white color keeps the interior from getting too hot and the tents are easy to put together in the evening and then takedown in the morning.

We chose Advanced Car Hire as they have reliable cars and fantastic customer service. They also have cars and insurance packages at various price points to suit any budget. Plus they’ll even pick you up from the airport!

Rules of the Rental Agencies

Most rental car agencies have their own rules of the road to ensure that both you and their vehicle remain intact during your tour of Namibia. Our rental car had a buzzer that would sound if we exceeded their recommended speed limits on the type of road we were driving on.

Here is an example of some of the rules of the rental car company that, if violated, would void insurance coverage:

• Not to exceed 70 km/hour on a gravel or salt road.
• Not to exceed 30 km/hour when 4×4 is engaged.
• And not to drive between towns after sunset unless granted permission.
• Under no circumstance drive on the D3700 and D3701 along the Kunene River or on the Van Zyl’s Pass.

Rental Car Insurance

Your rental car agency will offer you different levels of insurance options to choose from. Regardless of the one you choose, you’ll find that they usually don’t cover everything:

• Tires and windows are generally not covered by the standard insurance options and must be purchased separately.
• The underbody and clutch are generally not included by any insurance options through the rental car agency.
• The front and rear bumpers are generally not included in any insurance options through the rental car agency.

Your insurance also will not cover you if you are found to be engaging in negligent activities while driving. These include (but are not limited to):

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Driving while talking on your cell phone
• Not wearing a seatbelt
• Driving on a main road before sunrise or after sunset without permission
• Driving on unmarked or forbidden roads
• Exceeding the speed limits designated by the rental car company

Protecting Yourself

You’ll be expected to sign several long and complicated-looking rental agreements prior to departing with your car. Be sure that you protect yourself and your pocketbook by doing the following:

• Use a credit card for your deposit that has it’s own car rental agency coverage in case of an accident. We like the Chase Sapphire Preferred card because it provides coverage for car rentals, has zero international fees, and has an awesome rewards program!
• Take photos and videos of the truck and note any significant dings or scratches.
• Carefully mark down each and every scuff, scratch, and ding on the rental agreement, and make sure that you get a copy .
• Thoroughly check all of your camping equipment to ensure that it is there and that it is clean and in proper working condition . Check that your bedding and cookware have been washed. Don’t be afraid to speak up if something doesn’t seem right.

Guide to Car Camping in Namibia

There are many campsites in Namibia and the infrastructure of the country is set-up well to accommodate campers. You’ll find that most of the campsites in Namibia have plenty of shade, well-maintained bathrooms, water, and electricity at each site, and often they even offer Wi-Fi.

The price you pay for a campsite will be per person and often you’ll also be charged a fee to enter the park. So once you add up what you’re spending on a rental car plus the campsite and park fees, you may be spending more than you budgeted for.

Expect to pay around 150-230 NAD per person per night (~$13-20 USD). Read all about our favorite campsites in Namibia here !

Rental Car Company Tent and Equipment

If you rent a truck with a rooftop tent, the following equipment will likely be included:

• Water-resistant rooftop tent with mattress.
• Cookware – stove, pots, pans, plates, bowls, mugs, cutlery, knives, cutting board, tea kettle, wine/bottle opener.
• Propane tank – ours came full and was plenty of propane for us to cook dinner and make coffee every day for 3 weeks.
• Camp chairs, camp table, lantern, spade (shovel), hatchet.
• First aid kit
• Maps of Namibia.
• Car equipment – jack, jumper cables, air compressor, and tools.
• At least one spare tire (we paid a small fee to have three spares included but luckily, we never needed them).

For an additional daily fee you can include the following:

• Electric cooler box – having one of these was an absolute necessity so that we could keep our food cold in the hot arid climate of Namibia. It runs off of a second car battery so you don’t have to worry about it draining your main battery.

Things to Pack From Home

Don’t forget to bring along some key road trip camping supplies when packing for your trip:

• FM Transmitter . The truck we rented only had a radio and a CD player. Check with the rental car agency and if your vehicle doesn’t come with Bluetooth or an AUX input, make sure you pick up a Bluetooth FM Transmitter . That way you can listen to your own tunes or podcasts on the road. Most also include a USB charging port as well so you can keep you devices charged on the road.
• USB Car Charger . With all the long drives ahead of you in Namibia, you’ll find this is the easiest way to keep your electronics charged. We like this multi-USB car charger because it can charge so many devices simultaneously!
• Travel Towel . Towels are not included in your rental camping gear and campsites don’t provide them. Be sure to bring a quick-dry towel that is large enough for both showering and lounging by the pool.
• Headlamp . Most campgrounds offer some kind of lighting, but you’ll still want one of these for setting up your tent after dark, cooking, and finding your way to the bathroom in the middle of the night. We think Petzel makes the highest quality headlamps at a reasonable price.
• Luci Lights . We love these little inflatable solar-power lanterns and take them on all of our camping adventures. They are easy to charge on your dash and can be strung from trees around camp.

Buying Camping Supplies in Namibia

While the rental car agency will provide you with pretty much everything you’ll need, other than food, there are a few things you’ll likely need to pick up prior to setting off on your adventure:

• Tupperware container to keep the dust out of any luggage or clothing that you’d like to keep clean.
• Salt and pepper grinders, other spices or seasonings, and oil for cooking.
• Dish soap, a sponge and paper towels for clean-up after meals.
• A lighter for lighting your stove and starting a fire at your campsite (many campgrounds around Namibia allow fires in designated areas and some even provide firewood).
• Bedding. If you’re going to be camping in Namibia for more than a couple of weeks, the price to purchase a few pillows, a sheet, and a comforter will be almost equal to the price you’ll pay to rent used bedding.

Do you have any other questions about renting a car in Namibia? Comment below! 

Planning a trip to Namibia? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

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About the Author:

Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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4 thoughts on “renting a car in namibia: everything you need to know”.

Very well written, thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Do you know if any rental companies offer one-way rental between Namibia and South Africa (pick up in Namibia; drop off in SA)?

Hi there this is super helpful – would you know if we can rent a car in skeleton coast and drive it back to windoek?

Thank you. Great advice. We are a party of 8 looking to rent a Quantum van. Have you had any experience with declining the company’s rental insurance and using your credit card company’s insurance instead. We have a letter from our credit card company outlining the rental car coverages. We will need to decline the rental car’s CDW in order to use. Our credit card company’s rental car insurance is so much better and costs nothing other than a requirement for us to use the credit card for the entire rental purchase.

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• How to get to Namibia

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Most visitors to Namibia arrive by air , the majority flying via Johannesburg in South Africa, since the only direct flight to Namibia from Europe is from Frankfurt, Germany, and there are no direct flights from either North America or Australasia.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Namibia, created by local experts

10 days  / from 2600 USD

Ultimate Self Drive in Namibia

Explore Namibia on this epic, 10-day self drive trip. Highlights include the Namib, an ancient desert with towering dunes, dramatic mountains and colonial architecture at the waterfront. Additionally, you will visit the Himba people, discover Etosha National Park and more.

14 days  / from 6555 USD

Epic Gondwana Adventure: Deserts, Ocean and Wilderness

Experience the best Namibia has to offer with a trip across the country, from the Kalahari to the Namib, the coast to Damaraland, ending off with an unforgettable time in the wildlife-mecca that is Etosha National Park.

8 days  / from 16575 USD

Wilderness Safaris by Flight

Take convenient flights to explore the country's remote deserts, luxury lodges, safari camps, and iconic sights, from Sossusvlei's immense dunes to the rugged landscapes of Damaraland and the remote beauty of Kaokoveld.

International flights arrive at Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport , 42km east of the capital. The Johannesburg route to Namibia is more popular as you’ve a greater chance of getting a cheaper last-minute deal to Johannesburg provided you’re prepared to shop around online, scour newspaper ads and/or make more stops on the way. What’s more, there are numerous daily connections between Johannesburg and Windhoek. In contrast, the Frankfurt–Namibia route is only operated by Air Namibia , the country’s national carrier, and only offers one daily flight. Seats are generally more expensive and more heavily subscribed during the high season (July–Oct), as well as over the Christmas and New Year holiday period. That said, low-season prices are not particularly low. Generally, the further in advance you book, the cheaper the ticket – as with anywhere else in the world. However, you can cut costs by completing the last leg of the journey from South Africa by long-distance bus. It’s also possible to reach Namibia by bus from other countries in southern Africa.

Flights from the UK and Ireland

There are no direct flights from either the UK or Ireland to Namibia. The easiest route is via Johannesburg by one of several carriers from the UK. Virgin , British Airways and South African Airways offer daily direct overnight flights to Johannesburg, with the latter two offering onward connections via their partner airlines, BA Comair and South African Express , respectively. Fares from the UK (generally Heathrow) are inevitably pricier in high season. A slightly longer route, but also with only one stop, now operates four times a week with Qatar Airways via Doha, at competitive rates. Cheaper options are available if you are prepared to travel more circuitous routes with two stops, on less popular airlines (such as Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa), which also involve longer layovers.

Travelling from Ireland, you can either transfer in London or in one of the other major European cities that have carriers operating flights to Johannesburg, such as Air France in Paris, or KLM in Amsterdam. Alternatively, there are cheap flights from Dublin to Frankfurt, where you can connect with the Air Namibia flight to Windhoek.

Flights from the US and Canada

None of the US or Canadian carriers offers direct flights to Namibia, though several US cities, such as New York (just under 15hr) and Atlanta (just over 15hr), have direct flights to Johannesburg, either with US carriers or with South African Airways. Since Canada has no direct flights to South Africa, the best bet is to connect with a US carrier in the States that offers direct flights from there.

Flights from Australia and New Zealand

The most direct way to reach Namibia from Australia is to take one of the Qantas or SAA nonstop flights to Johannesburg from either Sydney (13hr) or Perth (around 11hr) and change there. From New Zealand the easiest route is via Sydney.

Flights within southern Africa

There are several daily direct flights to Windhoek from Johannesburg and Cape Town with Air Namibia and South African Airways, operated by South African Express, as well as with Comair, on behalf of British Airways. SAA and Air Namibia both operate daily flights to Walvis Bay from Johannesburg and from Cape Town. Air Namibia also offers nonstop connections with: Gaborone, Botswana; Luanda, Angola ; Lusaka, Zambia ; and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe .

Overland by car

The main entry points for vehicles from South Africa are on the B1 at Noordoewer (the Cape Town route), and at Ariamsvlei on the B3 (the Johannesburg route); both borders are open 24 hours. From southern Botswana the Trans Kalahari Highway enters Namibia at Buitepos, 315km east of Windhoek; travelling from northern Botswana , the main border posts are at Ngoma and Mohembo, both in the Zambezi Region. The Wenela Bridge across the Zambezi at Katima Mulilo – usually shortened to Katima – hosts the main border post with Zambia , whereas Oshikango is the main entry point from Angola . There are several other border crossings into Namibia, from South Africa and Botswana in particular, often at the end of a dusty road with more limited opening times.

If you’re driving to Namibia from one of these neighbouring countries, border procedures are fairly straightforward, though if you are not driving a Namibian-registered vehicle you will need to pay road tax, which allows you to bring your vehicle into the country for a maximum of three months. If coming for business, you’ll face additional charges. What’s more, if you are driving a rental car, then you’ll need to have arranged that with the company beforehand at extra cost, and have the papers handy to prove you have their permission to take it across the border.

Entry requirements

If you are a visitor from Western Europe, including the UK and Ireland, or from the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia or South Africa, you do not need a visa to enter Namibia. Otherwise you should check with the Namibian diplomatic mission in your country. Even if a visa is not necessary, you do need a passport valid for six months after the entry date with at least two blank pages for stamps, and you should be able to show proof of onward travel (by air or bus), though this is unlikely to be requested. On arrival in Namibia your passport will be stamped for up to ninety days; visa extensions can be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration in Windhoek, on the corner of Kasino Street and Independence Avenue.

The Rough Guides to Namibia and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Travel advice for Namibia

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Namibia

• Eating and drinking in Namibia
• Getting around Namibia: Transportation Tips
• Going on safari
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Namibia
• Travel Health Namibia
• Travel Tips Namibia for planning and on the go

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updated 26.04.2021

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4x4 rental vehicles.

The SUV  and Standard 4x4 vehicles are made to work well on both tarred and the gravel roads. SUVs are more comfortable and luxurious, and can be rented without camping gear. The second group includes regular 4×4 off-road vehicles without camping equipment. Both types are great for all kinds of African roads and can even handle off-road driving.

The 4×4 off-road vehicles come fully equipped to handle the rugged African terrain. They include camping gear such as one roof tent (or ground tent if preferred), a table, chairs, pillows, blankets, a BBQ grill, cooking pots and pans, kitchen utensils, and more. In simple terms, you've got everything necessary for a comfy camping adventure.

The 4×4 off-road vehicles come fully equipped to handle the rugged African terrain. They include camping gear such as two roof tent (or ground tent if preferred), a table, chairs, pillows, blankets, a BBQ grill, cooking pots and pans, kitchen utensils, and more. In simple terms, you've got everything necessary for a comfy camping adventure.

Client Experience & Safety

Airport pickups with comprehensive gear orientation

We do pick up and drop off our clients free of charge at the Hosea Kutako International Airport. We also go through a thorough hand out processes to explain the vehicle as well as the use of the camping equipment to our clients.

Highly Capable 4x4 Toyota Double Cabs

Our well-maintained 4x4 Toyota double cabs are highly capable off-road vehicles, equipped with both high and low range gears, double fuel tanks, and rugged mud terrain tires.

You can call our standby number, +264 81 125 2522, for assistance. Our professional team of people will gladly assist you. Additionally, our 4x4 vehicles come standard with a second spare wheel and an extra fuel tank* (*For Toyota Hilux).

On-the-Go Support

Our network of suppliers will assist you while on your way. So, whether you are camping in a rooftop tent or staying in a lodge. We are a phone call away to assist you or to give you advise to make your trip save and enjoyable.

Request a Quote

As one of the premier car rental companies in Namibia, we provide quality, well-looked after vehicles at great rates. Each of our vehicles have a detailed list of features to help our clients choose what’s best for them.

Why choose Melbic Car Rentals

Excellent Service

We are passionate about our work and to offer our clients the best service possible.

Fleet Management System

We have a fully fledge online vehicles fleet system. This system allows us to communicate and manage booking information quickly and effectively

Emergency Number

We have a standby number, which clients can call should they need our assistance.

First Aid Kit

We do supply a first aid kit with the rental of all our vehicles. This will help you to treat minor injuries or to treat injuries until professional medical care is available.

Information Booklet

Our 4x4 vehicles are issued with an information booklet. This booklet gives information about vehicle operating procedures. It furthermore includes emergency phone numbers per region as well as a map.

Quality Vehicles

Our fleet of vehicles consists only out of quality branded vehicles. We furthermore replace our vehicles frequently with newer vehicles. This is to provide our clients with reliable vehicles which are safe.

Camping Equipment

Clients can order vehicles with or without camping equipment. Our camping equipment includes amongst others, rooftop, or ground tents, sleeping bags, pillows, and cutlery. We also offer hard shell tents which are easy to operate.

Maintenance

Our vehicles are well maintained. Thorough maintenance checks are done, before a vehicle is rented out. This includes regular mandatory services from authorised service providers.

Our 4x4 vehicles are fitted with rugged all terrain or mud terrain tyres. To make sure our clients are not stranded we also offer a second spare tyre with our 4x4 offroad vehicles. Before vehicles are rented out tyres check are done which include wheel balancing and wheel alignment.

We can also compile a tour for you if you book a vehicle with us. This can be done by paying a small fee.

Family Business

As a family business we can offer you a more personal experience when you book with us.

Discover Namibia & Southern Africa

Click on the below videos to get an idea of how a 4×4 self-drive tour can look like.

You have the choice between a car with or without camping equipment.

Safari Tours

Explore Namibia and its neighbouring countries in your own time by doing a self-drive with a 4×4 vehicle of Melbic Car Rentals.

You can select one of our classical tours or plan your own tour. Whatever you decide, there is a plethora of options you can choose from to make your journey worth the while.

Places you might want to visit in Namibia could include the Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei, or the Fish River Canyon. The Chobe National Park in Botswana or the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe are equally spectacular places to visit while on your journey.

This you can experience while driving a reliable and well maintained 4×4 vehicle from Melbic Car Rentals.

What is more, you can choose to stay in a rooftop tent that you can rent form us. Not only will we provide you with a rooftop tent, but we will equip the vehicle with all the camping equipment which you might need.

This is however not all we provide. We can plan your tour for you and provide you with all you might need whist travelling in Southern Africa.

Classic Adventure Tour

Classic North Tour

Classic South Tour

Intensive Self-Drive Tour

Nam-Bots-Zim Tour

Nam-Botswana Round Trip

Testimonials.

African Summer Discount

Enjoy our African summer rental discounts from 15 November 2022 till 14 March 2023 .

With the lowest rental prices on offer plus a 25% discount you will not find quality 4×4 vehicles at a better price.

World Luxury Travel Awards 2023 - WINNER

All the camping equipment you need., everything you need in a 4x4 rental., explore namibia, south africa, zambia and botswana, zambezi car rental offers 4x4 off-road car hire and rental in namibia, providing 4x4 off-road vehicles for camping trips and other adventures., zambezi 4×4 off-road car hire and rentals.

“Explore Namibia’s rugged terrain with our reliable 4×4 car rental and camping services – your ultimate off-road adventure starts here!”

Our Vehicles

Our 4×4 vehicles are perfect for the rugged Namibian Terrain. With long range fuel tanks, powerful engine power with all the luxury comfort.

You are never left in the dark with our 24/7 backup line.

We also offer comprehensive insurance coverage for your peace of mind. Contact us today or book your rental and start planning your Namibian road trip with Zambezi Car Rental.

Choose Zambezi Off-road 4×4 car rental for Namibia safari and exploration, including Etosha National Park, Windhoek, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Kalahari – convenient 4×4 off-road car hire and rental options available.

Important Considerations

• Rates include basic tool box and compressor
• Rental includes unlimited kilometer
• Rates include all standard vehicle accessories
• 2 spare tyres
• Double fuel tank
• Double battery system
• Steel canopies
• 24/7 Assistance
• Vehicle GPS Tracker

Convenience

• Free airport transfers for all Zambezi rentals of 10 days and more .
• Airport transfers for Zambezi Rentals of 9 days and less – to be settled directly.
• We will arrange all airport transfers.
• A full vehicle feature walk through

4x4 Vehicle Rentals

Choose your vehicle with or without Camping Equipment.

Competitive Rates

We offer competitive rates and excellent service.

Self-drive Safaris

Book your self-drive safari today.

4x4 Vehicle Hire

Explore Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe with Zambezi Car Rental today!

Testimonials

Extremely helpful and attentive throughout our trip! Cars are in very very good condition and really well equipped. Highly recommend 🙂

Everything we needed for our self-drive in Namibia was there. Jacques helped with all the things we needed, car was in perfect condition, everything clean and on its place. We really liked it. It was excellent way to see Namibia on self-drive travel. We stayed in natural camping sites and it took 5 minutes to make a home for us, as everything was in car. Travelled for 10 days and were happy with car.

We had an amazing trip with Zambezi Car Rental. The car was very well equipped, super comfortable and Jacques was always available for upcoming questions. There was nothing missing and we had the perfect camping experience on our journey. Would recommend it any time.

Namibia car rentals

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Cheap car rentals in Namibia

Top tips for renting a car in namibia.

• The major cities in Namibia, like Windhoek and Walvis Bay, are connected by a developed system of local and intercity trains and buses. If you want to go outside of these cities and explore the desert and other natural attractions in the country—like the Etosha National Park and Sossusvlei—without taking an organized tour, then you will have to take your own vehicle.
• Although Namibia’s road and highway network is mostly in good condition and easily accessible with compact and economy cars, exploring the areas outside of the larger cities will require a four-by-four. Many rental companies in Namibia, such as Hertz and Thrifty, offer four-wheel drive vehicles for travelers looking to explore the desert regions and the areas around Namibia’s national parks.
• If you’re planning on renting a car in Namibia and you’re traveling with children, one thing to note is that Namibia requires all children under the age of eight to be secured in a child seat. Because of their common use, many rental companies, like Avis and Hertz, offer child seats as an add-on to your reservation.
• Crossing the border with a car you rented in Namibia is generally a straightforward process. Simply inform your rental car agency of which border you’ll be crossing at the time of your reservation, so that they can prepare the correct papers. After that, all you will have to do will be to pay the border-crossing fee at whichever border you cross. Fees vary by country, but they generally start at around 500 NAD (35 USD).
• 25% of our users found rental cars in Namibia for $41 or less
• Book your rental car in Namibia at least 2 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
• Off-airport rental car locations in Namibia are around 33% cheaper than airport locations on average
• Full-size rental cars in Namibia are around -37% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in Namibia

How much does it cost to rent a car in namibia.

On average a rental car in Namibia costs $53 per day.

What is the most popular rental car in Namibia?

Full-size (Toyota Fortuner or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Namibia.

What is the cheapest car rental company in Namibia?

In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Avis ($19/day), Hertz ($22/day) and Budget ($31/day).

How can I find car rentals near me in Namibia?

Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

Where should I rent a car in Namibia?

Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to rent a car in Namibia are Windhoek (96% of total searches of users looking to rent a car in Namibia), Walvis Bay (2%) and Ondangwa (1%).

How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Namibia?

On average a rental car in Namibia costs $489 per week ($70 per day).

How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Namibia?

On average a rental car in Namibia costs $2,096 per month ($70 per day).

What is driving like in Namibia?

Driving in Namibia can differ greatly based on your location, but the road system is generally comprised of well-maintained roads that offer easy access to many popular tourist destinations. Exercise caution and use your high beams when driving in rural areas at night, as wildlife is more active after the daylight hours and can be difficult to spot in time.

How old do you have to be to rent a car in Namibia?

To legally rent a car in Namibia, you must be over the age of 21, but only Avis and a handful of other providers will allow those under 23 or under 25 to rent a car. In either case, you’ll have to have had your driver’s license for at least a year, and you’ll need an international driving permit if your driver’s license isn’t in English.

How are gas prices in Namibia?

Gas prices in Namibia are slightly higher than the average in the US, depending on where you are in the country. Generally, gas prices in Namibia are around 49.40 NAD (3.43 USD) per gallon. Gas stations in Namibia are full-service and rarely accept cards, so make sure to have enough cash for gas and for tipping the attendant.

What are the speed limits in Namibia?

The speed limits in Namibia are similar to the limits on roads in the United States. When traveling on urban roads, you’ll have a speed limit of around 60 km/h (37 mph). On gravel roads, the speed limit will be around 100 km/h (62 mph), and on paved roads and highways, the speed limit will be around 120 km/h (75 mph). Speed limits are strictly enforced in Namibia, so driving a bit under the limit is advised.

Car rental directory

Bidvest car rental locations in namibia.

14 Locations See all locations

Sunnycars car rental locations in Namibia

12 Locations See all locations

Bluu car rental locations in Namibia

10 Locations See all locations

keddy by Europcar car rental locations in Namibia

9 Locations See all locations

Avis car rental locations in Namibia

8 Locations See all locations

Budget car rental locations in Namibia

Europcar car rental locations in namibia.

7 Locations See all locations

Hertz car rental locations in Namibia

4 Locations See all locations

Dollar car rental locations in Namibia

3 Locations See all locations

Shouqi car rental locations in Namibia

Firefly car rental locations in namibia.

2 Locations See all locations

Thrifty car rental locations in Namibia

Good to know, when to book a rental car in namibia, car rental locations in namibia.

• Windhoek car rentals
• Swakopmund car rentals
• Walvis Bay car rentals
• Lüderitz car rentals
• Tsumeb car rentals
• Katima Mulilo car rentals
• Otjiwarongo car rentals
• Ondangwa car rentals

Popular car rental locations

• Khomas car rentals
• Hardap car rentals

The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for car rentals for the class listed and were found by KAYAK users in the last 48 hours. Offers are subject to change and may not be available on all car rentals listed or dates of travel. Some car rental providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the car rental providers' sites.

7 Essential Tips to Safely Rent a Car in Namibia

December 14, 2023

Paula Martinelli

If you are dreaming about going on a road trip to Namibia   and you want to rent a car to drive around, here you find all the important tips to help your search for how to rent a car in Namibia, that will perfectly fit your needs and style.

Renting a car in Namibia is the best way to explore and experience the country. All you need is to dive into these 7 tips, and also, make sure you understand the essential tips on how to self-drive in Namibia .

Namibia is considered one of the best destinations on the planet for a road trip . Here you can find long, straight roads slice through scenic arid spaces luring you onward to an abundance of attractions and activities. All kinds of travelers are attracted to these vast panoramas and infinite fascinations. There are those that choose to make the most of their trip by roughing it camping-style, while others prefer the creature comforts offered by luxury accommodations at top destinations.

Either way, renting a car in Namibia is one of the most important considerations for any trip to Namibia and these 7 essential tips are all you need to know about Namibia Car Rental. So, without any further ado, let’s review this very important list before you go on visit the most beautiful places in Namibia .

You may also enjoy these articles:

• Ultimate Self-Drive Itinerary in Namibia
• 20 Essential Driving Tips on How to Drive in Namibia
• The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Namibia

7. Be Prepared When Renting a Car in Namibia

Read More: 20 Tips you need to know before you self-drive in Namibia

Renting a Car in Namibia Overview

Before we jump into the 7 essential tips on how how to rent a car in Namibia, let me share with you a very important overview. But I really recommend you also read the 20 tips on how to drive in Namibia .

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: If you don’t feel comfortable driving a 4X4 vehicle, driving off-road, driving a manual car, and most importantly, driving on the left side of the road, I would strongly encourage you to hire a private driver like this one .

First thing first: You drive on the left in Namibia , which is the same as in neighboring  South Africa ,  Botswana , and Zambia. 

What you must know when you rent a car n Namibia: You will need to have a 4×4 vehicle to go on your Namibia road trip . Keep in mind that most of your options will be a manual transmission. If you need an automatic, you will pay more and have fewer options to choose from.

Since there are different providers, offering different rental car options. Therefore, you will need to decide if you will rent a 4×4 truck or a 4×4 truck with a tent on top (if you are planning to camp around the country).

The good news is that y ou can get 15% off your rental car when you book through this site . I use and recommend Discover Cars because it is the most reliable rental car source, and it allows you to compare the prices of different places.

If you choose any of the car rentals below, you can pick up your car at the Windhoek International Airport.

7 Essential Tips for Renting a Car in Namibia

1. you will need a 4×4 rental car in namibia:.

Let’s start this list of how to rent a car in Namibia with the number one question: Do I need a 4×4 car to drive in Namibia? the answer is YES, you do need to rent a 4×4 car for a road trip in Namibia .

While you may be able to drive the major roads with a sedan car, the rule of thumb is that you are not visiting Namibia to drive around the urban areas. You will be visiting and driving in challenging terrains, from the desert to safaris .

Beyond the city limits, the going can get rough in Namibia, and most of the roads are gravel and slippery when wet. A 4WD car rental in Namibia will get you where you want to go and ensure you get the most out of your trip.

As you may know, a 4WD car will have sturdier tires than a sedan. These sturdy tires will be the difference between spending time dealing with flat tires from gravel roads or being stuck in the sand, and being able to travel and make the most of your time in Namibia.

Read More: Ultimate Itinerary Road Trip in Namibia

2. How To Choose the Right Rental Car Namibia Company:

When renting a car in Namibia, it’s important to know that the vehicle you choose is safe and roadworthy. Ask to see the service records of any vehicle that you hire before signing the rental agreement. Also, make sure to read reviews to see what other travelers have to say about the 4×4 rental company you are considering.

You have the option to rent your vehicle with one of the large international car companies , and compare prices, check their customer service in case of urgency with the car and their insurance policy.

Or you can rent a car in Namibia with one of the local car companies, such as the one I used and recommend . I am a big supporter of local businesses, and also, no one better than a local rental car to be able to provide expert advice on your particular trip and make recommendations tailored to you.

3. Namibia Rental Car: The Agency Rules

All of the Namibia rental car agencies have their own rules for the safety of the car and your safety as well. Take note of these rules when you pick up your car because oftentimes they are absolutely in your best interest.

Some of the rules included:

• Don’t exceed 70 km/hour on gravel or salt roads: exceeding this speed on non-paved roads can easily lead to losing control of the car and an accident (not to mention a longer stopping distance due to decreased traction)
• Don’t exceed 30 km/hour when the 4WD low gear is engaged : this creates greater wear and tear and increases the likelihood of breaking down
• Do not drive after sunset: The roads are free for animals to roam, and it is dangerous to have an accident

Rental car agencies may also specify where you are not allowed to drive, such as along the beach (Skeleton Coast) or areas that require a lot of skill due to inherent risks, like Sandwich Harbor. Most cars are fitted with a GPS tracker , so the company will know where your car is if you get stuck, or if you go to a restricted area.

Read More: 15 Incredible Places you Need to Visit in Namibia

4. How to Choose the Right Car Rental for your needs:

Decide if you want to rent a car with automatic or manual transmission. Keep in mind that automatic transmissions are less common and may limit the cars you can choose from. Automatic transmission cars will also be more expensive.

Manual transmissions are more common for a reason, they are more practical. A manual car will be more economical to rent, but more importantly, will be much more effective to drive in difficult conditions. If you get into deep sand or mud (both are likely), you will be grateful for the manual transmission.

Spare tires and knowing how to change them are essential survival skills while traveling in Namibia. There’s a slim chance someone will be along to help you if you get a flat on an isolated road. Be sure to rent a vehicle with AT LEAST 2 spare tires if you’re traveling away from the city centers.

Gas stations in Namibia are few and far between. Be sure to choose a 4WD rental that’s fuel-efficient and has a long-range fuel tank . The 4WD that I rented had 2 fuel tanks, and I was happy about it. When you do arrive at a service station, fill up! Every time.

Finally, one last insider tip is to choose a white vehicle – they’re a lot cooler to drive in the African heat. 

5. Consider a Camper In Namibia: 4 X4 with Tent On Top

On the subject of traveling prepared, choosing a 4WD rental that comes ready-equipped with camping gear is an excellent way to tour the country. A common option is to rent a 4WD with a collapsible tent on top . When you arrive at your campsite you can easily pop up the tent and drop the ladder. It is actually a cozy, and safe way to spend the night. Most rooftop pop-up tents are big enough for 2 adults.

Since camping is a popular activity in Namibia, you’ll come across many campsites scattered all over the country. When you have all the gear with you, you can overnight more often. It’s also much cheaper to rent a campsite for the night than a self-catering chalet.

When renting a camper 4WD, you may need to rent some bedding or buy it after you pick up your car (sheets and pillows). A camper 4WD should also come with all the accessories you need to cook and live from campsite to campsite. This camping gear should include:

• Pots, pans, and kettle
• Plates and eating and cooking utensils
• A propane stove
• Folding chairs and a table

6. You Should Have Travel Insurance in Namibia

For auto insurance, make sure you consider getting covered. Anything can happen when you are driving in unfamiliar territory or in unfamiliar conditions. Read the policy carefully beforehand and understand what is covered and not covered. For example, most policies will not cover tires and windshield damage.

Driving in Namibia means you will be spending a lot of time driving n gravel roads and through terrains. It doesn’t matter how carefully you drive your vehicle, expects to have some scratches and at least small damages to the car. I recommend paying for comprehensive insurance when you go on your Namibia self-drive adventure.

Note that you will need to read contracts and sign several multi-page agreements before you start your driving n Namibia, and it can take up to one hour before your departure. Be aware of the basic rules and make sure you are prepared by following the below tips:

• Like any rental car, make sure to revise the car and take photos in case of any scratches or damages and mark down any damages and have a copy of the agreement before you leave the agency.
• Check all the camping gear and make sure they are in good condition and clean, and that nothing is missing. Do this whole process with the person in charge of the agency.
• You will need to pay for any damages to the vehicle , it is in your contract! I had a couple of damages and at the end of my trip, I had to pay extra – so be prepared!
• Check all the spare tires, and make sure you know how to use them. There’s a slim chance someone will be along to help you if you pick up a flat on an isolated road. Be sure to hire a vehicle with at least 2 spare wheels if you’re traveling away from the city centers
• Be sure to choose a 4WD rental that’s fuel efficient and has a long-range fuel tank. When you do arrive at a service station, fill her up
• Finally, if you are wondering why the rental cars in Namibia are in majority-white color, this is because they are cooler to a diver in the African heat – so make sure you rent a white vehicle.

Read More: 150+ Inspiring Road Trip Captions (with Sharable Images)

What else to Pack for a Road Trip in Namibia

You want to pack light….but at the same time, you will be so remote for many days that you will want to pack heavy. So, let me help you PACK SMART! 

• GPS and a good Namibia map . 
• Extra flashlights and batteries 
• A well-equipped First Aid kit (including a snake bite kit)
• Rehydration solution
• Satellite phone
• Inflatable LED Solar Lantern. 
• Bring a warm blanket for cold nights.
• Camera and safari lens
• Toilet paper
• light hiking pants
• long sleeves shirts
• good face cover
• polarized sunglasses
• Hand sanitizer
• LifeStraw Filtered Water Bottle and Emergency water supply
• External battery charger

Renting a Car in Namibia Conclusion

Renting a car in Namibia Conclusion: keep in mind that when renting a car in Namibia it is very important that the vehicle is safe and roadworthy. Make sure you do your research, and also, ask for the service records of any vehicle you rent before you sign the rental agreement.

Read customer reviews to make sure what others have to say about the rental car company you are considering using. This is a very powerful tool that you should use in any instance.

I hope you found this guide on how to rent a car in Namibia useful, and make sure you read the other posts if you are planning a trip to Namibia. If you have any additional questions, just leave me a comment below.

If you are planning a trip to Namibia, these articles are very helpful for you:

• 20 Tips to drive safely in Namibia
• The ultimate road trip Itinerary in Namibia
• Namibia and Botswana road trip itinerary – from the desert to the safaris
• 15 Most beautiful places to visit in Namibia – A photo journey
• 150+ Best Desert Quotes for Instagram & Desert Captions (Sharable Images)
• 110+ Memorable Safari Quotes & Captions + Sharable Images

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Plan your Trip

You can plan your trip with this easy guide and have access to the best services I recommend and you can get discounted prices.

Self-Driving in Namibia: 22 Essential Tips to Drive in Namibia

Namibia Self Drive Itinerary: Ultimate Namibia Road Trip + Map

Namibia & Botswana Itinerary: Ultimate 3-Week road trip from the Dunes to Safaris

6 thoughts on “7 essential tips to safely rent a car in namibia”.

What frightens me is that if you have a genuine accident where you are deemed to beat fault (have made a mistake) the insurance is void and you could be liable for the tens of thousands of Euros to replace the car.

I wanted to travel to Namibia but to be frank you would be crazy to take such a risk.

Hello Paul, unfortunately anytime we travel, especially to remote places we need to be prepared that unexpected things will happen – I always travel with that mindset. Honestly, I did have issues with my rental car in Namibia where a couple of parts needed to be replaced (I drove off-road for a month) and I had to pay for the parts which added an additional US$1,000 to my rental cost. But I don’t regret taking this incredible trip to Namibia and all the experience I gained, and the memories I collected.

Thanks for all the great info! We feel confident that we can actually plan this trip too thanks to your thorough itineraries and advice. Really appreciate it!

What rental car company did you use?

Cheers from Australia, Rachel

Hello Rachel, I am so glad to hear you found my article informative. I have learned so much during my trip to Namibia, and I am glad to share what I have learned. I used Zambezi Rental Car – https://www.zambezicarrental.com/namibia-travel-blog/

Thank you for all these precious information. I have one question, hope you can help me. You did have a full covered inssurence? If so, why you had to pay for some scratches on returning the car…

Thank you! Dori

Hello Dori, I am so glad you found my article helpful. I did have travel insurance, but as I said in my article if any damage occurs to the vehicle (on my tip #7, under paragraph 3) you will need to pay for damages as it is in your contract. I had a broken mirror and some scratches on the car, mostly due to driving in Botswana. I rented my car in Namibia for my road trip and continued my trip to Botswana with the same car. Botswana is pretty rough to drive and it is easy to damage a vehicle.

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IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT REACHING YOUR NEXT DESTINATION

NAMIBIA IS LIKE MARS ON EARTH

OUR CARS TAKE YOU HERE

Car Rental only

weekend offers

Car Rental with camping gear

WHAT TYPES OF CARS DO YOU HAVE AVAILABLE?

For now we rent out only Suzuki Jimny's 4x4 SUV's. As a small owner run company we are hands on with our approach and manage a small fleet so we can give you that personal service. These compact 4x4's are affordable, reliable and fun and can reach most of Namibia's wild places. (Namibia's Mars landscapes for sure)

Is There A Minimum Rental Period?

Yes, one week. Even that is too short to explore our lovely country and our recommendation is that you dedicate at least 10 days to a road trip around Namibia to see some of the highlights.We offer extended rental discounts if you rent the vehicle for 21 + days.

THERE ANY AGE OR OTHER RESTRICTIONS ON WHO CAN RENT A CAR?

Everybody age 23 and older can rent our little Jimnys that could. You need a valid driver's license in English, credit card for security deposit and your passport. Easy peasy.

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2 foreign tourists killed in road accident in Namibia

Friday, 26 Apr 2024

WINDHOEK, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Two tourists lost their lives in a devastating road crash that occurred Wednesday on the Kuiseb River road between Walvis Bay and the Kuiseb Pass in the central-western plains of Namibia.

Namibia's Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) confirmed on Thursday that several of the 43 bus passengers were also injured in the accident.

"The Fund wishes to assure the families that the injured will receive the appropriate medical care and attention they need," MVA Fund Chief Executive Rosalia Martins-Hausiku said in a statement while extending deepest sympathies to the persons injured in the road crash and their families.

While the nationalities of the victims were not revealed, Martins-Hausiku said foreign nationals in Namibia are entitled to medical treatment and injury management for their stay in the country, adding that this tragic event highlights the importance of road safety measures for tourists and locals alike.

Recent statistics reveal alarming increases in road crashes, injuries, and fatalities in Namibia, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced safety measures.

"It is alarming to note that the recent Easter statistics revealed road crashes have risen by 6 percent, injuries by 19 percent, and fatalities by an overwhelming 60 percent," she noted.

These figures reflect a shocking increase from the previous year signifying a critical need for immediate intervention to ensure the safety of all road users, she concluded.

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Watch CBS News

California Governor Newsom launches abortion travel ban ad campaign in Alabama

By Dave Pehling

Updated on: April 22, 2024 / 1:41 PM PDT / CBS San Francisco

California Governor Gavin Newsom is taking aim at states considering abortion travel bans with the launch of a new ad campaign.

Newsom's Campaign for Democracy ad is set to air in Alabama starting Monday. The governor tweeted out the ad in a social media post Sunday morning.

Alabama’s abortion ban has no exceptions for rape or incest. Now, Republicans are trying to criminalize young women’s travel to receive abortion care. We cannot let them get away with this. pic.twitter.com/gHbYJYlEXk — Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) April 21, 2024

The text with the video post reads, "Alabama's abortion ban has no exceptions for rape or incest. Now, Republicans are trying to criminalize young women's travel to receive abortion care. We cannot let them get away with this."

The 30-second commercial shows two nervous young women driving in a car passing a sign that reads "State Line 1 Mile." 

"We're almost there. You're gonna make it," the passenger tells the woman behind the wheel just before they hear a siren and are pulled over by a state trooper.

"Trump Republicans want to criminalize young Alabama women who travel for reproductive care," a voiceover says as the state trooper walks up to the car.

"Miss, I'm going to need you to step out of the vehicle and take a pregnancy test," the trooper says, waving a test stick in one hand. The next shot shows the driver leaning on the hood of her car as the trooper puts her in handcuffs.

"Stop them by taking action at RightToTravel.org ," the voiceover intones as the ad ends.

Alabama is currently weighing a bill that would make it a crime to help women travel outside the state in order to receive an abortion. The ad is part of a larger effort to combat travel bans across the United States. Newsom was behind a similar ad that ran in Tennessee.

The RightToTravel.org website says that those two states and Oklahoma are considering bills that ban minors from traveling out of state to get an abortion without parental consent, even if it's a case of incest or if there is abuse in the family.

It isn't the first action the governor has taken in the political battle over abortion since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June of 2022. Two days after the ruling, Newsom partnered with the governors of Oregon and Washington to issue a multi-state commitment promising to defend access to reproductive health care, including abortion and contraceptives.

In September of that year, he launched a billboard campaign in seven of the most restrictive anti-abortion states urging women seeking the procedure to come to California for treatment. He also signed more than a dozen new abortion laws  protecting women's reproductive rights and ordered the state to end its contract with Walgreens after the pharmacy giant  indicated it would not sell an abortion pill by mail in some conservative-led states . 

• Gavin Newsom
• Roe v. Wade

Dave Pehling started his journalism career doing freelance writing about music in the late 1990s, eventually working as a web writer, editor and producer for KTVU.com in 2003. He moved to CBS to work as the station website's managing editor in 2015.

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101 Hidipo Hamutenya Street

+264 81 7033 722

Monday - Friday

Toyota Hilux Double Cab 4x4 (Diesel) (2018)

Planning a Southern African 4×4 self-drive holiday? The Toyota Hilux Double Cab 4x4 is the ideal vehicle to kickstart your adventure.

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• Vehicle Model 2018
• Engine Capacity 2400
• Transmission Manuel
• kW 110 @ 3400 rpm
• Fuel Capacity 80 litre
• Additional Fuel Tank Capacity 80 litre
• Consumption 7.1 litre / 100 km
• Fuel Type Diesel
• Type of Windows Electric
• Air Conditioning Included
• Power Steering Included
• Closed Canopy Included
• Differential Lock Included

Rental days include the day of pick-up as well as the day of delivery. Our car hire rates include oil, maintenance, general sales tax / 15% V.A.T., unlimited kilometers, 24h breakdown assistance, but exclude fuel, and the collision damage waiver (CDW) as well as tyre, windscreen and glass damages.

Rates are quoted in Namibian Dollars (NAD/day).

Additional Fees

Apart from your daily rental rate and insurance, Travel Namibia 4 x 4 Car Rentals cc may also charge additional fees where these may become applicable. These are:

• Claim Handling Fee: The administrative costs related to an accident claim is termed ‘claim handling fee’ and amounts to N$ 350
• Delivery Fee: The cost to deliver the vehicle to a destination outside Windhoek will be calculated using the applicable AA rate as determined by the Automobile Association of South Africa and will be charged per kilometer
• Collection Fee: The cost to collect the vehicle at a destination outside Windhoek will be calculated using the applicable AA rate as determined by the Automobile Association of South Africa and will be charged per kilometer
• Late Return Fee: If the vehicle is not returned on the date and time as agreed, the renter will pay a penalty fee of N$ 250 per late day in addition to the daily rental rate
• Polishing Fee: If the vehicle is scratched, the renter will pay a polishing fee of N$ 2500
• Valet Fee: If the vehicle is excessively dirty the renter will pay a valet fee of N$ 1500
• Traffic Fine Handling Fee: The administrative cost related to settling traffic fines for which the renter are responsible, amounts to N$ 350
• Speeding Fine: Charged at N$ 150 per record above 135 km/hr.
• Lost Key Fee: N$ 1000

Airport Transfers

If you would like us to fetch you from the airport upon arrival, or drop you off upon return, we will gladly do so. The first 2 persons are FREE of charge, every additional person pays N0 per person.

• 1 x Auxiliary fuel tank
• 1 x Auxiliary battery
• 2 x Spare wheels
• 2 x Danger triangle
• 1 x Safety vest
• 1 x Tow rope
• Jumper cables
• Standard car jack & tools
• 1 x Tyre pressure gauge
• 1 x First aid kit
• 1 x Fire extinguisher 1.5kge
• 4 x Rubber mats

The below-mentioned equipment is included in the daily car rental rate. Additional camping equipment is available on request.

Kitchen Set

• 2 x Soup Bowls
• 2 x Glasses
• 2 x Desert Spoons
• 2 x Tea spoons
• 1 x Cutting board
• 1 x Cutting knife
• 1 x Potato peeler
• 1 x Can opener
• 1 x Bottle opener/Corkscrew
• 1 x Large spoon
• 1 x Table cloth
• 1 x 3 Pot Set

Other Camping Equipment

• 1 x 12V fridge/freezer (40 litre)
• 1 x Jerry can (water)
• 1 x LED light (rechargeable)
• 1 x Gas bottle 6 kg
• 1 x Gas single cooker plate
• 1 x Roof top tent with mattress
• 1 x Compressor
• 2 x Sleeping bags
• 2 x Pillows
• 1 x BBQ grid, tong & gas lighter
• 1 x Wash bowl
• 3 x Ammo boxes
• 1 x Hand broom and dustpan
• 3 m Extension cord
• 4 x Soup Bowls
• 4 x Glasses
• 4 x Desert Spoons
• 4 x Tea spoons
• 2 x Roof top tents with mattresses
• 4 x Sleeping bags
• 4 x Pillows
• Insurance Option Rate per day incl. excess amount
• Option 1 Rate - N$ 100/day | Excess - N$ 30,000
• Option 2 Rate - N$ 150/day| Excess - N$ 15,000
• Option 3 Rate - N$ 180/day | Excess - N$ 7,500
• Option 4 Rate - N$ 280/day | Excess - N$ 0
• Equipment Rate/day
• Gas bottle 3kg N$ 25
• Gas cooker N$ 10
• GPS Navigation System N$ 65
• Satellite Phone N$ 120
• Baby Seat N$ 50
• Plastic Cooler Box (47 litres) N$ 30
• 12V fridge/freezer (40 litre) N$ 80
• Camp Shower N$ 50
• Jerry Can (water) N$ 15
• Gazebo N$ 80
• Ground Tent (3m x 3m) N$ 80
• Blanket N$ 15
• Kitchen Wash-up Kit: Small Dishwash Liquid, Drying Cloth x 2, Sponge x 2, Cleaning Cloth N$ 150.00 (once-off)

Toyota Hilux Double Cab 4x4 (Diesel) (2022)

• Vehicle Model 2022
• Transmission Automatic
• Consumption 7.3 litre / 100 km

Nissan NP300 2.5 TDi 4x4 D/Cab (2018)

Renowned for its excellent capabilities, the Nissan NP300 2.5 TDi 4x4 double cab is ready for any challenge that comes its way.

View Nissan Inside & Outside (360º) View Nissan Inside (360º)

• Engine Capacity 2500
• kW 98 @ 3600 rpm
• Additional Fuel Tank Capacity 60 litre
• Consumption 8.8 litre / 100 km
• Differential Lock Not Included

• Option 1 Excess - N$ 30,000 | Rate - N$ 100/day
• Option 2 Excess - N$ 15,000 | Rate - N$ 150/day
• Option 3 Excess - N$ 7,500 | Rate - N$ 180/day
• Option 4 Excess - N$ 0 | Rate - N$ 280/day

Happy Clients

Excellent vehicles: powerful, clean and equipped in ALL we needed for our trip. Very comfprtable tent and roof bed. Aside from the great gear, The customer service was excellent. People running the business are one of the kindness and helpful people I've ever met. Strongly recommend and I'll be renting from them again for sure ! Many thanks guys!

Ewa Kalisiewicz

We like the "Travel Namibia 4x4 Car Rentals" family and their way of working! Very nice to be picked up at the airport after a long flight. Afterwards a clear and very useful explanation of the car and its equipment (everything is there that you would possibly need). So we felt comfortable and safe to start our trip. Also during the trip, quick responses to questions. We traveled for three weeks, around 5500km, and not a single problem with the car! Good value for money!!

Carla Oplaat

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A local’s travel guide to Austin: what to eat, see and do in three days

Standout spots include food truck parks, honky-tonk hangouts and Lady Bird’s wildflower sanctuary

A ustin has become one of the most popular places in the US to move to, and also to visit. Droves of people descend on the city in March for the South by Southwest tech, film and music festival and in the fall for the Austin City Limits music festival. And Austin is one of the top five destinations in the US for bachelorette parties. Don’t let the bachelorettes scare you away, though. Austin is a great place to spend a few days, so long as you do it like a local.

My family and I moved to Austin 12 years ago, after living in New York for many years. I’ve also lived in Washington DC , the San Francisco Bay Area and Philadelphia. Austin has a feel all of its own: it has a world-class music scene, great food that now goes well beyond Tex-Mex and barbecue, Texas history and fun shopping and museums – all with less hassle than bigger cities in the US.

Here’s my guide to a long weekend there. In addition to picks for adults, I’ve included some recommendations for families that our kids (now teenagers) have loved through the years. And I’m vegetarian, so I’ve chosen some of the city’s best veggie eats options. Don’t worry, my meat-eating wife made sure that I included great barbecue choices, too.

Day 1: Pool party & pickles

Start your day with a walk or run on the trail at Town Lake (it’s officially labeled on maps as Lady Bird Lake, but locals refer to it as Town Lake). This 10-mile (16km) trail on both sides of a dammed portion of Texas’s Colorado River (a different Colorado River than the bigger and more famous one) is tree-shaded, beautiful and one of Austinites’ favorite places to exercise. If you have time, walk through Zilker Park, which is right next to the trail. If you have kids, go to the new and very fun playground at Butler Park, complete with a splash pad just up the path from the playground.

Austin was one of the cities that started the food truck scene in the US several decades ago, and now there are more than 2,000 food trucks in the city. Some are located in trailer parks that have multiple truck options and picnic table seating. After your morning at Town Lake and Zilker Park, have lunch at the Picnic food truck park, or the nearby original location of local favorite Chuy’s (the Tex-Mex chain is now expanding throughout the US). Other great lunch options include Green Mesquite and Carpenters Hall .

In the afternoon, go for a swim at Barton Springs Pool . Open year-round, this massive basin measures three acres and is fed by underground natural springs. It’s open throughout the day, and it’s free before 8am and after 9pm.

Head back to your hotel or Airbnb for a rest, and then get ready for dinner. Tonight is casual: barbecue at Terry Black’s , or if you’re vegan, the food truck Rollin Smoke for a fantastic vegan barbecue sandwich made with baby portobello mushrooms, spicy slaw, barbecue sauce and pickles. It’s my favorite vegan barbecue sandwich in Austin (who says you can’t have barbecue if you’re veggie?), and it’s located in a food truck park with beautiful old trees shading the tables. Rollin Smoke has very good meat options, too (I’m told).

If you have young children, head to Phil’s Icehouse . They have burgers and a full playground where the kids can play before or after dinner. Just don’t put them on the spinning flower after the meal. And be sure to get some ice-cream after dinner at Amy’s Ice Creams , a longtime favorite of Austinites. Amy’s is located next to Phil’s, and it’s so good we had an Amy’s truck serve dessert at our wedding.

After dinner, head out to see some music at one of Austin’s many local music venues. One of our favorites is the Continental Club . There’s a main club downstairs and the intimate Continental Gallery upstairs, where you can see local musicians in a cozy space. Other great venues include C-Boy’s and the new Moody Amphitheater . For full local music listings on any night, check the Austin Chronicle . And if it’s summer, look to see if Blues on the Green has a free concert that night. If you have kids, take them to the free Rock the Park concert series, produced by local radio station KUTX.

Day 2: Breakfast tacos, books & bats

Start your day back at the lake with a rowing workout that’s almost, but not quite, on the lake. Rō Fitness is a local studio that has outdoor rowing classes by the water. It’s way more fun than working out at an indoor studio.

You’ll need fuel after your workout. Grab a breakfast taco at Veracruz or Tacodeli or Tamale House East . Breakfast tacos are an Austin staple (they are to Austin as bagels are to New York), and all three of these places have delicious options.

Today is a shopping day. Start out at BookPeople , one of the greatest bookstores in the US. It’s locally owned and independent, but the size of a superstore. BookPeople also dares to take a stand on issues, including being one of two bookstores that recently sued Texas state officials over a newly passed book ban law. It has an excellent kids section, and organizes live readings by kids’ authors.

After you’ve gotten your book fix, head across the street to Waterloo Records , one of the best record stores in the US. Waterloo carries new and used vinyl, CDs and merchandise from rock to jazz to local Texas music. For more shopping options, head over to the stores along South Congress Avenue and South First Street (including Roadhouse Relics , a neon art store and gallery that is one of our favorites), and if you want to go thrifting, our teens say Austin Pets Alive Thrift and Texas Thrift are the best.

After all of the shopping, it’s time for lunch. If you’re near BookPeople and Waterloo, head over to Soup Peddler, a local place for homemade soups, smoothies and fantastic grilled cheese sandwiches (trivia: Soup Peddler got its name because the founder started out delivering homemade soup by bike before opening full store locations). Or if you’re near South Congress and South First, go to the food trucks on South First or Underdog or Fresa’s .

As you’re heading back to rest up, grab an ice-cream at Amy’s, a gelato at Dolce Neve or cupcakes at Sugar Mama’s .

Some good dinner options for tonight include Loro , Suerte or Este . And if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, one of my favorite veggie restaurants is Bouldin Creek Cafe . It’s casual, with a great menu that includes vegan chips and queso. If it’s nice out, take a seat on the patio.

Tonight’s activity could be going to see the bats at the Congress Street Bridge. Austin has the largest urban bat colony in North America, and in season they live in one of the bridges that crosses the Colorado River (they migrate to Mexico in the cooler weather). Bat-watching is a lot more fun than you might imagine from horror movies (and these bats look more like birds than vampire bats). If you’re not in the mood for bats, head to the legendary Broken Spoke . Get there early for dance lessons, then hoof it at this classic Texas honky-tonk.

Day 3: Live oaks & Lady Bird wildflowers

It’s your last day in Austin, and it’s a good one for visiting a museum. Some of our favorites include the Bullock Museum to learn all about the history of our state (bonus fact: Texas was once its own country , and some people want it to be its own country again ). If you’re a fan of 1960s history, visit the excellent LBJ Presidential Library , which is the home of the 36th president’s papers. It has good exhibits on the US civil rights movement and 1960s US history in general. Another excellent museum option is the Blanton Museum of Art , or you could tour the Texas capitol (Austin is, after all, the capital of Texas). If you’re a nature fan, head to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center . And if you have kids, the Thinkery is an excellent children’s museum.

For lunch, it’s time for more barbecue (you’re in Austin, don’t fight it). Two terrific barbecue trucks are Mickelthwait and LeRoy and Lewis . And LeRoy and Lewis has another of my favorite vegetarian barbecue options: cauliflower burnt ends.

In the afternoon, head back to Town Lake. This time, get out on the water by renting a kayak, stand up paddleboard or paddle boat (a kid-friendly option). If you have time and energy for a drink, head over to the ABGB for happy hour. They have a great beer selection, lots of outdoor seating and local bands playing music.

For your farewell dinner, a few of our favorite restaurants that are a bit on the fancier end are Hestia , Uchi or the Lenoir wine garden, where dinner is served under live oak trees more than a hundred years old. And for a fantastic vegan option, go to Fabrik for a seven-course vegan tasting menu. You’ll need a reservation well in advance (they’re currently booking four to six weeks out). And for your final night in Austin, head out to another music venue. Or if you have kids, take them to the Austin favorite Peter Pan Mini Golf , which has been around for 75 years, or check Do512 Family for family events that are happening the dates you’re in town.

Question Time

When is the best time of year to visit austin.

There’s no dispute: it’s hot in the summer in Austin . A great time to visit is between October and May. From June through September, many days will be over 100F. If you’re here in the summer, spend lots of time at the Barton Springs pool.

Is Austin expensive?

Austin hotels can be expensive during big events like South by Southwest or the Formula One weekend. But for most dates, it’s less expensive than larger cities like New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Will I need a car to get around Austin?

Most of the places that I’ve recommended are within walking distance from downtown. You can also rent bikes and scooters to get around. Austin’s public transportation is primarily through local buses, which can take you further out if needed. And car-share options are easy as well.

Steve Sachs is managing director of the Guardian US. He has worked at large and startup media companies for more than 20 years. He loves all kinds of music, and his most recent favorite concert, the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame Show, featured a host of singer-songwriters including Lyle Lovett and Emmylou Harris

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Coming to Alabama: Newsom’s Abortion-Access Ad, Depicting an Arrest

The ad portrays a woman trying to leave the state to have an abortion. The Campaign for Democracy, a political action committee started by Mr. Newsom, the California governor, created it.

• Share full article

By Neil Vigdor

• April 21, 2024

A woman nervously peers into her rearview mirror as a patrolman activates his car’s lights and sirens. She is less than a mile from leaving Alabama to seek abortion services, but it’s too late: The next thing she knows, she is being handed a pregnancy test and is handcuffed.

The encounter is depicted in an unvarnished new television ad called “Fugitive.” The Campaign for Democracy, a political action committee created by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Democrat of California, produced the ad.

It will appear on Monday in Alabama, where Republicans have called for prosecuting women who travel elsewhere for an abortion. The state’s abortion ban, one of the nation’s strictest, outlaws the procedure at all stages of pregnancy, with no exceptions for rape and incest.

“Trump Republicans want to criminalize young Alabama women who travel for reproductive care,” the ad’s narrator says.

The ad then shows the patrolman approaching the vehicle: “Miss, I’m going to need you to step out of the vehicle,” he says, tapping the kit on the driver’s side door, “take a pregnancy test.”

The ad is scheduled to run on broadcast and cable television, along with digital platforms like YouTube, for two weeks, according to the PAC. The cost of the ad buy was not immediately available.

Alabama’s attorney general, Steve Marshall, a Republican, has clashed with the Justice Department and abortion assistance providers over whether the state has the authority to prosecute individuals or groups that help women leave the state to have the procedure.

Last month, Republicans introduced a bill in the Alabama House that would make it a misdemeanor to harbor or transport a minor to seek abortion services.

Mr. Newsom has emerged as a key surrogate for President Biden while harboring future White House ambitions of his own. He has regularly skirmished with G.O.P. governors and Republican-led states over abortion access, immigration, crime and other issues.

While Republicans have seized on crossings at the southern border in their messaging, Democrats have harnessed the issue of abortion-access after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. It helped propel Democratic candidates to key victories during the midterm elections in 2022 and in races last year.

In February, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos were people with rights, casting a cloud of uncertainty over in vitro fertilization. The state later passed a law giving I.V.F. clinics criminal and civil immunity, but it did not address whether embryos have the legal status of human beings.

In another seismic ruling, the Arizona Supreme Court this month upheld an 1864 law that bans nearly all abortions. The decision could have far-reaching consequences for women’s health care and election-year politics in the state, a critical political battleground.

Mr. Newsom said in a social media post at the time that California, which borders Arizona, would provide a refuge for women affected by the decision.

“Arizona wasn’t even a state — it was a territory — when this draconian abortion ban was passed,” he said. “That’s how extreme this is. California remains ready to help Arizonans access reproductive health care.”

Neil Vigdor covers politics for The Times, focusing on voting rights issues and election disinformation. More about Neil Vigdor