Namibia, nestled in the southern part of the African continent, is a unique destination. One of the most beautiful countries in the world according to fellow travelers. So I had to put this one on my bucket list! Namibia has become quite popular during the last couple of years, but the country is huge. A road trip is the best way to discover Namibia. You will hardly bump into other travelers. Namibia is the second least densely populated country in the world. Sometimes it felt a bit like driving in western USA, knowing the next village is in 300 miles. Namibia, a formal German and South African colony, offers an abundance of space and pristine nature. This country is unlike any other. Its beauty lies not only in its raw, unspoiled scenery but also in the sense of adventure it inspires.
Namibia’s geography is diverse and striking. Five major regions shape its landscape: the Central Plateau, the Namib Desert, the Great Escarpment, the Bushveld, and the Kalahari Desert. Two of these regions—the Namib and the Kalahari—are characterized by their vast deserts and arid terrain. So yes, you’ll encounter plenty of sand—but trust me, it’s the kind of sand that will capture your heart and imagination.
Traveling to Namibia might not be the cheapest adventure, more expensive than South Africa. With a bit of planning, you can find affordable options for your road trip. I managed to snag great tickets with Ethiopian Airlines, flying out of Brussels. The flights were smooth, the food surprisingly good, and I even had the luxury of an empty seat next to me on all legs of the journey. Honestly, what more could I ask for? (Okay, fine, maybe that elusive business-class upgrade!). Use these tips to find your tickets!
In this blog, I’ll share my top tips and insights to help you plan your own unforgettable Namibian adventure.

- Windhoek
- Etosha National Park
- Swakopmund – Skeleton Coast National Park
- Walvis Bay – Sandwich Harbour
- Sossusvlei National Park
1. Windhoek
About a quarter of Namibia’s 2 million inhabitants live in the capital city, making it a bustling place. I quickly noticed the dryness and thin air when I arrived. The city is situated at an altitude of 1600 meters. The city is surrounded by desert and savanna landscapes.
To be honest, you don’t need to stay in Windhoek for long on your Namibia road trip. It’s a good place to get a night’s rest after a tiring flight. And also to arrange everything for your Namibia road trip, but there’s not much to see in Windhoek itself.
Windhoek: where to stay?
We stayed at Vila Vista, a lovely boutique hotel within walking distance of some great restaurants.



Some tips for Windhoek
If you plan to spend some time in Windhoek, these are a few spots that are worth a visit:
- Christuskirche: Visit this historic church, one of the city’s landmarks. It’s a cute building compared to the surrounding area and one of the few interesting spots in Windhoek.
- Independence Memorial Museum: Here you learn about Namibia’s history and enjoy the panoramic views from the top floor. Impressive spot, opposite to the church. So if you’ve got some spare time you can take a quick stop here too.
- Namibia Craft Centre: A great place to shop for local crafts and souvenirs. Not very special because you’ll find the same souvenirs in all the tourist shops over the country, even in the ones at the airport (at lower prices!)
- Joe’s Beerhouse: A popular spot for traditional Namibian cuisine (and other food) and a great atmosphere, not very cozy though. At walking distance from our hotel!
- Parliament Gardens: A nice place to relax and enjoy the greenery.
- Oshetu Community market: Experience real African vibes. If you have a strong stomach, you can try some of the food here!



Na’an ku sê, wildlife sanctuary
The project
I extended my stay in the Windhoek region for an another week. This plan was more of a childhood dream I wanted to fulfill: volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary. Volunteering opportunities for tourists are available almost anywhere in the world, and not all projects live up to their claims. However, I had full confidence in this particular project: Na’an ku sê.
Na’an Ku Sé was established as a sanctuary for wildlife. It provides a safe haven for animals kept as pets, those displaced due to conflicts with farmers—such as cheetahs hunting livestock—or those threatened by poachers. The ultimate goal is always to release the animals back into the wild, though unfortunately, this isn’t always possible. Founders Rudie and Marlice Van Vuuren are dedicated to save the life of every single animal.
“Our vision is an Africa where humans and wildlife can live & thrive together”
Over the years, the Na’an Ku Sé Foundation has grown into an organization with approximately 500 staff members. They rely heavily on volunteers to sustain its operations. One project has grown into a few dozen of different projects: conservation, humanitarian en ecotourism projects. What struck me most was the authenticity of the organization. There’s no polished machine or fluffy marketing, just passionate employees who have given a piece of their heart to this heartfelt project.
My experiences
Life of a volunteer
As a volunteer, I had no idea what to expect upon arrival. Would I spend the entire week cleaning cages? It was entirely possible…
It was clear that this organization has extensive experience with volunteer work. The program was well-balanced. A bi-weekly rotating schedule ensured that anyone staying for two weeks experienced different activities in each shift. The day was split into a morning shift from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM and an afternoon shift from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
Since I only stayed a week, each shift was a new discovery. We slept in glamping tents with comfortable beds and outdoor bathrooms. Everything I did that week was so far removed from my daily routine—and even from my usual adventurous travel experiences.
Memories for life
I’ll never forget those warm morning showers under a stunning sunrise after a chilly night, the cozy (often Wi-Fi-free) evenings spent with other volunteers, the stories about the projects, and the motivation everyone had to spend their vacation in such a unique way.
And, of course, the work itself. I’ve never before walked dozens of baboons during their midday stroll, joined rangers on nighttime rhino patrols, taken three orphaned cheetahs for a walk, searched for elephants with an enthusiastic ranger, ridden through giraffes, impalas, kudus, and zebras on horseback, or prepared meals for all kinds of wild animals.
The likelihood of doing all this again is small, this opportunities are rare, but it was truly a one-of-a-kind experience. I’m so grateful to have contributed, even in a small way, to the incredible projects at Na’an Ku Sé!
And no, you don’t need to be 18 or in your twenties on a gap year to volunteer. There were people of all ages at the project. The youngest volunteer was 18, and the oldest was 75.



2. A Namibia road trip highlight: Etosha National Park
After the fantastic experience at Na’an ku sê, it’s time to further explore Namibia. Distances in the country are significant. For instance, the drive from Windhoek, centrally located, to Etosha National Park in the north takes approximately 5 hours. Fortunately, the paved road makes the journey a smooth one!
Etosha, a unique location
One of the highlights of Namibia that can’t be skipped on any road trip is Etosha National Park, without a doubt! A spot that’s high on my list for a long time! Etosha National Park, nestled in the northern reaches of Namibia, is a place where the African wilderness reveals its most captivating secrets. Covering an expansive 22,000 square kilometers, this park is a sanctuary for a remarkable array of wildlife, from majestic elephants and powerful lions to graceful giraffes and the rare black rhino.
I thought Etosha could be compared with Kruger NP. But I was totally wrong, these two parks are not similar at all! At the heart of Etosha lies the immense Etosha Pan. This is a vast salt flat so immense it can be seen from space. In the dry season, it shimmers like a mirage under the African sun, while the rainy season transforms it into a watery paradise where flocks of flamingos paint the landscape pink.
Animal spotting
For me, the magic of Etosha lies in its waterholes. These oases are lifelines for animals during the dry months, drawing them close for unforgettable wildlife sightings. It’s a place where every moment holds the possibility of witnessing rare animals like rhinos or lions. Unfortunately there is no African buffalo in Etosha, so you can’t spot the big five here!
Navigating Etosha is a bumpy journey on the gravel roads, I’m gonna need some physiotherapy after two days of safari, that’s for sure!!

Source: https://www.etoshanationalpark.org/
Etosha, where to stay here?
Because of the vast distances in Namibia and the abundance of sights to see in Etosha National Park, it is highly recommended to stay overnight in or near the park. We spent one night inside the park and one night just outside it. Staying inside the park has the advantage of not having to queue at the gate in the morning and not having to worry about the park’s closing hours. There are six campsites in the park, where you can either camp or stay in a lodge. We spent one night at Halali Camp in Etosha National Park and one night at Etosha Village, just outside the Andersson Gate. I can highly recommend both!



Entrance Fees (Entrance fees to be paid at the gate!):
- Adults (foreign) is NAD 150-00 per adult per day
- Children under 16 years are free of charge
- Vehicles with 10 seats or less are NAD 50-00 per vehicle per day
Opening Times and Closing Times
The times change weekly and are based on Sunrise and Sunset.
3. Swakopmund – Skeleton Coast National Park
From Etosha Village, we set out early in the morning for a roughly 7-hour drive. Our destination: Swakopmund, a charming coastal town in Namibia known for its German influence and a popular stop for road trip travelers. The journey itself is a highlight, with landscapes that transform dramatically at every turn. Sometimes rugged and mountainous, other times lush and green, and eventually, vast and desert-like plains.
If you have a bit more time than us, you can make a few stops on this route. Spitzkoppe: This stunning granite peak is known as the “Matterhorn of Namibia.” It’s perfect for a quick hike or photo stop. Twyfelfontein: If time allows, detour to see ancient rock engravings—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cape Cross Seal Reserve: Near Swakopmund, this colony is home to thousands of Cape fur seals.



A stop we did make was the Skeleton Coast. This 500 km long stretch of coastline is the spot where the desert meets the ocean, creating a truly unique and dramatic landscape. The name ‘Skeleton coast’ comes from the many seal skeletons scattered across the beaches. The area is also famous for its haunting shipwrecks like the Eduard Bohlen and the Zeila, stranded in the powerful surf. Adding to the eerie beauty is the largest lichen field in the world, which gives the desert a striking red glow.
We spent the night in the Prost Hotel.
4. Walvis Bay – Sandwich Harbour
From Swakopmund, you can choose from a variety of exciting activities. Popular options include:
- Skydiving: For the ultimate adventure, skydive over the stunning desert and coastline.
- Kayaking among seals: Paddle alongside playful seals in Walvis Bay.
- 4×4 tours in Sandwich Harbour: Explore the dramatic meeting point of towering dunes and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Sandboarding: Glide down the golden dunes for an adrenaline-filled experience.
- Quad tours: Navigate the endless desert on a thrilling quad bike ride.
I took the 4×4 tour in Sandwich Harbour, and it was an absolute must-do! The adventure begins in Walvis Bay at the harbor. Here you’re greeted by a spectacular view of a massive flamingo colony. On the way to the Namib Naukluft National Park, you pass a salt mine with pink salt pans and informational panels about the salt production process. A wandering jackal stole my attention briefly.
Once inside the park, the tour takes you along the beach and into the dunes, some towering as high as 100 meters. The thrilling ride through the dunes felt like being on a roller coaster—a pure adrenaline rush!



5. Untouched Namibia: Sossusvlei National Park
The Namib Desert is the most famous desert in Namibia and the only true desert in the country. It’s one of Africa’s largest deserts and possibly the oldest on Earth, stretching over 2,000 kilometers along the coast of Namibia, South Africa, and Angola. The northern part is known as the Moçâmedes Desert, and in the south, it transitions into the Kalahari. Along the coast, you’ll find the iconic orange dunes of Sossusvlei and the nearby Deadvlei, making it a stunning desert landscape. Unique like Wadi Rum in Jordan, with it’s own spectacular views. This is our last stop on our Namibia road trip.
What to do in Sossusvlei National Park
Watching the sunrise
I’m a big fan of sunrises, but unfortunately, I’m not a morning person, so I rarely catch them. However, for a sunrise in Sossusvlei, I gladly set my alarm. It’s not just to beat the heat in the desert, but also to witness the magical play of light on the dunes. The dunes, some towering over 300 meters, transform as the light hits them in a kaleidoscope of colors—from deep oranges and reds to subtle shades of purple and gold. It’s one of the few places where the beauty cannot be captured in a photo. I had seen stunning images of Sossusvlei, but in person, it’s even more awe-inspiring!



Climbing the dunes
Dune 45
Indeed, there are countless dunes to climb in the Sossusvlei area, but a few are particularly popular and relatively easy to scale. The most famous dune is Dune 45, which stands at around 170 meters high. It’s located at 45 km from the Sesriem gate. It’s a favorite for sunrise climbs due to its accessibility and the stunning views it offers once you reach the top. Climbing the dunes requires some effort, it feels like you slide down a bit with each step you take. The soft sand makes the ascent a workout, but the reward is more than worth it!
Big Daddy and Big Mama
Another popular dune is Big Daddy, one of the highest dunes in the region, standing at over 300 meters. It’s a challenging climb, but the views from the top over Dead Vlei and the surrounding dunes are truly breathtaking. On the opposite site of the valley is Big Mama, less high, but the view from the top is also stunning.
When coming down the dunes at Sossusvlei, the experience is much faster and easier than climbing up! Once you’re ready to descend, it feels like you’re almost gliding down the sand. You can slide down the dunes on your feet or even sit down and let gravity take over. The sand is soft, so it’s safe, though it can be a bit hard to stop, so be mindful of your speed.
Many visitors enjoy running or even rolling down the dunes, which makes for an exhilarating and fun experience. Some dunes, especially Big Daddy, can have steep sections where you’ll pick up speed quickly, so it’s a good idea to brace yourself or find a gentle slope. When it’s not too hot yet: take off your shoes, it’s fun!!
Tips for climbing the dunes
- Start early: To avoid the midday heat, it’s best to start your climb early in the morning when the temperatures are cooler.
- Wear good footwear: While sandals or flip-flops might seem like a good choice for the warm weather, sturdy shoes are better for grip on the sandy slopes. When you decent
- Bring plenty of water: The desert heat can be intense, so staying hydrated is essential during the climb.
- Mind the sand: The soft sand makes each step a bit harder, so take your time, and be prepared for a strenuous yet rewarding experience.
- Shuttle service: You might not want to drive all the way to the Big Daddy hike/Dead vlei. In that case, you can use the shuttle service. The shuttle departs from the parking lot at the end of the paved road.



Deadvlei
Dead Vlei is one of the most photographed locations in the world, known for its striking contrast of dead trees set against a backdrop of towering orange dunes and a white clay pan. The dramatic imagery of this place has made it an iconic symbol of Namibia. While it may appear small in photographs, the area is actually vast, with the surrounding dunes reaching heights of up to 300 meters.
It is possible to access Dead Vlei without climbing Big Daddy, the tallest dune in the area. You can take the well-marked walking trail that branches off to the right from the parking area. This route will take you directly to Dead Vlei, offering a relatively short walk to this mesmerizing spot.


Sesriem Canyon
Just outside Sesriem, before entering the Namib-Naukluft National Park, you’ll find Sesriem Canyon on your left. Don’t let the rough, narrow access road deter you. It’s one of the bumpiest tracks in Namibia, but the journey is worth it! The canyon itself, though somewhat hidden from view, is an unexpected gem. The Tsauchab river carved this natural canyon in the local sedimentary rock, about one kilometer long. A short but beautiful hike, I loved its peaceful atmosphere—a striking contrast to the expansive dunes of Sossusvlei nearby.
Funfact: The name “Sesriem” means “six belts,” referring to the early settlers who had to tie six leather straps together to lower buckets into the canyon to retrieve water.
Fees and Opening Times -Closing Times
The times change weekly and are based on Sunrise and Sunset.
The entrance fees for Sossusvlei vary depending on your nationality and the type of vehicle you are driving. For foreign visitors, the fee is NAD 150 per adult per day and NAD 100 for children (ages 9 – 16). SADC citizens pay NAD 100 per adult and NAD 50 for children. While Namibian nationals enjoy a lower rate of NAD 50 per adult, with no charge for children under 9. Additionally, there is a vehicle fee: for smaller vehicles (up to 10 seats), it costs NAD 50, while larger vehicles incur higher fees
Make sure to purchase your permit in advance. It is valid for a 24-hour period starting from the time of entry. This allows for early access, especially if you want to catch the sunrise at the dunes.
Back to Windhoek
From Sossus vlei, our journey heads back towards Windhoek, the beginning and the end of our road trip in Namibia. But we can’t pass by without a stop in Solitaire. Originally it was just a gas station in the middle of the desert. It became a beloved pit stop after a Moose McGregor opened a bakery here (yes, being mentioned in Lonely Planet helps of course). Today, Solitaire is world-famous for its apple pie! If you’re craving a slice of delicious, warm apple pie, this is the place to be.
