adminNamibia, 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
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.
Read all about my experiences in this volunteering project here!!
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.
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.
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!
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.
Sossusvlei is all about the unique colors of the landscape. You can hike here all day and visit some of the most photographed spots in the world. Read more about all activities, tips and accomodations here.
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
💡 Travel Tips & Useful Links
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