Namibia
Namibia is one of the most breathtaking countries in Africa. The ultimate road trip destination and a fantastic destination year-round. With more than 100 mammal species, 300 species of birds, and vast landscape, it’s a photographer’s dream!
Home to deserts and stunning coastlines, it’s one of our favorite Africa trips to date.
With so much to see, it’s best to break up the country into multiple trips. To make things a little bit easier, I’ve put together a few itineraries from our past road trips through Namibia.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Language: The official language of Namibia is English. However German, Afrikaans and Oshiwambo dialects are spoken by the locals as well.
Currency: The Namibian Dollar and the South African Rand are both used in the country.
Credit Cards and ATMs: In the big cities like Windhoek, you won’t have a problem paying for your purchases with your credit card or finding an ATM. However, if you’re planning a road trip through Namibia, you’ll need to keep money on you at all times. This is because the more remote towns only accept cash and many do not have ATMs including the gas stations.
Plugs: The plugs in Namibia are type D and M. The standard voltage is 220 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter that has surge protection and using a converter for hair dryers and hot tools.
Safety: In my opinion, Namibia is one of the safest countries in Africa. It’s politically stable and has a low crime rate.
From the remote Skeleton Coast to the beautiful Sossusvlei dunes and the beautiful luxury accommodation, it’s an incredible destination for travelers who love road trips, nature and adventure.
Your itinerary for Namibia and the regions you want to visit will play a big part in deciding when to travel to the country. If you’re after a world-class safari in Etosha National Park, you’ll want to skip the hot summer months, but if you’re a budget traveler, that’s when you’ll find incredible flight deals.
July to October
July to October is peak season in Namibia. The winter and spring temperatures mean cooler weather, making Namibia road trips across the desert more bearable.
You’ll also have excellent game viewings at Etosha National Park in the north, and you’ll get to see some of Namibia’s unique desert wildlife along the Skeleton Coast and Damaraland.
If you’re a photographer, the winter months are also excellent for astrophotography!
The only downside to visiting Namibia during this time is the prices. Accommodation at the best lodges and even the campsites book out months in advance and flights are at their most expensive.
The winter months are considered the best time to visit Sossusvlei. The air is clear of dust, and you’ll have a beautiful contrast of the red dunes against the blue skies.
If you can, plan to enter the park as soon as it opens at 6 am. The morning light is perfect for photographers, and you’ll get to watch the dunes change colour as the sun rises.
April to June
April to June is Namibia’s shoulder season months. The hot summer temperatures start to cool down, and the landscape is green from all the rain.
It’s an excellent time to visit the country’s national parks as the high season crowds have yet to arrive and game viewing starts to pick up. However, I’d still book your accommodation well in advance, as South Africa has school and public holidays over these months and tourism to Namibia starts picking up.
Keep an eye on flight prices for Namibia as well. The airlines will start to increase airfares as the country enters winter and high season for tourism begins.
November to March
Between November and March, the temperatures in Namibia are at their hottest. You can expect an average day to reach well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an unpopular time to travel to the country.
However, if you can handle the heat, it’s the best time to visit Namibia if you’re a budget traveler. Airlines drop their rates to make up for the seasonal lull, and you won’t have to deal with long lines of people outside top attractions like Sossusvlei.
Be sure to pack a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated!
You can also skip Etosha National Park and plan a road trip through Skeleton Coast National Park. There’s less fog in the summer months and the nights are warmer, making it ideal if you’re camping your way through the country.
If you’re a bird lover, the summer months are the best time to visit Namibia. Many of the country’s migratory birds arrive with the rains, and you’ll see thousands of pink flamingos and Blue Cranes.
You can also head to Damaraland to see the Herero chat and Monteiro’s hornbill!
West Namibia: 7-day Itinerary
Day 1: Windhoek
The best way to get to Namibia is to fly into the capital city of Windhoek. It’s a modern city that’s home to misplaced German castles, Neobaroque cathedral spires, and plenty of delicious food.
Accommodation: The Olive Exclusive:
This is a really cute luxury hotel in the heart of Namibia. You’ll be close enough to all of the city’s top attractions!
Things to do in Windhoek:
Visit the iconic landmark of Christ Church.
Shop at the Namibia Craft Cente.
Visit the National Botanic Garden of Namibia
Learn about Namibia’s past at the Independence Memorial Museum.
Day 2-3: Erongo Wilderness
Located about 2.5 hours outside of Windhoek, the Erongo Wilderness Lodge is where the mountains, desert, and bushveld ecosystems meet. It’s situated in a secluded valley and features 12 luxury tents.
It’s the perfect lodge for those that want to get outside and become one with nature.
Things to do in Erongo Wilderness:
Go on a nature drive with a guide and visit Paula’s Cave.
Hike one of the many self-guided walking trails.
Go on a bird watching safari.
Take a guided walk in the morning or before sunset.
Day 4-5: Spitzkoppen Lodge
About 4.5 hours away from Windhoek is Spitzkoppen Lodge, a hotel lodged between 150-million-year-old boulders. With a minimalistic approach, the property seamlessly blends into the apricot sand and rugged landscape.
There are 15 one-of-a-kind chalets, each offering an unforgettable VIP service!
Things to do at Spitzkoppen Lodge:
Go on a guided rock art tour.
Wander through the nearby caves.
Tackle one of the many hiking trails.
Before you check out, be sure to stop by the little shop at the lodge to pick up a souvenir. It’s full of handcrafted wonders and gemstones that have been carved by local miners.
Day 6-7: Swakopmund
Swakopmund is a quaint little seaside town where you’ll find palm-lined streets and beautiful beaches. A highlight of the area is a day trip to the Cape Cross Seal Colony! It’s a great way to get a taste of the famous Skeleton Coast!
Things to do in Swakopmund:
Check out the Hohenzollern Building
Visit the Marine Memorial.
Go to the Princess Rupprecht House.
On the southwestern coast of Africa, you’ll find one of the most underrated tourist destinations on the planet. Far off the beaten path, this golden slice of Namibia may not be at the top of many people’s travel bucket lists, but it’s so worth the trip.
Part of the Namib Naukluft Park, this incredible piece of coastline is unlike any beach you’ve seen. This dramatic six-mile-long lagoon is where the sapphire South Atlantic Ocean meets the endless deserts of Namibia.
South Namibia: 7-day Itinerary
Day 1-2: Arrive in Walvis Bay
Walvis Bay is famous for its flamingo lagoon, pelicans and migrations. One of the best ways to explore the area is with a 4×4.
You can tackle the dunes and go on off the beaten track adventures.
Driving around Namibia is possible on your own, but you need to know basic mechanical skills like changing a tire. With vast distances between destinations, weak cellphone signal, and a small population, you can’t rely on other cars coming past frequently.
Things to Do in Walvis Bay:
Take a scenic flight over Walvis Bay.
Go on a living desert tour.
Go see the pelicans and flamingos.
Where to Stay in Walvis Bay:
Flamingo Villas Boutique Hotel: I stayed here because I wanted to as close as possible to the flamingos! It’s within walking distance from the beach where they gather in massive groups.
Day 3-4: Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei is one of the top destinations in Namibia. It’s famous for its massive dunes and ancient camel thorn trees.
You’ll find Sossusvlei inside Namib-Naukluft National Park. I highly recommend staying inside the park’s boundaries so you can enter Sossusvlei for sunrise!
Things to do in Sossusvlei:
Big Daddy Dune: The Big Daddy Dune. It’s the tallest dune in Sossusvlei and is over 1,000 feet tall! If you’re feeling up to the challenge, hike to the top for some incredible views!
Deadvlei: One of the most iconic landmarks in Sossusvlei is Deadvlei. It’s an area that’s home to 900-year-old dead camel thorn trees. The pitch black trees are juxtaposed against the cracked white clay, and the contrast is stunning! It is a bit of a walk to get there so bring water and stay hydrated.
Where to Stay:
Little Kuala: I stayed at Little Kuala Lodge, which is outside the park. It consists of 10 villas and is surrounded by the wilderness. Each suite has a private pool, indoor and outdoor showers, and a rooftop bed where you can spend your night stargazing.
Sossus Dune Lodge: Sossus Dune Lodge is one of the few lodges located within the national park. Choose from the dune chalets or splurge on a honeymoon suite.
Day 5-7: Wolwedans
Still located in Sossusvlei, the Wolwedans Dunes give you a chance to experience the vastness of Namibia. There are two different lodges within the dunes, and both have a special place in my heart.
If you have the time and the budget, I recommend staying at both!
The Wolwedans Dune Lodge is a five-star hotel in the middle of the desert. It’s located on top of a dune plateau and offers a one of a kind experience.
The main lodge is divided into two chic lounge areas. There’s a massive deck with a lounge area, a swimming pool with hammocks and two dining areas.
The lodge also organizes sunrise hot air balloon rides and guided game drives!
Also within the NamibRand Nature Reserve is the Wolwedans Boulders Safari Camp. While the Dune Lodge is more luxury, Boulders is more off the grid.
It offers four oversize tents that can sleep up to eight guests and are designed to minimize the impact on the natural environment. There’s also the main dining area and a campfire where you can relax with a sundowner and watch the sunset over the desert scenery.
At the Boulders Camp, there are two different packages for activities. The NamibRand active package is perfect for those looking for adventure, and the NamibRand leisure package is designed for luxury and comfort.
Total Cost: Please inquire at info@urthsafari.com