An Incredible 10-Day Namibia Road Trip Itinerary
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know I recently got back from a two-month trip to Namibia.
It was my second trip to the country this year, and my feed has been an explosion of desert landscapes, epic hot air balloon adventures, and ticking off some of Namibia’s top attractions.
And after doing a Namibia travel Q&A, I had an influx of people asking me two things:
- “Please make all this information a Story highlight.”
- “Hurry up and post your Namibia blog posts!”
So here it is.
All the tips, information, and destinations you need to know about to plan an unforgettable Namibia road trip itinerary!
Without further adieu, let’s dive into this behemoth.
Psst…Want more Namibia travel tips and road trip inspo? Check out these other posts:
- How to Plan a Self-Drive Safari in Namibia
- Staying at Desert Grace: A Top Luxury Eco Lodge in Namibia
- 20 Incredible Visa-Free Countries South Africans Need to Visit in 2021
- The Ultimate Road Trip Essentials Packing List (+ Free Checklist!)
- 10+ Spectacular Road Trips in South Africa You Can’t Miss!
- 10+ of the Cheapest African Countries You Need to Visit
Namibia Road Trip Safety Tips
“Is it safe to drive in Namibia?”
That’s one of the top questions in my DMs.
The short answer? Yes! Namibia is a safe self-drive destination. Hopping in your car and driving into the arid desert is one of the best ways to explore the country.
However, there are a few things you do need to keep in mind.
Keep an Eye on Your Fuel Tank
Namibia is the second least densely populated country in the world. With a population of only 2 million and an area of 825,400 square kilometres, you can drive for hours and not see another car.
When you couple this with the long drive times between attractions, and few and far petrol stations in between – you could run out of fuel in the middle of nowhere if you’re not careful.
Before you set out on your Namibia self-drive trip, go onto Google Maps and make a note of the petrol stations and where you’re going to fill up.
Tip: Work out your car’s fuel efficiency so you know exactly how many kilometres you’re going to get from one full tank of fuel.
Don’t Drive at Night
Once you leave a big city like Windhoek, you won’t find a single street light until you reach the next town.
While no light pollution is music to any astrophotographer’s ears, it’s dangerous to anyone on the roads after dark.
Why?
You could hit big animals like Oryx or not see a pothole in time.
…And that’s a sure-fire way to spend your travel fund on insurance premiums.
Tip: Plan your Namibia road trip route to leave after sunrise and arrive before sunset.
Road Trip Namibia Solo or in a Group
Okay, hear me out.
You can self-drive Namibia alone, but only if you prepare for sh*t to the fan.
With how remote the country is and the lack of cell signal, if you get stuck or have an accident, you might have to wait hours for someone to drive past.
If you want to road trip Namibia solo, make sure you have:
- Satellite phone
- Emergency service numbers
- Tools for changing a tyre
- Knowledge to get your car unstuck from a sand dune
For everyone else, I’d recommend going in a group for safety.
And if you want to go up to the Skeleton Coast, go in a convoy (not one car), so you have another vehicle to help in case you get stuck.
Pick The Right Car
Do you need a 4×4 in Namibia? Yes and no.
You can reach some destinations with a normal vehicle. The road to Sossusvlei has been upgraded in recent years, and there is a tar road from the park gates until the first Dead Vlei parking lot.
But due to the conditions of the gravel roads, it’s better to use a 4×4. Plus, if you want to explore more remote regions and tackle the dunes, you’ll need an off-road vehicle.
Travel & Car Insurance
If you’re a digital nomad and travel to Namibia for a month or more, I recommend looking into Safety Wing. It’s travel insurance for long-term travellers. I used the company for my year long adventure across Europe when my remote company set me up with a policy. It has no rigid policy dates, the monthly coverage is flexible and the claims process is super simple! I used it when I needed to go to an optometrist in France for a new pair of glasses.
For car insurance, you shouldn’t skimp on this option. We got caught in a sandstorm en route to Luderitz that stripped the paint off the car and pockmarked the entire windscreen.
Get a Local Sim Card
Grab an MTC sim card and sign up for the Supa Aweh package. It has the best value for money in terms of the amount of data and talk time you’ll get.
The only catch? It expires after a week.
If you plan to stay in Namibia for longer as I did, I topped up my data bundles as I ran out.
The Best Time to Visit Namibia
When is the best time of year to visit Namibia? October.
The heat of summer hasn’t arrived yet, the chill of winter has melted away, and the wildflowers are in bloom.
And if that’s not enough to tempt you, this will. October is a shoulder season for Namibia. It’s coming right off the heels of the country’s busiest months (June to August) which means you can scoop up incredible accommodation deals, and the crowds at Dead Vlei are minimal.
But if you want to avoid melting like a popsicle, the winter months (June to August) are a firm favourite for a reason. You won’t have a rain cloud in sight, temperatures are cool, and you’ll have incredible wildlife sightings in Etosha National Park.
Namibia Road Trip Itinerary
Special thanks to Mat-Travel Safaris and Tours for helping me plan both my Namibia road trips, organising all the logistics, and driving me around!
I’ve only flown into Namibia for a road trip. However, it’s totally possible to drive up from Cape Town or elsewhere in South Africa.
There is a main road you can follow, and it’s in good condition. If you decide to drive, remember to read up on what you’ll need to present at the border (i.e. car paperwork) and what food you can and cannot take across into Namibia.
Here is my Namibia road trip itinerary starting from Windhoek!
Windhoek (1 Day)
Fly into Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) and spend one night in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital city.
Trust me. You’ll want a bit of a breather before the madness of the road trip kicks into full gear. It will also give you time to grab a local sim card and check out the food scene.
After a good night’s rest, buckle up and get ready to start driving towards Luderitz in the morning.
Where to Stay in Windhoek
Things to Do in Windhoek
- Have dinner at Stellenbosch Wine Bar and Bistro (not vegan friendly)
- Visit Christuskirche (a gingerbread looking church)
Windhoek to Luderitz (1-2 Days)
- Distance: 684 km
- Time: 7-hours 35 min
From Windhoek, you can drive straight through to Luderitz, BUT that’s a hectic 8-hour drive.
Instead, break up your trip with a stop in Keetmanshoop. It’s home to Namibia’s famous quiver tree forest! We originally planned to stay on the farm where these trees are found, but we had to cancel our booking.
If you have more time, you can opt-in for a more popular route to Luderitz: Windhoek – Kalahari – Fish River Canyon – Luderitz.
Once you get to Luderitz, you can spend one or two days exploring the Kolmanskop Ghost Town. Once a thriving diamond mining town, it was abandoned to the elements in the 1950s. Over the decades, the desert has slowly taken over the buildings.
I would recommend spending two days here if you’re a photographer. It will give you time to scope out your shots and two opportunities to shoot at sunrise.
An extra day also means you have a buffer day in case the weather is bad.
Cost: Permits for sunrise and sunset are NAD 300 or NAD150 if you go in during daytime hours.
Where to Stay in Luderitz
Things to Do in Luderitz
- Kolmanskop
- Diaz Point
Lüderitz to Sossusvlei (2 Days)
- Distance: 498 km
- Time: 6-hours 27 min
Next, you’re off to one of my favourite places in Namibia – Sossusvlei! Here, you’ll find the petrified Dead Vlei and the famous Dune 45 (the most photographed dune in the world!)
There are so many incredible ways to experience the desert while you’re here:
- Go on a hot air balloon ride with Namib Sky
- Sign up for a sunset nature drive into the dunes (available at Le Mirage)
- Climb Big Momma and Big Daddy dunes
- See Deadvlei and Sossusvlei
- Take photos at the dunes lining the road up to Deadvlei
- Keep an eye out for the Oryx!
Tip: Come inside the park for one sunset and one sunrise to experience the dunes in a different light! And don’t forget water if you plan on climbing any of the dunes.
Where to Stay in Sossusvlei
- Kulala Desert Lodge (private access to Sossusvlei)
- Sesriem Campsite (campsite inside the park)
- Le Mirage (an hour drive to Sossusvlei)
- Gondwana Desert Grace Lodge
Read More: Staying at Desert Grace: A Top Luxury Eco Lodge in Namibia
Sossusvlei to Swakopmund (2 Days)
- Distance: 403 km
- Time: 5-hours
After an incredible two days in Sossusvlei, drive up the coast to Swakopmund. This little town is an excellent spot to have a breather and experience more of Namibia’s top attractions.
But before you pull into town, add Solitaire to your GPS and stop by for the famous apple crumble pie. 😍
Feast your heart out! It’s 100% worth it!
If you’re short on time, you can end your Namibia road trip itinerary here and fly out of Walvis Bay Airport. It’s a 35-minute drive away, or you could drive back to Windhoek (3-hours away) and depart from Hosea Kutako International Airport.
Read More: How To Book Cheap Flights From South Africa To Your Dream Destination
Things to Do Near Swakopmund
- Sandwich Harbour: Sign up for a half-day tour with Mola Mola Safaris and experience the size of the dunes first-hand. You drive next to the waves breaking on the beach and go on a roller coaster ride into the dunes. 12/10 would recommend – just make sure you sit in the front if you get car sick.
- Seal Kayaking Tour: This takes place in Walvis Bay, but you can easily organise a pick up with the tour company.
- Quad Biking: Dune 7 Adventures has an amazing quad biking sunset tour! It’s one of the best things I did in Namibia, and the views were incredible!
- Flamingoes: Walvis Bay (a short 30-minute drive from Swakopmund) is famous for its gigantic flamingo population. Walk along the promenade, and you’ll see a sea of pink -heart eyes-
- Architecture: Walk around Swakopmund and explore the town’s beautiful German architecture. My favourite building is the old railway station.
- Skeleton Coast: If you have an extra day, book a day trip up to the Skeleton Coast. You can see the shipwrecks that litter Namibia’s coast. Or, if you want to save time, you can book a scenic flight and see the wrecks from above.
Tip: The Skeleton Coast is super remote and has no cell signal. It’s best to go with someone who knows the area and can help if your car gets stuck.
Where to Stay in Swakopmund
Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe (1-2 Days)
- Distance: 152 km
- Time: 1-hour 38 min
Only a 3-hour drive from Swakopmund lies another firm favourite – Spitzkoppe. Located in Damaraland, a breathtaking mountainous region where you’ll find locals selling crystals, desert lions, elephants and zebras.
With so much epicness going on, it’s not hard to see why it’s one of the most photographed places in Namibia!
And the star of the show? The famous “arch”.
For photographers, shoot the arch at sunrise. Sunset works as well, but I find that the sunrise photos look better.
If you’re not into boulders or landscape photography, Spitzkoppe is an incredible star-gazing destination in Namibia. Pack your tripod and plan your trip in line with the new moon for spectacular Milky Way shots!
On my first Namibia road trip, this was our final stop before driving back to Windhoek to fly back home. You can do the same or continue further north.
Where to Stay in Spitzkoppe
- Spitzkoppe Tented Camp: 12/10 would recommend staying here. It’s only a short drive to the entrance.
- Spitzkoppe Campsites: You can camp inside the park, but it’s wild camping, and you’ll need to bring everything with you.
- Spitzkoppen Lodge: A more luxurious option.
Spitzkoppe to Etosha (3 Days)
- Distance: 460 km
- Time: 5-hours
Got the time to explore more of Namibia? Head up to Etosha National Park.
You can start in Swakopmund, skip Spitzkoppe and spend one night at Madisa Camp in Damaraland (3-hour drive) before driving at Anderson’s Gate on the C38 (4-hour drive).
If you’re coming from Spitzkoppe, the drive is 5-hours to the gate.
Once you’re inside, I’d recommend spending at least three days in Etosha. It will give you more than enough time to explore the park, and if you book accommodation within Etosha, you’ll have extra time for spotting the famous ghost elephants, big cats, and all the other wildlife.
The downside? The chalets inside the park are government-owned and aren’t in the best condition. My rooms at different camps had cockroaches, I didn’t always have hot water, and you can hear other people showering.
Plus, if you book the breakfast and dinner option, it’s not super vegetarian or vegan friendly. Learn from my mistakes and pack your own food if you don’t like eating meat.
What are ghost elephants? Regular ol’ African elephants that bathe in the park’s white clay and calcite sand, turning their grey skin white.
Read More: How to Plan a Self-Drive Safari in Namibia
Where to Stay in Etosha
- Okaukuejo Camp: Book the premium waterhole chalets if you can.
- Halali Camp: My favourite Etosha camp that was in a better condition than Okaukuejo and near to the one leopard’s local hangout.
- Mushara Lodge: A luxury camp outside of Etosha on the Eastern side of the park.
- Little Ongava: A luxury lodge 5 minutes from Etosha’s gates.
Etosha to Windhoek (1 Day)
- Distance: 457 km
- Time: 4-hours 37 min
If you don’t want to spend a night in Windhoek, book an afternoon flight out. Etosha is only a 4-hour drive away, and if you leave early enough, you can make it in time for your final leg back home.
We did this on our first Namibia road trip.
Even More Bucket List Namibia Attractions
There are a few other destinations you can check out for those that have more time for a longer Namibia road trip itinerary:
- Caprivi Strip
- Fish River Canyon
- Twyfelfontein
- Waterberg Plateau National Park
- Epupa Falls
- Cape Cross
- Hoba Meteorite
- Welwitschia Drive
- Kaokoland
- Sesriem Canyon
- Quiver Tree Forest
What to Pack for a Namibia Road Trip
Before you start your Namibia road trip, there are a few essentials that you’ll want to make sure are in your car:
- Spare tyre, spanner, and jack
- Tyre repair spray for punctures
- A cell phone charger for the car and a power bank
- Credit card and cash (don’t forget to unlock your card for international travel)
- Downloaded Spotify road trip playlist (you won’t have signal the entire time for online streaming)
- Offline version of Google Maps, Garmin, or old school map book
- A torch or headlamp
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Soy milk if you don’t drink dairy (pick this up in Windhoek or Walvis Bay)
- Snacks for the car
Read More: The Ultimate Road Trip Essentials Packing List (+ Free Checklist!)
Namibia Road Trip Cost
Your Namibia road trip budget will vary depending on your travelling style, how far you drive, and how many days you spend in the country.
Here is a quick breakdown of what you can expect to pay in Namibia:
Cost of Accommodation in Namibia
Camping: Camping is the cheapest accommodation option in Namibia. You can bring your camping gear, hire some from an overland company, or stay in tented camps. Prices for campsites in Namibia average around NAD 200.
Lodges: Staying in a lodge or guesthouse in Namibia varies widely. You can book at mid-range places for NAD 800 per person per night or splurge on an ultra-luxe lodge starting at NAD 7000 per person.
Car Rental and Petrol Costs in Namibia
The cost of renting a car in Namibia depends on the type of car you choose and if you’re travelling during high or low season. On average, a 4×4 rental (without camping gear) for 7-days will start at NAD 1020 per day for a 7-day trip, and if you want camping included, it can go up to NAD 2500 during peak season.
Next, you’ll need to budget for petrol. Luckily, it’s cheaper than South Africa. The price per litre is usually around NAD 13. To give you an example, my trip from Walvis Bay to Etosha cost NAD 2,400 for three tanks of fuel.
Entrance Fees for National Parks
The entrance fees in Namibia aren’t crazy expensive.
SADC nationals will pay around NAD 50 – NAD 70 and everyone else NAD 100 to NAD 150. Car fees are between NAD 20 to NAD 50, depending on your nationality.
Food Costs in Namibia
If you’re staying at self-catering places, you can keep your food costs pretty low. The prices for some food items are slightly more expensive in Spar or at petrol stations as many things are imported.
Eating out at restaurants is on par with South African prices. You can expect main meal dishes to be average around R80 to R150. Non-vegetarian meals do cost more.
Flights to Namibia from South Africa
I paid R3500 for a return flight from Cape Town to Walvis Bay and around the same amount for my flights from Johannesburg to Windhoek.
To get the best flight prices, use Skyscanner. You can quickly see what months are the cheapest to fly to Namibia and what days airlines hike up the prices.
Travelling to Namibia FAQ
- What injections do I need for Namibia? There are no required vaccines for Namibia. However, always double-check with your doctor what shots you should get before travelling to Namibia. Some of the advised vaccines are Hepatitis B, Rabies, Typhoid, and Cholera.
- Do I need malaria tablets for Namibia? There are some areas in Namibia where malaria is a high risk, especially during the rainy season. Again, speak to your doctor to get up-to-date medical advice and get malaria tablets that work best for you.
- Can I drink the water in Namibia? Yes, you can drink tap water in Namibia. However, always double-check when you are staying at lodges and campsites outside of the main cities.
- How many days should I spend in Namibia? With huge distances to cover between Namibia attractions, you should aim to spend between 10 to 14 days or more in Namibia.
Woo hoo! Congrats on making it to the end of this gigantic but EPIC Namibia road trip itinerary! Got any questions I didn’t answer? Hit ya gurl up in the comments below.
If you like it, then you should put a pin on it!
Love this! So helpful. Did you visit the skeleton coast? Will it be part of the trip you’re organizing next year? Also how’s the covid situation in Namibia?
I went as far as Henties Bay and saw one shipwreck. But I didn’t technically go into Skeleton Coast NP. For the trip, we are probably not going to do it just because of time and wanting to keep things at a specific price point.
Covid situation is more or less the same as SA and the rest of the world. You just need to wear a mask etc. like we do here.
Hello Lauren, its been my dream to visit Namibia with my family- we are 5 in total. however, after having looked at costs it seems to be an unreachable dream. I would love to road trip and would have to hire a 4*4 to do this, so that is definitely an additional cost as I don’t own one currently. Then its accommodation for 5 people, which I dont really mind rouging it out a bit, I’m not sure camping is an option for us though (but if it comes down to it we may have to) Then there’s the cost of all the covid tests. What would you recommend is best route for a family of 5 who wants to do a road trip (but preferably not alone as we are not too experienced). it must be the kinda trip youv’e described with the opportunity to take in all the key destinations and basically following your itinerary? we would have mx 10 days available to us to do this. tough question, but what should a trip like this cost me?
Hey! I think the best option for you would be to sign up for a group tour of Namibia. You won’t be alone and you’ll have a clear idea of the costs upfront x
Hello Lauren, this is so helpful, thank you! Namibia sounds so magical – we’d like to book a road trip in May. Could you suggest any affordable group tour? We will fly from Joburg.
Hey Lara! I’m hosting a group trip to Namibia in May. You can see the trip itinerary and all the costs here: https://wandertohere.com/trips/namibia-7-day-overland-tour/