Two beautiful weeks in Namibia: itinerary, highlights & tips
Introduction: This is a self-made travel blog about our two-week road trip through Namibia. While planning the journey, we aimed to create a well-balanced route that would allow us to discover as many highlights as possible without spending endless hours in the car every day, although that was sometimes unavoidable. In this blog, we share our own non-sponsored experiences, impressions and practical tips, hoping to inspire and support other travelers in planning their own adventure.
Namibia can be explored in many different ways, but traveling by camper or by 4x4 with a rooftop tent is undoubtedly one of the most adventurous options. This travel blog, however, is based on traveling without a rooftop tent and staying in lodges, which proved to be just as memorable and rewarding. That said, the exact same route can easily be followed with a camper or rooftop tent, as most destinations and often even the same lodges mentioned in this article also offer excellent camping facilities. This makes it easy to adapt the journey to your own travel style without having to rethink the entire itinerary.
If you have a bit more time for your trip, we also suggest several optional stops that allow you to extend this route into a three-week journey. If possible, staying longer in certain places is highly recommended, especially in Etosha, Sossusvlei or other national parks where wildlife sightings often require patience and time.
In short, this is a personal guide filled with tips, experiences, do’s and don’ts, and optional extensions to help you put together your dream trip through Namibia.
Namibia can be explored in many different ways, but traveling by camper or by 4x4 with a rooftop tent is undoubtedly one of the most adventurous options. This travel blog, however, is based on traveling without a rooftop tent and staying in lodges, which proved to be just as memorable and rewarding. That said, the exact same route can easily be followed with a camper or rooftop tent, as most destinations and often even the same lodges mentioned in this article also offer excellent camping facilities. This makes it easy to adapt the journey to your own travel style without having to rethink the entire itinerary.
If you have a bit more time for your trip, we also suggest several optional stops that allow you to extend this route into a three-week journey. If possible, staying longer in certain places is highly recommended, especially in Etosha, Sossusvlei or other national parks where wildlife sightings often require patience and time.
In short, this is a personal guide filled with tips, experiences, do’s and don’ts, and optional extensions to help you put together your dream trip through Namibia.
Hey, before you continue reading, may we have your attention for a moment?
If you appreciate our work and would like to support us for free, consider using one of the affiliate links on this website.
Are you planning to rent a car or book a hotel soon? Simply click on one of the links below or in our articles. If you make a booking afterwards, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!
If you appreciate our work and would like to support us for free, consider using one of the affiliate links on this website.
Are you planning to rent a car or book a hotel soon? Simply click on one of the links below or in our articles. If you make a booking afterwards, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!
|
|
THE IDEAL ROAD TRIP THROUGH NAMIBIA!
ARRIVAL in windhoek
After a long flight, often an overnight one, you finally arrive in Namibia. Waiting times at immigration can be quite long, and the staff may appear intentionally grumpy. Once you have made it through, your journey can finally begin. The airport itself is small, but it has a pleasant atmosphere, partly thanks to the African music playing outside. Before picking up your rental car, don’t forget to exchange some money if needed and buy a local SIM card.
For all practical information about Namibia, such as finances, SIM cards and power adapters, you can visit this page.
Namibia’s airport is located about forty minutes east of Windhoek. A highway between the airport and the capital is currently under construction, which will shorten this travel time in the future. Whether you head north or south after arrival, you will inevitably pass through Windhoek. It is highly recommended to stop at one of the large supermarkets here to stock up for the first part of your trip, exchange money if necessary and refuel if you have not already done so.
Windhoek is the capital of Namibia. In my opinion, it is a rather dull city with little to do. My advice is to skip the city altogether and continue straight south towards the Kalahari Desert, or north if you are traveling clockwise, unless you prefer to spend a day recovering from the long journey. There are plenty of accommodations and lodges around Windhoek where you can already start relaxing.
Try to avoid Windhoek after 5 p.m., as it becomes less safe, something we experienced ourselves.
🛏️🍴 Accommodation and food
There are many places to stay in and around the capital, Windhoek. We stayed at Arebbush Travel Lodge, which was nothing special but perfectly fine as a starting point. That said, it may be more appealing to drive straight on to the Kalahari Desert instead.
For all practical information about Namibia, such as finances, SIM cards and power adapters, you can visit this page.
Namibia’s airport is located about forty minutes east of Windhoek. A highway between the airport and the capital is currently under construction, which will shorten this travel time in the future. Whether you head north or south after arrival, you will inevitably pass through Windhoek. It is highly recommended to stop at one of the large supermarkets here to stock up for the first part of your trip, exchange money if necessary and refuel if you have not already done so.
Windhoek is the capital of Namibia. In my opinion, it is a rather dull city with little to do. My advice is to skip the city altogether and continue straight south towards the Kalahari Desert, or north if you are traveling clockwise, unless you prefer to spend a day recovering from the long journey. There are plenty of accommodations and lodges around Windhoek where you can already start relaxing.
Try to avoid Windhoek after 5 p.m., as it becomes less safe, something we experienced ourselves.
🛏️🍴 Accommodation and food
There are many places to stay in and around the capital, Windhoek. We stayed at Arebbush Travel Lodge, which was nothing special but perfectly fine as a starting point. That said, it may be more appealing to drive straight on to the Kalahari Desert instead.
Impression: roadtrip roads in Namibia.
KALAHARI DESERT
The Kalahari Desert is an ideal starting point for your journey through Namibia and a truly beautiful natural phenomenon. The landscape is dominated by red sand dunes that run in long lines from north to south. Combined with the position of the sun, they form a natural compass, making it surprisingly easy to find your way through this vast desert.
Besides the striking landscapes, this is where you will encounter the first wildlife of your Namibian adventure. Some lodges even offer game drives, both on private reserves and in the wild, allowing you to experience nature in a more immersive way. It is the perfect atmospheric introduction to the rest of your Namibian journey.
Besides the striking landscapes, this is where you will encounter the first wildlife of your Namibian adventure. Some lodges even offer game drives, both on private reserves and in the wild, allowing you to experience nature in a more immersive way. It is the perfect atmospheric introduction to the rest of your Namibian journey.
On the way to our lodge in the Kalahari Desert, we drove through this stunning landscape.
|
At the end of the sunset drive on the property, we enjoyed a drink with a stunning view. (Photo taken with a drone)
|
💡 Practical information and tips:
- We recommend visiting the Kalahari at the start of your trip, so that the most impressive wildlife in the northern part of the country can be saved as the grand finale at the end of your journey.
- The Kalahari is about a three-hour drive south of Windhoek, making it an ideal first stop.
- If you’re coming straight from the airport, consider staying two nights to ensure you have a full day to explore. If you’ve spent a night in Windhoek and have already taken care of all your administrative tasks and shopping, you can drive to the Kalahari early in the morning and one night may be enough to get a good glimpse.
- Make sure to enjoy the sunset, sunrise, and the stunning starry sky in this unique landscape
- If you have more time in Namibia and are heading further south towards the Fish River Canyon or Kolmanskop, be sure to stop at the 'Quiver Tree Forest'. Here, dozens of beautiful quiver trees stand, making it a perfect spot for astrophotography as well.
🛏️🍴 Accommodation and dining:
- There are several beautifully located lodges throughout the Kalahari, many of which also offer camping sites. Some lodges provide game drives as well.
- Most lodges have a restaurant where you can dine, so it’s worth checking in advance, as some are very remote and driving after dark is not recommended. Of course, you can also cook for yourself if you are camping.
- We stayed at Janssen Kalahari guest farm, where there are a few cottages as well as camping spots. In the afternoon, we took one of the designated self-guided walks on the property, and later joined an organized sunset tour, during which we saw several animals.
Fish River Canyon (Optional Extension for a 3-Week Itinerary)
The Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa and one of Namibia’s most impressive natural wonders. Stretching over 160 kilometers with depths of up to 550 meters, it offers breathtaking views. From the viewpoints, you can see the Fish River winding like a ribbon through the rugged landscape, especially spectacular at sunrise or sunset.
For hiking enthusiasts, the canyon is a true paradise. The famous Fish River Hiking Trail is a multi-day trek through the gorge, but shorter walks and scenic stops are also possible.
💡 Practical information:
For hiking enthusiasts, the canyon is a true paradise. The famous Fish River Hiking Trail is a multi-day trek through the gorge, but shorter walks and scenic stops are also possible.
💡 Practical information:
- The canyon is located in the far south of Namibia.
- The best views can be enjoyed from Hobas Viewpoint, which is easily accessible by car.
- The multi-day hike is only possible from May to September during the cooler months, but shorter walks or day visits are possible year-round.
Kolmanskop (Optional Extension for a 3-Week Itinerary)
The ghost town of Kolmanskop is an incredibly photogenic spot in Namibia. Once a bustling diamond town in the desert, it was abandoned when the mines ran dry. Today, the sand dunes are slowly reclaiming the houses, creating a surreal and almost fairytale-like setting.
Wandering through the deserted buildings, it feels as if time has stood still. The combination of decaying German colonial architecture and the drifting desert sand makes Kolmanskop a unique destination for photographers and adventurous travelers alike.
Although we unfortunately didn’t get the chance to visit this region ourselves, here is some useful information:
💡Practical information:
Wandering through the deserted buildings, it feels as if time has stood still. The combination of decaying German colonial architecture and the drifting desert sand makes Kolmanskop a unique destination for photographers and adventurous travelers alike.
Although we unfortunately didn’t get the chance to visit this region ourselves, here is some useful information:
💡Practical information:
- Kolmanskop is located near Lüderitz, on Namibia’s southwest coast.
- Visitors need to purchase a ticket to enter the site, and opening hours are roughly from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Arrive early for the best soft light.
- Take your time exploring the buildings, as each room reportedly has its own story.
sossusvlei
|
Sossusvlei & Deadvlei, the Desert Gems of Namibia!
In the midst of the vast Namib Desert lies Sossusvlei, a dried-up river valley surrounded by some of the tallest sand dunes in the world, in shades ranging from soft orange to deep red. The red glow creates a stunning color palette, especially at sunrise and sunset. At the far end of Sossusvlei is Deadvlei, a dried clay pan where centuries-old, petrified trees stand as silent guardians against the stark white clay and vivid blue sky. Together, they form one of the most photogenic landscapes on Earth, a place where time seems to stand still and nature’s artistry is visible in its purest form. The trees are long dead but cannot decompose due to the arid conditions, and they have stood here for over 900 years. This is undoubtedly one of the highlights of any trip to Namibia and is well worth the hype. Climb the Big Daddy dune and then walk down to Deadvlei, it’s an incredible experience. Other beautiful spots to explore within the park include:
|
💡Practical information and tips:
🛏️🍴Accommodation and dining:
- Visit Sossusvlei and Deadvlei early in the morning to catch the sunrise and to avoid the heat. If you want to explore the park before the largest groups arrive, consider staying inside the park overnight.
- The national park has two gates. If you stay overnight within the park, your accommodation will be located between these gates. The inner gate opens one hour before sunrise and closes one hour after sunset. The outer gate opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. By staying inside the park, you can enter one hour earlier than usual.
- Lodges inside the park are very expensive. If you are camping, you can stay within the park at a reasonable price.
- Deadvlei is about a 45-minute drive from the park entrance. The road is paved for most of the way, with only the last stretch requiring driving through sand. If you have a 4x4, you can consider driving through the sand yourself; we had no issues. If you get stuck, you can be pulled out, but it can be costly. If you do not have a 4x4 or want to avoid the risk, a shuttle is available for a few euros to take you to Deadvlei.
- The best time to visit is from May to September, when temperatures are cooler and the light is clear.
- Entrance fees for the national park are around 150 NAD (approximately €7.50) per person per 24 hours, plus 50 NAD (about €2.50) per vehicle. For three people with a car, the total is roughly €25 for one day (summer 2025 prices).
🛏️🍴Accommodation and dining:
- If you are camping, try to stay within the park boundaries to gain earlier access.
- If you prefer a lodge, besides the two expensive options inside the park, there are many more affordable lodges just outside. We stayed at the Elegant Desert Lodg, a beautiful and reasonably priced lodge about 35 minutes from Sesriem
- Most lodges have restaurants where you can dine, so check this in advance. At Elegant Desert Lodge, we had one of the best meals of our entire trip.
- Be sure to stay at least two nights near Sesriem to allow for at least one full day in the national park.
swakopmund/walvisbaai
|
Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are located on the coast, offering a unique combination of desert and ocean. Swakopmund is a charming town with German colonial architecture, cozy cafés, and restaurants, as well as opportunities for adventurous activities. Walvis Bay, on the other hand, is known for its lagoon full of flamingos, pelicans, and seals, making it the perfect spot to spot dolphins and go kayaking. The town itself is less remarkable. Walvis Bay is about a 30-minute drive south of Swakopmund.
We stayed two nights in Swakopmund and took a day trip to Walvis Bay with Mola Mola Safaris: the Sandwich Harbour tour with a beach braai. The highlights included:
In short, it was an amazing experience! They offer many other day trips, both on land and on the water, so be sure to check their website for more options. In this region, you can also enjoy other activities, such as visiting Dune 7, the highest dune in Namibia and one of the tallest in the world, or exploring an impressive lunar landscape. Other tours can also be booked via Getyourguide. |
|
Cruising through the desert with Mola Mola Tours in Sandwich Harbour, south of Walvis Bay.
|
Our two cottages were located on the edge of Swakopmund, offering a beautiful view of the desert, which you can freely explore on foot.
|
💡 Practical information and tips:
🛏️🍴Accommodation and dining:
- In Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, you will find various shops, pharmacies, banks, and gas stations. Make sure to stock up on supplies, as you will encounter far fewer shops in the following week.
🛏️🍴Accommodation and dining:
- We stayed two nights at the Desert Breeze Lodge in Swakopmund, a beautiful accommodation located on the edge of the town and the desert.
- The lodge has a breakfast room but no restaurant. For dinner, we drove into the center of Swakopmund, about 3 kilometers away.
spitzkoppe
The massive Spitzkoppe can be seen from miles away.
|
If you have ever dreamed of sleeping under an endless starry sky, walking among ancient rock paintings, and waking up to a view of a massive granite mountain, then Spitzkoppe absolutely belongs on your bucket list.
Located in the heart of Namibia, this impressive rock formation is also known as the "Matterhorn of Africa." The enormous peaks rise dramatically from the flat desert landscape, making them visible from miles away. It’s a true wow moment, especially at sunrise or sunset. Spitzkoppe feels like a place out of time. Silence, space, nature, and adventure, exactly what you need to completely disconnect and recharge. |
💡Practical tips and information:
🛏️🍴Accommodation and dining:
- Hiking and climbing: there are several routes for all levels, from a short sunset stroll to adventurous rock scrambling. You can climb some of the rocks freely and explore certain highlights on your own. Other hikes, such as reaching the top of the Little and Big Spitzkoppe, can only be done with a guide.
- Spotting rock paintings: at Bushman’s Paradise, you can see mysterious rock paintings that are thousands of years old. Visiting with a guide is mandatory, and in about ten minutes they will give a short tour. It’s customary to give the guide a small tip.
- Photography: the colors, the light, the shapes, and the starry night sky free from light pollution make Spitzkoppe a dream for every photographer.
🛏️🍴Accommodation and dining:
- There are basic but stunning campsites directly among the rocks, where you can choose your preferred spot. If you have rented a 4x4 with a rooftop tent or brought your own tents, camping here is highly recommended, it might just be your most memorable campsite in Namibia.
- Spitzkoppen lodge; beautiful lodges but on the expensive side.
- Spitzkoppe cabin camp: this is where we stayed, a charming cabin at the foot of the Spitzkoppe
- Dining options are limited around Spitzkoppe. If your accommodation doesn’t have a restaurant, it’s best to plan to cook for yourself. We brought pasta and rented a cooking pot from the reception.
The Spitzkoppe arch. A stunning location, though it can get crowded, especially at sunset.
|
To fly a drone at Spitzkoppe, you need to apply for an additional permit. This can be obtained very easily and free of charge at the park entrance reception.
|
damaraland (TWYFELFONTEIN)
Damaraland is located in the northeast of Namibia. As you head north, you’ll notice the landscape gradually becoming a bit greener, crossing several rivers that are often dry during the dry season.
The presence of water attracts a wider variety of wildlife in this region, including the desert-adapted elephants. The further north you go, the more pristine the nature becomes, and the higher your chances of spotting wildlife. Lions and other big cats also roam the area, so you should always remain cautious.
There are many different places to visit in Damaraland:
Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein is one of Africa’s most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is famous for its numerous rock paintings and engravings created by the San people (Bushmen), depicting animals, hunting scenes, and spiritual symbols. Although the site is very popular and included in many itineraries, we found the area somewhat overrated.
Unless you are truly fascinated by rock art and engravings, it’s worth thinking twice before including this site in your travel plans. The rock paintings themselves are indeed impressive, but nearby attractions like the Organ Pipes, Burnt Mountain, and the Petrified Forest, in our opinion, are not worth the relatively high entrance fees. There are many other beautiful places to visit in Namibia.
The presence of water attracts a wider variety of wildlife in this region, including the desert-adapted elephants. The further north you go, the more pristine the nature becomes, and the higher your chances of spotting wildlife. Lions and other big cats also roam the area, so you should always remain cautious.
There are many different places to visit in Damaraland:
Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein is one of Africa’s most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is famous for its numerous rock paintings and engravings created by the San people (Bushmen), depicting animals, hunting scenes, and spiritual symbols. Although the site is very popular and included in many itineraries, we found the area somewhat overrated.
Unless you are truly fascinated by rock art and engravings, it’s worth thinking twice before including this site in your travel plans. The rock paintings themselves are indeed impressive, but nearby attractions like the Organ Pipes, Burnt Mountain, and the Petrified Forest, in our opinion, are not worth the relatively high entrance fees. There are many other beautiful places to visit in Namibia.
Riverbeds
Along these riverbeds, your chances of spotting wildlife are higher, especially the desert-adapted elephants, which are definitely worth looking for. You may encounter them while driving around, but if you want to be sure, it’s best to book a tour. This can be arranged through your hotel or via one of the various local tour operators.
Himba tribes
In this region, you will also come across several Himba tribes. Before visiting a tribe, be sure to read reviews to understand how authentic the experience is and what to expect. You may also encounter some Herero communities in the area.
Along these riverbeds, your chances of spotting wildlife are higher, especially the desert-adapted elephants, which are definitely worth looking for. You may encounter them while driving around, but if you want to be sure, it’s best to book a tour. This can be arranged through your hotel or via one of the various local tour operators.
Himba tribes
In this region, you will also come across several Himba tribes. Before visiting a tribe, be sure to read reviews to understand how authentic the experience is and what to expect. You may also encounter some Herero communities in the area.
Vingerklip
A nice stop between Damaraland and Etosha, Vingerklip is an unusual and striking rock formation, 35 meters high, located in the Ugab Valley. While the formation itself isn’t particularly remarkable, it’s a fun bonus in a very beautiful region. The landscape here is a bit yellower compared to the more reddish hues near Twyfelfontein.
Several private game safaris are also available in this region.
Recommended: vingerklip lodge. For us, this was one of the best resorts of our trip. It is small-scale, the lodges are spacious, the food is fantastic, and the price is much more reasonable than, for example, Twyfelfontein Lodge. From the lodge, you can take various walks—to Vingerklip itself, to a panorama viewpoint above the lodge, or through the owner’s estate, where you can spot wildlife like giraffes.
Grootberg
Further north lies Grootberg, a plateau in the heart of Damaraland with spectacular views over the Klip River Valley. This area also has several riverbeds where you can spot wildlife, including desert-adapted elephants and even black rhinos.
🛏️🍴Accommodation and dining:
- Accommodations near Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge We stayed here for one night. While it’s a decent lodge, we found the price-to-quality ratio lower compared to our other stays.
- Accommodations near Grootberg
Grootberg Lodge A lodge with spectacular views.
- Accommodations near Vingerklip
Vingerklip Lodge We stayed here for one night; it was one of our favorite stays on the trip!
Ugab game farm and lodge If you’re a fan of rhinos, this place is a must-visit.
Most lodges have their own refined restaurants, and dinner is often included in the accommodation price.
A nice stop between Damaraland and Etosha, Vingerklip is an unusual and striking rock formation, 35 meters high, located in the Ugab Valley. While the formation itself isn’t particularly remarkable, it’s a fun bonus in a very beautiful region. The landscape here is a bit yellower compared to the more reddish hues near Twyfelfontein.
Several private game safaris are also available in this region.
Recommended: vingerklip lodge. For us, this was one of the best resorts of our trip. It is small-scale, the lodges are spacious, the food is fantastic, and the price is much more reasonable than, for example, Twyfelfontein Lodge. From the lodge, you can take various walks—to Vingerklip itself, to a panorama viewpoint above the lodge, or through the owner’s estate, where you can spot wildlife like giraffes.
Grootberg
Further north lies Grootberg, a plateau in the heart of Damaraland with spectacular views over the Klip River Valley. This area also has several riverbeds where you can spot wildlife, including desert-adapted elephants and even black rhinos.
🛏️🍴Accommodation and dining:
- Accommodations near Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge We stayed here for one night. While it’s a decent lodge, we found the price-to-quality ratio lower compared to our other stays.
- Accommodations near Grootberg
Grootberg Lodge A lodge with spectacular views.
- Accommodations near Vingerklip
Vingerklip Lodge We stayed here for one night; it was one of our favorite stays on the trip!
Ugab game farm and lodge If you’re a fan of rhinos, this place is a must-visit.
Most lodges have their own refined restaurants, and dinner is often included in the accommodation price.
etosha NATIONAL PARK
Welcome to the heart of wildlife!
Etosha National Park is the ultimate place in Namibia to come face-to-face with lions, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes, all from the comfort of your car! For many travelers, this is the highlight of a trip to Namibia. A large part of the park is a massive salt pan (the Etosha Pan) which gleams white under the sun. During the dry season, hundreds of animals gather around waterholes, so often all you need to do is sit quietly and watch.
What can you do in Etosha?
🦒 Self-drive safari: Drive at your own pace on well-maintained roads. Wildlife spotting has never been so relaxed. If you prefer not to drive yourself, tours can be booked from lodges inside or outside the park. We recommend driving yourself, the roads are manageable, and tours follow the same routes anyway.
Night safaris are not possible on your own, as you must be inside a camp before sunset. Tours are available for night safaris. Make sure to bring warm clothing; when we did it, it was freezing!
🔭 Wildlife spotting at waterholes: Most lodges in the park have a waterhole right next to the fenced site, allowing you to spot animals from your camp. We stayed one night at Okaukuejo and one night at Namutoni. At Okaukuejo, we saw multiple elephants, zebras, and other animals, while at Namutoni, we didn’t see any.
Certain waterholes in the park offer better chances to spot specific animals, such as lions, so it’s worth checking in advance. Remember, you won’t see every animal on your trip, but you will definitely spot plenty.
In Etosha, you can:
Getting up early is definitely worth it! Etosha offers an unforgettable mix of adventure, nature, and pure tranquility. Don’t forget your binoculars or camera!
💡 Practical information and tips:
🛏️🍴 Accommodation and dining:
Etosha National Park is the ultimate place in Namibia to come face-to-face with lions, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes, all from the comfort of your car! For many travelers, this is the highlight of a trip to Namibia. A large part of the park is a massive salt pan (the Etosha Pan) which gleams white under the sun. During the dry season, hundreds of animals gather around waterholes, so often all you need to do is sit quietly and watch.
What can you do in Etosha?
🦒 Self-drive safari: Drive at your own pace on well-maintained roads. Wildlife spotting has never been so relaxed. If you prefer not to drive yourself, tours can be booked from lodges inside or outside the park. We recommend driving yourself, the roads are manageable, and tours follow the same routes anyway.
Night safaris are not possible on your own, as you must be inside a camp before sunset. Tours are available for night safaris. Make sure to bring warm clothing; when we did it, it was freezing!
🔭 Wildlife spotting at waterholes: Most lodges in the park have a waterhole right next to the fenced site, allowing you to spot animals from your camp. We stayed one night at Okaukuejo and one night at Namutoni. At Okaukuejo, we saw multiple elephants, zebras, and other animals, while at Namutoni, we didn’t see any.
Certain waterholes in the park offer better chances to spot specific animals, such as lions, so it’s worth checking in advance. Remember, you won’t see every animal on your trip, but you will definitely spot plenty.
In Etosha, you can:
- Encounter four of the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, and rhinos
- Spot cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals
- See elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, springbok, oryx, and kudu
- Observe a wide variety of beautiful birds
Getting up early is definitely worth it! Etosha offers an unforgettable mix of adventure, nature, and pure tranquility. Don’t forget your binoculars or camera!
💡 Practical information and tips:
- Drones are not allowed in the national park. At the entrance, your luggage may be checked and drones will be confiscated. Previously, drones could be sealed and taken with you, but since April 2025, this is no longer possible.
- Plan your route carefully. We intended to enter Etosha via Okaukuejo and exit through Namutoni, but our drone was confiscated, so we had to return to Okaukuejo and leave through the same gate.
- Other rules include standard park regulations, such as no plastic bags.
🛏️🍴 Accommodation and dining:
- There are various places to stay within the park, in fenced camps. Both rooms and campsites are available. Booking a stay inside the park must be done through government tourism offices. You can also choose to stay outside the park, where many lodges offer better value and more modern facilities. Staying inside the park has the advantage of being close to waterholes, increasing your chances of spotting wildlife right from your camp, and you are already inside the park, allowing faster access.
- At large campsites like Okaukuejo and Halali, you can cook for yourself or dine at the restaurant.
- Many campsites also have braai facilities, so you can buy supplies at the camp shop and enjoy a barbecue under the stars.
waterberg
|
The Waterberg rises spectacularly from Namibia’s flat savannah. This red sandstone plateau is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, offering stunning views, wildlife, and lush vegetation. It’s a peaceful, green oasis in the dry heart of the country.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to explore Waterberg properly, but we did drive around the mountain to get a feel for the region and its nature. Returning from the Waterberg area to Windhoek takes about three hours, or three and a half hours directly to the airport. 💡Practical information and tips: Entrance to the park for two people plus a vehicle is roughly €17.50 per day. Exact prices can be found here. 🛏️🍴Accommodation and dining: There are many beautiful lodges both within and near Waterberg National Park, as well as throughout the surrounding region. Some lodges also have their own game reserves. We stayed and dined at Otjibamba Lodge. |
View of an outcrop of Waterberg
|
OTHER UNIQUE PLACES IN OR AROUND NAMIBIA
Victoria Falls
If you have extra time in Namibia, or if you are continuing your trip to neighboring countries like Botswana, you might be able to include the impressive Victoria Falls in your journey. The falls are located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, not far from Namibia’s easternmost point.
Naukluft National Park
On the route from the Kalahari Desert to Sossusvlei, you could consider stopping at Naukluft National Park, an impressive mountain range. We visited the park, and while it is very beautiful, we believe there are more striking places in Namibia, which is why it is not included in the main itinerary. The road to the park is mostly category D, making it less suitable for drivers with limited experience.
If you have extra time in Namibia, or if you are continuing your trip to neighboring countries like Botswana, you might be able to include the impressive Victoria Falls in your journey. The falls are located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, not far from Namibia’s easternmost point.
Naukluft National Park
On the route from the Kalahari Desert to Sossusvlei, you could consider stopping at Naukluft National Park, an impressive mountain range. We visited the park, and while it is very beautiful, we believe there are more striking places in Namibia, which is why it is not included in the main itinerary. The road to the park is mostly category D, making it less suitable for drivers with limited experience.
SUMMARY
There is no single ideal itinerary for Namibia. Every place is incredibly beautiful and diverse, and it’s up to you to decide where you want to focus your time. Below is a suggested route. For each location, the number of nights is given instead of days, as travel between destinations can be long, sometimes requiring half a day on the road.
|
Approximately 14 days (12 full days + 2 travel days)
- KALAHARI: 2 nights - SESRIEM: 2 nights - SWAKOPMUND/WALVIS BAY: 2 nights - SPITZKOPPE: 1 night - DAMARALAND: 2 nights - ETOSHA: 2–3 nights - WATERBERG: 1–2 nights Approximately 21 days (19 full days + 2 travel days) - KALAHARI: 2 nights - KEETMANSHOOP: 1 night - FISH RIVER CANYON: 2 nights - LÜDERITZ: 2 nights - SESRIEM: 2 nights - SWAKOPMUND/WALVIS BAY: 2 nights - SPITZKOPPE: 2 nights - DAMARALAND: 2–3 nights - ETOSHA: 2–3 nights - WATERBERG: 2 nights |
Also check out our other travel blogs:
