{"id":47965,"date":"2018-07-17T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-07-17T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tmp-blog.travelstart.com.ng\/blog\/guide-namibia-trip\/"},"modified":"2025-12-15T09:23:33","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T09:23:33","slug":"guide-namibia-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.com.ng\/blog\/guide-namibia-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to the Namibia Trip of a Lifetime!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Namibia is a country of sublime landscapes and surreal moments. Lose yourself in the golden sands of the Namib desert, try the freshest seafood in Swakopmund or go hot air ballooning over the wild plains of Damaraland \u2013 the choices are endless. Planning your Namibia trip will involve getting a tourist visa and booking accommodation way in advance. <\/span><\/p>\n

The best way to explore<\/span> Namibia<\/span><\/a> is to take an epic road trip through the picturesque towns and parks. If self-drive isn\u2019t your thing, there are plenty of organised tours you can join or, if you\u2019re a big group, why not hire a private tour? However you decide to visit Namibia, here are some essential tips and things to consider to make your planning a little easier. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image credit: @next.stop_blog<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When to Go<\/b><\/h2>\n

The best time to visit Namibia depends on where you\u2019re going and what you\u2019d like to see. <\/span>The<\/b> dry season (May-October) is the best time for outdoor adventures and game viewing<\/b> when the waterholes in Etosha bristle with wildlife. June and July bring chilly night temperatures, while September and October are conversely hot. If you\u2019re planning to tackle the Fish River Canyon, <\/span>April and May are the best months to hike<\/b>, when the rainy season gives way to spectacular scenery!<\/span><\/p>\n

The rainy summer season falls <\/span>between November and April<\/b>. If you\u2019re into birdwatching, this is the <\/span>ideal time to visit the Caprivi Strip<\/b>, however, watch out for flash floods in December and January. See the Namibian landscapes come alive with lush greenery and rich, orange-sand desert dunes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Namibia\u2019s coastal areas remain consistently cooler, drier and less humid than the interior. Make your way to Walvis Bay for <\/span>whale-watching during October and November<\/b>, when you can spot southern right, humpback and Minke whales frolicking along the coast!<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking to avoid school holiday crowds, avoid going in June\/July and December. The low seasons, between February-May and October-November, are perfect for a relaxing holiday away and cheaper accommodation. Regardless of when you\u2019re planning your Namibia trip, make sure you book accommodation way in advance.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image credit: @zimmith86<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Getting There<\/b><\/h2>\n

Getting to Namibia is as simple as a direct 5-hour flight from Lagos to Windhoek.<\/span> Air Namibia<\/span><\/a> currently operates four flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Alternatively, you can catch a connecting flight via Johannesburg on<\/span> South African Airways<\/span><\/a>. Hosea Kutako International Airport is just a 45-minute drive from the centre of Windhoek.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you plan on starting your journey from South Africa, you have the option of a shorter flight, a luxury coach\/ bus trip, or<\/span> renting a car<\/span><\/a> and driving up yourself (hint: epic road trip).<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image credit: @ingendestination.dk<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Popular Routes<\/b><\/h2>\n

While the road less travelled is often the best way to truly experience a place, a detailed guidebook will certainly be your best friend on your Namibia trip. Towns are miles apart from each other, often taking around two days to reach, so be prepared and plan your route to avoid ending up in no man\u2019s land.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are three routes to experience the natural beauty and wild charms Namibia has to offer.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Windhoek \u2013 Keetmanshoop \u2013 Fish River Canyon \u2013 L\u00fcderitz \u2013 Sossusvlei \u2013 Walvis Bay \u2013 Swakopmund \u2013 Skeleton Coast \u2013 Damaraland \u2013 Etosha – Windhoek<\/span><\/h3>\n

Highlights:<\/b> Quiver Tree Forest, Cape Cross seal colony, Spitzkoppe, hiking, historic towns, game viewing, hot air ballooning, sandboarding, desert safaris<\/span><\/p>\n

Plan to spend:<\/b> 3-4 weeks at least. You can extend your stay by stopping at a few extra towns, like Kaokoland.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image credit: Yvette Ebertsohn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2. <\/span>Walvis Bay – Swakopmund – Skeleton Coast \u2013 Etosha – Okavango River – Rundu<\/span><\/h3>\n

Highlights:<\/b> exploring the coastline, game viewing, birdwatching, sandboarding, skydiving<\/span><\/p>\n

Plan to spend:<\/b> roughly 2 weeks. You want to be able to enjoy each place, not rush from town to town.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image credit: @jaykwe<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3<\/span>. Gondwana Nature Reserve \u2013 Fish River Canyon \u2013 L\u00fcderitz \u2013 Aus \u2013 Kalahari (Mariental) \u2013 Sossusvlei<\/span><\/h3>\n

Highlights: <\/b>hiking, history, magical sunsets, wild horses, desert sunrises, game viewing, hot air ballooning<\/span><\/p>\n

Plan to spend:<\/b> at least 2 weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image credit: Yvette Ebertsohn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Park fees for entry into Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei and Etosha are N$80 (\u20a62,172) for non-SADC members.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Keep in mind that fuel prices are pretty steep \u2013 a 7-day road trip can cost around N$2,652 (<\/span>\u20a662,000)<\/span><\/i> on fuel. If you\u2019re not much of a driver, you can hire a driver for your trip. There are also plenty of overland tours to choose from. Everything is taken care of for you, and it\u2019s a great way to make new friends!<\/span><\/p>\n

Where to Stay<\/b><\/h2>\n

Your Namibia trip can be enjoyed on the cheap or you can glam it up \u2013 it\u2019s entirely up to you. Accommodation can really eat into your budget, depending on the time of year, how far in advance you\u2019ve booked and where you\u2019d be happiest to rest your head. If you\u2019ve booked an all-inclusive package, accommodation is taken care of, but if you\u2019re planning to road-trip your way through the country, you might want to weigh up your options.<\/span><\/p>\n

Camping<\/b><\/h3>\n

Nothing quite says \u201ca bush trip under the African stars\u201d like camping. If you\u2019re happy to rough it a little, this can be a great bonding experience, especially if you\u2019re travelling in a group.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re visiting Etosha, Sossusvlei or The Fish River Canyon, there are endless campsites to choose from. Many budget and private tour packages offer camping accommodation, from basic tents to all-out glamping. Some lodges offer a camping option (if you have your own gear) for around $30 per night. If you\u2019re on a budget, camping is definitely the cheapest way to explore Namibia.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image credit: @ejafrica<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hotels and Lodges<\/b><\/h3>\n

While we all enjoy our creature comforts, you can expect to pay quite hefty rates in Namibia\u2019s lodges and hotels. In bigger towns like<\/span> Windhoek<\/span><\/a>, Swakopmund and L\u00fcderitz, you can find cheaper options for around USD50 a night. But the further out you go, these rates are easily doubled (if not quadrupled during peak season).<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep in mind that hotel prices are usually up to 50% cheaper during the low season!<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re heading up to the Caprivi Strip, you should definitely consider staying on a houseboat for a few days. Wake up to incredible sunrises and jet off on safari cruises down the Zambezi. As dusk settles, sip on a sundowner, taking in the gorgeous sunsets and wildlife around you.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image credit: @khaya.on.wheels<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Places to Visit in Namibia<\/b><\/h2>\n

Fish River Canyon<\/b><\/h3>\n

With its dramatic steppes and gorges, the rocky chasm stretches for miles. The Fish River Canyon is any hiker\u2019s dream, and if you have 4-5 days to spare, the challenging hike along this jagged canyon will be every bit worth it. Or you could just admire its sheer beauty from views over Hell\u2019s Corner. Make sure your Namibia trip includes a stop at this awe-inspiring natural wonder.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image credit: @equatortocape<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sossusvlei<\/b><\/h3>\n

Cradled by the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the Sossusvlei is one breath-taking scene of the Namibian landscape you cannot dismiss. You\u2019ll feel as if you\u2019ve stepped into a painting, surrounded by magnificent bright-orange soft dunes and scattered camel thorn trees towering above you. A sunrise hike along the famous Dune 45 will illuminate the shifting sands and make for epic photographs.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image credit: Yvette Ebertsohn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

L\u00fcderitz<\/b><\/h3>\n

Built by German settlers in the early 1900s, the quirky town of<\/span> L\u00fcderitz<\/span><\/a> is home to German architecture, great beer and some of the best whale spotting. It\u2019s also the gateway to the deserted ghost shell of Kolmanskop, an abandoned mining town. Take a tour of the eerie buildings engulfed by the desert sand, one for the memory books!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image credit: Yvette Ebertsohn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Walvis Bay<\/b><\/h3>\n

Known as a flamingo haven,<\/span> Walvis Bay<\/span><\/a> is Swakopmund\u2019s less-developed sister town where life is easy-going and the beers are cheap. Pull out your camera and photograph the pink sea of flamingos along the salt flats as you drive past.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image credit: @namibia.individual<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Swakopmund<\/b><\/h3>\n

Along Skeleton Coast sits the sleepy fishing town of<\/span> Swakopmund<\/span><\/a>, filled with old colonial homes, trendy coffee shops, German food, a craft brewery and bustling waterfront. Swakopmund hums with activity and you can get your thrill on exploring the rugged coastline with quad-biking, sandboarding, skydiving, paragliding and boat cruises to fill your day. Of all the cities in Namibia, you\u2019re bound to fall in love with Swakopmund!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image credit: @toes81<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Damaraland<\/b><\/h3>\n

A picturesque oasis between Swakopmund and Etosha, Damaraland is a playground of ancient riverbeds and intriguing landscapes. At the centre of it lies Spitzkoppe, a 1987m high granite mountain rising from the desert. Explore the rock paintings, twisted caves and boulders as you hike along the trails.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image credit: Yvette Ebertsohn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Etosha<\/b><\/h3>\n

For the ultimate safari experience, a few days\u2019 stay in Etosha is a must. The game viewing in Etosha is something quite spectacular with its white salt pan attracting hordes of flamingos, while its concentrated watering holes feature plenty of elephants, antelope, lions, giraffes and zebra. You might even spot a rare black rhino!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image credit: Yvette Ebertsohn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Caprivi Strip<\/b><\/h3>\n

Your Namibia trip is not complete without a visit to Caprivi. Situated along the Kavango River, the Caprivi Strip is a special place to truly unwind and be one with nature. Wake up to the sounds of hippos, crocodiles and birds along the banks of the shore. Just outside of<\/span> Rundu<\/span><\/a>, this area is void of any commercial hype, where markets, friendly locals and cattle line the dusty streets.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image credit: @paulbegijn<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Useful Tips:<\/b><\/h2>\n