Namibia’s gasp-inducing scenery and camera-busting concentrations of wildlife have made it a top choice for travellers in recent years. Add to that an excellent road network and general infrastructure and a sprinkling of fantastic lodges, and you’ve got one of the most tourist-friendly destinations on the continent. But, where to start planning?! Here are our top Namibia travel tips that will have you navigating the national parks and traversing the desert dunes like a pro…
1. Try a self-drive safari
Namibia travel tip number 1: consider a self-drive safari. We know – it might seem a bit crazy to think about driving yourself around a strange country, in strange landscapes, and looking at even stranger wildlife, but in Namibia, it’s as easy as pie. The roads are long, straight and well sign-posted, and it’s an amazing way to really get to grips with all the country has to offer. Plus, pretty much all the safari lodges offer guided game drives and walks in the national parks so you don’t have to get too David Attenborough-esque if you don’t want to. A self-drive safari in Namibia is simply a way of getting from A to B in a different way – and it’s awesome.
Have a look at: The Full Namibia itinerary to kick of your self-drive planning.
2. Plan your time and distances
Most of us (sadly) don’t have oodles of holiday days floating around, so if you’re planning a self-drive safari, our top Namibia travel tip is to plan your time carefully. You’ll want to see all the top sights, but not spend too much time in the car (and definitely avoid driving at night). For that, we’d recommend around two to three weeks in Namibia and a minimum of two nights in each place you want to stay.
Have a look at: A Driver’s Dream itinerary for some ideas on destinations and length.
3. What about fly-in safaris?
If you’re short on days, one of our top Namibia travel tips is to cover some of the epic distances by air on a fly-in safari. You’ll reduce your travel time dramatically, be able to squeeze in a few more destinations on your trip, and enjoy some epic wildlife watching from the plane. If you can, reach deep into your pockets for a Skeleton Coast flying safari with the legendary Schoeman brothers and discover the secrets of the haunting region.
Have a look at: An Angel’s View of Namibia: the ultimate Namibia fly-in safari
4. Try something different…
You know how much we like stepping off the beaten track at Timbuktu, and Namibia is no exception. If you’re looking for something different, our top Namibia travel tip would be to venture down south to the epic Fish River Canyon. A geographical marvel of plunging gullies and ancient chasms, the 50-mile, 5-day trek through the bowls and basins is considered one of the best hikes in the world.
Have a look at: Fish River Hiking Trail and add the experience to your Namibia itinerary.
5. Save some pennies on accommodation
Namibia has its fair share of uber-elegant, top-notch lodges and camps, but there are also some real hidden gems dotted around that won’t break the bank. Sossusvlei Lodge is a great base for dune exploring in Sossusvlei (and it has a beer garden!), whilst Desert Homestead Outpost is slightly more remote but just as comfortable. Up in Etosha, a traditional safari doesn’t have to come at a premium price: try Onguma Bush Camp on the eastern border, or Okaukuejo Camp in the south if you’re looking for serious game viewing on a budget.
6. Choose your time of year carefully
We couldn’t give you a list of Namibia travel tips without mentioning the weather. The most popular time of year to travel is the dry season between June and October. The game viewing in Etosha is phenomenal, the desert dunes of Sossusvlei are in their iconic, blood-red state, and in Damaraland, you’ll find herds of desert-adapted elephant in the riverbed. But don’t rule out other times of year. Between November and March, you’ll find wild flowers in the NamibRand, top-notch bird-watching in the Caprivi, and a cool breeze in Swakopmund.
Have a look at: Our blog article, The Best Time to Visit Namibia, for an in-depth report.
7. Give something back
It might be the epic landscapes that everyone talks about, but there’s also some serious conservation work going on in and around Namibia. Give your support to some of the incredible projects, firstly at Desert Rhino Camp in Damaraland, the field HQ of the Save the Rhino Trust, and at Okonjima, home of the AfriCat foundation and a rehabilitation centre for orphaned cheetah.
Have a look at: Desert Rhino Camp and Okonjima Bush Camp
8. Taking the kids?
One of the biggest challenges of any family holiday is how to keep the children entertained. Well, look no further! Namibia has bucket-loads of family-friendly activities, and there’s a good mixture of action and adventure, cultural and down-time to be had, including dune climbing, quad biking, game drives and even kayaking. There’s no yellow fever injection required either, and a very, very low risk of malaria (unless you’re travelling to Caprivi). And our top Namibia travel tip for travelling with kids? It sounds obvious, but just make sure you don’t spend too long in that car.
Have a look at: Our Namibia with the Kids itinerary is a great starting point for a family-friendly Namibia holiday.
9. Book well in advance
Our very last Namibia travel tip is to book well in advance, no matter which areas you plan to visit. Camps and lodges in Etosha and the NamibRand, and in popular spots like Sossusvlei, can become booked up nearly a year in advance, and South Africans often decamp to Swakopmund during the Christmas break to take advantage of the awesome activities and the cool, sea air.
Best start planning your Namibia safari today then….