Embark on an unforgettable 21-day journey through Namibia’s most iconic landscapes, from vast deserts and dramatic canyons to thriving wildlife reserves and vibrant towns. Begin in Windhoek, Namibia’s charming capital, before venturing into the Kalahari Desert, where endless red dunes meet wildlife-rich savannah. Explore the awe-inspiring Fish River Canyon, the rugged coastal town of Lüderitz, and the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert.
Travel further to Swakopmund and the Skeleton Coast, experiencing unique marine life at Cape Cross and surreal desert landscapes in Damaraland. Discover Himba culture in Opuwo and the spectacular Epupa Falls, before venturing into Etosha National Park and private reserves like Onguma, home to abundant wildlife including elephants, lions, and rhinos. The adventure concludes with relaxation at Mount Etjo and a return to Windhoek for departure.
This tour combines scenic drives, cultural encounters, thrilling safari experiences, and luxurious accommodations, providing the perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and Namibia’s natural wonders.
Day 1: Arrival in Windhoek
Upon arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative holding a personalized sign. Tour documents will be provided, and you will receive your rented vehicle (refundable deposit EUR 250). Drive to your hotel in Windhoek and explore the city center at your leisure. Dinner is recommended at your hotel (own account).
About Windhoek:
Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, is a safe, well-organized city blending historical colonial architecture with modern buildings. Notable sites include Alte Feste (Old Fort), Christuskirche, and the Supreme Court. The city is known for its German-influenced restaurants, cafes, and vibrant shopping scene.
Overnight: Windhoek Country Club Resort & Casino (Bed & Breakfast)
Enjoy luxury accommodation, a superb 18-hole golf course, the Desert Jewel Casino, and proximity to Windhoek’s cultural sites.
Day 2: Kalahari Desert
After breakfast, drive to your lodge in the Kalahari Desert. Check-in and enjoy lunch (own account). Afternoon at leisure to relax by the pool. Dinner at the lodge.
About the Kalahari:
The Kalahari Desert is a semi-arid savannah of red dunes, golden grasses, and scattered acacia trees. It’s home to wildlife including gemsbok, impala, jackals, and cheetahs. The region also preserves the culture of the San people.
Overnight: Kalahari Anib Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Lodge offers a tranquil oasis with a swimming pool, shaded courtyard, and chalets with private verandas.
Day 3: Fish River Canyon
Drive to Fish River Canyon, check into your lodge, and enjoy lunch (own account). Afternoon at leisure and dinner at the lodge.
About Fish River Canyon:
The Fish River Canyon is Africa’s largest and the world’s second-largest canyon, stretching 160 km long, 27 km wide, and 550 m deep. Hot springs at Ai-Ais are a notable attraction.
Overnight: Gondwana Canyon Lodge (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Nestled among granite boulders, the lodge offers 30 thatch-and-stone chalets, a serene pond, and intimate access to the canyon.
Day 4: Fish River Canyon
Enjoy breakfast and visit Fish River Canyon (entrance fee ± N$150 per person). Afternoon at leisure to relax at the lodge. Dinner and overnight at Canyon Lodge.
Day 5: Lüderitz
Drive to Lüderitz and visit the Lüderitz Museum, Shark Island, and Diaz Point. Dinner is recommended at your hotel (own account).
About Lüderitz:
A unique seaside town with German colonial heritage, Lüderitz offers picturesque architecture, windswept beaches, and wildlife such as flamingos, ostriches, seals, and penguins. Nearby Kolmanskop Ghost Town is a must-see.
Overnight: Lüderitz Nest Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)
All rooms have sea views, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and access to the Penguin Restaurant and Crayfish Bar & Lounge.
Day 6: Kolmanskop Ghost Town
After breakfast, visit Kolmanskop Ghost Town (entrance ± N$150 per person) and enjoy lunch at the site (own account). Afternoon at leisure. Dinner at The Portuguese Fisherman Restaurant (own account). Overnight at Lüderitz Nest Hotel.
Day 7: Sossusvlei
Drive to Sossusvlei, stopping to see the Wild Horses. Lunch en route (own account). Arrive at your lodge, relax by the pool, and enjoy dinner.
About Sossusvlei:
Home to Namibia’s iconic red sand dunes, including Dune 45, Big Daddy, Deadvlei, and Hiddenvlei, set within Namib-Naukluft National Park.
Overnight: Le Mirage Resort & Spa (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
The resort offers luxury desert accommodation, a pool, a spa, and activities including quad biking, nature drives, scenic flights, and hot air ballooning.
Day 8: Sossusvlei Excursion
Early breakfast and drive to Sesriem for Sossusvlei excursions including Dune 45, Deadvlei, Elim Dunes, and Sesriem Canyon. Park fees: N$150 per person, N$50 per vehicle. Lunch recommended at Sossusvlei Lodge (pre-book). Evening at leisure.
Optional: Namib Sky Balloon Safari (USD 600 per person) for sunrise over the dunes, ending with a champagne breakfast.
Overnight: Le Mirage Resort & Spa
Day 9: Swakopmund
Drive to Swakopmund, stopping at Solitaire for its famous apple pie and the Tropic of Capricorn sign. Enjoy a stroll along the beach. Dinner recommended at The Tug Restaurant (own account).
About Swakopmund:
A charming seaside town with German colonial heritage, Swakopmund offers a cool ocean breeze, colonial-era buildings, and vibrant tourism activities.
Overnight: Swakopmund Sands Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 10: Swakopmund Marine & Desert Adventure
Morning boat cruise at Walvis Bay, followed by a 4×4 Sandwich Harbour tour with drinks and snacks. Dinner recommended at Tiger Reef Bar & Grill (own account).
Day 11: Cape Cross
Drive along the Skeleton Coast, stopping at Zeila Shipwreck and Cape Cross Seal Colony (N$150 per person). Check in at the lodge and relax. Dinner at the lodge.
About Cape Cross:
Famous for its massive Cape fur seal colony, Cape Cross offers unique wildlife viewing from a 200-meter boardwalk.
Overnight: Cape Cross Lodge (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Day 12: Khorixas
Drive to Khorixas, visiting Twyfelfontein Rock Art, Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes, and Petrified Forest (entrance ± N$790 per person). Check-in at the lodge and enjoy dinner.
Overnight: Lodge Damaraland (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Lodge features 30 rooms, swimming pool, restaurant, and optional guided excursions.
Day 13: Elephant Experience
Half-day guided Elephant Experience in Damaraland (USD 90 per person). Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Lodge Damaraland.
Day 14: Opuwo
Drive via Damara Living Museum (± N$130 per person) to Opuwo. Lunch at lodge (own account) and dinner.
Overnight: Opuwo Country Lodge (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Day 15: Epupa Falls
Visit a Himba village (USD 70 per person). Afternoon drive to Epupa Falls and enjoy a scenic sundowner walk. Dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Omarunga Epupa-Falls Camp (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Day 16: Etosha West – Hobatere
Drive to Hobatere Lodge, leisure in the evening. Optional night game drive (USD 40 per person).
Overnight: Hobatere Lodge (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Day 17: Etosha South
Drive to Etosha National Park (park fees N$150 per person, N$50 per vehicle). Check-in at lodge, dinner, and overnight.
Overnight: Etosha Safari Lodge (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Day 18: Onguma Nature Reserve
Full-day game viewing. Optional Onguma sundowner drive (USD 55 per person). Dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Onguma Forest Camp (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Day 19: Otjiwarongo – Mount Etjo
Drive to Mount Etjo. Optional sundowner drive (USD 35) and lion feeding (USD 25). Dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Mount Etjo Safari Lodge (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Day 20: Return to Windhoek
Drive to Windhoek via Crocodile Ranch (lunch on own account) and Okahandja wood carving market for souvenirs. Dinner recommended at Joe’s Beer House or Cape Town Fish Market (own account).
Overnight: Windhoek Country Club Resort & Casino (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 21: Departure
Breakfast and check-out by 10:00. Head to Hosea Kutako International Airport for your flight home.
Quotation in nett rates
By using Windhoek Country Club Resort & Casino, Kalahari Anib Lodge, Canyon Lodge, Lüderitz Nest Hotel, Le Mirage Resort & Spa, Swakopmund Sands Hotel, Cape Cross Lodge, Lodge Damaraland, Opuwo Country Lodge, Omarunga Epupa-Falls Camp, Hobatere Lodge, Etosha Safari Lodge, Onguma Forest Camp & Mount Etjo Safari Lodge | 2026 |
Per Person Sharing | USD 5940 |
Prices include:
Meet & assist at Hosea Kutako International Airport
4×4 vehicle (total cover insurance)
Accommodation and meals as stipulated in the itinerary
Activities with English speaking driver/guide or naturalist guide
4×4 Toyota Fortuner + Guide services, fuel, accommodation, meals, activities, porters and park fees as stated included.
Prices do not include:
Park fees not indicated
Meals and activities not specified
Laundry
Visas (currently US$ 50 per person)
Tips
Inoculations and personal insurance
International flights and departure taxes
Optional activities and excursions
Items of personal nature such as beverages, telephone, postage etc.
Terms and Conditions
Non-Refundable 30% Deposit – Upon Confirmation
100% Payment – 60 Days prior to arrival
Cancelation 60 days or less prior to arrival 100% Cancelation Fees
15% Handling fees on all refund
The quote is subject to availability at the time of booking as nothing is booked as yet.
Driving Directions
Directions – Hosea Kutako International Airport [WDH] to Windhoek Country Club Resort & Casino
Distance: 49.47km Travel Time: 40 minutes
GPS co-ordinates for Windhoek Country Club Resort & Casino: S 22° 37′ 6.940″ E 17° 04′ 23.982″
- Head south toward B6
- Turn right onto B6
- Turn left onto Jan Jonker
- Slight left toward Robert Mugabe Ave
- Continue onto Robert Mugabe Ave
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit
- At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Sean McBride
- Turn left onto Mandume Ndemufayo Avenue
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Western Bypass
- Turn right Destination will be on the right
Directions – Windhoek Country Club Resort & Casino to Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia
Distance: 276.12km Travel Time: 2:44 hours
GPS co-ordinates for Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia: S 24° 25′ 47.464″ E 18° 06′ 3.731″
- Head southwest (72 m)
- Turn left (0.2 km)
- Continue onto Golf (1.8 km)
- Turn right onto Mandume Ndemufayo Avenue/Rehobother Rd. Continue to follow Rehobother Rd (2.2 km)
- Continue onto B1 (19.7 km)
- Slight left to stay on B1 (0.4 km)
- Slight left to stay on B1 (210 km)
- Keep left to stay on B1 (18.5 km)
- Turn left onto C20 (20.7 km)
- Turn left. Destination will be on the left (2.8 km)
Directions – Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia to Gondwana Canyon Lodge Canyon Drive
Distance: 413.59km Travel Time: 4:15 hours
GPS co-ordinates for Gondwana Canyon Lodge Canyon Drive: S 27° 40′ 2.279″ E 17° 45′ 43.726″
- Head south toward C20 (2.8 km)
- Turn right onto C20 (20.7 km)
- Turn left onto B1 (241 km)
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto B4 (31.1 km)
- Turn left onto C12/D545/M28. Continue to follow C12/M28 (81.2 km)
- Turn right onto D601 (29.9 km)
- Turn left onto C37/D324 (6.9 km)
- Turn left. Destination will be on the right (8 m)
Directions – Gondwana Canyon Lodge Canyon Drive to Lüderitz Nest Hotel
Distance: 422.02km Travel Time: 4:26 hours
GPS co-ordinates for Lüderitz Nest Hotel: S 26° 39′ 10.427″ E 15° 08′ 58.055″
- Head west toward C37/D324 (8 m)
- Turn right onto C37/D324 (6.9 km)
- Turn right onto D601 (29.9 km)
- Turn left onto C12/M28 (81.2 km)
- Turn left onto B4 (303 km)
- Turn left onto Lessing (91 m)
- Slight right onto Berg (0.2 km)
- Turn left onto Kirch St (0.1 km)
- Turn right onto Hohe St (0.1 km)
- Turn left onto Dias St (0.5 km)
- Slight right to stay on Dias St (0.1 km)
Directions – Lüderitz Nest Hotel to Le Mirage Resort & Spa
Distance: 442.80km Travel Time: 5:34 hours
GPS co-ordinates for Le Mirage Resort & Spa: S 24° 40′ 58.709″ E 15° 48′ 56.053″
- Head northeast on Dias St (0.1 km)
- Slight left to stay on Dias St (0.6 km)
- Turn right onto Nachtigall St (0.2 km)
- Continue onto Bay Rd (1.1 km)
- Continue onto B4 (126 km)
- Turn left onto C13 (101 km)
- Turn left onto C27 (99.1 km)
- Turn left onto D831 (40.6 km)
- Turn left onto C27/D826/D831. Continue to follow C27 (73.8 km)
- Slight left (0.1 km)
Directions – Le Mirage Resort & Spa to Swakopmund Sands Hotel
Distance: 368.45km Travel Time: 4:48 hours
GPS co-ordinates for Swakopmund Sands Hotel: S 22° 41′ 6.549″ E 14° 31′ 24.530″
- Head northeast (77 m)
- Slight left toward C27 (60 m)
- Turn left onto C27 (22.4 km)
- Turn right onto D826 (11.9 km)
- Turn left onto C19/M36. Continue to follow C19 (71.1 km)
- Turn left onto C14 (222 km)
- Slight left onto C14/M36 (7.9 km)
- At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto B2 (1.0 km)
- Continue straight (0.2 km)
- Continue onto B2 (31.0 km)
- Turn left onto Cordes St (0.1 km)
- Turn left onto Hendrik Witbooi (0.1 km)
- Turn right onto Swakop St (0.4 km)
- Turn left onto Am Zoll/Strand St (0.1 km)
- Turn left. Destination will be on the left (23 m)
Directions – Swakopmund Sands Hotel to Cape Cross Lodge
Distance: 123.47km Travel Time: 1:25 hours
GPS co-ordinates for Cape Cross Lodge: S 21° 45′ 20.357″ E 13° 58′ 15.230″
- Head west toward Am Zoll/Strand St (23 m)
- Turn right onto Am Zoll/Strand St. Continue to follow Strand St (1.2 km)
- Continue onto Ludwlg Koch St (0.3 km)
- Turn right onto Werft (0.1 km)
- Turn left onto Mittel St/Tobias Hainyeko (0.6 km)
- Turn left onto Henties Bay Rd/Nordring (0.6 km)
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Henties Bay Rd/Nordring/C34 (7.9 km)
- Turn left (1.6 km)
- Continue onto C34 (52.4 km)
- Turn left to stay on C34 (8.8 km)
- Turn right to stay on C34 (0.6 km)
- Turn left to stay on C34 (47.3 km)
- Turn left onto Cape Cross Seal Reserve (1.9 km)
Directions – Cape Cross Lodge to Lodge Damaraland
Distance: 285.83km Travel Time: 3:29 hours
GPS co-ordinates for Lodge Damaraland : S 20° 21′ 31.538″ E 14° 56′ 46.691″
- Head east on Cape Cross Seal Reserve toward C34/D2301 (1.9 km)
- Turn right onto C34/D2301 (42.9 km)
- Turn left onto C35/M76 (115 km)
- Turn left to stay on C35/M76. Continue to follow C35 (115 km)
- Turn left onto C39 (10.3 km)
- Turn right onto D2625 (0.9 km)
Directions – Lodge Damaraland to Opuwo Country Lodge
Distance: 374.24km Travel Time: 4:08 hours
GPS co-ordinates for Opuwo Country Lodge: S 18° 02′ 41.015″ E 13° 50′ 0.343″
- Head south on D2625 toward C39 (0.9 km)
- Turn left onto C39 (10.3 km)
- Turn left onto C35 (304 km)
- Turn left onto C41 (56.0 km)
- Turn right onto C43 (1.1 km)
- Turn left (0.6 km)
- Turn right (0.4 km)
- Continue straight (0.6 km)
- Turn right (0.2 km)
- Turn left (56 m)
- Turn right. Destination will be on the left (42 m)
Directions – Opuwo Country Lodge to Omarunga Epupa-Falls Camp Gondwana Collection Namibia
Distance: 179.20km Travel Time: 2:58 hours
GPS co-ordinates for Omarunga Epupa-Falls Camp Gondwana Collection Namibia: S 17° 00′ 7.217″ E 13° 14′ 46.597″
- Head southwest (42 m)
- Turn left (56 m)
- Turn right (0.2 km)
- Turn left (0.4 km)
- Turn left (0.1 km)
- Turn left (0.4 km)
- Turn left (0.6 km)
- Turn left onto C43 (105 km)
- Turn right (0.8 km)
- Turn right onto C43 (71.1 km)
- Continue onto D3700. Destination will be on the left (0.2 km)
Directions – Omarunga Epupa-Falls Camp Gondwana Collection Namibia to Hobatere Lodge
Distance: 374.23km Travel Time: 5:01 hours
GPS co-ordinates for Hobatere Lodge: S 19° 19′ 56.166″ E 14° 22′ 13.735″
- Head west on D3700 (0.2 km)
- Continue onto C43 (71.1 km)
- Turn left (0.8 km)
- Turn left onto C43 (106 km)
- Turn left onto C41 (56.0 km)
- Turn right onto C35 (126 km)
- Turn right (7.1 km)
- Slight left (6.9 km)
- Continue straight. Destination will be on the left (0.2 km)
Directions – Hobatere Lodge to Etosha Safari Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia
Distance: 251.80km Travel Time: 2:58 hours
GPS co-ordinates for Etosha Safari Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia: S 19° 24′ 19.740″ E 15° 54′ 38.255″
- Head west (0.2 km)
- Turn right (14.7 km)
- Turn right onto C35 (68.5 km)
- Turn left onto C40 (72.0 km)
- Turn left onto D2694 (27.2 km)
- Turn right onto D2710 (41.3 km)
- Turn left onto C38 (25.3 km)
- Turn left (2.5 km)
Directions – Etosha Safari Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia to Onguma Forest Camp
Distance: 189.88km Travel Time: 3:43 hours
GPS co-ordinates for Onguma Forest Camp : S 18° 45′ 27.670″ E 17° 05′ 55.852″
- Head north (0.7 km)
- Turn right (2.5 km)
- Turn left onto C38 (7.9 km)
- Turn right (0.2 km)
- Turn left (0.3 km)
- Turn right onto C38 (17.2 km)
- Turn right (0.3 km)
- Turn left (0.2 km)
- Turn right (14.8 km)
- Turn left (14.4 km)
- Slight right onto C38 (111 km)
- Continue straight (0.1 km)
- Turn right (10.8 km)
- Turn right (6 m)
- Turn left (7.3 km)
- Turn right (0.5 km)
- Slight right (1.4 km)
- Turn right (0.2 km)
- Turn left (49 m)
Directions – Onguma Forest Camp to Mount Etjo Safari Campsites
Distance: 385.26km Travel Time: 4:21 hours
GPS co-ordinates for Mount Etjo Safari Campsites: S 21° 01′ 29.984″ E 16° 27′ 22.667″
- Head west (49 m)
- Turn right (0.2 km)
- Turn left (1.4 km)
- Sharp right (9.1 km)
- Turn right (1.2 km)
- Turn left (1.6 km)
- Turn right (4.3 km)
- Turn left onto C38 (6.6 km)
- Turn right onto B1 (75.8 km)
- Turn right to stay on B1 (180 km)
- Turn right onto B1/C38 (3.4 km)
- Turn left onto C33 (67.6 km)
- Turn left onto C33/D2414 (1.6 km)
- Turn right to stay on C33/D2414. Continue to follow D2414 (17.0 km)
- Turn left onto D2483 (15.0 km)
- Turn left (56 m)
- Turn left (0.8 km)
- Slight left (15 m)
- Turn left (54 m)
Directions – Mount Etjo Safari Campsites to Windhoek Country Club Resort & Casino
Distance: 232.13km Travel Time: 2:37 hours
GPS co-ordinates for Windhoek Country Club Resort & Casino: S 22° 37′ 6.940″ E 17° 04′ 23.982″
- Head southwest (54 m)
- Turn right (0.8 km)
- Turn right toward D2483 (56 m)
- Turn left onto D2483 (39.2 km)
- Turn right onto B1 (110 km)
- Slight right onto A1 (71.5 km)
- Take the exit toward Florence Nightingale (0.5 km)
- Turn left onto Florence Nightingale (1.3 km)
- Merge onto Pasteur Street (31 m)
- Turn right onto Beethoven Street (1.2 km)
- Turn left onto C28 (0.2 km)
- Turn right onto Hosea Kutako Dr/B1. Continue to follow B1 (2.9 km)
- Continue onto Mandume Ndemufayo Avenue/Rehobother Rd. Continue to follow Rehobother Rd (2.3 km)
- Turn right onto Golf (2.0 km)
- Turn right (44 m)
- Turn right (28 m)
Directions – Windhoek Country Club Resort & Casino to Hosea Kutako International Airport [WDH]
Distance: 49.52km Travel Time: 43 minutes
GPS co-ordinates for Hosea Kutako International Airport [WDH]: S 22° 29′ 12.534″ E 17° 27′ 47.126″
- Head southwest (72 m)
- Turn left (0.2 km)
- Continue onto Golf (1.8 km)
- Turn right onto Mandume Ndemufayo Avenue/Rehobother Rd (0.5 km)
- Take the exit (1.5 km)
- Keep right (3.2 km)
- Turn left onto Sam Nujoma Dr (2.6 km)
- Turn right onto B6 (37.1 km)
- Turn left (0.6 km)
- Turn right (0.6 km)
- Slight left (0.2 km)
- Turn left. Destination will be on the right (1.1 km)
Namibia Travel Information
With its well-developed infrastructure, some of the best tourist facilities in Africa and an impressive list of breathtaking natural wonders, touring Namibia is truly a pleasure. Visit the capital of Windhoek and the lovely coastal town of Swakopmund to discover remnants of the country’s German influence, reflected in the architecture, culture, cuisine and the annual Oktoberfest celebrations. To properly appreciate this extraordinary country, you will have to venture out of the cities to explore the remarkable natural landscapes Namibia has to offer. These include: the impressive Fish River Canyon Park; the vast Etosha National Park teeming with local subspecies, such as desert lions, desert elephants and the Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra; the hauntingly beautiful Kalahari Desert; and of course, the Namib Desert stretching for nearly 1000 km along the magnificent Atlantic coastline. Namibia is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable African experience in a uniquely beautiful untamed wilderness.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Namibia uses the Namibian Dollar (N$) this is linked on a one to one exchange with the South African Rand. The Rand is legal tender in Namibia, but the N$ cannot be used in South Africa.
If you are wishing to purchase currency before arriving in Namibia, it is easiest to buy Rand as the Namibian Dollar is seldom available in banks outside of Namibia.
Banking
Banks are found in most towns, and are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays and public holidays. Most of them offer foreign exchange services – with cash, bank and credit cards as well as travellers’ cheques.
You can also obtain cash from many of the ATMs. Several international banks have branches in main city centres. Always advise your bank that you are travelling outside of the country as they might block your purchases if they have not been informed.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Public transport in Namibia is geared towards the needs of the local populace, and is confined to main roads between major population centres. Although cheap and reliable, it is of little use to the traveller as most of Namibia’s tourist attractions lie off the beaten track.
It is easy to travel around Namibia by car, and a 2WD vehicle is perfectly adaquate for most journeys. However, long distances, poor mobile phone coverage outside of main towns and infrequent petrol stations that only accept cash mean that planning ahead is vital.
There are major airlines that fly into Windhoek and Swakopmund. Other destinations are reachable by car or charter flight.
Namibians drive on the left and all signposts are in English. Seat belts must be worn at all times and talking in a mobile phone while driving is prohibited. The general speed limit is 120km/h on tarred roads outside of towns and 100km/h on gravel roads. In built up areas, the speed limit is 60km/h.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Traditional Namibian cuisine is rarely served and so the food at restaurants tends to be European in style and is, generally, of a very high standard.
Namibia is very meat-orientated, and many menu options will feature steaks from various animals. However, there is usually a vegetarian and seafood section offered by most camps and restaurants.
In the supermarkets you will find pre-wrapped fresh fruit and vegetables (though the more remote the areas you visit, the smaller your choice), and plenty of canned foods, pasta, rice, bread, etc. Most of this is imported from South Africa.
The water in Namibia’s main towns is generally safe to drink, though it may taste a little metallic if it has been piped for miles. Natural sources should usually be purified, though water from underground springs and dry riverbeds seldom causes any problems. However, filtered and bottled water are readily available in most towns and all camps, lodges and hotels.
Climate and Weather
Partially covered by the Namib Desert, one of the world’s driest deserts, Namibia’s climate is generally very dry and pleasant – it’s fine to visit all year round. Namibia only receives a fraction of the rain experienced by countries further east. Between about December to March some days will be humid and rain may follow, often in localised, afternoon thunderstorms. These are more common in the centre and east of the country, and more unusual in the desert.
April and especially May are often lovely months in Namibia. Increasingly dry, with a real freshness in the air, and much greenery in the landscape; at this time the air is clear and largely free from dust.
From June to August Namibia cools down and dries out more; nights can become cold, dropping below freezing in some desert areas. As the landscape dries so the game in the north of the country gravitates more to waterholes, and is more easily seen by visitors. By September and October it warms up again; game-viewing in most areas is at its best, although there’s often a lot of dust around and the vegetation has lost its vibrancy.
November is a highly variable month. Sometimes the hot, dry weather will continue, at other times the sky will fill with clouds and threaten to rain – but if you are lucky enough to witness the first rains of the season, you will never forget the drama.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Namibians have a somewhat relaxed attitude to dress codes. A jacket and tie is very unusual. In fact, long trousers and a shirt with buttons are often quite adequate for a formal occasion or work wear. A pair of sensible shoes, jeans and a t-shirt is recommended.
During the day it is generally hot, so pack light weight loose fitting clothes in natural fabrics, such linen or cotton, that will keep you cool and are easy to wash and dry.
Long sleeved shirts and long trousers will protect you against mosquitoes at night.
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. A three-point round-pin adapter plug should be brought for your electrical appliances. Such adapters are also available at major airports.
