2-Week Namibia Self-Drive Tour – Highlights, Tips & Route
Exploring Namibia in just two weeks? Absolutely possible! You can still experience the most stunning highlights of this fascinating country. We condensed our original three-week trip into a two-week itinerary that lets you make the most of your time while enjoying wildlife viewing, breathtaking landscapes, and relaxed adventures.
In this article, we’ll share a well-planned two-week route, combining wildlife, incredible scenery, and exciting yet stress-free experiences.
Table of Contents
Trip Preparation
Our 2-Week Route
Highlights of the Journey
Useful Tips for Self-Drivers
Costs and Best Travel Time
1. Trip Preparation for a Namibia Tour
The Right Rental Car
A 4x4 vehicle is an absolute must for Namibia. We recommend renting a car with a rooftop tent for the ultimate flexibility between camping and lodges. We opted for a Toyota Hilux with a rooftop tent, perfect for Namibia’s many unpaved and challenging roads.
Packing List
Our detailed Namibia packing list can be found here. Aside from the usual travel essentials, here are some items we found particularly helpful:
Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens
Headlamp for evenings at campsites
Lip balm or Vaseline to combat the dryness
Stock up on water and snacks locally for long drives
Power adapters for Namibia
A travel first-aid kit
You can find a dedicated guide to a Namibia first-aid kit in this post.
Accommodation: Lodges and Campsites
Unlike many other destinations, campsites and lodges in Namibia get booked out well in advance. We recommend booking accommodations early to secure a spot in national parks or lodges with the comfort you desire.
Otherwise, you might end up staying outside the parks, which can require long drives for safari excursions or limit your choices for accommodations.
2. Our Route – 2 Weeks in Namibia
Day 1-2: Windhoek
Start your journey in Namibia’s capital city, Windhoek. After picking up your rental car, stock up on supplies and explore the city. Stay overnight in a nearby lodge or campsite.
Day 2-5: Etosha National Park (Namutoni, Halali, Okaukuejo)
Drive straight to Etosha National Park, one of the best places for wildlife viewing in Africa. Spend three nights here, staying in the camps of Namutoni, Halali, and Okaukuejo. Enjoy thrilling safaris and incredible wildlife sightings around the waterholes.
Day 5-6: Spitzkoppe
Next, head to Spitzkoppe, a stunning mountain range known as the “Matterhorn of Namibia.” Spend the night camping at the base of these majestic rocks, enjoying unforgettable sunsets and star-filled skies.
Want more tips on exploring Spitzkoppe? Check out this post!
Day 6-8: Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
Drive to Swakopmund, a charming coastal town with German colonial architecture. Take time to explore Walvis Bay and book a tour of Sandwich Harbour, where the dunes meet the ocean.
Swakopmund feels like a small time capsule. If you want an authentic experience, we recommend staying at the region’s oldest hotel, which still retains its colonial charm.
Day 8-9: Sossusvlei & Deadvlei
The iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei are a must-see! Climb one of the towering dunes at sunrise and explore the surreal Deadvlei, with its ancient, dried-up trees. One night here is enough to experience the area’s highlights, but more time is always better if your schedule allows.
The drive to Deadvlei can be tricky, so we’ve outlined your options in detail in our dedicated post about Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.
Day 10-11: Quiver Tree Forest
On your way back to Windhoek, make a stop at the Quiver Tree Forest. Enjoy magical sunsets and photograph the Milky Way in this surreal landscape. Spend the night here to soak in the peaceful surroundings.
Check out where we stayed and other important details in this post.
Day 11-13: Kuzikus Wildlife Reserve
For the final part of our journey, we spent two days at Kuzikus Wildlife Reserve, enjoying the tranquility of Namibia’s wilderness and going on one last safari. This reserve, run by German expats, specializes in rhino conservation. The rhino tracking experience here deeply impressed us.
More details about Kuzikus can be found in this post.
Alle weiteren Infos zu Kuzikus findest du in diesem Beitrag.
Von Kuzikus bis nach Windhoek sind es nur 2,5 Stunden und von daher der ideale letzte Zwischenstopp vor der Rückreise.
Day 13-14: Return to Windhoek
End your trip with one last night in Windhoek. Return your rental car and take a taxi to the airport the following morning.
3. Highlights of the Journey
Etosha National Park: Experience lions, elephants, and zebras up close
Sossusvlei & Deadvlei: Explore the world’s most famous sand dunes
Spitzkoppe: Camp under a picture-perfect starry sky
Swakopmund: A coastal town offering both adventure and relaxation
4. Useful Tips for Self-Drivers
Driving times: Allow extra time for travel, as many roads are gravel
Fuel: Fill up whenever you can, as gas stations are scarce in some areas
Supplies: Stock up on water, snacks, and essentials in major towns like Windhoek or Swakopmund
5. Costs and Best Travel Time
Costs
Our total expenses for three weeks in Namibia were around €4,000 per person. For a two-week trip, the costs for car rental, accommodations, food, and activities will naturally be lower.
Here’s a rough breakdown of our expenses for three weeks:
Flight: €1,450 (including checked luggage) per person
Car rental: €2,500
Camping & Lodges: €1,800 for two people
Food: €400 for two people
Activities: €850 for two people
Fuel: €575
For a more detailed cost breakdown and budget-saving tips, check out this post.
Best Travel Time
The dry season from May to October is ideal for visiting Namibia. We traveled in June and enjoyed the pleasant temperatures and excellent conditions for wildlife viewing.
Final Thoughts
Even a two-week self-drive trip through Namibia offers the perfect combination of adventure, nature, and relaxation. We hope our itinerary helps you plan your trip!
Looking for more tips for your Namibia journey? These posts might be helpful:
Want more insights from our travels? Check out our Instagram channels tom_rbg_ and anna_rbg_. If you have any questions about our route, feel free to reach out to us via Instagram!
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