Our 3-Week Namibia Road Trip for Self-Drivers – Highlights, Tips & Route
Our 3-week self-drive road trip through Namibia was an unforgettable adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, fascinating wildlife encounters, and unique cultural experiences. In this post, we share our route, highlights, and essential tips with you.
For each stop, we have written a dedicated blog post (linked accordingly) where you can find additional helpful information for your trip planning. We highly recommend reading them for a more detailed preparation.
On the map below, you’ll find all the stops along our route.
Table of Contents
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1. Trip Preparation for a Namibia Road Trip
Choosing the Right Rental Car
A 4x4 vehicle is an absolute must for a road trip through Namibia. We opted for a Toyota Hilux with a rooftop tent since many roads are unpaved and challenging. Having the flexibility to camp allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in nature. This way, you can choose between camping sites or lodges – we recommend a mix of both!
Packing List
You can find our detailed Namibia packing list here. Aside from standard travel essentials, we found the following items particularly useful:
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens
Vaseline for dry lips
Plenty of water and snacks for long drives
Travel first aid kit for Namibia
Entry Requirements & Formalities
German citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date. We also recommend getting international health insurance.
Accommodation: Lodges & Campsites
Anders als in vielen anderen Reisezielen, sind die Camps und Unterkünfte in Namibia super frühzeitig ausgebucht. Wir würden dir deshalb empfehlen, diese bereits rechtzeitig vor Reiseantritt zu buchen. Anderenfalls kann es passieren, dass du beispielsweise keine Unterkunft im Nationalpark mehr erhältst und für die Safaris täglich von "außerhalb" anreisen musst oder vielleicht die Buchungsklasse, die du dir für deine Namibia-Reise wünscht nicht mehr verfügbar ist.
2. Namibia Road Trip: Our Route
Day 1-2: Windhoek
Our journey began in the capital, Windhoek. After picking up our rental car and stocking up on supplies, we headed straight for our first stop: Okonjima, about a two-hour drive from Windhoek.
Day 2-4: Okonjima Nature Reserve
Okonjima is home to the AfriCat Foundation, dedicated to protecting cheetahs, leopards, and other wild cats. Here, we had the chance to observe wild leopards up close and learn about conservation efforts. The lodge and campsite options are fantastic and provide a great introduction to Namibia’s wildlife.
Detailed information about our stay in Okonjima can be found here.
Day 4-9: Safari in Etosha National Park (Namutoni, Halali, Okaukuejo)
Etosha National Park was one of the absolute highlights of our trip. Over five days, we explored different camps – Namutoni, Halali, and Okaukuejo – and saw countless animals, including elephants, lions, zebras, rhinos, leopards, and cheetahs. The waterholes at the camps are perfect for wildlife watching, even without leaving the campsite.
Get more tips and details about our Etosha safari experiences and also have a look at our Youtube Video to get an impression what to expact:
Day 9-11: Spitzkoppe
Spitzkoppe, also known as the "Matterhorn of Namibia," is a stunning natural wonder. The ancient granite formations and breathtaking sunsets were truly unforgettable. We camped under the open sky in the park – an experience we highly recommend.
Find out more about what to expact in Spitzkoppe.
Day 11-12: Henties Bay & Cape Cross
We visited Cape Cross to see the enormous seal colony – an impressive (and very smelly) experience! Henties Bay was a peaceful stop, perfect for some relaxation.
Day 12-13: Swakopmund
Swakopmund is a charming coastal town with a strong German influence. We enjoyed delicious food, strolled through the old town, and admired colonial architecture. We recommend staying at this historic hotel for a truly authentic experience.
More information about this station can be found in our detailled Swakopmund travel article.
Tag 13-15: Walvis Bay
In Walvis Bay, we took a boat tour and spotted flamingos, pelicans, dolphins, and seals. We also booked a Sandwich Harbour desert tour to experience the surreal scenery where the dunes meet the sea.
Day 16-18: Sossusvlei & Deadvlei
The iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei and the eerie beauty of Deadvlei were major highlights of our trip. We climbed Dune 40 at sunrise, which offers breathtaking views over the Namib Desert. The colors shift from deep red to bright orange as the sun rises – a truly magical experience. Later, we explored Deadvlei, a white clay pan surrounded by towering red dunes. The contrast of blackened camelthorn trees against the white ground and blue sky made it a photographer’s dream.
The drive to Deadvlei is not without its challenges, there are two options which we describe in detail in our post about Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.
Day 18-19: Quiver Tree Forest
The Quiver Tree Forest near Keetmanshoop was another impressive stop. The quirky trees, which glow especially beautifully at sunset, provide a unique photographic backdrop. Additionally, at night you get a fantastic view of the starry sky and the Milky Way.
Where we stayed and other important information are described in this post about Quiver Tree Forst Namibia.
Day 19-21: Kuzikus Wildlife Reserve
To conclude our trip, we spent three days at the Kuzikus Wildlife Reserve. Here we once again enjoyed the peace and seclusion of Namibian nature and went on a final safari. Kuzikus is a wildlife reserve for rhinos run by German immigrants. We really enjoyed the rhino tracking and were deeply impressed.
You can find all further information about Kuzikus in this post.
From Kuzikus to Windhoek is only 2.5 hours, making it the ideal last stop before heading back home.
Day 21-22: Windhoek
At the end of our trip, we spent one more night in Windhoek, returned our rental car, and then took a taxi to the airport the next morning.
3. Highlights of the Trip
Etosha National Park: Countless animals in the wild
Sossusvlei & Deadvlei: Unique landscapes and colors
Spitzkoppe: Camping under the stars
Swakopmund: Adventure and German history on the coast
4. Useful Tips for Self-Drivers
Start early: Many highlights, like animal sightings, are best in the early morning
Gas stations: Fuel up whenever you get the chance – the distances in Namibia are long, and gas stations aren't always frequent
Provisions: Keep enough water and snacks on hand, as supermarkets are often far apart
Roads: Many routes are gravel roads. Drive carefully and pay attention to road conditions
5. Costs and Travel Time
How much does a trip to Namibia cost?
Our total costs for three weeks in Namibia amounted to about 4,000 € per person. Here's a rough breakdown:
Flight: approx. 1,450 € including checked baggage per person
Rental car: approx. 2,500 €
Camping & Lodges: approx. 1,800 € for 2 people
Food: approx. 400 € for 2 people
Activities: approx. 850 € for 2 people
Fuel: approx. 575 €
A detailed breakdown of our costs and tips on where you can save money can be found in this article.
When is the best time to travel?
The best time to visit Namibia is from May to October. We went in October, which is at the end of the dry season. During this time, you can observe many animals since some waterholes have dried up, and many animals gather at the large waterholes.
Please find here further information on the best travel time to Namibia.
Conclusion
Namibia is the perfect destination for adventurers, nature lovers, and photographers. The combination of impressive wildlife, endless expanses, and diverse landscapes makes a self-drive trip through Namibia an unforgettable experience. We would come back anytime!
Need more tips for your Namibia road trip? These posts could help you:
Want more insights into our travels? Then check out our Instagram channels tom_rbg_ und anna_rbg_. If you have any questions about the routes, feel free to contact us through these channels!
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