How Much Does a Self-Drive Namibia Trip Cost? – A Detailed Breakdown of Our Travel Expenses
Namibia is an incredible travel destination, boasting breathtaking landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and a vibrant culture. But how much budget do you actually need for such a trip? We spent three weeks in Namibia and carefully documented all our expenses. Here's a detailed breakdown of the costs you can expect for a self-drive trip through Namibia.
Travel Planning and Cost Overview for a Self-Drive Namibia Trip
Below, we've outlined all the costs from our three-week trip to Namibia, so you can see where your money might go.
1. Flight Costs
Long-haul flights are getting increasingly expensive, which we noticed when booking our tickets to Namibia. Our flights from Munich via Frankfurt to Windhoek cost around €2,900 for two people, including one piece of checked baggage each. Prices vary depending on the time of booking, airline, and layovers. We chose the fastest connections to minimize travel time and avoid long layovers. After all, the more stopovers you have, the higher the chances of delays or lost luggage. For us, the slightly higher price was worth it to save time and avoid stress.
2. Accommodation Costs
Namibia offers a wide variety of accommodations, ranging from luxury lodges to campsites and mid-range hotels. Since we traveled in a vehicle equipped with a rooftop tent, we were able to save money by staying at campsites. However, we highly recommend mixing in some nights at hotels or safari lodges to elevate the experience.
Here’s a breakdown of our accommodation costs:
Hotels and Lodges:
Okonjima Lodge: 1,104 NAD
Okaukuejo Bush Chalet (Etosha National Park): 3,800 NAD (1 night)
Lagoon Suites: 1,980 NAD
The Rez Guesthouse: 2,425 NAD (~€121)
Kuzikus Lodge: 14,455 NAD (3 days all-inclusive)
Hansa Hotel: 2,220 NAD
Hotel Uhland Windhuk: 1,320 NAD
Campsites:
Etosha National Park (4 nights at Namutoni & Halali Campsites): 4,000 NAD
Spitzkoppe National Park: 440 NAD
Overflow Camp (Sossusvlei): 1,220 NAD
Mesosaurus Camp: 150 NAD
👉 Total: Approximately 34,614 NAD (~€1,825)
3. Rental Car and Fuel Costs
Having your own vehicle in Namibia is essential, especially a 4x4 for the unpaved roads. Ideally, your rental car should also have a rooftop tent for added flexibility. We opted for a four-door Toyota Hilux.
Costs:
Rental car: €2,546
Fuel: 11,322 NAD (€572)
Car wash: 450 NAD
👉 Total: ~€3,118
💡 Tip: Book your rental car as soon as you’ve purchased your flights, as prices for rental cars in Namibia are high and vehicles are in high demand.
4. Food and Drink Costs
Food costs in Namibia vary depending on whether you eat out or self-cater. We dined in lodges, local restaurants, and also bought groceries from supermarkets.
Expenses:
Dinners in restaurants: 385–680 NAD per meal
Lunches: ~220–400 NAD per meal
Groceries: ~3,500 NAD
👉 Total for food and drink: 7,500 NAD (€380)
5. Activities, Safari, and National Park Fees
Namibia offers unforgettable experiences that you shouldn’t miss. Budget accordingly for activities, as guided safaris can be pricey but are worth every cent. In Etosha National Park, you can also explore on your own to save money.
Activity Costs for Two People:
Leopard tracking (2x): 5,280 NAD
National park fees: 2,450 NAD
Himba village visit: 1,000 NAD
Sandwich Harbour desert tour: 7,800 NAD
Cape Cross seal colony entry: 350 NAD
👉 Total: 17,010 NAD (€860)
6. Tipping Costs
Tipping is customary in Namibia, especially for guides, drivers, and hotel staff. Parking attendants, who often guard vehicles at supermarkets, also expect small tips. While this isn’t strictly necessary, as Namibia is a safe country, it’s a gesture of appreciation for their work.
7. Summary of Our Namibia Travel Costs
Category | Costs (NAD) | Costs (€) |
Flights | - | 2.900 |
Rental Car | - | 2.546 |
Accommodations | 34.614 | 1.825 |
Food & drink | 7.500 | 380 |
Activities & fees | 17.010 | 860 |
Fuel | 11.322 | 572 |
Miscellaneous | 2.000 | 105 |
👉 Total: ~€8,283
Note: Additional tips for guides and services are not included in this total.
Tips to Save Money on Your Namibia Trip
Namibia is not a budget destination, but there are ways to save money. Here are some tips:
...On Checked Baggage:
When booking your flights, choose an option that includes checked baggage. Alternatively, you can save costs by sharing one suitcase between two people, especially if you travel light.
...On Activities:
A guided safari is a fantastic experience, as it allows you to learn more about the wildlife and the natural environment. In some reserves, self-driving safaris aren’t even allowed—often for good reason. However, there is an exception: Etosha National Park. Here, you can explore the vast nature reserve in your own vehicle without any issues. One major advantage is that you can spend as much time as you like at the waterholes observing the animals, without being restricted to the time limits of a guided tour.
Just don’t forget to pack enough water and snacks and keep them easily accessible, as it’s prohibited to leave your car in the park. This means you won’t be able to reach your trunk if you need anything! 😊
Another way to save money on activities is to book them in advance. Sometimes you’ll find discounts, and pre-booking helps you better plan your travel budget.
Additionally, you could consider choosing a daytime tour instead of a sunset tour (like our Sandwich Harbour Desert Tour). Day tours are often significantly cheaper. However, there is a downside: you’ll miss a breathtaking sunset and might encounter more tourists. If this doesn’t bother you, it can be a good way to save some extra money.
...On Room Categories
As mentioned earlier, we opted for a mix of camping sites and lodges/hotels to enjoy the best of both worlds while keeping costs down.
You can also save extra money by choosing specific room categories. For example, if you don’t require a direct view of the waterhole in a safari lodge, you can save quite a bit. While "waterfront lodges" are stunning, you’ll likely be out exploring so much that you won’t have enough time to fully enjoy the view anyway.
...On Rental Cars
If you’re searching for a rental car, you’ll notice that prices vary widely. It’s best to book early so you can compare different providers and choose the best deal.
We decided on a four-door vehicle even though we were only two people. Opting for a two-door model is, of course, cheaper, but you’ll lose out on comfort. On a road trip, you spend a lot of time in the car, so having ample legroom and easy access to water, food, and camera gear without having to get out is invaluable. Decide carefully whether saving here is worth it for you.
Final Thoughts: The Costs for 3 Weeks in Namibia
Namibia is not a cheap destination, but the costs are manageable with proper planning. If you choose a mix of camping and lodges, dine out occasionally, and enjoy activities, you should budget approximately €7,500–8,500 for two people. That’s around €4,000 per person for three weeks in Namibia.
Of course, this is just a rough estimate. Depending on how much luxury you want, these costs can increase significantly. However, we were very satisfied with our balance of comfort and budget.
We hope these tips help you plan your dream trip to Namibia—and trust us, Namibia is worth every cent! 🌍
Need More Inspiration for Your Self-Drive Namibia Trip? Check out our other articles:
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