If you haven’t thought to add Namibia to your list of places to visit in 2020 then I hope our Road trip guide will inspire you to visit because Namibia has been one of the most jaw dropping countries we have ever seen.
Namibia is an arid, rough land full of contrasts but on the other hand its inviting, well developed and easy to travel around. A country of the worlds biggest sand dunes, flat open plains, dry desert, wild animals and where the ocean meets the sand dunes. It is a top destination for those who enjoy nature, impressive landscapes, spectacular sand dunes and first class wildlife viewing. If you are going to Namibia we would recommend spending at least a few weeks here to see everything that Namibia has to offer.
After our recent adventure through Tanzania we decided to end our African trip with a few days in Namibia. We only had 5 nights before our flight to Perth departed so with that short amount of time we did our best to visit all the top places. Spitzkoppe, Deadvlei, Walvis Bay and Erindi National Park are our top recommendations to see in our Namibia road trip guide.
In our Namibia road trip guide we have included our 6 day itinerary, where we stayed, total costs of accommodation, best things to do, photos and much more.
We hope this blog inspires you to visit Namibia, you wont be disappointed!!
Best time to travel to Namibia?
There is never a bad time for a road trip in Namibia, every single month is worth a trip. The most popular months for visitors are between May to October due to there being no rain, amazing sunshine, moderate temperature and ideal game viewing. We visited in the months of December which was perfect. Sunny, warm days and cooler nights. Only on one day in Windhoek did it sprinkle but only for an hour.
Currency in Namibia
Namibias currency is called NAD or N$. Both the Namibian Dollar and the South African Rand are accepted as the countries currency. They are valued at 1 : 1.
$1 NAM is the equivalent of $0.10 AUD.
Credit cards are widely accepted in most accommodation, fuel stations and small shops, how ever we would recommend keeping a small amount of cash in your wallet.
Weather in Namibia
Namibia is known as the sunniest country in the world. Its climate is mostly sunny and dry but different regions can differ in weather. During December to March it is generally hot through out Namibia.
Rainy season starts around January but rain still might occur during April – May as the temperatures begin to cool.
Winter and the rainy season is during the months of June to September with days maintaining a moderate temperature. Nights in winter can be severely cold.
In October and November its starts to get hot again as temperatures start to warm up.
Best way to travel around Namibia for a road trip?
Namibia is a very spread out country and there are incredible places to see every where. It would be a shame if you didn’t have the freedom to visit Etosha Park or drive south to Sossusvlei, where you can see biggest sand dunes. Hiring a car gives you get the freedom to drive where you want so you dont miss out on any incredible places. We would spend about 5 hours a day driving so that we didn’t miss out on seeing all the places we wanted to see.
Renting a 4×4 camper would be the best way to truely experience the landscape and raw beauty of Namibia. You have the freedom to travel where you want, its convenient, you have everything you need to cook with, the tent only takes about 10 minutes to put up and you have the capability to travel off road. Its a no brainer if you wanted to do a road trip through Namibia.
Namibia 4×4 rentals.
We hired a Hilux Sleepy traveller 4×4 from Namibia 4×4 rentals. The service and staff were extremely helpful through the whole process. We never had any problem with the car on our whole trip. The Hilux 4×4 comes with a 2 person pop up camper and you can have all the extras like a fridge, camping equipment i.e. mattress, pillows, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, utensils and lastly a gas cooker. Everything you could possibly need for a road trip in Namibia.
The car was perfect for off road driving in the gravel dirt and soft sand. The pop up tent is very convenient for travelling around Namibia and only takes 10 minutes to set up.
We never felt uncomfortable driving in the vehicle. The cars are equipt with air-conditions, radio, usb chargers, power steering, revers camera, and electric windows. We had enough storage for our 2 travel bags, camera equipment and food storage.
Total cost break down: N$5,980* including sleeping gear and 40 L fridge for 6 days. *Please note that we received 40% in exchange for promotional content.
To book your 4×4 and see where the adventure takes you click here.
Our 6 day Namibia road trip starts now!!
Day 1. Ondekaremba Campsite, Windhoek
Initially we had not planned to stay in Windhoek at all while being in Namibia. The only reason we found Ondekaremba Campsite was because our luggage did not arrive and we were told that it would arrive early the next day ( This is quite common). Because of the delayed luggage we decided to spend the night in Windhoek, pick up our luggage early in the morning then start our adventure south.
As we had our hilux with us we didn’t want to stay in a hotel so we googled if there were any campsites nearby. We found Ondekaremba lodge an campsite which was only 10 minutes from the airport.
Ondekaremba is a natural paradise of the dry riverbed and bush savannah with a lodge and camping facilities. Its on private farm land and was founded in 1900. There are several trails that you can take around the farm where you can explore the bush savannah on your own. Even though Ondekaremba Campsite is close to the city we still felt like we were secluded and in the desert.
There are 3 camp sites that have your own bench, cooking table, sink with drinkable water, power point , fire pit and all share a bathroom and toilet. The camp site comes with a restaurant, lodges and a small pool near the camping area which is a great way to cool down after a hot day.
There is 1 shared bathroom that looks like a wooden hut. The females is on the left and males on the right. The floor is paved with big stones and the walls are like a wooden sticks all tied together.
Cost Breakdown: Powered campsite: N$250 per person.
To book your stay at Ondekaremba click here.
Day 2. Sesriem Camp/ Sossusvlei
We were so excited to visit Sossusvlei as it was one of the main reasons why we initially wanted to visit Namibia.
The drive down to Sesriem camp site the landscape was forever changing from flat plains, to black rocks and then massive sand dunes.
On the way to Sesriem camping you will drive through Solitaire and see the iconic fuel station. Here you can top up your car, eat at one of the 2 restaurants and check out the lodge. Whats iconic about it is the old cars on show at the front. They make for a cute photo opportunity.
Sesriem Camp site
Sesriem Camp site is the only camp site located perfectly inside the park gates to Sossusvlee. Its the perfect spot to stay if you want to capture the sunrise over sossusvlei sand dunes or watch the sunset over Deadvlei in the beautiful Namib Desert.
All 20 camp sites come with a big shaded camel thorn tree, power, fire pit, water tap, animal proof rubbish bins and a low wall surrounding each site. The camp site has great facilities like a bar, restaurant and pool.
If you stay at Sesriem the gate opens 1 hour earlier at 5 am to Sossusvlei before the gates open to the public, giving you a head start for sunrise. Same goes for the afternoon, if you stay within the gates at Sesriem you can leave Sossusvlei at sunset in time for the gate to close at 8:30pm.
The 59 km drive from Sesriem Campsite to Deadvlei takes about 45-60 mins. The drive is mostly paved road but the last 10km you will need a 4×4 as the road turns to sand. Be sure to drive in the tire tracks and dont go on soft sand. We passed a few cars that were bogged in soft sand that had been driven by inexperienced drivers.
To get to Deadvlei drive to the very last 4×4 car park, when you see a big sign about Deadvlei on the left follow that directly into the dune.
After we climbed the last sand dunes that unveils the mythical landscape of Deadvlei. Nothing could have prepared us for what we are about to see.
Deadvlei
Deadvlei is a clay pan located in in the famous salt pan of Sossusvlei. It has formed from when the previously running Tsauchab river flooded allowing camel thorn trees to grow. When the climate changed and drought hit the area the dunes grew dramatically on the pan, which blocked the river from the area.
The trees shortly died from not having water and the remaining skeleton tress are believed to be over 600-700 years old. The skeletons remain blackened from the sun scorching them but the wood does not decompose because they are so dry. Reminants from another time 900 years ago.
They provide one of the best photography foregrounds you could imagine. Deadvlei is surrounded by the highest sand dune in the world, ” Big Daddy dune” reaching 300-400 meters.
We visited Deadvlei both sunset and sunrise. After sunset we left Deadvlei about 7:40pm to make it in time for the gate closing at 8:30am. For sunrise we made sure we were at the gate at 5am when it opens. There were already 3 cars in front of us waiting for it to open.
Deadvlei is a must see when visiting Namibia and is probably one of the most incredible sites we have ever seen. It is a photographers heaven. To enter the park you must apply for a permit (Park fee) which you can purchase at Sesriem Camp site.
Cost Breakdown: Powered camp site: N$490 per person. Park fee: N$80 per person. Car fee: N$10
To book your camp site at Sesriem click here.
Day 3. Walvis Bay
One of the main reasons we wanted to stay at the small town of Walvis Bay was so that we could visit the beautiful Sandwhich Harbour.
Where the sand dunes meet the see, Sandwhich Harbour is only reachable by 4×4. Its not recommended to do on your own and there are multiple tour company’s that you can do tours with that will take you. Located about 80km south of Walvis Bay Sandwhich Harbour is an area on the Atlantic coast of Namibia that includes a bay in the north and a lagoon at the southern end.
We spent the night camping at Lagoon Chalets. For a powered site we paid 200 each. The caravan park and lodge is located just 3 minutes from town. The camp site was very modern and on paved road. There are big showers and toilets and access to sinks to wash up your dishes. All camp sites had power, clothes line and a brick bench.
For sunset we drove down to the esplanade and watched the flamingos in the lagoon.
The next morning we drove to the Walvis Bay Visiter Centre where we had a half day tour booked with Photo Ventures Namibia.
Sandwich Harbour.
The first stops were to a dune look out over the salt refinery and then to Pelican point where we seen thousands of pelicans and flamingos. Walvis Bay has one of the biggest populations of Greater and Lesser flamingoes in the world.
Soon we were driving on the beach up and down sand dunes. We passed only a few locals in 4×4 and as we drove further down we could see why its not recommend to do the journey on your own. If you dont know the tides or the dunes it could be dangerous.
Our guide Jonathan was an experienced 4×4 driver and was born in Namibia. He told us about the history of Walvis Bay and about all the animals in Sandwich Harbour.
We drove up the sand dunes and along the beach before we stopped on the dunes for a lunch. We had an absolute blast driving up and down the sand dunes, at times we were gripping the seats as we would drive straight down huge dunes. If your a thrill seeker this tour is for you!
Costst Breakdown: Powered campsite: N$200 per person. Half day Sandwich Harbour tour N$330,000 for both of us.
To book your stay at Lagoon Chalets click here.
To book your tour with Photo Ventures Namibia click here.
Day 4. Spitzkoppe
As we drove closer to where Skitzkoppe was we could make out big granite rocks that stick out dramatically against the surrounding flat plains. This place is a photographers, star gazers, climbers and adventurers paradise.
One of the most astonishing landscapes I have ever seen. Spitzkoppe (“Matterhorn of Namibia”) is nearly 700 million years old and the tallest peak is about 700 meters tall. The granite formations were created by the collapse of a gigantic volcano more than 100 million years ago and the erosion exposed the volcanic rock.
People from all over the world come to Skitzkoppe for camping. A mountain oasis in the Namib desert, with unique oversized boulders , secret caves and unusual rock formations. Spitzkoppe is the place where you can camp in complete peace and tranquility surrounded by awe inspiring landscape.
In Spitzkoppe camp there are 31 camp sites and all are spread out so you have you own privacy. Showers and toilets are located near reception and there are a few outhouse toilets spread around the camp sites.
We wanted to camp close to the iconic ” bridge” so we could get up for sunrise and sunset and take photos. Camp site number 4 was the closest camp site available so we parked up our car and set up our tent for the night. In Spitzkoppe we witnessed both a magical sunset and sunrise. This place really is a one of the most amazing places to camp.
Cost Breakdown: Non powered campsite: $190 per person.
To book your camp site at Spitzkoppe check out the website here.
Day 5. Erindi Private Game Reserve
Erindi is a protected reserve covering 70,719 hectares of pristine Namibian landscape, located just three hours north of Windhoek.
In 1986 the reserve was purchased by 2 brothers and by early 1900s started to introduce wild game. Since then, Camp Elephant was constructed and has been involved with several successful conservation programs. Erindi protects the natural land and wildlife and is carefully managed to ensure species diversity and protection.
We had been recommended by 2 locals to stay at Erindi because of the great camping facilities and a self drive that people can do with out a guide.
Camp Elephant has 30 luxury camp sites and I mean luxury. Camp Elephant is one of the best camp sites we have ever stayed at. Each campsite has its own bathroom with a toilet, solar-heated shower and hand basin, small kitchen sink with a washing up and food-preparation area. Each campsite has its own vehicle awning, 6-seater picnic bench and a bbq with adjustable grid. What stuck out the most was that this was the first camp site that had 2 power points.
If you want to take a break from camping there are chalets available to stay at. There is a small shop located next to reception, 3 pools surrounded by lush green grass and a natural watering hole.
Cost Breakdown: Powered campsite: N$250 per person. Permit – N$290
Day 6. Depart Windhoek
We woke up early on our last day so that we would have enough time to do our own morning game drive in Erindi and make our flight for 2pm. Erindi opens the self game drives at 6am. When you pick up your permit you are given a map of the park which includes the different route options, rules and information about Erindi.
We only had about 1 and half hours to spend on the self drive so our best option was to do the first route which was the big green route called Eland Drive. On this drive we spotted a number of zebras, oryx, giraffes, warthogs, elephants, hippo and unusual gremlin looking fox which is known as the Bat eared fox.
It was a great choice spending our last night at Erindi private reserve and even better to spend our last morning seeing Namibias wildlife. From there the drive to Windhoek took only a short 2 hours so if you are short on time and would like to experience a game reserve then Erindi is a great location.
With the 5 nights we had in Namibia we only had enough time to spend 1 night at each destination. If you are planning your own trip we would recommend to stay to stay longer. There are also many other beautiful places you can visit like Etosha National Park, Swakopmud, Skeleton Coast, Caprivi Strip and the abandoned city Kolmannskuppe.
Thank You for reading our Namibia road trip guide. We hope that our blog has inspired you to want to visit Namibia. We know you won’t regret it.
Enjoyed this post? Why not pin it or share it…
If you would like to read more about our travels in Africa check out our Ultimate 12 day itinerary through Tanzania.
If tropical islands, crystal clear beaches and amazing under water marine life is more your dream travel destination than check out our blogs from the Incredible Raja Ampat “Indonesia’s last paradise”
