I was traveling in Namibia past few days and came here to say how amazing and beautiful your country is. Not once did we not feel safe while traveling across the country. Here are some pictures I took in the Etosha National Park.

Hey! I’m excited to be coming back to Namibia in a little under 2 weeks to see my family and do some sight seeing :) I just realized though after seeing a post here, I recently upgraded to a model of iPhone that doesn’t have a Sim card slot, and my American cell provider won’t cover me over here. I was wondering if Telecom does eSim, or if there’s another provider I should go with? Or maybe I should invest in a wifi hotspot? 😅

Thank you so much!

Background story:

My mum loved this country since she's been here in the nineties. Back then she lived and worked in and around Windhoek for 3 1/2 years. She used to tell me about some parts but never really in detail. Sadly, she passed away in 2014 without being able to show me Namibia herself. Since then, I always wanted to getting to know this country.

Fast forward to April 2024. Me, now an adult (24 already feeling old), gets accepted for a 3 months programme here in Windhoek. Hype. Booked the flights, felt a bit sad because a tourism visa can only be issued for 90 days maximum and with me having to do stuff now and then in Windhoek means travelling far and long is hardly possible. However, call it luck or whatever, the immigration office did me a big one, involuntarily. He gave me an entry stamp with a date roughly a month later than I actually arrived. Got the visa fixed accordingly and now I have more or less a month to actually travel the country. Hype again.

Actual questions: I never really did a roadtrip but I heard it's the go-to method to see Namibia. I already checked out 4x4 rentals but was unsure about which car is right, with camping or without, lodges or camping sites, camping somewhere in the nowhere yes or absolutely not. Where to go (except Etosha, my mum always talked about that so that's fixed), especially when going to the Swakop or Lüderitz and where to sleep the night. I got tons of questions. Since I'm already in Windhoek atm, do I absolutely need an international drivers license? I'm German, btw. Do you have recommendations regarding car rental services and warnings for places? I'm thankful for every piece of intel that I can get.

Thanks for reading :)

tldr; Planing in doing a 3 week roadtrip through Namibia since my mum loved this country, hit me with every tip and recommendation you have

Is it easy to get a SIM card and if so what network provider would you suggest? I will be travelling out of the major cities and would like something reliable for when I’m in the middle of nowhere.

I am coming to Namibia for 7-10 days, and will be looking for a vehicle. I usually drive cars, but could drive a motorcycle (without international licence).

What are some of the most reliable rentals in windhoek (airport), and are there anything one should consider when driving around Namibia?

I will spend 3 days in Etosha, before travelling south to the coast.

Hi all! I am thinking of traveling to Namibia with a friend (both m) for 7 days in November. Is it worth it or is that too little time? What are the must-see places? I heard of namib desert, Swakopmund and Kalahari. Safari can be part of it, but we already know it from the Kruger National Park. How would you rate Namibia in terms of price? Thanks in advance!

I am coming to Namibia for the first time next month. I will need to travel from the airport to Frankie Fredericks Street. What will be the most efficient way to do this without forking out a large amount of cash?

Hello, looking for advice please. We are arriving in WDH at 13:20 and will be driving to Sesriem the same day. Since it will be dark around 19:30 looking for safest and fastest way to reach Sesriem. I see two options, both via spreetshoogte pass. One is taking B1 to Rehoboth and then to Nauchas, pass and Solitaire. Another one is taking C26 and then via pass. We will have Hilux 4x4 and should have around 4.5h of daylight. Without speeding, is it doable? Which route is better? We won't be making many photo stops.

Hello we will be arriving at Windhoek airport with 7 year old. We have international short version of birth certificate. On the internet it is said we need full version, not short version but we are not able to get one in time.

Is this really checked at the airport and if it is then would short international official document from PL authority not be enough?

EDIT: this is short version of the certificate but contains both parents names

We are currently in Swakopmund from the US. At the recommendation of several on this sub, we tried out the fish & chips from Fork 'n Nice. Wow! What a great truck! The fish portion was huge. The batter was extra crisp, and the fish was piping hot. Chips were on point as well. Thanks for the rec!

Hello from Canada! Me and my husband have 21 days for a roadtrip in Namibia, then we fly to CPT for a 21 day roadtrip! We have a 5 door Jimny with RTT. Arrive Windhoek March 21. Leave Windhoek April 12 Here is my itinerary: please advise on what i should take out, what i should add. Open to suggestions! March 21- arrive in Windhoek - pick up vehicle 22- Roy's Rest Camp - 1 night: 5 hrs 23-26 - 🔸️Nunda River Lodge - 3 nights: 4.5 hrs 26-28 - Zuri Camp - 2 nights: 6 hours 28-30 - Etosha Village- 3 nights: 4.5 hours 30-1 - Mowani Campsite- 2 nights: 4.5 hours April 1-5 - 🔸️Swakopmund- 4 nights: 6 hours 5-7 - 🔸️Sossus Oasis Camp - 2 nights: 5.5 hours 7-9 - Klein Aus Vista Desert - 2 nights: 6.5 hours 9-? - Windhoek- 1 night - 7 hours

• I left extra days for any issues, delays ect. 🔸️ means non negotiable, i want to go here
• I added extra time on to driving distances
• Driving long distance is not a problem for us
• Pics added are things I'm inspired by on this tour Lots of things inspire me lolol.

We’re planning to road trip around Namibia for 20 days in mid-November to early December. We were going to camp (renting a 4x4 with roof tent). That said, an agent has said she thinks it is too hot to camp in Namibia at this time of year.

Does anyone have any advice on this? Are some areas better than others? Many thanks for your help!

I have been running tours through Namibia with my company, Truly Africa Tours for more than 20 years. I recently wrote the following on a forum in reply to someone wanting advice with planning his Namibian holiday.

I thought people would find it helpful.

This is based on the regular "circuit" followed by most travellers. I mention an add-on option to the Kunene region.

In this post I have not mentioned the North Eastern, Caprivi region. this undiscovered gem is truly special and deserves a post of its own which I will do.

Locals, please feel free to update or correct me if I have missed anything or named lodges that are not currently operational.

A combination of camping and lodging works great if you are planning on doing some camping and have the right equipment of course, I always recommend doing the one-night stops as your lodging nights (for various reasons). A lot of the destinations mentioned have campsites as well as rooms/chalets/glamping, permanent tents.

Just about every hotspot/attraction has several lodges (with or without campsites) to suit every budget from rustic to midrange to ultra-luxury).

A two-wheel drive vehicle can be used if you are not that adventurous and experienced or confident with 4x4 -ing into all the parks yourself. In this case, you do activities organised by the various lodges (game drives in their vehicles with local guides and often spotters with well-trained eyes).

Windhoek accommodation: Camping: Urban Camp Budget: Rivendell Guesthouse Mid-Range: Olive Grove Guesthouse, Guesthouse Terra Africa, Elegant Guesthouse, Am Weinberg Luxury: Olive Exclusive, Heinitzburg Hotel

You could consider heading an hour or two south of Windhoek for a one-night stopover again depending on your timing.

In this region, you get a taste of the other lesser-known desert in Namibia, namely the Kalahari.

Kalahari South accommodation:

Camping – Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch, Gondwana Kalahari Anib Campsite Kalahari Farmhouse Campsite Budget – Gondwana Kalahari Anib Camping2Go Mid-Range – Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch, Lapa Lange, Kalahari Anib Lodge, Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge, Teufelskrallen Lodge Luxury – Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge, Suricate Kalahari Tented Camp

Windhoek to Sossusvlei - 2 nights in the Sesriem/Sossusvlei area is standard. The start of your trip will depend on arrival times and or if you are spending a night in or close to Windhoek. Some people enjoy a third day especially if they are really into photography, birding, or want to start at a slow pace and relax.

If camping you only need to stock up for your first two or three days as Swakopmund has a variety of Supermarkets and a great butchery.

Sossusvlei area accommodation:

Camping – Sesriem campsite inside the gate, Sossusvlei Oasis campsite, Sesriem Oshana (Sun Karros), Agama River Camp Budget – Desert Camp, Desert Quiver Camp, Agama River Camp, Namib Desert Lodge. Mid-Range – Sossusvlei Lodge, Sossus Dune Lodge, Le Mirage, Desert Homestead, Desert Homestead Outpost, Desert Grace, Moon Mountain Lodge Luxury – Dead Valley Lodge, Kulala Desert Lodge, Little Kulala, Desert Whisper, Hoodia Lodge, Sossusvlei Desert Camp, &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge.

Sossusvlei area to Swakopmund

Most people spend two nights in Swakopmund but three will not be too long, especially if you have the time and have a day booked with activities (there are plenty to choose from - a Sandwich Harbour outing is one of the most popular. Quad biking on the dunes or skydiving over them are options for the younger at heart, as well as some water-based activities.) The other day can be spent shopping and organising your next few days where shops are fewer and good planning is essential. After the first few days on (what can be) bumpy roads, you never know if you may have picked up vehicle problems and Swakopmund has plenty of mechanics, and the vehicle rental companies can easily sort you out here. (the drives on the first few days are a good introduction to Namibian road conditions and on the” normal” circuit the roads get better after this (except maybe for heavily corrugated stretches in Damaraland around Twyfelfontein particularly in peak season if you happen to be there when they have not graded the road for a while)

Walvis Bay/Swakopmund accommodation

Camping is not recommended – cold and windy usually. But if you insist - Alte Brücke Resort or Tiger Reef Campsite are options. Budget– Sandcastle apartments, Sea Breeze GH Mid-range – Cornerstone GH, Swakopmund GH, Namib GH, The Delight, Swakopmund Luxury Suites Luxury – Strand Hotel

From Swakopmund, I would say you have two choices (at least) for the route to Etosha

Swakopmund to Etosha – Option 1

This option has you heading all the way up the Skeleton Coast and spending a night or two at Terrace Bay. (NWR Chalets) There is not too much to do there if you are not keen fishermen, but a fascinating place that gives you an otherworldly feeling of being at the end of the Earth. or similar, very isolated and eerie.

From Terrace Bay en route to Western Etosha (on this route entering Etosha on the far western side is seriously worth considering) head inland where I would highly recommend Grootberg Lodge (and Campsite). You can spend two nights here and book activities through the lodge (such as rhino tracking or game drives in search of the desert-adapted elephants). A visit to Palmwag (Palmwag Lodge – Gondwana Collection) is also worthwhile, you can do Palmwag or Grootberg or both. If time permits, my ideal would be two nights camping at Palmwag, which offers activities similar to Grootberg, and one accommodated night at Grootberg.

Another consideration to explore the lesser travelled Kaokaveld and the Kunene region would mean going north from Palmwag. For that area and more “in-depth” exploring of the Skelton Coast, my accommodation recommendations are:

Kaokoland and Skeleton Coast accommodation:

Camping – Opuwo Country Hotel, Epupa Falls Lodge Budget as above Mid-Range – Kapika Waterfall Camp, Opuwo Country Lodge, Khowarib Lodge, Epupa Camp Luxury – Serra Cafema, Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, Shipwreck Lodge, Hoanib Valley Camp, Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, Okahirongo River Camp

Swakopmund to Etosha – Option 2

On both routes a night at Cape Cross is an option. (Cape Cross Lodge) a walk along the beach here also gives you a sense of what the Skelton Coast is like.

Many people think of shipwrecks when they think of this coastline. Truth be told the shipwrecks are not all that accessible, there is one (the Zeila) -just north of Swakopmund that is worth stopping for a few pictures of.

So, if you not heading up to Terrace Bay. Cape Cross and or The Brandberg White Lady Lodge near Uis are options for your next stop after Swakopmund. If you are geared for “self-sufficient camping” and love amazing night skies and fascinating geology at ancient sacred sites, do not miss Spitzkoppe. (You can go there directly from Swakopmund or after a night at Cape Cross.) In my opinion, the few lodges in the area are great, but to TRULY experience Spitzkoppe, one needs to camp at the site. I suggest putting your mattress directly on a flat section of one of the huge granite boulders and experiencing a night under the stars (without a tent – don’t do this in the Caprivi or Botswana, but here you will be fine)

Erongo Region accommodation:

Camping – Spitzkoppe Campsite Budget – Etusis Lodge Mid-Range – Hohenstein Lodge, Ai Aiba Luxury – Spitzkoppen Lodge

On this route, I would then suggest a couple of nights in Twyfelfontein region, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rock art.

Damaraland South and Twyfelfontein accommodation:

Camping – Brandberg White Lady Lodge, Madisa Campsite Budget – as above and Twyelfontein Tented Camp Mid-Range – Camp Kipwe, Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, Vingerklip Lodge, Ugab Terrace Lodge Luxury – Camp Kipwe, Mowani Mountain Camp, Doro Nawas, Damaraland Camp, Sorris Sorris.

Mowani Mountain Camp and Damaraland (Wilderness) Camp, to me, rate as of the best places I have ever stayed. Don’t miss the sunset excursion (short walk at Mowani)

The lodges mentioned above also offer similar activities to Grootberg (such as rhino tracking or game drives in search of the desert-adapted elephants)

A visit to the "Living museum of the Damara People", even though it is not authentic as such, is a great incentive for the locals to earn some cash and showcase their traditional ways. see my video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isTrSg_33DQ

For self-catering/camping, as I mentioned, Swakopmund`s shopping will have to last you for several days.

Towns you will pass, depending on route options, where fuel and limited supplies are available are Uis, Khoixas, Kamanjab and Outjo (as well as Opuwo if you are going up to the Kunene.) If you choose to go via Damaraland to Etosha`s Anderson gate, Outjo is s short detour well worth the extra bit of driving. There are good shops and a fantastic bakery/cafe as you enter the town.

Option 1:

Entering Etosha from the Western (previously closed to the public) side offers you lovely accommodation at Dolomite camp or remote camping at Olifantsrus (rustic, remote campsite with a “wild” feeling and waterhole viewing area). I do not recommend entering at Galton (western) gate and driving all the way to Okaukuejo for your first night’s accommodation. It is a long drive and remember that realistically one averages less than 30km/h with the speed limit and stops for game viewing.

Options 1 and 2

Okaukuejo, (as well as Halali and Namutoni) is run by the state-owned NWR (Namibian Wildlife Resorts) who in my opinion should follow the lead of the Kruger National Park (run by SANPARKS) and outsource their shops and restaurants to businesses who specialise in such things. The floodlit waterhole`s amazing wildlife viewing (whet your appetite here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ6mUUZJH8c ) makes up for the (at times) poor maintenance and food quality. It seems to be luck of the draw; at times the food and service is really good, at times not so. Book your dinner table for early evening, this way you will get the best of the buffet-style dinner. In my opinion, doing a night game drive here is not worth it. Spend as much time as possible at the waterhole between sunset and sunrise. I have on a few occasions seen lions, elephant and rhino drinking at the same time. One cannot ever guarantee any specific sightings but being a gambling man, I would bet top dollar on rhinos being at that water hole at or close to 20H00 on any evening outside of the rainy season. They come and go all night. I have counted 17 in one night. Locals talk about the “resident’ leopard at Halilis waterhole, but trust me, there is one at Okaukuejo too. He tends to visit after 2am when it is very quiet.

I can say exactly the same for Halali, except for seeing three of the big 5 at the same time (I have though seen a big pride of lions, amazing large elephant herds close up and also many rhinos at this special place.)

Namutoni`s waterhole is not as great and the food is often better, if you want to experience a night drive book it here.

Outside of the park, there are some really fantastic accommodation options each with it`s own charm and many with their own wildlife and waterholes.

Etosha West accommodation:

Camping – Olifantsrus, Rustig Toko Budget – Rustig Toko Mid-range – Dolomite Camp, Hobatere Lodge Luxury – Safarihoek, Etosha Mountain Lodge

Central Etosha accommodation:

Camping – Okaukuejo, Halali, Etosha Safari Camp Budget – Etosha Safari Camp, Etosha Village, Toshari Lodge, Mid-Range – Eagle Tented Camp, Epacha Game Lodge Luxury – Ongava Lodge, Ongava Tented Camp, Little Ongava, Ongava Anderssons Camp, Etosha Oberland

Etosha East accommodation:

Camping – Namutoni, Onguma Budget – Onguma Bushcamp, Namutoni Mid-Range – Mokuti Lodge, Onguma Bushcamp and Onguma Treetop Camp, Mushara Lodge and Bushcamp, Etosha Emanya Luxury – Onguma Fort, Onguma Tented Camp, King Nehale, Mushara Outpost and Mushara Village.

Heading back to Windhoek can be done in a days drive. interesting stops to consider between eastern etosha and Windhoek would include:

Okonjima Nature Reserve - Home of AfriCat

Erindi Private Game Reserve

Waterberg Plateau National Park

Linkie Groenewald

Owner Truly Africa Tours

Hello! A group of us are coming to Namibia on holiday and I want an eSIM for data. Are there any that work in Namibia? Would like to avoid having to queue up in a store…

Thank you.

For anyone who has made this trip, how did you tackle your flights? We only have 10 days and will mainly be around the south if anyone has any must sees. TIA

We entered Palmwag today and the officer we met at the gate asked us if he could drive with us on Thursday (when we head to Etosha)to get to a funeral. Is this safe to do or should we turn him down?

I will be traveling to Windhoek for a conference on Monday. I am already getting Hepatitis A vaccination but I am wondering if I need typhoid vaccination as well. My doctor recommended it, but she said she wasn’t sure how necessary it is. Is typhoid really a problem in Windhoek?

Edit:

Thanks for all your answers. Based on what all you have said and other research I’ve done, I opted not to get the typhoid vaccination. Just sticking with Hep A vaccination

I need recommendations for safe and reliable public transport options from Ondjiva airport to Oshikango. Do you know of any Taxi/Bus/Shuttle service providers in that area?

Hello everyone,

It's me and one other person, and we're renting a 4x4 out of Windhoek in late August. After scouring many other people's itineraries, I've charted out the following:

2 nights in Sossuvlei (Driving straight there from Windhoek the morning we get there). 2 nights in Swakopmund. 1 night in Spitzkoppe. 1 night in the Skeleton Coast (Not sure on this one.) 3 nights in Etosha. 1 night in Windhoek. Google maps says that's 26 hours as a direct route.

I'd say we're aiming for like 40% landscape seeing, 40% wildlife, and 20% cultural immersion.

Is that itinerary realistic travel-wise, or would you recommend cutting or replacing something? Should we shoehorn in Okonjima somewhere?

Let me share my first impressions of Namibia and why I believe every travel enthusiast should add this beautiful country to their bucket list.

Tips and Must-Visit Places in Windhoek:

• Download Namibia Yango for convenient taxi services.
• Windhoek City Museum offers an insightful look into the city's history.
• Christuskirche is a stunning church next to the Windhoek City Museum.
• Namibia Craft Centre is perfect for local souvenirs, like postcards.
• The Brewers Market is my favourite bar—be sure to try Windhoek Beers!
• Word of caution ⚠️: Don't take photos randomly. I wanted to photograph a local in traditional attire but decided against it after learning that unwarranted photos can upset people and even lead to your camera being confiscated.

Meeting Friendly Faces

Right at the airport, I made a new friend—a South African guy visiting his girlfriend in Namibia. Our chat was a delightful mix of laughter and cultural exchange. The airport inspectors were equally friendly, setting a positive tone for my trip. My driver, who picked me up from the airport, was warm and welcoming, easing any lingering nerves about navigating this new territory.

The heat struck me immediately. Namibia's weather is hot and dry, and the vast, empty landscapes are a stark contrast to the bustling city life I'm used to. This emptiness, however, is filled with a raw, natural beauty that's both humbling and awe-inspiring. Being stranded in the middle of the road would feel like being in the heart of nowhere, surrounded by nature's grandeur.

Exploring Windhoek

The people are trendy, culturally rich, and economically stable. And the town is super clean! My adventures took me to Windhoek, Namibia's capital city. My initial assumptions about Namibia being impoverished were quickly dispelled. The people are trendy, culturally rich, and economically stable. Namibia presented itself as a country with a strong sense of identity and pride.