Get insider insights. One of the driest places on earth, Skeleton Coast is a no-mans-land with endless sandy plains, salt pans, and occasional rocky outcrops. Youll be camped at the top of the falls where you can watch the incredible force of the water swirling around. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Leave Sesriem early and head north-west towards the Atlantic coast and Namibias largest coastal town, Swakopmund. If you have some time to spare in Windhoek and want to pick up some souvenirs, head to the Windhoek Craft Centre. Driving around Namibia is possible on your own, but you need to know basic mechanical skills like changing a tire. Plan on spending several days checking out Etosha National Park. If youre planning to rent a car for your Namibia road trip, renting it at the airport is the easiest way. Your last day all depends on your flight time. On day 7 of your 2-week Namibia itinerary, leave the desolation of the Skeleton coast behind and head inland to Grootberg Lodge in Damaraland. The painting is considered to be 2000 years old. If you click on the link and purchase the item or make a booking, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost for you. Waterberg Wilderness is home to a variety of wildlife, including 7 white rhinos. This road trip itinerary took us three weeks in Namibia to complete but we also spent several days lounging by the pool. One of the places you can visit without a guide is the famous Rock Arch, located a short drive from the main entrance. To name some of them: eagles, flamingos, storks, owls, vultures, hornbills, different parrots, etc. Namibia road trip - the ultimate 2023 itinerary +Map - STINGY NOMADS And there is no better place in the country to get your fill of luxury and safari excursions than at the Okonjima Nature Reserve. Gate hours sunrise to sunset. Solitaire is a nice stop for lunch or a snack on the way. I highly recommend staying inside the parks boundaries so you can enter Sossusvlei for sunrise! Aug 7, 2022, 7:24 AM Save Hello, Based on this forum posts I drafted an itinerary for a last minute September trip. Be sure to drive out to Diaz Point to see the old lighthouse and watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. If you didnt take photos with the sign you have another chance. Make sure youve got enough fuel in your take and be prepared for some bumpy driving most of todays roads are gravel roads. I see you had car fees listed, but I'm guessing this wasn't the cost of the rental unless there is some magic to get it to $82/month. Youre not allowed to self-drive in the reserve, but you can join a guided tour, to come up close to these fascinating animals. There are many rental car agencies to choose from in Windhoek. Only a limited number of guests are allowed access, and youll stay in one of the permanent luxury tents with views of the vast plains. The tour includes a stop to see flamingos at Walvis Bay, lunch with oysters and bubbles on the beach and Sandwich harbor, and a bumpy ride across the dune, and epic views of the sand dunes running straight into the ocean. Its not a big place but there are many amazing things to do in Swakopmund. At the time of writing, the exchange rate was 13.91 NAD to $1 USD. At the Boulders Camp, there are two different packages for activities. Thanks for sharing! The region is home to a variety of desert-adapted wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rhinos. Access is valid per 24 hours and can be bought at the reception of the NRW campsite just inside the gate. It was funny. If youve never seen a pink lake before, youll be in awe of this phenomenon. Save favorite trips and itineraries. Volkswagen Polo) which will cost you half of the SUV, about US$350 for 10 days but it might be challenging to drive on gravel roads. Get an early start and plan on being in the car for about six hours. So very useful for planning, and beautiful, too. You will often find yourself in the middle of the desert, driving hours before your next destination. On the first day, youll probably be tired after a long flight. Check sunrise times here. Beginning at 9:30 am and 11 am, they take about 45 minutes and give a very comprehensive history of the town. The town of Opuwo is where youll want to stock up on food and gas before heading north to the border with Angola. Camping Fee:As of January 2018 the price has risen from free to 80 NAD total per campsite (+ a beer for the man in charge)Park Entrance Fee:NonePark Entrance Hours:The gate to enter the Skeleton Coast Park is only open from 7:30 am until 3 pm and you must exit the other side between the hours of 7:30 am and 7 pm. Of course, youll need to tip your waitstaff at restaurants and the staff at hotels and lodges. The Namibia road trip itinerary involves long-distance driving which is quite tiring for one person. yesterday; Okaukuejo tent camping yesterday; Galton Gate to Okaukuejo Camp Jul 02, 2023; Indigo Safaris Jul 01, 2023; NWR Cancellation procedure Jul 01, 2023; safety and malaria . You can hire a car and go on a 44 tour of Sandwich Harbour and the dunes. Every Namibian working in tourism speaks English but most of the Himba tribal people do not. The Namibia road trip itinerary involves long-distance driving which is quite tiring for one person. Its considered one of Namibias oldest and most popular destinations. Thanks for the info. Sesriem gate is open between sunrise and sunset. If you visit outside of this window of time, you'll probably be fine since the desert stays pretty dry year round. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You'll be able to cover a lot of ground and a diversity of landscapes in a relatively short time, including . We will (hopefully) visit Namibia in January! World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Distance 436 km/270 mi, tar/gravel road, Petrol stops at 60 km in Usakos; at 95 km in Karibib; at 158 km in Omaruru; at 320 km in Outjo; at 436 km at Okaukuejo campsite, Etosha, Massive sociable weavers nests on trees, road signs, and poles. Whether youre looking for luxury accommodation or youre on a budget, both are perfectstopping points before reaching Damaraland. It is a bit of a walk to get there so bring water and stay hydrated. Cape Cross is one of the largest Cape Fur seal colonies in the world. Prepare to pay for a room or a luxury tent at a lodge between NAD 1200 and 1500/US$80-100 per person sharing. Not only will you be treated like royalty in this gorgeous camp, but youll also dine on amazing cuisine and get the opportunity to view a diverse range of wildlife. Twyfelfontain Country Lodge offers 3-hour morning drives into the dry Aba-Huab River valley, looking for elephants and other wildlife. And expect nearly every person you pass to try to get you to slow down to give them food, water, or money. Namibia Itinerary 1 - The grand tour The distances are too vast to cover all the country's highlights in one tour, but starting in the capital and finishing in Victoria Falls you could manage most of the well-known sights by road in three weeks - longer if you want to linger. Even if youre not going to stay here Id highly recommend stopping here for photos. You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type. Luckily the road from Windhoek to Ketmanshoop is tar, not gravel. And the Huab Lagoon is a beautiful pink salt lagoon sitting just inland from the ocean. Ultimate Namibia Itinerary: Self-Drive Road Trip (+ Map & Tips) Distance:310 km from Namutoni Gate to Waterberg. Hello! And because this area of Namibia is so forbidding, it is also one of the most pristine coastlines in the world. The next day, youll take a four-hour drive up the coast to the iconic Skeleton Bay. Pretty much every Nambia itinerary starts at the Windhoek airport it is about a 45-minute drive outside of the city. Withso much to see, its best to break up the country into multiple trips. Swakopmund was our favorite town we spent there a week during our Namibia road trip relaxing, enjoying the beach, eating nice food, and drinking beer. While its not exactly refreshing on a hot day, its open 24 hours so you can relax in the warm water once the sun sets. The main lodge is divided into two chic lounge areas. Ive been dreaming of wandering the dunes of the Namib desert and exploring Etosha National Park for a long time, and a few weeks ago, I finally got to turn this dream into reality and spend 2 weeks road-tripping around Namibia. Luxury Namibia | Self-Drive Namibia with Safari Drive The risk of contracting malaria in Namibia is low year round but it is higher from November to June in the following regions;Ohangwena, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, and Otjozondjupa. Depending on the time you arrive in Windhoek just relaxing in your hotel and going out for dinner might be enough. Large, private open-air lounge area next to your room. You wont be in danger of any monsoons and the light rainfall means a much greener and more scenic landscape. We like Oasis Campsite more. It is very common for Namibians to speak two or three languages. I would absolutely recommend staying inside the gate so that you can get into the park for sunrise. Fish River Canyon, the first major stop on our Nambia itinerary, is the largest canyon in all of Africa. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Costs:access to the Namib-Naukluft National Park costs NAD 100 for non-residents, NAD 50 for SADC-residents, and NAD 10 per vehicle. If youre ready to camp in a tent every night and cook food your spending will be lower. Spending a few days at Etosha National Park is a must when visiting Namibia. Driving in Namibia is on the left side of the road like in the UK, Australia, or South Africa you might need some time to adjust. Distance:350 km from Sesriem to Swakopmund. The south with desert and very few people felt very safe. Each camp has a faucet and a fire pit. To reduce your expenses you can alter campsites and hotels. Itinerary Vehicle Overview A client favourite, this lodge to lodge itinerary is a similar route to our Classic Namibia itinerary, though slower paced, stretching over 18 nights - allowing you to have more time to soak in the in-camp experience. But beyond that expect to give a little something to car guards, the people who bag your groceries, and gas station attendants. Namibia is a huge country. May 19, 2018. Maybe you have some less known places to suggest? We spent two months driving across Namibia and visiting every corner of this beautiful country. Todays drive is easier with many towns to stop along the way no need to worry about petrol or food. Always make sure to fill your car with petrol so you dont have to run out of fuel in the middle of nowhere. If you do the road trip through Namibia in the peak season its better to book accommodation in advance especially places inside National Parks and Nature Reserves e.g. The pretty half of Stingy Nomads, responsible for all our land adventures (hiking, climbing, walking the Camino) and following them write-ups. Thank you very much for the comment! It has gained popularity with tourists over the years due to the fact that it is much safer than its neighbor to the south. They have managed to adapt to the arid climate of the region. It also offers plenty of opportunities to view wildlife from the comfort of your own car. There are thousands of birds at the bay. Best Places to Visit in Namibia - Favorite Things to Do The climate in Namibia is pleasant year-round and the country can be visited pretty much any time of the year. The lodges in this itinerary are only some of our favourites. Etosha entrance fee NAD 150/US$10 per person. There are many petrol stations along the route as well as small shops and restaurants where you can stop for snacks, rest a bit and buy some stuff. It depends on what car you rent, what gear is included, and what time of the year you rent it. Visit the iconic landmark of Christ Church. Wearing a long sleeve shirt and pants as well as a hat and using sunscreen are highly recommended. 3-week Itinerary for a road trip through Namibia. Thanks! Youll also be able to see the 2,000 seals who have made the shore their home. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Today, youre in for a spectacular road trip! The town began to flourish in 1909 when diamonds were discovered nearby. Our truck was in good condition and very reliable. But what if you don't have more time, like us? Have a sundowner at the bar while watching the spectacular sunset over the falls. Entrance fee to the viewpoint NAD 160/US$10 per person, NAD 20/US$ 1,5 per car. Detailed Itinerary: Namibia for beginners - 7 days of breathtaking views. I visited in February, and did not have a single day of rain. Fish River Canyon Sesriem, 550 km/341 mi, Day 5. You can purchase a sim card for less than $2 USD and 1 GB of data will run you about $3 USD. Youll encounter little in the way of amenities for several hundred kilometers. I wanna know which tour in Okonjima you took for cheetahs and leopards. Then plan on spending at least two hours checking the rental car and the camping equipment to ensure that everything is in proper working condition. Located in the Sesriem/Sossusvlei area of the Namib-Naukluft National Park is quite an unusual natural wonder a dry lake bed filled with trees in the middle of the sand dunes. Thousands of stinky, noisy fur seals call the Cape Cross Seal Reserve home and it is amazing to walk along the fenced walkway and see them up close and personal. Take the time to hire a kayak at Pelican Point and explore the peninsula. The property is now managed by Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) and visitors can tour the castle for a small fee or even stay in one of the refurbished bedrooms. Ask your tour guide lots of questions and bring some snacks for the children. We were also advised not to walk around the cities at night even for just a few blocks. The entrance is NAD 100/US$7, the return walk takes about 2 hours. Distance: 150 km from Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe. It has gained popularity with tourists over the years due to the fact that it is much safer than its neighbor to the south. The latter is what happened to us too. No, you dont need a 44 to travel around Namibia you can do a road trip with a normal biggish car unless you want to drive off-road. The dry season is May to October. Namibia Self Drive Itinerary: Ultimate Namibia Road Trip + Map It is fed by hot spring water after days spent in the car. Theres also the main dining area and a campfire where you can relax with a sundowner and watch the sunset over the desert scenery. There you can visit the Himba people, one of the indigenous tribes, and see Epupa Falls, a group of impressive waterfalls surrounded by baobab trees. You can tackle the dunes and go on off the beaten track adventures. Slowly the land becomes a bit greener and the flat grey plains give way to towering red rock mesas and deep-cut valleys. Theres also a swimming pool, a delicious restaurant, a curio shop, and a deck that overlooks a waterhole. The two closest to the gate campsites are Sesriem Campsite and Sossusvlei Oasis Campsite. The struggle for life becomes a bit easier and springbok, oryx, giraffe and impala . The name White Lady comes from a white figure in the center that is actually not a lady at all but a man, a medicine man. Complete Namibia Itinerary: 3 Weeks in Namibia - Wandering Wheatleys Prepare to pay NAD 150-200/US$10-13 per person. For a nice place to stop for breakfast or a snack. Its cheaper and has better facilities. Its a great way to get a taste of the famousSkeleton Coast! Take a guided walk in the morning or before sunset. Looking for more details on what to see and do in Namibia? Also within theNamibRand Nature Reserve is theWolwedans Boulders Safari Camp. Visiting Sossusvlei was the highlight of our Namibia road trip. Its full of handcrafted wonders and gemstones that have been carved by local miners. Due to its popularity, this campsite is often fully booked in the peak season. The wet season is between December and March although Namibia receives far less rain than its neighbors. Etosha National Park is famous for its salt pan that is so large that it is visible from space! Fish River Canyon is a good starting point on your Namibia road trip if you are coming from South Africa. Visitors can choose to stay in luxury villas or sleep in a tent on the roof of their rental car depending on their budget and preference. Big Daddy Dune: The Big Daddy Dune. Its a modern city thats home to misplaced German castles, Neobaroque cathedral spires, and plenty of delicious food. Camping Fee:225 NAD/personPark Entrance Fee:NoneCamping Amenities:There are only three campsites in this luxury farm camp but each site has its own bathroom, shower, and kitchen area. There is a parking lot and a sign to mark it. Depending on your flight time, it may be late in the day by the time youre ready to hit the open road. Great article! If you dont want to camp and rather stay in a lodge there are two amazing places very close to the entrance gate: Elegant Desert Camp (200 m from the entrance) and Sossusvlei Lodge (400 m from the gate). We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. There is a beach to relax at or you can try the microbrews at Brewer & Butcher inside the Strand Hotel. On main roads and in cities, you have to watch the signs there are speed cameras and police roadblocks, especially in the north of Namibia near the border with Angola. Torra Bay Campsite:Torra Bay is an excellent budget option. A journey through barren lands: the epic beauty of Namibia in photos. If youre planning to stay inside Etosha National Park Id recommend stocking some food supplies and water because inside the park everything will be more expensive. Camping Fee:350 NAD/personPark Entrance Fee:NoneCamping Amenities:A private bathroom for each campsite, pool, no electricity.Hiking:There are several self-guided hikes around the area or you can opt for guided hikes or drives for a chance to spot some rhinos. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Thank you~. Hike one of the many self-guided walking trails. May 19, 2018. There is a waterhole next to the campsite where you can usually see many animals. Each suite has a private pool, indoor and outdoor showers, and a rooftop bed where you can spend your night stargazing. Camping Fee:175 NAD/personPark Entrance Fee:NoneCamping Amenities:There are 12 large campsites with electricity, water, and a barbecue area. Last minute itinerary - Namibia Forum - Tripadvisor The camp has a swimming pool, and activities like game drives can be booked at the nearby Palmwag Lodge. A taste of Namibia: Our 9-day road trip itinerary The facilities of the campsite are very basic; its more like wild camping. Recommended tours and activities in Swakopmund. Camping Fee:490 NAD/personPark Entrance Fee:80 NAD/person + 10 NAD/car.Hours:Campers can enter the park from 6 am 8:30 pm and non-campers can enter the outer gate from 7 am 8 pm.Camping Amenities:Youll pay an additional 50 NAD for 150 MGB of data, but the gas station across the road offers free internet. Here you will find a combination of prehistoric water courses, grasslands, open plains, and sandy wastelands that elephants, rhinos, and giraffes call home. access to the Namib-Naukluft National Park costs NAD 100 for non-residents, NAD 50 for SADC-residents, and NAD 10 per vehicle. Day 3-4: Sossusvlei Sossusvlei is one of the top destinations in Namibia. During the dry season, there is not much water in the park animals come to waterholes to drink. Cheers! So make a pit stop along the way to stay at a camp that offers a pool, a bar, curious ostriches, and porcupine feedings in the evenings! Namibia 2 Week Itinerary: How To Have An Epic Namibia Road Trip In 2023 Sossusvlei, Etosha. ATMs dispense both currencies and while in Namibia, they are completely interchangeable. I must admit we didnt have to drive all the way from Windhoek. Walvis Bay is famous for its flamingo lagoon, pelicans and migrations. 9 day itinerary - Namibia Forum - Tripadvisor 2 Weeks in Namibia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas | kimkim But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Required fields are marked *. Its less hot even in the south of the country. On these gravel roads, there are usually no speed cameras or police. Copyright 2023 The Blonde Abroad | All Rights Reserved, One of the highlights of our Italy adventure was s, 10 Safest Destinations for Solo Female Travel, The Best Girlfriend Getaways Around the World, 10 European Destinations for Female Travelers, 10 Incredible Adventures to Have in North America, 10 Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations Around the World, What to Expect on a Luxury Galpagos Cruise, 7 Budget Travel Tips for Student Travelers, Ethical Animal Encounters Around the World, Why You Should Travel with Reef Safe Sunscreen, My Gender-Neutral Backyard Baby Shower in San Diego, The Best Babymoon Destinations in the United States, The Best Travel Products for Babies and Kids, 10 Essential Tips for Road-Tripping in Namibia, Staying at WolwedansDunes Lodge in Namibia, Staying at WolwedansBoulders Safari Campin Namibia. The Definitive 10-Day Namibia Road Trip Itinerary (+map) | The Common Located about 2.5 hours outside of Windhoek, the Erongo Wilderness Lodge is where the mountains, desert, and bushveld ecosystems meet. The Strand Hotel: If you dont want to go as remote as Pelican Point, stay at The Strand Hotel. I remember this day as one of the most tiresome days on our Namibia road trip. Some gravel roads are quite bumpy but are wide and have little traffic. Thank you again! Camping at Spitzkoppe is an amazing experience; the campsites are situated far apart which gives you the feeling of being alone in the vast desert. To rent an SUV with a rooftop tent and camping gear for 2 people will cost you in the low season (November to June) around US$88 per day; in the peak season (July and August) around US$140 per day. Leave Windhoek and head towards Namib-Naukluft Park. Its certainly one of the most unique sites on our Namibia itinerary. One of our main driving tips is always to make sure to fill your petrol tank and check every day how far apart petrol stations are you dont want to run out of petrol in the middle of nowhere. Hello Aaron, we traveled all over the country camping every night for 2 months and never had any problems. Its a great spot for watching the sunset but if youre there earlier youll still get great views of the desert. If youre short on time then this may be the stop you should cut out of your Namibia Itinerary. Your email address will not be published. Driving along for hours through the desert gets very lonely. However, visitors are not advised to drive at night due to animals crossing the highways so youll want to plan on camping nearby to limit your drive time. You can visit it on the way to Ketmanshoop, Petrol stations several on the B1 highway, Wild animals; meerkats, ground squirrels, and many birds, Quiver Tree Forest working hours sunrise to sunset, Distance 160 km/99 mi mostly gravel road, Petrol stations at 16 km in Keetmanshoop; at 146 km at Canyon Road House, Occasional wild animals mostly African antelopes and birds.
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