Ultimate Namibia Road Trip: The Most Epic Namibia Road Trips

1. Dunes and desert vistas

Best road trip for stargazing

Windhoek–Sossusvlei; 395km (245 miles); allow four days

This route from the capital to Sossusvlei is optimal for a little car trip. Upon departing Windhoek, the pavement rapidly vanishes as one proceeds southwest, passing sporadic padstals and guest farms—occasionally offering homemade biltong, bread, and even artisanal gin—before ascending the Spreetshoogte Pass, which exceeds 1700 meters (5577 feet) in elevation. Appreciate the spectacular vistas of the plains underneath from the summit of the pass.

The subsequent highlight follows a steep and meandering descent: Solitaire. This junction village is optimally located as a gateway to the adjacent Namib-Naukluft National Park and the coastal city of Swakopmund. However, do not depart hastily: relish fat-biking, exquisite vistas of the Naukluft Mountains in the distance, delectable apple crumble, and the inky night adorned with innumerable stars.

Proceed south from Solitaire to Sesriem, where you will find the shaded Sesriem Canyon and a variety of adjacent lodgings. Depart the following day at dawn for Sossusvlei, an expansive and sometimes inundated pan encircled by ochre-hued dunes. Adjacent is the remarkable Deadvlei, an ancient white-clay pan adorned with the skeletal remains of centuries-old camel thorn trees and bordered by the imposing Big Daddy dune, from where the vistas are unparalleled. Arrive as early as possible to evade intense noon heat and to enjoy the transformative light of sunrise on the sand.

Planning tip: Camping near the main entrance of Sesriem or residing in one of the park’s lodges provides an hour’s advantage for ascending the dunes and arriving at Sossusvlei prior to the sun’s ascent.

2. Etosha National Park, Damaraland and the Skeleton Coast

Best road trip for wildlife

Etosha National Park–Terrace Bay; 500km (310 miles); allow nine days

This unconventional yet direct route from Etosha National Park through Damaraland to the Skeleton Coast showcases some of Namibia’s finest wildlife and most distinctive vistas.

The southern Andersson Gate of Etosha National Park is the most accessible entry point while approaching from Windhoek. Rhinos are often observed at the adjacent Okaukuejo water hole, providing remarkable vistas of the glistening, barren stretches of Etosha Pan.

Travelling southwest from Etosha to Khorixas leads to the remarkable rock formations of Damaraland. Observe Welwitschia flora, endemic to Namibia, along the roadway and endeavour to identify the region’s elusive desert-adapted elephants amidst the striking granite formations. Visit the Twyfelfontein rock engravings located in the centre of Damaraland. Additional notable features encompass the petrified forest at Khorixas and Brandberg (Burnt Mountain).

Proceed westward to the skull-and-crossbones sign indicating Springbokwasser Gate, the entrance to Skeleton Coast National Park. The park is a focal point, featuring tumultuous Atlantic waters on one side and harsh desert landscapes on the other. Jackals and solitary hyenas are frequently observed. Desert-adapted lions and the bleached bones of whales and seals, from which the park derived its name, are less prevalent.

The landscape improves as one travels north along the coast; nonetheless, a pre-arranged permit is necessary to proceed beyond the windswept fishing hamlet of Terrace Bay into the isolated areas leading to the Kunene River delta. Alternatively, proceed south and depart the park by the Ugab River Gate towards the Cape Cross seal reserve and Swakopmund.

3. Northeastern Namibia’s waterways

Best road trip for river cruises

Rundu–Katima Mulilo; 520km (323 miles); allow five days

The Zambezi (Caprivi) region in northeastern Namibia, characterised by its wetlands nourished by the Okavango, Chobe, and Zambezi rivers, starkly contrasts with the remainder of the country. Commence at the bustling regional hub of Rundu and proceed eastward, diverging from the linear main thoroughfare to investigate. Notable features including picturesque riverfront resorts and campsites, river cruises on the Okavango, and exquisite sunsets over the inland marshes and waterways. Elephants, hippopotamuses, and crocodiles are frequently observed during river trips.

Proceeding to the Zambia border, ensure to spend a night or two in one of the lodges or camps along the Zambezi River, near Katima Mulilo, to immerse yourself in the tranquilly and serenity of this area. Katima Mulilo serves as an ideal starting point for extending your road excursion to Botswana’s Chobe National Park or to Victoria Falls.

Detour: If you have additional days, contemplate a diversion to Victoria Falls, located within a half-day’s drive from the far eastern expanse of the Zambezi.

4. Central Atlantic Coast

Best road trip for families

Swakopmund–Cape Cross; 130km (80 miles); allow one day

Swakopmund is the adventure capital of Namibia. Featuring adjacent quad riding, dune boarding, surfing, skydiving, and kayaking tours, it is popular among families and adventure enthusiasts. The village provides a tranquil atmosphere with a diverse array of dining establishments and German-style bakeries. Adjacent to the coast is the surreal lunar terrain.

The journey from Swakopmund to Henties Bay along the shore is straightforward and serves as an excellent location for lunch. Approximately 15 kilometres (9 miles) south of Henties Bay, observe the wave-battered wreck of the MFV Zeila, where Cape cormorants and various seabirds perch on its fractured rigging.

Located north of Henties Bay is Cape Cross, home to the Cape Cross seal colony. The feeling of being amidst over 100,000 barking and grunting Cape fur seals lounging on the rocks and playing in the waters is unparalleled. You will detect the seals audibly and olfactorily prior to visually locating them.

Detour: An excellent gravel road connects Henties Bay to the paved B2 route leading to Okahandja and Windhoek. During your journey, you will see Spitzkoppe (1728m), renowned for its striking rock formations, hiking opportunities, and excellent camping facilities.

5. Southern Namibia

Best active road trip

Windhoek–Noordoewer; 1260km (783 miles); allow two weeks

Southern Namibia constitutes a distinct realm, warranting several weeks of exploration. The region surrounding Aus, approximately 560 kilometres (348 miles) south of Windhoek, is optimal for mountain biking. After extending your legs, proceed 125 km (78 mi) westward to the coastal enclave of Lüderitz, renowned for its penguin colonies, anachronistic German-style buildings, and the adjacent Kolmanskop, an abandoned mining town nearly engulfed by desert sands.

Venture extensively, then proceed by automobile for a further 500km (310mi) to the 160km-long (99mi) Fish River Canyon, which carves a gorge up to 550m (1805ft) deep through the dry terrain of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. Examine the canyon from an elevated perspective at Hobas or alternative perspectives, and subsequently delve into its depths during a multi-day walk (available only during winter months). Conclude with a canoe expedition and camping beneath the stars, originating at the border town of Noordoewer, some 160 km (100 mi) south along the northern banks of the Orange River.

Tips for driving in Namibia

Renting a vehicle, whether self-driven or with a chauffeur/guide, is the sole means of accessing numerous regions of the country. Vehicle rental is uncomplicated and cost-effective. The roads are predominantly well-maintained.

In addition to the primary north-south and east-west paved routes, the majority of Namibia’s roadways are unpaved gravel. These are often well-maintained; however, exercise caution with steep verges, dongas, loose rocks, slippery braking conditions, dust, and the presence of animals and wildlife on the roadway. In planning, 80 km/h is regarded as the maximum safe velocity on gravel, however 50 km/h is frequently a more pragmatic assessment.

Many routes are little traversed, allowing for extended periods of driving without encountering other vehicles. Although fuel stations are present in all population centres, there is typically an absence of them in the intervening areas.

Rental vehicles typically include a variety of practical equipment, such as tyre inflators, shovels, rooftop tents and occasionally satellite phones. This must be verified beforehand. Acquiring a four-wheel drive vehicle is advisable, as is transporting more containers of water.