Top Hiking Trails in Namibia

With its searing summer heat and parched desert plains, Namibia is not a country for faint-hearted hikers. Consequently, most travelers prefer to explore this southern African gem from the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. However, you’ll miss out on an exhilarating adventure if you don’t lace up your boots and step into the wilds.

These are visceral landscapes; exploring Namibia’s hiking trails will heighten your senses and open up a realm of discovery. Savor the crunch of gravel beneath your feet, listen for the bark of a kudu in the thickets, and feel the warm desert winds caressing your cheeks. It’s truly an unforgettable experience.

From trails around dolomite outcrops to paths leading up desert dunes, Namibia is rich with wonderful hiking opportunities. If you’re worried about the heat, don’t be. Plan your visit for the mild winter months, or wake early to enjoy the cool air before the sun rises. Be sure to pack a hat and plenty of water as you set out to explore these top hiking trails in Namibia.

Fish River Canyon

Best hike for multi-day adventures

85km (52 miles) one-way, 5 days, challenging

The Fish River Canyon is renowned as one of the premier multi-day hikes in southern Africa. It is tough, long, and remote, making it a must for any hiker with a penchant for adventure.

Beginning at the viewpoint at Hobas and ending at the /Ai-/Ais Hot Springs and Spa, the trail winds through the world’s second-largest canyon, offering a splendid variety of landscapes—from tranquil pools ideal for a cooling dip to sandy beaches perfect for pitching camp.

Shortcuts over saddles and koppies reveal different facets of the landscape, and the sunset’s glow on the rocky cliffs leaves a lasting impression. Wildlife sightings include numerous hardy kudu and inquisitive baboons.

While most hikers complete the trail in five days, some choose to walk faster or slower. It is important to note that this trail demands complete self-sufficiency; hence, carry sufficient food, fuel, and shelter for your intended duration. Thankfully, the endpoint at the /Ai-/Ais Hot Springs rewards you with a refreshing cold beer and the opportunity to soak in the mineral springs.

Due to extreme conditions, the trail is open only during winter months. Starting your hike in the early morning cool is advisable. A reliable map is essential, as navigation can be tricky in the canyon.

Olive Trail

Best hike for adventurers with a head for heights

10km (6.2 miles) round trip, 3–4 hours, moderate to challenging

Many travelers rush past the Naukluft Mountains on their way to the dunes at Sossusvlei, yet these rugged dolomite ridges offer an enchanting beauty deserving of attention.

The Olive Trail ascends steeply to a high plateau, and your efforts are quickly rewarded with breathtaking desert vistas. Additionally, be on the lookout for free-roaming kudu, klipspringer, and Hartmann’s zebras.

As you continue, you will descend into a dramatic canyon, where boulder-hopping requires keen eyes and strong ankles. The pinnacle of the trail involves a rocky scramble around a deep pool, aided by chains set into the cliffs to assist hikers in navigating the sheer rock face. This segment is not for the faint-hearted, as there are no alternate routes aside from retracing your steps.

Upon successfully maneuvering the chains, the path becomes easier, leading you back to the starting point along a gravel track. This trail offers an adventurous taste of Namibia, but ensure that you possess a good head for heights and at least two liters of drinking water per individual.

Etendeka Walking Trail

Best hike for spotting desert wildlife

25–35km (15–21 miles) round trip, 3–4 days, moderate

The stark landscapes of Damaraland come alive when explored with local nature guides on two- and three-night walks through the Etendeka Concession. These overnight hikes foster an authentic experience of this lesser-known region of Namibia.

The trail traverses the Etendeka Concession, with its striking flat-topped mountains and basalt lava flows. This rugged terrain is home to resilient antelope species, and if luck is on your side, you may encounter desert-adapted rhinoceroses and elephants.

Evenings unfold at rustic yet comfortable campsites set on remote hillsides, where hikers enjoy sleeping on raised platforms under the stars, coupled with home-style meals around a campfire. A reasonable fitness level is required for this hike, though porters will carry your luggage, allowing you to only need a daypack with water and lunch.

Waterberg Plateau Park

Best hike for families and birdwatching

2–10km (1–6 miles) round trip, 30 minutes up to 4 hours, easy to moderate

The rocky massif of the Waterberg Plateau, known as “water mountain” in Afrikaans, dramatically rises from the northern Namibian landscape. This 200-million-year-old formation is surrounded by lush woodlands and savanna, harboring over 200 bird species, including Namibia’s only colony of endangered Cape vultures.

This captivating landscape is easily explored on various well-marked walking trails, which depart from both the government-run Waterberg Resort and the privately owned Waterberg Plateau Lodge. The shortest trails provide an opportunity to explore the base of the plateau—ideal for families looking for lighter activities.

Big Daddy Dune Walk

Best hike for dune vistas and building calves of steel

5km (3 miles) round trip, 1–2 hours, moderate

The stunning sand dune landscapes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are highlights on any Namibia itinerary. Nevertheless, only the truly adventurous climb the sand dune affectionately known as “Big Daddy.” This climb not only grants bragging rights for tackling Sossusvlei’s highest dune but also rewards climbers with breathtaking views over the Namib Desert.

Finding your way is straightforward; simply follow the ridge from the main parking area at Deadvlei’s entrance. Returning down the dune is even more exhilarating, as you can launch yourself down the steep face to reach Deadvlei 300m (984ft) below.

However, it’s worth noting that while Big Daddy may be the tallest dune at Sossusvlei, it does not surpass the height of Dune 7, situated east of Walvis Bay, which stands at an impressive 383m (1257ft).

National Botanic Garden of Namibia

Best hike for stretching your legs in the city

2km (1.2 miles) round trip, 1 hour, easy

Windhoek may not offer many hiking trails, yet if you seek a few hours of leisurely exploration, the National Botanic Garden of Namibia is a delightful option. This 29-acre reserve showcases the arid landscapes and desert-adapted flora of Namibia.

You can wander through self-guided trails, enriched by informative boards along the way. The garden is open Monday to Friday, as well as the second Saturday of every month, with free entry.