Discover Namibia: Top Road Trips for Adventure Seekers
Load up the truck, get the roof tent ready, and set off to explore Namibia’s desert, dunes, coastline, and rivers. With its varied terrain and excellent year-round weather, Namibia is a wonderful destination for adventurous road trippers.
Namibia’s desertscapes look barren yet teem with life. Microscopic lichen, fed by ocean fog, thrive, and the singular conditions have allowed amazing species to develop, including desert-adapted elephants and lions, along with the gnarled Welwitschia mirabilis, a plant that can live for hundreds of years. To see these wonders and more, embark on some of Namibia’s best road trips.
1. Dunes and Desert Vistas
Best road trip for stargazing
Windhoek–Sossusvlei; 395km (245 miles); allow four days
If you have time for only one shorter road trip, this route from the capital to Sossusvlei is ideal. Once out of Windhoek, the pavement soon disappears as you head southwest past occasional farm stalls and guest farms before cresting the 1700m-plus (5577ft) Spreetshoogte Pass. Enjoy the magnificent views from the top of the pass.
After a steep descent, the next highlight is Solitaire. This junction settlement serves as a springboard for nearby Namib-Naukluft National Park, as well as Swakopmund on the coast. Don’t rush away: enjoy fat-biking, views toward the Naukluft Mountains, tasty apple crumble, and the pitch-black night filled with countless stars.
From Solitaire, head south to Sesriem and the shady Sesriem Canyon. Set off the next day before dawn toward Sossusvlei, a wide and occasionally water-covered pan surrounded by ochre-colored dunes. Nearby is the stunning Deadvlei, an ancient, white-clay pan studded with skeletons of centuries-old camel thorn trees, offering unbeatable views from the top of the Big Daddy dune. Arrive early to avoid scorching midday temperatures and appreciate the changing light of sunrise on the sand.
Planning tip: Camping just inside the main gate at Sesriem or staying in one of the lodges inside the park will give you an early start to climb the dunes and reach Sossusvlei before the sun gets high.
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 straightforward route from Etosha National Park through Damaraland to the Skeleton Coast encompasses some of Namibia’s best wildlife and unique landscapes.
Etosha National Park’s southern Andersson Gate is the most accessible when coming from Windhoek. Rhinos are often spotted at the nearby water hole, and you’ll enjoy views over the shimmering expanses of Etosha Pan.
Heading southwest from Etosha via Khorixas leads you to stunning rock formations in Damaraland. Watch for Welwitschia plants along the road and try to spot elusive desert-adapted elephants. Don’t miss the impressive rock engravings in the heart of Damaraland. Other highlights include the petrified forest outside Khorixas and Burnt Mountain.
Continue further west to the Skeleton Coast National Park, where the rough Atlantic waves clash with stark desertscapes. The park is home to jackals, solitary hyenas, and less commonly, desert-adapted lions, alongside whale and seal bones that give the park its name.
3. Northeastern Namibia’s Waterways
Best road trip for river cruises
Rundu–Katima Mulilo; 520km (323 miles); allow five days
Northeastern Namibia’s Zambezi region, with its wetlands fed by the Okavango, Chobe, and Zambezi rivers, presents a contrasting landscape. Start in the busy regional center of Rundu and head east to explore lovely riverside lodges and campsites, as well as river cruises along the Okavango.
As you approach the Zambia border, enjoy a night or two in a lodge on the Zambezi River to soak in the peacefulness of the region. Katima Mulilo also provides easy access to Botswana’s Chobe National Park.
4. Central Atlantic Coast
Best road trip for families
Swakopmund–Cape Cross; 130km (80 miles); allow one day
Swakopmund is Namibia’s adventure capital, offering quad biking, dune boarding, surfing, skydiving, and kayak tours, making it ideal for families and thrill-seekers alike. The town boasts a relaxed vibe and a variety of eateries and bakeries.
From Swakopmund, it’s a quick drive along the coast to Henties Bay, a good lunch stop. Just south of Henties Bay, check out the wreck of the MFV Zeila, home to Cape cormorants and other sea birds.
North of Henties Bay, visit Cape Cross, known for its bustling seal colony, where over 100,000 barking, grunting Cape fur seals bask on the rocks and frolic in the waves. The sounds and smells of the seals will signal your arrival.
5. Southern Namibia
Best active road trip
Windhoek–Noordoewer; 1260km (783 miles); allow two weeks
Explore the unique landscapes of Southern Namibia. The area around Aus is perfect for mountain biking, followed by a visit to the seaside town of Lüderitz, known for its penguin colonies and German-style architecture.
Continue to the impressive Fish River Canyon, which cuts a gorge up to 550m (1805ft) deep through the arid landscape. Explore the canyon from above at Hobas or through hiking trails (available during winter months). Complete your adventure with a canoe trip and camping under the stars near Noordoewer, along the Orange River.
Tips for Driving in Namibia
Renting a vehicle is the best way to reach many parts of Namibia. Vehicle rental is straightforward and reasonably priced, with generally well-maintained roads.
Most roads are gravel; although well-maintained, they require caution due to steep verges, loose rocks, and wildlife. The maximum safe speed on gravel is around 80km per hour, though 50km per hour is often more realistic.
Rental vehicles usually come equipped with essential equipment, but be sure to confirm this beforehand. Choosing a 4WD and carrying extra water is recommended for your journey.
