Namibia Safaris Guided Tours
View some our Namibian Tours and Safaris
Namibia is a place that can only be discovered and truly appreciated while visiting. Although photographers have published thousands of breathtaking photos of the almost Mars like landscape, the photos don’t do it any justice.
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Why Choose Our Namibia Tours?
Diverse Destinations
Namibia is full of amazing destinations, and we offer incredible opportunities to visit these places.
Value for Money
It is important to us that you get the absolute best value for your money no matter what package you take.
Beautiful Places
We take you to outstanding
beautiful places only seen in
Namibia.
beautiful places only seen in
Namibia.
Fast Booking
No need to fear about bookings taking long, we book your trip as soon as you decide.
Support Team
We have a very helpful support
team that can help you with
any problems.
team that can help you with
any problems.
Passionate Travel
We share the same passion as our clients when it comes to travelling no matter where you are travelling to.
ATC Namibia Emergency Numbers
OFFICE: +264 61 272185 | EMERGENCY / AFTER HOURS: +264 81 127 0564
Do you have a question about a Safari in Namibia?
Please fill out the following form and, we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Namibia
Is Namibia a safe place?
Yes, Namibia is a peaceful country with a low rate of violent crime. To avoid petty crime visitors are advised not to leave any items visible in their vehicles and to keep the doors locked.
Is it neccesary to take a yellow fever or any other shot?
There are no compulsory vaccinations required for entry into Namibia, only recommended innoculations as per the International CDC. Please consult your Doctor or the CDC website for information and advice, on: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/namibia
A Yellow Fever vaccination may be required if traveling to Namibia from a country with risk of YF virus transmission, including transit exceeding 12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of YF virus transmission.
Are there wild lions roaming the streets?
There are lions in most of the National Game Parks and also at many private Nature Reserves. The only place where free-roaming desert adapted lions normally occur is in the harsh, mostly un-populated and dry far-north of Namibia. There are camps inside the Parks however these are all adequately fenced and the necessary precautions are taken.
Is there full satelite and mobile connection in the country
Namibia has more than adequate satellite coverage for GPS purposes, one can however also save a routing where connection is available, for later use offline in areas which are possibly ‘off the beaten track’.
Currently there is 98 % network coverage in Namibia.
Are there credit and debit card amentities available?
Most locations and establishments have debit and credit card facilities. It is advisable to carry a small amount of cash in the local currency (NAD – Namibia Dollar) and ZAR (South African Rands) may also be used everywhere in Namibia.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at the International Airport and at banks in most towns throughout Namibia.
When is the ideal time to visit Namibia, and is it always hot?
Namibia can comfortably be visited year-round, warm to hot days and sunshine are virtually guaranteed 365 days a year. June to August are the coldest months, with warm days but cold night time temperatures and the mildest daily temperatures are normally experienced between February and April.
Is it safe to consume tap water in Namibia
At hotels, lodges and guest farms the water can comfortably be used for brushing teeth or boiling for consumption. Bottled and purified water for drinking is readily available everywhere.
REGULATIONS REGARDING TRAVELLING WITH MINORS AND/OR UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN TRAVELLING WITHOUT PARENTS OR ADULTS
The following regulations are enforced by Customs at all entry and exit points / border posts into and out of Namibia:
Ensure that you have the necessary documentation with you, in order to avoid complications and/or disappointment.
NB: All minors younger than 18 years traveling to Namibia must have an unabridged birth certificate in their possession.
In addition:
Children travelling with one biological parent
A signed and certified affidavit from the other parent is required, giving consent for the minor to travel.
Should the alternate parent be deceased, the death certificate should be provided.
Children Travelling With Any Adult Who Is Not The Biological Parent Of The Minor
An original, signed and certified affidavit from both* parents (regardless of the Marital Status of the parents), or the Legal Guardian/s of the minor, providing consent for the child to travel with the adult is required.
*Should one parent be deceased, the Death Certificate should be provided.
Certified copies of the legal guardians/parents’ passports or documents of identity are required.
Contact details of the parents/legal guardians should also be provided in the affidavit.
Children Travelling Unaccompanied
A signed and certified affidavit from both* parents (regardless of the Marital Status of the parents), or the Legal Guardian/s of the minor consenting to their travel must be supplied.
A signed and certified letter containing the contact details and residential information of the person who will receive the minor passenger on arrival must be provided.
A certified copy of the identity document, valid passport or permanent residence permit of the person who will receive the minor passenger on arrival, plus the contact details of the minor’s parents/legal guardians must be provided.
VISIT INCREDIBLE NAMIBIA WITH A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME GUIDED OR SELF-DRIVE TOUR
Namibia is unlike any other place on earth and offers a fascinating and diverse blend of highlights: these include the red sand dunes of the Namib and Kalahari deserts, a long-abandoned historical Diamond Mining “Ghost Town”, unending, ever-changing and awe-inspiring landscapes such as the lush green wonder of the Caprivi Region, the cooler coastal towns flanked by the deserts of Namibia and the Atlantic Ocean and the windswept Skeleton Coast where historical shipwrecks lie in solitude. Observe a vast multitude of animal and birdlife, enduring and diverse traditional and cultural groups plus numerous towns and the Capital City of Windhoek where a wonderful blend of modern and age-old architecture and history are visible.
ATC Namibia is a long-standing, highly successful Tour Operator. We offer a great selection of scheduled, guided, self-drive and tailor-made tours and safaris, accommodation and excursion bookings and vehicle-rental and camping equipment hire in Namibia. Tours combining neighbouring Botswana, Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Angola are also part of our extensive portfolio and our MICE / Incentive Department have a superb track-record of International Event hosting and management, in combination with guided and private charter Fly-In safaris in Namibia for some renowned International Organisations.
The ATC Namibia team pride ourselves on offering personal service, attention to detail and to meeting specific and special requests. We welcome the opportunity to show you the beauty, wonder, adventure, romance and rejuvenation of places throughout incredible Namibia, where the memories you make will last you for a lifetime!
MORE ABOUT
NAMIBIA SAFARIS AND TOURS
Namibia is a fascinating African destination that is on very few bucket lists. Because it is off the traditional tourist radar, it is often overlooked, but the fact that Namibia tours and safaris are overlooked is actually to your advantage.
Many people who choose Namibia as their getaway destination, often choose it for its peace and quiet. There are no overcrowded tourist hot spots and with so much open space, the country seems desolate even at the height of the holiday season.
Namibia is a place that can only be discovered and truly appreciated while visiting. Although photographers have published thousands of breathtaking photos of the almost Mars like landscape, the photos don’t do it any justice.
And while you may be a seasoned explorer of Africa, there is no place quite like Namibia, in terms of both natural beauty and that distinctly Namibian hospitality. The country is named after its most popular feature, the bare and prehistoric Namib Desert. One of the oldest deserts in the world, the Namib is a surreal place, and it covers the majority of the country.
But the desert is far from the only magnificent attraction to see. From the Sossusvlei with its glimmering salt pans and stark dead trees, to the haunting Skeleton Coast, sand filled ghost towns and lazy coastal towns, there is so much to see along the way.
For those looking for a little excitement, some time spent on the sand dunes are a must. Sand boarding, which is surfing on the sands, is a pastime not to be missed, and given the fact that there are so many sand dunes to enjoy, there won’t be a moment of boredom.
When you are not in awe of the beautiful natural attractions, there is the wildlife. Namibia might be a desert nation, but it is not without its animals. There are plenty of animals who have adapted to life in the harsh terrain, but there are other places in the country where the landscape is not sandy.
To the north-east of the country, closer to the Namibia/Botswana border, part of the Okavango Delta spills into the country and has become home to various wildlife populations. Other exceptional places to spot animals includes Damaraland, the Caprivi Strip, and Etosha, which is home to the Etosha National Park.
Finally, there is the people. The country is home to people who are fiercely proud of their heritages, which are as mixed and varied as the people themselves. The history of the people is as interesting as the history of the land, and the two are very much tied to each other. While touring the country, you won’t have to talk to every person you see in order to gain some insight and understanding about the people who call Namibia home.
Through the beautiful architecture of each small town to the history stocked away in the country’s many museums, visitors can learn a lot. The smaller towns such as Swakopmund and Luderitz, and the nation’s capital of Windhoek all tell the complicated tale of colonialism and traditionalism.
For those who decide to travel to the further reaches of the country during their Namibia tour, there is the opportunity to meet and interact with some of the indigenous people who still live very traditional lives. The Himba people are particularly striking. They decorate their bodies with red mud, with their hair delicately plated and pressed with the mud. The Himba make their home in the north-east of the country and their homes can often be seen from the road when on a Namibia safari.
To the south of the country, the San people have been living in the harshest conditions for centuries. These people are well known for having a deep and beautiful wisdom, and if you are one of the fortunate people who get to meet and spend some time with them, you will leave the country a changed person. The San mostly live in the Kalahari Desert, which covers parts of Namibia and South Africa.
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ABOUT OUR
KALAHARI SAFARIS
A mystical place of red desert sands, striking black trees, and all sorts of animals adapted to living in the harsh environment that is the Kalahari, this is one of the best places to travel. The Kalahari Desert is an ancient place and home to South Africa’s indigenous people, the Khoi and the San. For over 200 000 years these incredibly wise people have been living in the desert. Their knowledge of this land and the survival skills that have been passed down through the generation is vast and much sought after. They understand this land and their lifestyles remain much the same as that of their ancestors, all those thousands of years ago.
The dusky redness that fills the sky as the sun sets over the black trees of the desert is worthy of a place in an art gallery. The Kalahari is strikingly beautiful and each year numerous guests will trek through the South African landscape to the north-western corner of the country, where the glowing sands and ancient cultures invite everyone who has a curiosity about this fascinating place.
More about the Kalahari
Much like Namibia, the Kalahari is not exactly a place that is one of every person’s list of must-visit destinations. Covering an area of over 900 000 square kilometres, the Kalahari Desert is on an immensely diverse place. It stretches out over three countries and fades from harsh, unforgiving desert landscape to lush greenery. And because of its greenery, it is not actually considered an official desert, simply because it gets too much rainfall each year.
The Kalahari is an ancient shimmering world and most of its history is geological as few have lived here. There of course a couple of archaeological sites all throughout the desert, but they are not the main attraction for visitors. Most who come to the Kalahari do so in search of an adventure unlike any other.
Although with most tours, travelling through South Africa to enter the desert is the norm, the Kalahari actually spreads out of three countries: South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. And while its name is the Kalahari, the desert is protected by the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which is the official title of the park which was proclaimed a few years back for the conservation of this unique place.
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is where guests wanting to see the Kalahari will head to. Other than having a map of rugged, sandy windswept roads, and a few places near the entrances to stock up on some last minute items, including water, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is just about devoid of life. There are no park officials touring the park, the guests that one might come across are few and far between, and the indigenous people are not seen every day. Once in the park, travellers are on their own, which means opting for a Kalahari safari is a smart way to go.
The desert is a place for photographers, travellers and soul searchers alike. There are no official camping spots, instead, guests rough it wherever they stop. At night, the desert has a serene calm, a kind of quite that few modern people can actually recognise these days. And since it is so far away from all civilisation, the night sky is unpolluted by city lights. Stargazing takes on a whole new meaning when you are here. It is quite easy and rather common, for guests to feel truly humbled by the experience.
There is no running water or shops along the way to stop for food. When travelling here, one has to pack everything needed for survival and comfort throughout the stay.
Compared to the neighbouring Namib Desert, the Kalahari has more wildlife and more plant life. It’s above average rainfall each season allows the animals to live easily. The Kalahari’s greatest attraction is its animals and unlike the other national parks in South Africa, here the animals truly roam where they please, with no tourist huts or rest camps to stop them. This is partly why camping here is such an experience all on its own. Most Kalahari holidays and tours will at some point end up with tourists camping out on top of their vehicles, out of reach of the animals.
The wildlife has become adapted to life here. Eland, wildebeest and all sorts of other antelope live in the same habit as unique black lions, meerkats and other predators. There are also interesting insects, snakes and desert spiders.
Travel Tips you need to know before you go on a Namibia Safari!
The Kalahari is not a place to go unprepared. If you are one of the lucky people heading here, you will want to make sure that your trip is a safe and enjoyable one, which is why these travel tips might just come in handy as you prepared for this adventure of a lifetime.
The desert is hot:
Obvious, absolutely, but many planning a trip here underestimate the heat and what it can do to you if you are not prepared. When travelling here, especially if you are one of the wild ones taking on a summer tour, having enough water and knowing when to stop in the shade and just relax is vital. The desert is going to teach you to slow down, as you just can’t be on the roads or out in the sun once it starts climbing.
Since there are no taps along the road to provide water, you need to pack enough to ensure your survival. Alternatively, you can sign up for a Kalahari safari and let your guides worry about the amount of sustenance you will be needing, but even in this case, it won’t hurt to bring along some extra.
The heat is not just dehydrating, it can also test you physically and mentally. It will drain your energy and leave you feeling very weak if you are really unfit, and if you should travel here when it is midsummer, the heat could leave you hallucinating, seeing mirages and other things that are just not there.
Stay hydrated always and try to keep cool as much as possible. Remember, this is a rugged camping destination so there is no air conditioning and there are no swimming pools.
More than one country:
The Kalahari, as already mentioned, spans out over Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. Depending on where you are planning your tour, or where your guided tour is taking you, you might need to bring along all of your identity documentation as there might be a border crossing on your journey.
You are also entering a place of camaraderie and teamwork. The few people that you are coming across during your travels should always be shown respect and given help if needed. Always keep a look out for your fellow traveller. It is so easy to run into trouble here, and if you see someone in danger or someone asks for help, do what you can to assist them.
Book a Namibia Tour:
Except for those few adventurers who are chasing that thrill, and who have the experience to make it out in the wild, travelling in the Kalahari and being completely self-reliant (and knowing what you need in order to be self-reliant) is not for everyone. But that doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on seeing such a spectacular place!
There are many Kalahari tour providers who are more than ready to take guests into the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in vehicles kitted out just for such an adventure. The tours include the help of a guide who has the knowledge and experience to navigate the desert and to know what to pack in order to keep you going throughout the trip.
Booking a Kalahari tour is one of the best ways to see the desert. It will be the less stressful option and it will give you time to simply enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the desert.
Travelling on a tour is also ideal because the guides know the area and they know where to travel so that you don’t miss a thing. They will keep you safe on the road, and share insight into the land and the things you will see.
On a side note, tour companies can be a vital link in your travel plans when you are in a foreign country. They can help you with various arrangements and they can assist you in your planning so that you have everything covered. Think of them as a companion. Their planning staff might be virtual, but their presence can be both welcoming and comforting when you are in a strange new place.
Pack light for your Namibia Safari:
The Kalahari tour is a moving holiday, which means you don’t necessarily have a fixed base from which your tour will operate. Because of the vastness of the desert and the fact that there are no official camp sites deep in the desert, you won’t have a semi-permanent tent setup and will have to bring everything with you as you travel from one destination to the next.
With this in mind, pack light. You won’t need heavy winter clothes, although you should bring a jacket because the nights have a certain chill, and you’ll only need a comfortable pair of walking shoes and maybe a pair of sandals at most. If you can fit everything you need in a rug sack, it would be ideal as there is limited space in the 4×4 vehicle for all of your travel luggage. Naturally, you probably are bringing along quite a bit of luggage if you are an overseas traveller, so find out if your hotel will allow you to leave some of your stuff there or if the tour company can help you with arrangements.
Only footprints:
Few travel to the Kalahari, which means that those who do are the only ones who leave their mark in the desert sands. It is of utmost importance that the only thing you leave behind when visiting is your footprints in the sand. No litter, no mess, just a mark that will blow away in the wind. The Kalahari is a pristine and untouched land, and the only way that it can stay such is to be very conscious about your presence. If you have items with you that could cause litter, such as plastic bottles and wrappers, make sure that you have brought along a disposable bag and that you keep it in your vehicle until you find a dustbin, which will generally only be at the exits.
If you are travelling with a guide, they will ensure that you have a way to safely store any rubbish. Littering will not be tolerated by guides, or appreciated by the locals. Remember, you are a guest in this unspoiled, ancient land, and it is a true honour to journey here.
Consider a combination Namibia Tour:
There is so much to see and enjoy in the Kalahari that you are certainly not going to have a moment of boredom. But that should not stop you from considering joining your Kalahari tour to a tour of Namibia or Botswana. Africa is big and the destinations are remote. So you need to know that a combination tour will require some time, perhaps even an extra week.
That said, when will you next find yourself in Africa? While you are in such a gorgeous part of the world, you might as well see as much of it as you can. You won’t regret a moment of a combination tour and you are guaranteed to leave Africa with a new perspective and a new appreciation for life.
Combination tours are also likely to cost far less money, in light of how many destinations such a tour will take you to.
Take a good quality camera:
The Kalahari is a once in a lifetime type of destination and visiting here is a real adventure that you most certainly do not want to forget. And while the Kalahari holiday is going to be etched in your mind for the rest of your life, you might want to have a few snaps from your time in the desert to look back on.
Many don’t give their camera enough attention, and while it is true that many tour companies are not going to likely discourage you to bring an overly expensive camera for your trip, it is well worth the investment. Luckily, most budgets will accommodate a pretty decent camera, ones that won’t even require you to buy additional lenses.
Make sure that you buy a very big memory card to allow you to take more photos and safely store them. You should also consider bringing along additional batteries and a charger that won’t necessarily need to be plugged in. Solar chargers are a great option, and they are easy to bring along. Electricity sources along the way are going to be hard to come by so don’t simply think you will find electricity when you need it.
The Best Time of the Year to Visit the Kalahari Desert
The Kalahari is a hot and arid place. The water sources are hard to come by, the vegetation is scarce meaning there is very little shade, and although rainfall is not exactly unheard of, it is not a regular occurrence.
Planning your trip around the best time of the year to visit the Kalahari is of the utmost importance if you want to make the most of your stay is comfortable and truly memorable.
Most visitors will aim to tour the Kalahari in the winter months, to make the trip as comfortable as possible. The Kalahari, since it is in the Southern Hemisphere, has its winter months from about the end of May to the end of August. Although it is winter, the day time temperatures are quite warm, hot even, while the nights are freezing.
Keeping in mind that you are in the desert, the nights are generally cold anyway, regardless of the time of year you will be visiting.
Bring along winter clothing for the evenings but for the day, make sure that you have some lighter clothing. Travelling in a car all day could get overly warm and uncomfortable. Make sure that during the day you stay well hydrated and as cooled off as possible.
There are certain times of the year that are better than others for spotting wildlife and the best months to have a wildlife safari of sorts include June, July and August. These months are best for spotting some larger animals as they will travel to the riverbed in search of some of the last remaining water. These winter months are often without any rainfall.
If you are brave, and you want to have a one of a kind trip, you can adventure there in summer months. The heat is going to be quite overwhelming, and you can easily get tired when on the road, but the trip is well worth it if you want to see the desert completely transformed into an oasis. With the first of the season’s rains, comes the beautiful greenery, as the desert comes alive once more. Wild flowers pop up all over, and it truly becomes a sliver of paradise, and every photographer’s dream destination.
The Kalahari Desert Bucket List
Although it would seem that the Kalahari is itself an attraction without individual destinations that a place like Namibia and its desert have to offer, that is not the case. You can have a bucket list of attractions for when you travel to the Kalahari, and it should include these unforgettable places.
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans:
These exquisite Salt Pans are in the North-Eastern part of Botswana and they are the largest of this kind in the world. The Salt Pans cover an area of 16 000 square kilometres. Throughout the year, the look of the pans change according to the season. Travelling here in the winter, you will arrive at dry pans that look eerily abandoned to the sands and dust. The salt shimmers and glints, becoming a truly beautiful photographic opportunity.
The rains begin to fall in the summer months and dry soil turns into moist land, with the grasses springing back into life and animals arriving in their droves. Flamingos are a common sighting in the wet summer months.
Visit the San:
The San people are the original Bushmen, the true indigenous people of South Africa. Their knowledge of the Kalahari is truly exceptional and they are a fascinating people to visit. These people, as well as the ancestors who have come before them, have lived a life connected closely to nature. They know how to survive in the desert, with all of its dangers and limited water.
When visiting the Kalahari you can have the opportunity of meeting the San and walking in their world. If you do this, you can look forward to a really humbling experience, one that will teach you things that wouldn’t be taught in a book. The San people will share their survival skills and show you how they hunt, gather and make food.
Ancient San art can also be found all over the area, particularly on rock walls. If you are on a guided Kalahari tour, your guide will be able to take you to the places where this unique art can be found.
Go star gazing:
There is no better way to get a truly astonishing look at the heavens than by indulging in a little star gazing. Deep in the desert, the light pollution is minimal, since modern living in is an entire world away, which is to your advantage as you will never see the stars like you will when you are in the desert.
Falling asleep while taking in that gorgeous sight of the night sky is something that everyone visiting the Kalahari needs to do. When here, you will see the Milky Way, and spot all of the constellations. If you have a good quality camera, you will even be able to take a few photos that you will treasure for the rest of your life.
Book in advance:
All Namibia tours, whether self-drive or not, should be booked well in advance of your trip. This not only confirms the exact travel dates, but it will ensure that you have accommodation. Many of Namibia’s best destinations are in out of reach places, which means that accommodation can be quite limited depending on where you are going.
Booking in advance, at least a couple of months in advance, is especially important if you are travelling with children or if your travel dates are not flexible.
One of the best ways to get the bookings out of the way is to book through a tour company or a travel agent. This way a lot of the stress will be taken off of your shoulders, and you won’t have to worry about missing an important attraction along the way.
Find the best itinerary:
There are many groups out there offering what they sell as the “best Namibia tour”, but this is really a bit of marketing fluff that shouldn’t necessarily be taken as fact. If you want to make sure that you have the actual best itinerary for your trip, you should do a lot of research. Namibia is not like travelling through Europe, the destinations are all very far from each other and require a lot of time to reach.
While planning your itinerary, make sure that you include a little extra time for those less seen or unexpected attractions that might just come up during your time in the country.
Decide when you will be driving
If we have not yet driven this point home enough, Namibia is a massive country with wide open empty spaces between the various attractions. Should you be keen on going on a self-drive trip, you will need to decide exactly when you want to be on the road, and when you want to enjoy some downtime and exploring.
There is no way to see Namibia in a hurry, especially considering the fact that the roads are not exactly in the best of condition. In most places, you can only go around 80 km. The benefit of this is that you can have a slowed down holiday, which might be exactly what you need.
Make sure that when you are on your Namibia tour, you make plenty of time to relax between destinations. Namibia is not a forgiving country and the climate takes a lot to get used to. If you are travelling during the hot months, you could quickly grow tired and drowsy. Take your time, don’t rush your trip, stay hydrated and remember to stretch your legs and revive your mind whenever you feel the need to.
Ideally, you should spend around 4 to 5 hours on the road.
Safaris on which you will be driven will have your downtime planned out for you, but it is still important for you to find out when you will be on the move and of course, where you will be stopping.
Tackle the furthest destinations at the end of your trip:
Given the size of the country, the best thing you can do, to save your energy, is to leave the furthest destinations for last. The most popular destination that is quite out of reach is Etosha National Park. It is a fabulous place to rest after a couple of days on the road and if you see it first, you could end up spoiling the rest of your trip, because Etosha is simply magnificent.
The park is home to all sorts of wildlife and a number of fantastic lodges and other places to stay. Etosha is a main attraction all on its own, so don’t feel guilty for making your whole holiday the drive and the stay at Etosha.
Stay off the roads in the dark:
Namibian roads are quite a sight to behold. Away from the towns and the cities the roads are mostly gravel but on the plus side, for the most part, the roads are kept well maintained. But that said, driving in Namibia should be something that you do with caution, because it is going to be unlike any place you’ve ever been to before.
Drivers stick to the left side of the road, which is why it can take some time to adjust to. But it also takes some time to get used to driving on the gravel. Most will opt for a 4×4 vehicle, which is really the most suitable car to have while here, and everyone living and touring here will stick to two main rules: Don’t Speed and Don’t Drive at Night.
Since the country is home to so many wild animals who can roam freely, driving at night is dangerous. There are no lights on the open roads which naturally means you won’t be able to see very far ahead and that means accidents can easily happen.
The roads are also not marked very well, so you will not only be unable to see much, but you could also very well get lost, something you don’t want when far away from help.
You will need the appropriate driver’s license:
When driving in Namibia, if you are not from one of the SADC countries or if your license is not in English, you will need to have an international driver’s license. You will also need an international license if you intend to stay in the country for longer than 90 days.
4×4 is the only vehicle to hire:
Naturally, those who are going to be a part of a Namibia holiday package will be driven in a 4×4 vehicle. But for those who are embarking on a self-drive Namibia tour, the only vehicle you should even think about hiring is a 4×4.
These vehicles can easily handle the rough and rugged Namibian terrain and with the technology available these days, these vehicles are really easy to drive, meaning you don’t need to be a professional when you hit the road.
The 4×4 will also mean that you have more than enough room to pack a tent and everything else you might need for camping, something that most people who travel through Namibia choose to do, as it allows them the freedom to spend the night in all sorts of places.
While on the topic of the vehicle you are driving, you should make sure that you have at least 2 spare tyres. When you are away from the towns and cities, punctures could have you stranded for hours at a time. And while this might be considered by some to be a part of the fun, it can completely ruin your holiday by shaving precious time off of your holiday.
Finally, when hiring a vehicle, you should also make sure that you have taken out some kind of insurance. Since you are travelling on gravel roads, you could easily kick up a stone that damages your window or scratches your paint. If you don’t have insurance, you will have to pay for the damages.
Climb the dunes:
The sand dunes of Namibia are the most iconic attractions that the country has to offer and although you will be seeing plenty of sand as you travel through the desert, nothing quite beats climbing one and “surfing” all the way down to the bottom.
The best dunes can be found in the Sossusvlei, which also happens to be one of the country’s most famous attractions. Of all the dunes in the Sossusvlei, it is Big Daddy, the 325-meter-high dune, that remains the most challenging dune of them all.
Along with climbing the dunes, the Sossusvlei is an exciting place to venture through. The salt pans and the dead trees are not only home to interesting critters, but they also make for some truly memorable photography.
The Sossusvlei is Namibia’s biggest conservation areas and guests can stay overnight in this otherworldly place. Camping is without a doubt the most popular type of accommodation you will find and there are different types of camping to enjoy, including the more luxurious type.
Get up close to the insect world:
It is hard to believe that out in the hot Namib Desert anything survives. But there are all sorts of critters that have adapted to the harsh climate and can be seen while you are in the desert, so long as you keep an eye out. Most of the insects, including the spiders, are so small that they can quite easily be missed.
The desert is alive if you know where to look.
Choose the right tour provider:
Up to this point we’ve talked a lot about how to set yourself up for the perfect self-drive holiday, but there are many intrepid adventurers who are not keen on driving themselves, especially if you are uneasy about driving on rough and unknown terrain. This is where choosing the right Namibian tour provider is one of the most important decisions you will make. These days, there are more options and providers than ever before and selecting the right one, to suit both your needs and your holiday expectations, is a consideration that you have to think very carefully about before making your final decision. And you shouldn’t make your decision solely on the price. You should read the reviews for the operator, as a way to get a few references, and you should look at the itineraries on offer and the places you will be visiting. You should also consider the number of days spent on tour and the type of accommodation you can look forward to staying at. The accommodation is especially important as you don’t want to camp if you’ve had your heart set on staying in a fancy lodge.
The Right Time of the Year to Travel to Namibia
From July to October, in the heart of the Namibian winter, it is the right time of the year to travel to Namibia. In the desert the days are never terribly cold, although the nights can be quite nippy, so travellers will need to pack some winter stuff. Namibia has wonderful weather all year round and during the months between July and October, the day time temperatures generally reach just above 20 degrees Celsius. This is the perfect weather for spending hours on the road and it is equally fantastic for spotting wildlife. Because it is the preferred time of the year to travel in Namibia, it is considered the peak season, making it immensely important to book your tour well ahead of time. The winters in Namibia are absolutely nothing like the winters of North America and Europe. While the northern hemisphere can have icy days, snow and cloudy skies, Namibian winter days are hot and there is always a chance of a thunderstorm rocking the skies. The winters are also dry, far drier than summer.
If you wish to pin down that one perfect month to travel to Namibia, September is it. With Spring in the air and the days warming up, but not yet that piping hot that you can expect in the midst of summer, when you travel in September, you can expect gorgeous clear blue skies, and pleasant evenings, with that icy winter chill on its way out. This time of the year, the summer rains have not yet arrived and water sources are minimal in those places where there are wildlife populations. This lack of water actually improves your chances of seeing animals, as they tend to group around the minimal water sources that are available. Although these are the best times of the year to travel to Namibia, there are plenty of good reasons to travel there at other times of the year. If you are looking for that real African experience, travelling in the height of the summer can be one of the best things you do. Be prepared for some real heat, the kind of heat that feels like it gets into your soul and leave you feeling like you are walking on a cloud.
Should you decide to travel in the summer months, make sure that you have fully prepared yourself for the experience. You will not only need to have the right kind of clothing, but you will also need to remember to stay hydrated and take your time while travelling. When on the road in summer, you will need to take it easy, and perhaps only travel in the cooler hours of the day. There are also a number of “events” happening throughout the year that make travelling outside of the optimal times well worth it. In November through to February, the Flamingos arrive in the Swakopmund area where they settle in the lagoon and enjoy a feast! Their beautiful feathers can be seen from a great distance and make for a truly stunning sight!
The Namibian Bucket List
With so many incredible destinations to visit and things to do, creating a Namibian bucket list is a must for every tourist, because you don’t want to miss an exciting attraction. When you are travelling through this stunning country, you should plan to visit these places and take part in these fun activities. You will leave the country is a new appreciation for the great outdoors, and for Africa. Up to this point we’ve talked a lot about how to set yourself up for the perfect self-drive holiday, but there are many intrepid adventurers who are not keen on driving themselves, especially if you are uneasy about driving on rough and unknown terrain. This is where choosing the right Namibian tour provider is one of the most important decisions you will make. These days, there are more options and providers than ever before and selecting the right one, to suit both your needs and your holiday expectations, is a consideration that you have to think very carefully about before making your final decision. And you shouldn’t make your decision solely on the price. You should read the reviews for the operator, as a way to get a few references, and you should look at the itineraries on offer and the places you will be visiting. You should also consider the number of days spent on tour and the type of accommodation you can look forward to staying at. The accommodation is especially important as you don’t want to camp if you’ve had your heart set on staying in a fancy lodge.
The Right Time of the Year to Travel to Namibia is from July to October, in the heart of the Namibian winter, is the right time of the year to travel to Namibia. In the desert the days are never terribly cold, although the nights can be quite nippy, so travellers will need to pack some winter stuff. Namibia has wonderful weather all year round and during the months between July and October, the day time temperatures generally reach just above 20 degrees Celsius. This is the perfect weather for spending hours on the road, and it is equally fantastic for spotting wildlife. Because it is the preferred time of the year to travel in Namibia, it is considered the peak season, making it immensely important to book your tour well ahead of time. The winters in Namibia are absolutely nothing like the winters of North America and Europe. While the Northern Hemisphere can have icy days, snow and cloudy skies, Namibian winter days are hot and there is always a chance of a thunderstorm rocking the skies. The winters are also dry, far drier than summer.
If you wish to pin down that one perfect month to travel to Namibia, September is it. With Spring in the air and the days warming up, but not yet that piping hot that you can expect in the midst of summer, when you travel in September, you can expect gorgeous clear blue skies, and pleasant evenings, with that icy winter chill on its way out. This time of the year, the summer rains have not yet arrived and water sources are minimal in those places where there are wildlife populations. This lack of water actually improves your chances of seeing animals, as they tend to group around the minimal water sources that are available. Although these are the best times of the year to travel to Namibia, there are plenty of good reasons to travel there at other times of the year. If you are looking for that real African experience, travelling in the height of the summer can be one of the best things you do. Be prepared for some real heat, the kind of heat that feels like it gets into your soul and leave you feeling like you are walking on a cloud.
Should you decide to travel in the summer months, make sure that you have fully prepared yourself for the experience. You will not only need to have the right kind of clothing, but you will also need to remember to stay hydrated and take your time while travelling. When on the road in summer, you will need to take it easy, and perhaps only travel in the cooler hours of the day. There are also a number of “events” happening throughout the year that make travelling outside the optimal times well worth it. In November through to February, the Flamingos arrive in the Swakopmund area where they settle in the lagoon and enjoy a feast! Their beautiful feathers can be seen from a great distance and make for a truly stunning sight! The Namibian Bucket List with so many incredible destinations to visit and things to do, creating a Namibian bucket list is a must for every tourist, because you don’t want to miss an exciting attraction. When you are travelling through this stunning country, you should plan to visit these places and take part in these fun activities. You will leave the country is a new appreciation for the great outdoors, and for Africa.
Go to the mountains:
Although it is the desert and the towering dunes that are the big allure, the mountains around the country are just as spectacular and are well worth the visit. The most famous mountains are the Spitzkoppe Rocks.
They are the perfect place to take a few photos, and they are found between the Usakos and Swakopmund. These mountains stand a magnificent 1728 meters from the ground and given the surrounding flat desert, the mountains really stand out.
If you are already in the Sossusvlei area, the Spitzkoppe Rocks are a 500 km ride away. The rocks can be explored on foot, or you can enjoy them from a distance. They do make quite the stunning background for photos.
